News

U.S. Leads The Way As The Ultimate Travel & Tourism Powerhouse

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, highlighting the United States as the global leader in the Travel & Tourism sector. According to the report, the U.S. contributed an astonishing $2.36 trillion to its economy in 2023, solidifying its position as the most powerful market in the industry. Despite slower-than-expected recovery in international travel spending, the U.S. continues to outperform its global competitors, maintaining almost double the economic impact of its nearest contender. This latest data demonstrates the vital role Travel & Tourism plays not only in the U.S. economy but in the global economic landscape as well. Across numerous countries, the sector remains a cornerstone, driving economic growth and supporting millions of jobs. The continued resilience of the Travel & Tourism industry is a key factor in many national economies, highlighting the sector’s importance in promoting both recovery and expansion on a global scale. China emerges as another powerhouse in the WTTC’s report, ranking as the world’s second most influential Travel & Tourism market. With a GDP contribution of $1.3 trillion in 2023, China’s impressive recovery is especially noteworthy given the late reopening of its borders. This remarkable rebound showcases the growing significance of China’s tourism sector and its potential to continue shaping global economic trends in the years to come. Germany claimed the third spot in global Travel & Tourism rankings, contributing an impressive US$487.6 billion to its economy. Japan made a significant leap from fifth place in 2022 to fourth, with a contribution of US$297 billion. The United Kingdom rounded out the top five, adding US$295.2 billion. France, while being the world’s most visited country, maintained its sixth position, contributing US$264.7 billion, closely followed by Mexico at US$261.6 billion, showcasing its enduring appeal as a top tourist destination. India saw a remarkable rise, moving from tenth to eighth place with a contribution of US$231.6 billion, underscoring its growing impact on the global tourism stage. Italy and Spain completed the top 10, contributing US$231.3 billion and US$227.9 billion, respectively. Looking ahead, the WTTC predicts significant changes in the coming decade, with China projected to become the largest Travel & Tourism market, and India poised to climb to fourth place. These shifts signal the dynamic nature of the sector, as emerging markets rise and established powerhouses maintain their influence. On a global scale, international visitor spending is forecasted to grow by nearly 16%, reaching an impressive US$1.9 trillion. Domestic tourism is also set for record-breaking growth, with projected spending of US$5.4 trillion, a 10.3% increase over 2019 levels. Additionally, Travel & Tourism investment saw a 13% rise in 2023, exceeding US$1 trillion, with full recovery to pre-pandemic investment levels expected by 2025. This trend underscores the continued resurgence of the sector and its importance to the global economy. Rising global interest rates could pose challenges for future investment in the Travel & Tourism sector, making it essential for both public and private entities to collaborate. By fostering innovation and working together, they can ensure the ongoing growth and resilience of this vital industry, despite the financial pressures that may arise. The report also emphasizes the sector’s commitment to sustainability, noting significant progress in reducing the link between growth and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it highlights the growing opportunities for women, young people, and marginalized communities within the industry, reflecting a broader focus on inclusivity and social impact alongside economic advancement. This shift illustrates the sector’s dedication to a more sustainable and equitable future.

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AirAsia Sparks Record Growth in Malaysia’s Travel Market

