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Air India Expands Its Global Network with New Flight to London Gatwick from Bengaluru This August

Air India is undergoing a comprehensive five-year transformation to emerge as a premier airline that embodies the essence of India. The airline recently introduced a new route from Bengaluru (BLR) to London Gatwick (LGW), operating five times a week starting August 18. Since its inaugural flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has been at the forefront of India’s aviation landscape, establishing a robust domestic and international network. It connects major cities across continents including the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, the Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Gulf region. In January 2022, after 69 years as a state-run entity, Air India along with Air India Express rejoined the Tata group. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, known for being India’s first Greenfield Airport built through a Public-Private Partnership, has sparked a wave of privatization across Indian airports. On December 1, 2023, the airport celebrated a landmark achievement of handling over 300 million passengers since it commenced operations. London Gatwick, which began its journey as a commercial airport in 1958, stands as the UK’s second largest airport. It plays a crucial role in bolstering both regional and national economic growth. Operating non-stop throughout the year, Gatwick accommodated over 40 million passengers in 2023, offering flights to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations via over 40 different airlines.

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Yemen is Surging Tourism Industry with Visa-Free Travel to 33 countries

Yemen, a country located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history and unique geographic features that make it a fascinating study. Despite its challenging economic situation and political instability, Yemenis have shown a resilient spirit in exploring opportunities for outbound tourism. As of August 2024, Yemenis can travel to 33 countries visa free, reflecting a significant improvement in their global mobility. This article delves into Yemen’s historical and geographical context, its standing in the Henley Passport Index, its economic landscape, and the dynamics of its outbound tourism. Yemen boasts a deep historical heritage, dating back to ancient times with civilizations like the Sabaeans and Himyarites. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Old City of Sana’a and the Historic Town of Zabid. Geographically, Yemen is characterized by its diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush highlands and a lengthy coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan stated, “This initiative marks a monumental shift for Yemen’s outbound travel industry, enabling Yemeni citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. By offering visa-free access to 33 countries as of August 2024, including popular destinations like Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, Turkiye is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these nations. This move is set to inspire more Yemeni travelers to embark on international journeys, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.” Henley Passport Index In the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, Yemen’s passport is relatively weak. As of the latest ranking, Yemen is placed near the bottom, with its citizens having visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 33 countries. This limited access underscores the difficulties Yemeni travelers face in global mobility. Yemen Outbound Tourism Dynamics The 2023 Economic Impact report by the World Travel & Tourism Council underscores the significant role of travel and tourism in Yemen’s economic landscape. Despite global challenges, such as inflation, economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and the climate crisis, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and potential for growth. In 2022, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Yemen’s GDP was YER 201.3 billion, representing 2.2% of the total GDP. This figure is expected to grow by 1.8% annually, reaching YER 245.2 billion by 2033. Employment in the sector also showed promising trends, with 99,477 jobs directly generated in 2022, accounting for 1.6% of total employment. By 2033, this number is projected to increase to 116,330 jobs. Additionally, international visitor spending in Yemen was YER 44.6 billion in 2022, with a forecasted rise to YER 65.3 billion by 2033. The report highlights that, despite the setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism sector is on a robust recovery path, contributing significantly to the global economy and job creation. The continued investment and focus on sustainability and capacity-building are crucial for maintaining this positive trajectory in Yemen’s travel and tourism industry.

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Maldives Rolls Out Red Carpet for Indian Tourists with New Roadshow

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is teaming up with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM) to launch the “Welcome India” roadshow series. This initiative, featuring 24 industry partners, aims to enhance the Maldives’ presence in the Indian market and foster stronger business relationships. This significant business-to-business (B2B) event will bring together professionals from the Indian travel industry, offering excellent opportunities for collaboration and networking. The Maldives delegation will include Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development. This three-day event will provide a platform to engage with partners in India, fortifying bonds and strengthening the Maldives’ tourism segments. MMPRC aims to showcase the unique aspects of the Maldives, such as pristine beaches, exquisite resorts, and rich cultural heritage. To further entice participation, an exciting raffle giveaway is planned, with holiday prizes sponsored by Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, Arena Hotels, Kaani Hotels, Villa Nautica, Sirru Fen Fushi, Holiday Inn Kandooma, and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. India is a crucial source of outbound tourists for the Maldives. As of June 2024, the Maldives has welcomed over 63,451 Indian tourists, accounting for a 6.2% market share of total tourist arrivals. Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “We deeply value this partnership and are firmly committed to its continued growth and success. This roadshow is a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian travel industry.” In addition to the roadshow, Visit Maldives has conducted several initiatives to promote the Maldives in India, including participation in major fairs like OTM and SATTE 2024. In May 2024, renowned Indian model and social media influencer Niki Mehra was hosted in the Maldives during a familiarization trip. Future plans include a campaign with Globalspa, featuring a photoshoot with celebrity Malaika Arora, and joint marketing efforts with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail. Visit Maldives remains dedicated to showcasing the unparalleled beauty and unique experiences of the Maldives. Through participation in fairs, roadshows, and diverse promotional events, the goal is to maintain the Maldives’ status as the World’s Leading Destination.

