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Vietnam Tourism Leader Champions Sustainable Growth and Partnerships at WTTC Summit

Vietnam’s tourism leader joined global experts at the WTTC Summit to discuss sustainable growth, partnerships, and promote rural tourism development initiatives. From October 8 to 10, Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, participated in the 24th Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Perth, Australia. The summit drew around 1,000 delegates, including senior leaders, tourism ministers, travel authorities, associations, businesses, hotels, airlines, and international experts. The event featured the Global Leaders’ Dialogue, where ministers and CEOs engaged in moderated discussions. These leaders shared priorities and concerns, seeking opportunities for mutual support and enhancing public-private partnerships. Ms. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, delivered the opening speech, followed by the Global Summit’s five sessions: Planning for the Future, Understanding Our Customers, Facilitating Exploration, Enabling Connections, and Nurturing Our Planet. With projections that Travel & Tourism will contribute US$16 trillion and account for 11.4% of GDP by 2034, the competitiveness of the tourism industry is more critical than ever, particularly in mature markets. The first session focused on the key factors defining competitiveness in the evolving landscape and strategies to increase global market share. In the second session, Tripadvisor Group CEO Matt Goldberg discussed the future of travel, highlighting the role of AI, sustainability, and travel’s potential as a force for good. He noted that 81% of travelers consider sampling local cuisine a trip highlight, and 47% of Gen Z and Millennials have planned trips around visiting specific restaurants. During discussions on facilitating exploration, delegates emphasized that safety and security are top priorities for destinations as they welcome visitors. Simplifying border processes and managing risks are essential to allow travelers to explore new experiences. WTTC pointed out that Travel & Tourism is one of the few economic sectors that heavily depends on nature, with over 80% of its value tied to natural resources. This reliance highlights the need for the industry to act as a “Guardian of Nature,” taking steps to protect oceans, restore the environment, and ensure sustainable growth. On the sidelines of the summit, Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy met with representatives from several countries to discuss plans for hosting the First International Conference on Rural Tourism of UN Tourism in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

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Singapore Airlines and Scoot Offer Over 420,000 Discounted Tickets

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) popular Time To Fly travel fair returns in October 2024, offering discounts on more than 200,000 Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class round-trip tickets from Singapore to 78 global destinations. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also offer discounts on 220,000 ScootPlus and Economy Class one-way tickets to 57 destinations across its network during the fair. Promotions include discounted flights to SIA’s new destinations Brussels and London Gatwick, as well as upcoming services to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport. Scoot’s discounts cover flights across the Asia Pacific region and Europe, and include new destinations Kertajati (Greater Bandung), Koh Samui, and Malacca. Discounts apply to eligible SIA flights for travel from January to September 2025, and Scoot flights from November 2024 to October 2025. Online sales will run from 25 October to 7 November 2024 on SIA and Scoot’s websites and mobile applications, and through their appointed travel agents. A physical three-day Time To Fly travel fair will also be held from 25 to 27 October 2024 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre’s halls 401 and 402, featuring discounted tickets and exclusive travel deals from participating travel agents and partners. Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our annual Time To Fly travel fair has become a highlight for Singapore-based customers. This year’s edition is our largest yet, offering discounts on over 200,000 round-trip Singapore Airlines tickets and 220,000 one-way Scoot tickets. This underscores our firm commitment to providing customers with attractive flight options and exceptional value as they plan their 2025 travels.” The physical fair will feature activities and exclusive giveaways, including a grand lucky draw prize of three pairs of SIA Business Class round-trip tickets with hotel accommodation to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Istanbul. Other prizes include round-trip SIA Business Class tickets with hotel stays to Bangkok, Male, and Phuket, as well as Scoot vouchers worth up to $5,000.

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Västra Götaland County’s tourism surges with 3 million foreign visitors contributing to economic growth

Västra Götaland County, located in the western part of Sweden, is one of the country’s most diverse and dynamic regions, both in terms of natural beauty and economic activity. Its capital, Gothenburg, is a thriving cultural and economic hub, attracting visitors from all over the world. With a stunning coastline, charming islands, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities, Västra Götaland offers a plethora of attractions for tourists. This comprehensive guide delves into the region’s inbound tourism, exploring its airports, airlines, city guides, economic contributions, and more. Sweden’s Tourism Rebounds with 3 Million Visitors in May 2024 In 2024, Sweden experienced a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with approximately 3 million visitors reported in May alone at accommodation establishments, reflecting a strong recovery in the tourism sector following the pandemic. This growth builds on the 7.31 million international tourist arrivals recorded in 2023, a figure just shy of the pre-pandemic peak of 7.41 million in 2019. The upward trend highlights a positive outlook for Sweden’s tourism industry as it continues to rebound. Must-See Attractions: Textile Museum of Sweden: A unique museum dedicated to the history of textile production in the region. Borås Zoo: One of Sweden’s largest zoos, featuring over 600 animals and a strong focus on conservation. Abecita Art Museum: An art museum with a focus on photography and contemporary art. Skövde: A Gateway to Nature Skövde is located between Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Billingen Nature Reserve: A beautiful area for hiking, cycling, and skiing, offering stunning views over Lake Vänern. Skara Sommarland: A large amusement park and water park that is particularly popular with families. Trollhättan: The City of Waterfalls Trollhättan is a city built around its dramatic waterfalls and locks, which have played a significant role in Sweden’s industrial history. Economic Contribution of Tourism to Västra Götaland’s GDP Tourism is an important sector for Västra Götaland, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. The county is known for its manufacturing, trade, and service sectors, and tourism plays a key role in supporting these industries. GDP Contribution The tourism industry in Västra Götaland contributes a substantial portion to the region’s GDP, with Gothenburg being the focal point. According to recent estimates, tourism accounts for approximately 3% of the region’s total GDP. This figure encompasses spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment by both domestic and international visitors. Employment Tourism also supports a large number of jobs in the region, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. Gothenburg alone sees over 5 million overnight stays annually, generating income for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

