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5,000 hotels commit to sustainability with WTTC programme

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has achieved a significant milestone with over 5,000 properties in more than 80 countries now embracing its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) program. This initiative represents a crucial step in promoting sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, demonstrating the sector’s readiness to adopt eco-friendly measures. Hotels across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region have adopted the Basics program, which continues to receive extensive global support. Partnerships with tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines, and India highlight the programme’s expanding influence and commitment to sustainability. The Hotel Sustainability Basics program aims to guide hoteliers in their initial steps towards enhanced sustainability. It is an independent verification program, supervised by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS, ensuring rigorous standards and credibility. The programme empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step criteria aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving energy and water management, and ensuring that local communities benefit from hotel operations. Leading hotel brands such as Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Accor have adopted the program, setting a standard for the industry and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices. In Japan, the Japan Tourism Board has partnered with WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support the launch of Basics across the country. In the Philippines, Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have collaborated with WTTC to introduce the program through their annual sustainable hospitality event, PhilHost. India is also seeing significant support, with backing from WTTC Members such as The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, Hotel Association of India, and MakeMyTrip. This concerted effort underscores the importance of sustainability within the Indian hospitality sector. The Basics programme is now available in multiple languages, offering comprehensive resources in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese to meet international demand. This accessibility ensures that hotels worldwide can adopt the program and implement sustainable practices effectively. Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, emphasised the collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, stating that surpassing 5,000 verified properties demonstrates Travel & Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally. The program’s widespread adoption signifies a pivotal step forward for the Travel & Tourism sector, showcasing the hospitality industry’s readiness to embrace environmental stewardship and community engagement as core components of their operations.

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Colombia is Surging Travel Industry with Visa Free Entry to 100 Countries

Colombia, a country of extraordinary natural beauty, is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from the lush Amazon rainforest and towering Andes mountains to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean coast and the unique Tatacoa Desert. This vibrant nation offers a paradise for nature lovers, with its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity. In addition to its stunning environment, As of August 2024, Colombia allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 100 destinations. This ranking highlights Colombia’s growing international presence and the expanding opportunities for its citizens, making it an increasingly attractive destination for both global travelers and investors. As Colombia continues to build its reputation on the world stage, its natural wonders and enhanced accessibility position it as a premier destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and beauty. TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes, from the Amazon to the Caribbean, coupled with its visa-free access to 100 destinations as of August 2024, solidify its status as a rising global powerhouse. This vibrant nation, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, is rapidly becoming a top choice for travelers and investors alike. As Colombia continues to gain international recognition, it stands out as a premier destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty.” Analysis of Foreign Tourism in Colombia: 2023 Insights and 2024 Outlook Colombia’s tourism sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, but detailed analysis and data can sometimes be scarce. Here, we examine statistics provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, focusing on Medellín as a prime example of the country’s tourism boom. We’ll also discuss the challenges Colombia faces in 2024, particularly regarding crime trends that affect foreign travelers and are drawing increasing global attention. Tourism in Colombia 2023/2024 In 2023, Colombia’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory, even outperforming sectors like production, trade, and transportation. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MINCIT), the country welcomed a record 5,869,869 non-resident tourists, marking a 24.3% increase from 2022 and a 173.6% rise from 2021. Notably, international tourism in 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with non-resident visitors between January and December 2023 up 29.1% compared to 2019. Mobilization of Tourists in Colombia The latest report from MINCIT reveals that out of the 5,869,869 total non-resident visitors in 2023, 3,841,675 were foreigners (excluding Venezuelan citizens), 1,449,259 were Colombians residing abroad, 233,650 were Venezuelans visiting for leisure, and 345,285 were international cruise passengers. Migration Colombia also reported a 23.5% increase in foreign arrivals, totaling 4,334,603 foreigners, with tourism accounting for the majority of these visits. Key Tourism Indicators and City Rankings Bogotá remained the most visited city in Colombia in 2023, attracting approximately 1,340,666 foreign visitors. Medellín followed, surpassing Cartagena as the second most visited city with 659,097 international visitors, while Cartagena received 640,331. Medellín’s rapid growth as a tourism hub highlights its transformation into a popular destination for cultural experiences and digital nomads. Challenges and Opportunities for 2024 Despite the positive trends, 2024 brings challenges, particularly regarding crime affecting foreign travelers, which could impact Colombia’s tourism appeal. Addressing these concerns through sustainable growth and enhanced safety measures will be crucial for maintaining and expanding the country’s tourism sector.

