News

Global Tourism Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024: UN Report

Global tourism has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2024, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This marks an 11% increase over the 1.3 billion arrivals in 2023, reaching figures last seen in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. The UNWTO, based in Madrid, attributes this recovery to “robust” demand from major markets and the resurgence of tourism in Asia, which has seen significant growth following pandemic restrictions. Global tourism receipts climbed to $1.6 trillion in 2024, a 3% increase from 2023 and 4% higher than 2019 when adjusted for inflation and currency fluctuations. Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, stated: “In 2024, global tourism completed its recovery from the pandemic, with many destinations surpassing pre-2019 levels in arrivals and earnings. Strong demand is expected to drive further growth in 2025, fostering socio-economic development in both established and emerging destinations.”

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Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of ties at the 30th Thai International Travel Fair in Bangkok.

The 30th Thai International Travel Fair, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, kicked off on January 16 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), with China being honored as the guest country. In light of China’s easing of its visa-free transit policy, Zhejiang Province’s tourism industry has seen impressive growth, with projections indicating a threefold increase in Southeast Asian visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year. The province’s active participation in this significant B2B tourism event is playing a pivotal role in showcasing its cultural tourism and boosting its global visibility. At the exhibition, Zhejiang showcased an impressive array of dynamic presentations and hands-on displays under its “Hello, China” theme. The booth featured in-depth tourism maps, a wealth of promotional resources, and comprehensive guides, all accompanied by carefully crafted cultural souvenirs that offered visitors a sneak peek into the region’s vibrant cultural legacy and distinct charm.

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Singapore Tourism Board Engages Indian Travelers with a Vibrant Roadshow in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore This February

Singapore Tourism Board is gearing up to strengthen its connection with Indian travelers by hosting a dynamic three-city roadshow in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore this February. This initiative is part of a larger effort to position Singapore as a top travel destination for Indian tourists. The event aims to showcase Singapore’s diverse offerings, from its vibrant cultural attractions to its world-class hospitality, catering to a wide spectrum of travelers. By engaging directly with travel trade partners and stakeholders in these key cities, Singapore Tourism Board plans to create meaningful collaborations that will boost tourism figures and reinforce the country’s appeal as a preferred international destination for Indians.

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Make Your Republic Day 2025 Special with a Unique Brunch and Festivities at Maize and Malt Whitefield

This Republic Day, make your celebrations vibrant and memorable by heading to Maize & Malt in Whitefield. Known for its cozy ambiance and signature craft beers, the venue is set to host an exciting Republic Day Brunch on 26th January 2025, promising a day filled with fun activities, delectable cuisine, and inclusivity for all guests—humans and pets alike! One of the standout features of this event is its pet-friendly setup, complete with a dedicated pet zone. Pet parents can treat their furry companions to a specially curated menu, grooming stations, and engaging activities. With fun games to keep tails wagging, this brunch is the perfect way to bond with your pets while enjoying the day. Food enthusiasts are in for a treat with chef-led live counters that add a personalized touch to the dining experience. A decadent French toast station allows guests to craft their perfect slice with toppings like fresh berries, honey, and whipped cream. For those seeking lighter fare, interactive salad bars and bespoke cocktail counters offer refreshing and customized combinations to please every palate.

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European Waterways Elevates Luxury Travel With The Iconic Shannon Princess Addition

European Waterways has enhanced its offering by adding the Shannon Princess to its fleet, introducing a fresh dimension to its celebrated collection of boutique cruising experiences. Operating on Southern Ireland’s picturesque River Shannon since 2003, the Shannon Princess has been a cherished vessel, lovingly managed by husband-and-wife team Ruairi and Olivia Gibbons. It has long held a special place within the European Waterways portfolio. Now under the full ownership of European Waterways, the barge maintains its popular itinerary while gradually incorporating enhancements to elevate the already unforgettable experience. With demand steadily rising and advance bookings filling up years ahead, European Waterways plans to extend the cruising season for 2025 and beyond. This initiative will be bolstered by the expertise of the company’s UK-based sales and reservations team.

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Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley Welcomes Successful Paragliding Trial Run

Tourists visiting Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh may soon get to experience the excitement of paragliding, with the activity likely to be introduced by the end of this month if all goes as planned. Experts have chosen Madagada, situated around 15 kilometers from Araku Valley, as the perfect spot for this thrilling adventure. In a notable step forward to enhance tourism in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, a trial run for paragliding was successfully conducted on Sunday. If all proceeds as planned, visitors to Araku Valley will be able to enjoy this thrilling adventure sport by the end of the month. Under the guidance of District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar, a team led by expert pilot trainer Vijay Soni, along with pilot trainee Alisha from the Orange Paragliding School in Himachal Pradesh, evaluated multiple locations including Araku, Dumbriguda, and Hukumpeta for initiating paragliding activities. After thorough assessment, they selected a site near Madagada, situated around 15 kilometers from Araku Valley.

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