News

Wings to launch global M&E division

TMC Wings Global Travel is forming a global meeting and events division off the back of “soaring demand” for group travel linked to in-person events. The UK-based company said it plans to roll out an international M&E division following “strong” regional growth in its Nordic and South African operations, where the existing team has expanded by 200 per cent in the past 12 months “to cope with demand”. The new M&E division will be based in London. Wings chief operating officer Gary Povey said the spike in demand for in-person events comes despite the growth of virtual meetings, ongoing cost pressures and an increased focus on sustainability. “In-person meetings are still hugely important, but our clients are taking a more planned approach,” he said. “Typically, they are spending less on ad-hoc travel and focusing their budgets on group meetings and events where they can get the most value out of bringing people together.” Wings is ranked as the 18th largest TMC in the UK in BTN Europe’s Leading TMCs 2024. It is also the 12th largest TMC in the Nordic region.

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Sikkim Recognized for Eco-Tourism and Rural Hospitality

Sikkim Tourism has been honored with two prestigious awards at the recent Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) held in Kolkata. The state received accolades for ‘The Best Eco-Friendly State Award’ and ‘The Most Promising Rural & Homestay Destination,’ reflecting its commitment to sustainable tourism and the promotion of rural and homestay destinations. Sikkim’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, and Advisor cum MLA, Sudesh Subba, met with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay to share the news of the achievements. The Chief Minister expressed his congratulations to the Tourism department, praising their hard work and dedication. He shared his sentiments on social media, stating, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Tourism department family for their hard work and dedication… I dedicate these awards to the people of Sikkim.” The awards highlight Sikkim’s ongoing efforts to foster eco-friendly tourism practices and enhance the rural and homestay tourism experience, making the state a standout destination in these categories. The meeting also saw the presence of key officials including Principal Secretary of Tourism, Shri C.S Rao, Principal Chief Engineer cum Nodal Officer, Neeraj Pradhan, and Deputy Director (Adventure Cell), Manoj Chettri, further showcasing the collective effort behind Sikkim’s tourism success.

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Shanghai Summer Marks The Start Of A New International Consumption Era

Shanghai’s first “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season kicked off on July 6, welcoming global visitors to enjoy a vibrant summer with diverse events and activities. On July 6, the premiere of the “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season was unveiled, inviting visitors from around the world to experience an exceptional summer at the Bund. Shanghai serves as a primary entry point for global tourists, recording 2.035 million foreign entries through its ports from January to June this year, marking a 2.8-fold increase compared to the previous year. Shanghai currently holds the second position globally for the density of international retailers, featuring a 98% presence of leading global brands. This season promises a plethora of summer activities and premium experiences for both local and international visitors. Spanning until mid-October, “Shanghai Summer” will host an array of over one hundred prestigious events, ranging from concerts and music festivals to cultural showcases, art exhibitions, and significant sports competitions. Highlights of the season include: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Exhibition The Inaugural Shanghai International Cruise Festival City Walk Pro: Experience Shanghai Now Shanghai Tourism Festival The Inaugural Shanghai International Light Festival ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters The Inaugural Shanghai International Electronic Music Festival Global Partnerships Enhance the Celebration Eight international collaborators, such as China Mobile, China Telecom, China Eastern Airlines, Bailian Group, Jinjiang International, Ctrip, Marriott International, and Cathay Pacific, are introducing thoughtful initiatives to augment the visitor experience. For instance, China Mobile and China Telecom are providing temporary internet cards, while China Eastern Airlines offers multiple-trip flight passes and discounted fares. Additionally, Bailian Group is issuing gift cards and shopping vouchers, and Jinjiang International Group presents significant discounts at their Shanghai locations. Introducing the Shanghai Summer Ambassadors On the day of the summer solstice, Shanghai commenced a global search for “Shanghai Summer Ambassadors.” The initial group, including Scott, a travel photography blogger from England, will explore and narrate the unique summer tales of Shanghai. An Invitation to Global Visitors This summer, Shanghai extends an invitation to international guests to delve into culinary explorations, indulge in cultural festivities, partake in fashion-forward adventures, and soak in the city’s distinctive allure. A season filled with endless delights awaits!