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Iconic tourist spot, Dorothy’s Seat, collapses as monsoon wreaks havoc

Nainital's renowned tourist attraction, Dorothy's Seat, also known as Tiffin Top, has been reduced to rubble following a devastating landslide triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The incident, which occurred recently, resulted in no casualties but has left the popular site in ruins. Sub-divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar described the event, noting, "The town echoed with a loud bang and huge boulders came crashing down." Dorothy's Seat, situated at an elevation of 2,290 m, was a cherished spot built by British Army officer Colonel Kellett in memory of his wife. The platform, a round structure with a bench on top of a flight of steps, was originally designed for her to enjoy the scenic beauty and paint. According to officials, the heavy rainfall exacerbated deep cracks that had developed in the hill leading to Tiffin Top. The structural integrity of Dorothy's Seat was compromised as the hill gave way, leading to the collapse of the platform. District Magistrate Vandana Singh confirmed the incident and reported that emergency teams were promptly dispatched to the site. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The collapse of Dorothy's Seat is a significant loss for both locals and tourists who frequented the spot for its breathtaking views of the lake town and the Himalayas on clear days. In a related development, the monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in other parts of Uttarakhand as well. In Tehri district's Rangad village, residents have been confined to their homes for 22 days due to severe flooding. The Chifliti river’s water levels have failed to recede, resulting in the closure of local schools. Additionally, the State Disaster Response Force has been actively involved in rescue operations, successfully evacuating 150 locals and pilgrims stranded in Gaurikund and rescuing 15-20 people trapped in their homes due to flooding in the Kumaon region. The monsoon season continues to test the resilience of the region, with the impact of the rains felt deeply across Uttarakhand.

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China launches 'Nuclear Tourism'; check what’s it all about

If reports are to go by, China is opening its nuclear power plants to the public, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the nation's atomic energy operations as part of a new "nuclear tourism" initiative. This effort aims to build public support for the nuclear sector, which is central to China's clean energy ambitions. The China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), the country's largest atomic electricity producer, has introduced an online platform for booking tours at nine nuclear power facilities across the nation. Alongside this, CGN has released a tourist guidebook featuring hand-drawn maps of these sites, designed to enhance the visitor experience. As per reports, at an event held at the Ningde nuclear power plant in Fujian province, officials encouraged the public to explore the plant's four CPR-1000 reactors, as well as nearby attractions like fragrant white tea gardens. Visitors can also tour the Fangchenggang station in Guangxi, where the Hualong One reactors are located near scenic islands inhabited by the Jing ethnic minority. Additionally, the San’ao power plant under construction near Wenzhou has become a popular spot for social media enthusiasts. The initiative is expected to boost local tourism while also building public trust by educating visitors on key issues such as radiation safety and the measures in place to ensure public protection. Public support is seen as crucial as China accelerates the expansion of its nuclear fleet, with 30 reactors currently under construction—almost half of the global total. These developments are key to China’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Nuclear Tourism From a tourism perspective, nuclear tourism offers travellers unique experiences. This form of tourism combines elements of history, science, and education, allowing visitors to explore sites that have shaped global narratives around war, energy, and environmental impact. For tourists, the experience is often one of profound learning, where the stark realities of nuclear power and its potential for both destruction and progress are vividly brought to life. As such, nuclear tourism appeals to those seeking more than just leisure; it attracts travellers interested in understanding complex global issues. Some tourists are drawn to these sites out of an interest in nuclear science and its implications, wanting to see firsthand the places where significant developments in nuclear technology occurred.