AirAsia is set to enhance Malaysia’s domestic travel landscape by introducing 2,000 additional weekly flights and increasing capacity with 150,000 seats across 40 major routes before the year concludes. This expansion comes in response to the rising demand for year-end travel, offering passengers more choices and greater flexibility to explore Malaysia’s diverse destinations. The initiative underscores AirAsia’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while keeping travel both affordable and accessible for locals and regional visitors alike. With this growth, AirAsia is poised to capture a 64% market share, solidifying its leadership in the Malaysian aviation industry. The airline continues to balance its dominant market presence with a strong focus on delivering top-tier customer experiences, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the sector. AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “As the people’s airline, our commitment has always been to serve Malaysians by offering great value, choice, and convenient travel options, and this domestic boost reflects that mission. As we expand our domestic operations with a total of 1.7 million seats available for booking by December 2024, we are not just meeting the travel needs of Malaysians – we are also opening doors for regional travellers to explore and experience Malaysia’s unique destinations, cultural heartlands, and world-famous cuisines. “Like many other airlines, we are navigating challenges such as aircraft shortages and supply chain disruptions. However, we have made it a priority to manage these issues with careful planning, operational efficiency and reliable service recovery to minimise the impact on our guests whilst ensuring they get to their destinations safely. “We are proud of AirAsia’s continued contribution to Malaysia’s aviation sector, which has been crucial in positioning Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as one of the top LCC mega hubs globally. Our growth and market leadership are not just about flying more routes but about playing a pivotal role in supporting the national economy and enhancing connectivity. However, these efforts cannot be done by AirAsia alone. We call on all stakeholders – government, airports, tourism bodies, and other industry players – to join forces with us so we can collectively make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially Malaysians.” As part of its continuous efforts to elevate the customer experience, AirAsia is launching AirAsia Plus, offering added benefits for passengers traveling to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). The AirAsia Plus fare includes 7kg of cabin baggage, 20kg of checked baggage, seat selection, an inflight meal or snack, and coverage through the Baggage and On-Time Guarantee (OTG) insurance, providing travelers with a comprehensive and hassle-free package. This new fare option will be available for booking starting on October 8, 2024, for travel beginning on October 9, 2024. “This is part of our broader effort to offer more to our guests, without compromising on affordability. AirAsia Plus is designed with our guests’ needs in mind, ensuring they get the most out of their journey with us. It is not just about extra services, it is about delivering a better travel experience that our guests can rely on,” added Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra. AirAsia is rolling out special promotional fares starting from RM49 all-inclusive* one way for all domestic flights. These fares are available for booking exclusively through the app or website from now until 29 September 2024, covering the travel period between 28 October 2024 and 15 February 2025.

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India’s longest ropeway introduced in Sikkim’s Yangang

Good news coming from Sikkim! The northeastern state of Sikkim now has officially become home to India’s longest ropeway, known as the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway in Yangang, a beautiful small town in Namchi district. With this, Sikkim has marked a milestone in the state's tourism industry. The ropeway was inaugurated on September 16 where all the prominent names in Sikkim were present. The inaugural ride was taken by Sikkim Assembly Vice-Chairperson Rajkumari Thapa and former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vikas Basnet. Mr. Thapa said that the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang played an important role in bringing this project to life as it was overlooked by the previous administration. This impressive ropeway covers a huge distance and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape. It also promises to enhance the tourism industry in Yangang and regions nearby. The ropeway also symbolises the government’s dedication to improving the state’s tourism infrastructure. Travellers will have to pay a price of INR 950 to ride the ropeway. More about Yangang Yangang is a charming town in Namchi district of Sikkim. The place offers a perfect scenic escape in the mountains. On this note, let’s have a look at top three places to visit in Yangang: Yangang Monastery: This beautiful and peaceful monastery offers an insight into the local Buddhist culture. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and is a perfect spot for meditation and reflection. The gompa is done in colourful murals and has a serene atmosphere. Buddha Park: Buddha Park is set close to Ravangla. This pretty park features a towering statue of Buddha and beautiful gardens. It's an ideal place for leisurely walks, enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas, and participating in various spiritual activities. Temi Tea Garden: Temi Tea Garden is Sikkim’s only tea estate. Visitors can explore the picturesque tea fields, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the finest local teas, all while enjoying stunning mountain vistas. These attractions showcase Yangang's natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Sikkim.

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Goa to have state-of-the-art cruise terminal by March 2025

By March next year, we will start looking at Goa as a global cruise hub. The reason being, Goa’s Mormugao Port is all set to become a new eco-friendly, state-of-the-art cruise terminal by March 2025. This new cruise terminal will accommodate both domestic as well as international cruise liners. At present, India has a very few international cruise terminals. Port cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi offer few international cruises. Soon Goa will be added to the list. The new terminal at Mormugao Port spans 9,960 square metres. If reports are to go by, the new International Cruise Terminal will have 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and baggage carousels. The Domestic Cruise Terminal will feature 12 check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and baggage facilities. Apart from all these, there will also be duty-free shops, lounges, a food court, a ferry terminal, parking, landscaped gardens, and an internal road network. With this new project, we hope to see India excel in deep-sea cruises, as well as coastal, river, and yacht cruises. In the near future, India plans to position itself to handle 1,000 world-class vessels, with Goa at the helm. As per reports, in the past, the Mormugao Port Authority has handled several cruise vessels. In 2013-2014, the port handled 18 vessels with 17,397 passengers. By 2018-2019, this number increased to 35 vessels with 47,778 passengers. By December of this year (2024), seven international cruise liners are scheduled to dock in Goa with a total of 12,584 passengers. At present, there are many international cruises that start from India. Goa is not in the list, but we do have places like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi. From Chennai, there are cruises to Sri Lanka. Cruises from Mumbai go to Dubai, Venice, Male, and Athens. Cruises from Kolkata go to Bangladesh. One thing we are sure of is that Goa’s upcoming state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Mormugao Port will inspire many to delve deeper into the world of cruise tourism Mormugao Port is located in Vasco da Gama, in South Goa. Mormugao Port, located along the Arabian Sea, is one of the most important maritime assets in Goa. Reason being, the port is the main hub for both cargo and cruise vessels. Mormugao is located approximately 30 kilometres from Panajim.

