News

Saudi Arabia Reports 33% Rise in Winter Travel Searches as Airfares Drop

Saudi Arabia has seen a significant rise in international flight searches this winter, with a 33.58% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in interest highlights a growing trend among Saudi residents to travel both regionally and globally. The increase is attributed to factors such as more affordable airfares, simplified travel processes, and an overall heightened demand for vacations. These trends underscore the robust appetite for international travel and the expanding role of regional destinations as preferred choices for Saudi travelers. The latest data reveals a substantial shift in travel preferences, with a noticeable uptick in international flight searches. The 33% rise reflects the growing interest of Saudi residents in exploring both familiar regional destinations and more distant international locales. The timing of this increase coincides with the winter season, a period when many people in Saudi Arabia, particularly expatriates, are keen to visit their home countries to celebrate cultural traditions and reconnect with their families. Wego’s analysis of the market shows that the winter season has witnessed an increase in travel activity, reflecting a desire for vacation options that cater to various interests. It is worth noting that airfares for international flights have seen a significant drop, with the average cost being 25.47% lower than the peak summer season of 2024. Additionally, there has been a minor 3% year-over-year decrease in flight prices, further encouraging more travelers to take advantage of these lower fares.

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Air Canada Vacations Enhances South America Lineup With New Brazil Tours

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has introduced a fresh selection of guided tour packages to Brazil, enhancing its travel options across South America.Travelers can now book these packages, which include departures from Toronto and Montreal to São Paulo (GRU) aboard Air Canada flights. Air Canada Vacations’ Brazil tour program features 13 expertly designed, fully guided packages, complete with private transportation to iconic destinations like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Foz do Iguaçu, and Porto de Galinhas. These tours cater to various travel preferences, offering a mix of vibrant city experiences, cultural discoveries, and serene beach getaways.Travelers can look forward to daily breakfasts and select meals detailed in the itinerary, with departures guaranteed for as few as two participants. Accommodation options range from comfortable to premium, and participants have the chance to earn Aeroplan points and enjoy additional perks.

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Emirates Introduces Exciting New Vegan Meals, Now Catering To Kids On Flight

Emirates, the renowned Middle Eastern airline, has embraced Veganuary by expanding its menu with new vegan dishes, adding to its extensive selection of over 300 plant-based options.The airline’s chefs collaborated at the Emirates Flight Catering Concept Development Kitchen to create innovative recipes and experiment with unique ingredients. Highlights include a savory vegan cannelloni and a solid egg alternative made from legumes, which was tested in a spicy shakshuka dish. Emirates has also unveiled a variety of vegan meals designed specifically for children. These options include pizza, sweet and sour vegetable casserole, vegetable fajitas, and cauliflower bites with a sweet sauce. For dessert, young passengers can enjoy treats like strawberry crumble and vegan chocolate pudding.

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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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