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Italy: Ancient 3000-year-old clay figurine discovered underwater with fresh finger points

Underwater discoveries have long captivated the imaginations of adventurers, historians, and scientists alike. Ancient shipwrecks and sunken cities to lost artefacts and hidden caverns, the depths of the world's oceans and lakes hold a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be uncovered. And for curious travellers, diving offers them a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the past and witness the untouched beauty of underwater landscapes. Now, another discovery is making rounds and that is a clay figurine that has remained incomplete for millennia, lying at the bottom of a lake, awaiting its Iron Age craftsman to finish it. Reports add that recently, researchers working at the underwater archaeological site of Gran Carro di Bolsena in Aiola, Italy, unearthed the rudimentary clay creation from the depths of volcanic Lake Bolsena. This unfinished statuette, dating back to between the 10th and 9th centuries BC, appears more like a rough draft than a finished work of art. Yet, its incomplete state still provides valuable insights into Iron Age life in Italy. Reportedly, the palm-sized, feminine-looking figurine is remarkably fresh, with the “marks of the fingerprints” of its maker still visible, according to a translated statement from the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape, part of Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage. Additionally, the imprint of a fabric pattern on the chest suggests that the figurine was likely ‘dressed’ at some point. While the figurine is reminiscent of those typically found in funerary contexts, it was discovered in what was once a residential area. This raises intriguing possibilities about its purpose, which could range from a domestic artifact to an object used in ritual practices within a residential setting. The discovery of the figurine is credited to the Underwater Archaeology Service team, with the preservation and recovery efforts carried out by the Italian Cultural Property Restoration team in collaboration with government divers. The volcanic-rich area of Gran Carro di Bolsena, known for its complex history, has begun to reveal its secrets thanks to these underwater excavations. The historical significance of Gran Carro di Bolsena was only recognised in 1991 when researchers linked the shapeless stones at Aiola to the presence of hot thermal springs. Further investigations revealed wooden poles and ceramic fragments on the lake's southwest side, dating back to the early Iron Age. The discovery of similar rock formations in the lake, which feature gas-emitting springs with temperatures up to 40°C, suggests a rich and dynamic environment. In 2020, experts uncovered a mound of earth beneath these stones, revealing that Aiola was an active settlement during the stilt-house period. Additional finds, including coins and pottery from the Constantinian era, indicate that the site remained inhabited well into the late Roman Empire.

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River cruises from Narmada to the Statue of Unity

In a bold initiative aimed at revitalising its tourism and hospitality sectors, the Maharashtra Government has announced a substantial investment in the industry. At the heart of Maharashtra's new tourism policy is the promotion of river cruising. If reports are to go by, the policy is all set to introduce several exciting river cruise routes, leveraging the state's extensive river network. Among the highlights is the Nandurbar-Statue of Unity route, which promises to be a major attraction. Additionally, the Vashishti River in Konkan and the Godavari River in Nashik have been designated for cruise tourism. To support this burgeoning sector, new ports will be developed along the Konkan coast, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. The state is offering incentives worth INR 1,666 crore this fiscal year, with a similar amount pledged over the next decade, in a bid to attract INR 1 lakh crore in investments. This strategic move is projected to create up to 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs over the next ten years, signalling a major boost for the local economy. The new policy is designed to make Maharashtra a premier destination for river cruising, a niche segment within the broader cruise industry. River cruises offer the advantage of year-round operation, unlike sea cruises, which can be subject to seasonal weather conditions. This ensures a steady stream of tourism activities and opportunities throughout the year. Maharashtra's extensive river network, including the Narmada, Vashishti, Godavari, Savitri, Krishna, and Tapi rivers, provides a vast network of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The state's policy includes a range of incentives to attract investment, including capital investment subsidies of 15-20% or up to INR 20 crore, whichever is less. Additionally, there will be exemptions on SGST, electricity duty, tariff, and stamp duty, depending on the project's eligibility period, which ranges from 5 to 15 years. The policy aims not only to boost tourism, but also to offer a unique experience of Maharashtrian hospitality. River cruises will allow travellers to explore local villages, historical sites, regional cuisine, and traditional arts. Furthermore, the cruises are expected to promote ecotourism by providing opportunities for bird watching, nature walks, and visits to wildlife sanctuaries along the riverbanks. With these ambitious plans, Maharashtra is set to become a significant player in the river cruising sector, promising travellers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism. As the state prepares to launch these new routes and facilities, the prospect of exploring Maharashtra’s rich heritage and natural splendour from the water is an exciting one.

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