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Heritage Walk Festival kicks off: 80 days of exploring Delhi’s historical treasures

Delhi’s centuries-old heritage is getting a spotlight like never before. In an exciting move to promote the city's rich history, the Delhi Tourism Department has kicked off the Heritage Walk Festival, a massive event aimed at exploring the hidden and lesser-known historical sites scattered across the capital. The ongoing festival will run until December 31, 2024. The festival began on October 10 at the Mutiny Memorial in Kamla Nehru Ridge, Civil Lines, a site deeply tied to India’s struggle for independence. This year’s Heritage Walk Festival is set to be the largest yet. Festival goers have the chance to explore 100 different historical sites spread across the city. This is the perfect time to get to know Delhi's lesser-known heritage sites. The festival is dedicated to highlight the lesser-known sites that often get overshadowed by more popular tourist attractions like Red Fort or Qutub Minar. The Heritage Walk Festival is designed for everyone, not just historians or tourists. To be a part of the festival, you will need to purchase a ticket available at a nominal fee. There are guided walks that will let the festival goers explore Delhi's rich history. If you are visiting Delhi for the first time, this is a great opportunity to understand what the city is all about. And if you are from Delhi itself, this is a great chance to learn more about your home city. You will be surprised to find that many of these locations are often missed by locals and travellers alike. The next 80 days in Delhi, till December 31, visitors can experience Delhi's rich and diverse history in a more intimate and engaging way. The Heritage Walk Festival covers monuments from the Mughal era, colonial-era buildings, and forgotten battlefields. It's an ideal opportunity for those who haven't yet delved deeper into Delhi's historical landscape to discover its hidden gems. As the festival runs through to the end of December, now is the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and join in on this historical journey. Whether you're a local or a tourist visiting Delhi, this is your chance to step back in time and experience the city’s heritage like never before.

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Alwar’s Matsya Festival 2024 to begin from November 25

Alwar, nestled among the rugged rocks of the Aravalli range, is a charming city that beautifully blends tradition and natural beauty. With its breathtaking landscapes and majestic monuments, Alwar captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and serene surroundings. A popular destination for tourists, the city offers an ideal holiday retreat with its lovely water bodies, abundant wildlife, and historic sites. One of Alwar's most notable events is the Matsya Festival, a vibrant celebration of the region's rich cultural and social heritage. Held annually, this festival attracts a diverse crowd, including locals, as well as national and international tourists. The Matsya Festival showcases the area’s traditions and prosperity, bringing the community together in a colorful display of customs and festivities. The two-day festival, scheduled for November 25-26, 2024, features a variety of events, including cultural performances, colorful processions, and artistic exhibitions. The festival is filled with excitement, as visitors enjoy adventure sports such as hot air balloon rides, parasailing, and zorbing. Additionally, Alwar Darshan—a local sightseeing tour—gives travelers a chance to explore the city's culture and lifestyle, while Dharohar, an archaeology exhibition, highlights the region's historical significance. Music and dance are central to the festival, with performances like the Shehnai-waden, a flute recital by renowned artists, captivating audiences. Competitions and contests, including traditional folk dances and songs, add to the festive spirit. Teer Andazi, a popular archery event using locally made bows and arrows, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Matsya Festival is steeped in history, drawing its name from the Sanskrit word for "fish," which symbolizes Matsya, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his Matsya form, saved the first man, Manu, from a great flood. This ancient region was once part of the Matsya Mahajanapada, a kingdom established by Indo-Aryan clans during the Vedic period, with Viratnagari (now Bairat) as its capital. Alwar's rich history, natural beauty, and the vibrant Matsya Festival make it a must-visit destination in Rajasthan. The festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the region's traditions while enjoying its scenic landscapes and cultural richness.

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Navi Mumbai airport runway ready, IAF's Sukhoi to take off tomorrow

NAVI MUMBAI: IAF aircraft will take off from Navi Mumbai International Airport on Friday as part of a crucial runway test before its expected March 2025 opening, Cidco chairman Sanjay Shirsat has said. CM Eknath said at a separate virtual address for a Nagpur event that Sukhoi fighter jets will take off from the airport "in the next two to three days". CM Devendra Fadnavis. It had been initially scheduled for Oct 5 but was cancelled later. The CM will also perform the bhumipujan of the proposed Maharashtra Bhavan near Vashi station and Inaugurate a full-fledged golf course at Kharghar on that day. Political observers suggested that with the assembly elections looming and the model code of conduct expected to be enforced this week, the state govt is in a hurry to kick off new projects and open completed ones. Cidco said the airport, developed by Adanı Airports in collaboration with the planning authority unde public-private partnership model, is set to commence domestic operations by March 2025 and international flights by June 2025. It will feature four terminals, two parallel runways and parking space for 350 flights, catering to 90 million passengers annually once operational. "It will help red the burden on Mumbai's current airport, Shirsat said. The project was pegged at Rs 16,700 crore. The proposed Maharashtra Bhavan, pending for years despite the availability of space in the commercial hub, is pegged at Rs 121 crore on land measuring 8,000sqm. Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre had been following up with govt to help materialise the project, as most states have their own Bhava at Vashi Cidco has completed the work on expansion of the nine-hole golf course in Kharghar to an hole international standard facility, which will be thrown open to the public.

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