News

Caribbean Urged to Embrace AI for Sustainable Tourism Growth

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is urging destination operators across the region to adopt artificial intelligence not just as a technological upgrade, but as a strategic tool to enhance guest experiences, protect cultural identity, and ensure long-term sustainability. Its newly released AI Transformation Guide 2.0 offers a comprehensive roadmap for integrating AI in ways that respect the Caribbean’s people-first ethos—helping resorts, hotels, and tourism boards modernize operations while safeguarding local heritage and supporting community-driven hospitality. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism: Version 2.0, a fully updated and enriched resource crafted to support the region’s hospitality leaders in integrating AI with care and precision. This new edition offers practical strategies tailored for hotels, resorts, and tourism enterprises to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, all while maintaining the Caribbean’s signature cultural richness, personalized guest experiences, and commitment to human-centered service. By expanding on the original edition released in 2024, the latest guide introduces new case studies, real-life applications, and emerging technological trends that reflect the evolving needs of tourism operators. It aims to give industry professionals a clear path to adopting intelligent solutions that elevate service, streamline operations, and build long-term competitiveness.

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Toronto Tourism Soars as Europe Travel Nears Pre-COVID Levels

Canada’s tourism comeback is really happening now as it has never happened before — and Toronto is leading the charge with a stunning revival driven by an influx of Europeans. With the city reaching numbers of visitors comparable to those pre-pandemic, the travel flow from Europe has become key in increasing Toronto’s tourism. Toronto’s affordability relative to the other North American cities, a rich cultural scene and an appetite for new travel locations has made it increasingly appealing as a destination even in Europe. This resurgence isn’t just about Toronto bouncing back, it also points to a rosy future for the Canadian tourism industry as outlet once more springs into life post-pandemic. Toronto is making significant strides toward reclaiming its pre-pandemic tourism numbers, showing impressive growth and resilience in 2024. According to figures from Destination Toronto, the city welcomed nine million visitors last year, a figure just 600,000 shy of its pre-pandemic tourism numbers from 2019. This resurgence is largely attributed to a notable increase in European visitors, who are contributing significantly to the city’s tourism recovery.

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Alaska Airlines Adds Daily Spokane–Orange County Route

Alaska Airlines is enhancing regional connectivity and expanding travel flexibility by launching a new daily nonstop flight between Spokane International Airport and John Wayne Airport in Orange County. This strategic route directly responds to growing passenger demand for seamless West Coast travel, offering both business and leisure travelers a faster, more convenient link between Inland Northwest and Southern California. Alaska Airlines is strengthening its West Coast route network by launching a new daily, year-round nonstop service between Spokane, Washington, and Orange County, California. Starting January 7, 2025, travelers will gain direct access between Spokane International Airport (GEG) and John Wayne Airport (SNA), significantly improving regional connectivity and convenience for both business and leisure passengers. The new route marks a major milestone for Spokane’s air service development, connecting one of its most underserved travel markets in Southern California. Until now, passengers flying between Spokane and Orange County often relied on connecting flights through other cities, leading to longer travel times and reduced efficiency. This nonstop route eliminates those barriers and reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry to meet growing passenger demand with more point-to-point connections.

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Toronto Sees Tourism Surge from U.K., Germany & South America

Toronto’s tourism sector is slowly but surely returning to normal with the city seeing a large number of inbound international visitors due, in part, to an increase from European travellers. The city saw an impressive nine million visitors in 2024, just 600,000 short of pre-pandemic record numbers in “what was a demonstration to the world that this great city is back and open for business,” according to Destination Toronto. The largest portion of these visitors came from within Canada, while American tourists followed with 1.6 million arrivals. However, despite this positive momentum, Toronto saw a slight decline in tourist numbers in the first quarter of 2025, with a four per cent drop year over year. This decline is attributed to persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties, which continue to impact global travel patterns. One of the most notable trends in Toronto’s tourism rebound is the increasing number of visitors from Europe. Destination Toronto’s report indicates that by June 2025, visitor numbers from both the United Kingdom and Germany had increased by six percent compared to the previous year. Experts suggest that this rise in European tourism may be linked to Europeans seeking fresh and cost-effective travel destinations. Toronto’s relative affordability compared to other major European destinations plays a key role in its appeal. Wayne Smith, a tourism professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlights that the strong exchange rate of the euro against the Canadian dollar has made Toronto an attractive value destination for European travelers. For instance, visitors from Europe are able to book accommodations for approximately \$200 a night, a price significantly lower than what they would pay in many parts of Europe.

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India Boosts ASEAN Tourism with Better Visas and Links

India is driving a new era of cross-border tourism with ASEAN nations by easing visa access, expanding air connectivity, and fostering cultural and economic ties. This surge is fueled by simplified travel procedures, rising disposable incomes, and a growing appetite for experiential travel, making Southeast Asia more accessible than ever for Indian outbound tourists. India’s accelerating outbound tourism is pushing Southeast Asian countries to reimagine their approach to attracting international visitors. As a growing number of Indian travelers choose destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, ASEAN nations are stepping up by modernizing infrastructure, easing entry requirements, and expanding their digital presence. This transformation reflects more than just a push for higher tourist volumes—it marks a deeper shift in how regional travel is being curated, consumed, and customized for a new generation of travelers. Southeast Asian countries now see India as a priority source market. They actively pursue Indian travelers through visa-free entry, expanded air connectivity, and targeted destination marketing. The Indian outbound travel boom—fueled by rising incomes, better aviation access, and greater digital adoption—is no longer speculative. It’s structural.

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Türkiye Earns $25B in 6 Months, Cements Global Tourism Status

Türkiye has exceeded forecasts by generating over twenty-five billion dollars in tourism income during the first half of 2025, a performance that not only signals a robust post-pandemic recovery but also reinforces the nation’s standing as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. This remarkable achievement is driven by soaring international arrivals, strategic tourism investments, and expanded offerings that continue to attract travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. During the first six months of 2025, Türkiye’s tourism industry surged ahead, generating an unprecedented twenty-five point eight billion dollars in revenue—marking a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year and underscoring the sector’s ongoing momentum and resilience. Türkiye has exceeded forecasts by generating over twenty-five billion dollars in tourism income during the first half of 2025, a performance that not only signals a robust post-pandemic recovery but also reinforces the nation’s standing as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. This remarkable achievement is driven by soaring international arrivals, strategic tourism investments, and expanded offerings that continue to attract travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. During the first six months of 2025, Türkiye’s tourism industry surged ahead, generating an unprecedented twenty-five point eight billion dollars in revenue—marking a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year and underscoring the sector’s ongoing momentum and resilience.

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