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Tourism Industry of Costa Rica soaring with 14.5% Increase

Costa Rica’s Tourism Boom: A 14.5% Surge in Visitors in 2024 Costa Rica has experienced a remarkable rise in tourism, reporting a 14.5% increase in visitors during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This impressive growth is highlighted in a detailed semi-annual report released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Skyrocketing Numbers From January to June 2024, a staggering 1,532,443 tourists visited Costa Rica, primarily arriving by air. This influx represents a significant 14.5% increase from last year’s figures. According to the ICT, 92% of these visitors arrived by plane, with the majority coming from the United States and Canada. Tourism Minister William Rodríguez expressed his excitement about the report’s findings, stating, “The outstanding results of the first semester of 2024 show a dynamic, growing, and solid tourism sector.” This growth underscores Costa Rica’s resilience and thriving tourism industry. A Full Recovery The latest numbers reflect a full recovery from the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector in 2020 and 2021. Tourism is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, contributing 8.2% to the national GDP and serving as one of the largest sources of foreign exchange. The ICT is optimistic, predicting a record 2.8 million tourists by the end of this year, up from 2.4 million in 2023. Where Are They Coming From? North America remains the primary source of tourists for Costa Rica, with three out of four visitors coming from this region. The United States leads with 61% of tourists, followed by Canada at 10% and Mexico at 2.8%. European tourists are also making a notable impact, with France contributing 2.8%, Germany 2.6%, and the United Kingdom 2.5%. Growing Interest Tourists from North America increased by an impressive 18% compared to the same period in 2023. European visitors also showed significant growth, with French tourists up by 9.7%, Germans by 3.4%, and Brits by 5.5%. What’s the Attraction? Costa Rica’s natural beauty continues to be its biggest draw. The country’s national parks, diverse flora and fauna, and pristine beaches attract many visitors. Tourists like Ilse Klaver from the Netherlands are eager to experience activities like canoeing, diving, and zip-lining through the forests. “As I love nature, we decided to come and see it with our own eyes,” said Puerto Rican Sonia Martínez, a New York resident. For 27-year-old Mexican María José Campos, the allure of Costa Rica lies in its “gastronomy and culture.” This blend of natural wonders and rich cultural experiences keeps tourists returning. Costa Rica is experiencing a tourism boom with a significant increase in visitors this year. The country has bounced back from the pandemic’s impact and is on track to set new records in tourism. With its natural parks, vibrant flora and fauna, and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is a top destination for travelers from around the world. Costa Rica’s tourism sector is not just recovering; it’s thriving. The country’s dedication to improving infrastructure and maintaining its natural beauty is paying off, attracting more visitors than ever. As we move into the latter half of 2024, all eyes will be on Costa Rica to see if it can sustain this incredible growth and continue to enchant visitors from across the globe.

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Aizawl all set to have a rail link by July 2025

As per the latest reports, Mizoram’s capital city Aizawl is all set to have a rail link by next year. Reportedly, the Bhairabi-Sairang New Line Railway Project, which aims to connect Mizoram’s capital with the rest of India, is nearing completion. This initiative is part of the Indian Railways’ broader effort to improve connectivity in the northeastern states. The Ministry of Railways is spearheading this effort to link all state capitals in the region through new railway lines. Assam’s major city Guwahati (which includes the adjacent capital Dispur), Tripura’s capital Agartala, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Naharlagun (near the capital city Itanagar) are already linked to the railway network. NFR officials noted that a new Broad Gauge line is being constructed in the 52 km section between Bairabi (near Assam’s Hailakandi District) and Sairang in Mizoram’s Aizawl District. Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, highlighted that the project will significantly enhance communication and commerce in Mizoram. Once finished, it will provide economical and environmentally friendly transport, positively impacting various development projects in the state. Reports add that the 51.38 km line is split into four sections: Bhairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualkhang, and Mualkhang-Sairang. Construction progress stands at 93 percent. The project involves building multiple tunnels and bridges in challenging terrain. Out of 12,853 meters of tunneling required, 12,807 meters are complete. It also includes 55 major and 89 minor bridges, with 47 major and 87 minor bridges already finished. Notably, Pier P-4 of Bridge No. 196, the tallest pier in the project at 104 meters—42 meters higher than the Qutub Minar—has been completed. The railway will feature five road-over bridges and six road-under bridges, with stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang. Despite facing challenges like severe monsoon seasons, difficult hilly terrain, and limited access to materials and skilled labor, Northeast Frontier Railway is committed to completing the project promptly. The new railway line will enhance connectivity, support small-scale industries, and promote tourism in Mizoram. It will reduce transportation costs and travel time between Mizoram’s capital and Assam, improving access to essential goods and services across the country. Sabyasachi De elaborated that travel time between Mizoram's capital and nearby areas in Assam will be greatly reduced. This will provide the region with the necessary boost, nationwide access and a steady supply of essential goods.