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First bullet train in India for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will arrive from Japan

In good news, India is all set to welcome its first bullet train, which will soon be arriving from Tokyo, Japan. This transportation revolution will transform the way of commuting in India. The first bullet train will operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor and also marks a significant collaboration with Japan. India is hoping that the advanced Shinkansen technology from Japan will transform rail travel in the country. These bullet trains will be capable of touching speeds up to 320 km/hr with a promise of reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity between two major cities. India’s first bullet train: Named as Shinkansen E5, this will be India’s first bullet train for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. Shinkansen E5 Trains: Shinkansen E5 Trains are noted for their high speed and efficiency. Indian Railways plans to place orders for these trains by 2024, with production timelines dependent on negotiations with Japanese manufacturers. High speeds: Shinkansen E5 can reach a maximum speed of 350 km/hr. The bullet train will primarily operate at 320 km/hr, and will reduce travel times between Mumbai and Ahemdabad significantly. Semi-High-Speed Alternatives: Indian Railways is also planning to launch semi-high-speed trains. These could replace existing premium services like Rajdhani and Shatabdi and are expected to run at speeds of up to 250 km/hr. Innovativeness: The Integral Coach Factory issued a tender for the manufacture of two chair-car high-speed trains with stainless-steel bodies, capable of reaching operational speeds of 250 km/hr. Testing: The 508-km bullet train corridor will also serve as a testing ground for the newly planned semi-high-speed trains. This dual purpose will ensure that both types of trains can efficiently operate on the same route. Stops: The bullet train will offer two travel options: one with stops at all 12 stations along the route, taking approximately three hours, and another with limited halts for quicker travel times. Geography: The corridor will span 508 km, with 351 km in Gujarat and 157 km in Maharashtra. This extensive route highlights the connectivity boost that the bullet train will provide to both states. Expansion plans: There are plans to expand these in future with 35 bullet trains. Each will have 10 coaches, and will make up to 70 daily trips. This ambitious schedule aims to accommodate a significant number of passengers, enhancing overall capacity. Undersea tunnel product: Notably, work has begun on the first undersea tunnel between BKC and Thane, which is part of the project. This tunnel represents an engineering feat that further emphasizes the project's innovative nature.

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Washington DC’s new tourist spot puts you in Biden’s shoes

With US presidential elections all over the news, there is some exciting news coming in from Washington DC. It is all set to unveil a new tourist attraction that will take visitors closer to one of the most iconic offices in the world: the Oval Office. As per the reports, Washington DC will soon open "The People's House: A White House Experience," which will be a replica of President Joe Biden’s office, featuring all the elements like the desk, armchairs, and even the family Bible on the side table. Reports add that when the next president takes over, the interior will then be redecorated to match their Oval Office, ensuring the exhibit stays current. This was informed by Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. It’s a known fact that not everybody has access to the real Oval Office, and that only a few privileged people get the option to visit this place. However, if not the real Oval Office, people will now get the opportunity to step into this replica that invites visitors to step into the president’s shoes—literally. Elaborating more on this, McLaurin said that visitors will get to sit in the president’s chair, take a call from a world leader, and even snap a photo. Visitors can experience the space just as the president does, sitting on the sofas or in the chair behind the famous desk, and have an immersive experience that brings White House history to life. The room’s decor, including the wallpaper, draperies, and furniture, is replicated exactly as it appears in the current Oval Office. Even Biden’s family Bible is recreated with remarkable detail. A digital column in the center of the room shows visitors how the Oval Office has evolved over the years, transforming into a mirror where guests can see themselves in the presidential setting. Beyond the Oval Office, the education center features an ‘Immersive Theater’ that uses technology to transport visitors to various rooms in the White House every five minutes. Visitors can interact with the art and furniture in the East Room, the Red, Blue, and Green Rooms, and the State Dining Room, learning the stories behind the spaces. This innovative center is designed to complement White House tours, but with limited access to the actual White House, which McLaurin expects most visitors will see as a substitute. Admission is free, but timed tickets are required, with the center anticipating around 800 visitors daily.

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