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Bahrain Tourism Industry is Surging with Visa Free Travel for Saudi, UAE, Kuwait and Oman

Bahrain allows visa free travel for the top 4 countries as of August 2024. Bahrain’s tourism industry is seeing a significant boost as the country welcomes travelers from four more nations under a new visa-free travel program. This exciting initiative makes it easier than ever for tourists to explore Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. This exciting development opens up new opportunities for travelers to explore Bahrain’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions without the hassle of visa requirements. Check now to see if your country is eligible for this program and plan your visit to experience the wonders of Bahrain! TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Bahrain’s new visa-free travel program for Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as of August 2024 will boost tourism. Tourist arrivals surged in 2022, primarily from Saudi Arabia, significantly contributing to Bahrain’s economy. With its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and luxury accommodations like Raffles Al Areen Palace and Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain is set to attract even more international visitors.” Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island nation in West Asia located in the Persian Gulf. The country consists of a small archipelago with 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island, which accounts for approximately 83% of the nation’s landmass. In 2022, tourist arrivals in Bahrain surged to 13.77 million, up from 4.92 million in 2021. The majority of international tourists came from Saudi Arabia. G.D.P of Bahrain: In 2022, Bahrain’s tourism sector made a substantial contribution to the national economy, generating approximately 4,438.33 crores USD. This impressive figure underscores the sector’s significance as a key economic driver, highlighting Bahrain’s appeal as a travel destination. The increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from neighboring Saudi Arabia, played a major role in this economic boost. The influx of visitors not only supported local businesses but also helped diversify Bahrain’s economy, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance in the region’s tourism landscape. This growth reflects Bahrain’s successful efforts in promoting its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and business-friendly environment. Bahrain‘s tourism sector is flourishing, driven by a rich blend of cultural heritage, modern attractions, and natural beauty. The kingdom offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient sites like Bahrain Fort and the Dilmun Burial Mounds to enjoying the luxury of Amwaj Islands and the vibrant city life in Manama. The country’s well-developed infrastructure, including the Bahrain International Airport and high-end hotels, enhances its appeal as a top destination in the Middle East. With a strong focus on enhancing visitor experiences and expanding its cultural and recreational offerings, Bahrain continues to attract a growing number of international tourists, solidifying its position as a key player in the global tourism market.

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Valencia manages tourism growth with new licensing rules

The Valencia region in Spain is set to impose fines of up to EUR 600,000 on unlicensed and black-market short-term rentals, including Airbnb-style apartments, as part of efforts to curb overtourism. This crackdown aims to alleviate pressure on local public facilities and control rising rental prices in popular European tourist destinations. According to Airbtics, an Airbnb analytics company, Valencia’s short-term rental market has a median occupancy rate of 79%, with properties being booked for an average of 288 nights annually. In 2023, hosts typically earned about EUR 27,000 per year, with an average daily rate of EUR 93. As of April 15th, there were 9,128 active Airbnb listings in Valencia, with high demand in neighborhoods such as Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, La Lonja de la Seda, and Valencia Cathedral. The short-term rental market, which includes more than just Airbnb properties, plays a significant role in supporting the local economy. However, the rise of black-market rentals, often operated by local landlords and foreign expatriates, has raised safety and regulatory concerns. Valencia tourism official Nuria Montes emphasised the need to regulate these rentals, highlighting issues such as tax evasion, lack of safety compliance, and unreported guest identities. Montes estimates that there could be over 50,000 unregulated short-term rental apartments in the Valencia region. To legally operate a short-term rental, owners must obtain a Valencian Tourism Registry tourist license, which requires providing property details, intended use, compliance with quality and safety standards, and owner information. Necessary documents include proof of ownership, property floor plans, energy efficiency certificates, and proof of insurance. Valencia’s new regulations follow similar measures taken by other Southern European cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Venice, and Split, which have introduced restrictions to manage tourism. Barcelona plans to phase out approximately 10,000 Airbnb-style apartments by late 2028, while Venice has restricted tourist group sizes and cruise ship access. The boom in Spain’s short-term rental market is attributed to its appealing climate, rich culture, and the cost-of-living crisis, which has driven tourists to seek cheaper, more flexible alternatives to traditional hotels. The proliferation of digital booking platforms has further facilitated the rise of these rentals, often leading to the listing of unlicensed properties at lower prices.

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Vienna tops the liveability index again in 2024, marking its 9th win in 11 years

Vienna has once again claimed the title of the most livable city in the world, according to The Economist’s 2024 Global Liveability Index. For the third consecutive year, this Austrian capital has topped the list, marking its ninth win in the last eleven index reports. Vienna’s dominance in the rankings were in line with its perfect scores in four out of the five assessed categories, though it did not achieve a complete sweep this year. The top 10 cities in the index remain largely similar to previous years, with a notable prominence of Western European cities. Vienna’s continued success highlights its consistent performance across the index's criteria, which include stability, culture and environment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Economist’s Global Liveability Index evaluates cities based on scores out of 100 in these five categories. Stability encompasses factors like terrorism threats, civil unrest, and crime rates. Education and healthcare scores are based on the quality and availability of these services. Infrastructure evaluates public transport, roads, housing, and utilities. This year’s average score has risen to 76.1 out of 100, reflecting improvements in education and healthcare. However, stability has seen a notable decline due to global instability, protests, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Inflation and housing affordability issues have affected cities worldwide, with particular impacts in Australia and Canada, where housing costs have soared and rental availability has dwindled. Western Europe maintains its status as the most liveable region, securing four spots in the top 10 and 30 cities overall. This region has achieved an impressive average score of 92 out of 100. Despite this, the overall score has slipped slightly from last year due to rising instability in countries like Germany and Ireland, which have experienced disruptive protests and social unrest. Eastern Europe has made significant strides, particularly in education and healthcare, with Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest making notable improvements. Budapest rose seven places to 32nd, while Belgrade and Bucharest advanced to joint 94th position. However, several Western European cities saw declines, with Dublin falling seven places to 39th, and German cities like Munich and Hamburg also slipping in the rankings. The biggest drop was registered by Tel Aviv, which plummeted 20 places to 112th due to worsening stability scores related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, alongside declines in culture, environment, and infrastructure. Overall, while Western Europe continues to lead in liveability, rising global challenges and local issues have influenced the rankings, reflecting a dynamic and evolving landscape of urban living conditions.

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