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Budget 2024 travel: Special focus on Bihar, Odisha; push for spiritual tourism

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced an extensive development plan for India’s travel and tourism sector in her Union Budget 2024 announcement. Her seventh budget aims to transform several iconic destinations into world-class tourist attractions. This strategic initiative is anticipated to generate jobs, attract investments, and unlock substantial economic opportunities across various sectors. The Finance Minister’s speech emphasised the government's dedication to positioning India as a premier global travel destination. Through strategic projects and targeted investments, the plan focuses on enhancing both spiritual and cultural sites, as well as promoting natural and scenic attractions to draw domestic and international visitors. Sitharaman also announced a simplified tax regime for foreign cruise companies operating domestic vessels in India, which is a notable measure to boost cruise tourism, and includes tax relief for cruise operators. Key highlights for travel and tourism - A streamlined tax regime for foreign cruise operators managing domestic cruise ships. - A special emphasis on advancing spiritual and religious tourism by developing major temples and pilgrimage sites. - Enhancements to beach destinations to improve the experience for tourists. Special focus on Bihar and Odisha Bihar: The state will see significant development of its key spiritual and historical sites. Notable initiatives include Bodh Gaya that is known for its association with Lord Buddha. Bodh Gaya will receive targeted development to strengthen its status as a major pilgrimage site. Rajgir, this ancient city, renowned for its Jain temples and sacred hot springs, will be developed to boost religious and wellness tourism. Efforts will be made to revitalise Nalanda, aiming to restore the historical Nalanda University to its former prominence. The Vishnupada Temple in Gaya will be developed into a major spiritual and tourist hub. Odisha: The state will be promoted for its potential in religious and beach tourism. Other special corridors and tourism - Vishnu Path and Mahabodhi Temple Corridors: Located in Bihar, these corridors will be developed similarly to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, enhancing their spiritual and tourist appeal for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. - Rajgir and Nalanda initiatives: Rajgir: A comprehensive development plan will be implemented to elevate Rajgir as a key religious and wellness tourism destination. - Nalanda: The development of Nalanda as a major tourist center will complement efforts to revive Nalanda University, enhancing the region’s cultural and educational tourism appeal. These measures are expected to significantly boost the travel and tourism sector, create numerous employment opportunities, and stimulate investment, thereby providing a substantial economic uplift to the regions involved. “We welcome the Union Budget 2024-2025 which focuses on positioning India as a global tourism hub through progressive initiatives. The surge in spiritual tourism has been recognized, and we are excited to see the sector receiving much-needed support in this year’s budget. The development of road connectivity projects, with a special emphasis on spiritual and cultural corridors, underscores the Government of India’s commitment to fueling the growth of the country's rich cultural and spiritual network of tourism. At Radisson Hotel Group, we have always focused on Tier II and III cities, leveraging a first-mover advantage with 50% of our portfolio in these regions. Our strategic commitment to these destinations aligns with the government’s vision, allowing us to meet the increasing demand for spiritual experiences and further strengthen our presence across India. We are optimistic that this development will not only propel the domestic tourism sector but will also provide an opportunity for foreign tourists to further explore the rich culture of India,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President- South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

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