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Egypt receives record 15 million tourists in 2023, 27% increase this year in first four months

The total number of tourists visiting Egypt during the first four months of 2024 increased by 27 per cent, supported by inbound tourism from Arab countries, which witnessed a 54 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023, according to Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism of Egypt. Egypt will showcase its commitment to enhancing the tourist experience and attracting new visitors from the UAE, GCC, and globally by highlighting the country’s tourism potential, forthcoming projects, and future initiatives at Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) in Dubai as it looks to build on the record 15 million tourists welcomed in 2023. Dr Ghada Shalaby, Egypt’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Affairs, said, “Egypt is gearing up to attract a wide range of travelers based on its commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings. The Ministry has worked to unveil a group of new products that meet the evolving preferences of travellers, from health tourism to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions tourism, all the way to the innovative Umrah Plus product and the attractive Cairo City Break program.” Dr Ghada noted that cooperation lies at the heart of Egypt's tourism strategy. By strengthening partnerships between tourism entities in Egypt, the Far East, and GGC countries, among other Arab countries, the Ministry aims to combine efforts in promoting Egyptian destinations and ensuring unparalleled experiences for visitors. Through collaborative endeavours, the tourism sector is ready to flourish and grow. Egypt’s commitment to infrastructure development remains steadfast. From enhancing transportation networks to enhancing airport facilities and expanding railway systems, significant investments are being made to improve accessibility and connectivity across the country. These initiatives play an essential role in facilitating smooth travel experiences for visitors to Egypt, said Dr Ghada. Amr El-Kady, CEO, Egyptian Tourism Authority, mentioned that Egypt is witnessing a qualitative shift in its approach to tourism, as by embracing the dynamism of the private sector, the country is embarking on a journey of liberation and promoting an enabling environment for investment and innovation in the travel sector. From this standpoint, the Arabian Travel Market, held in Dubai, constitutes an essential platform to complete these efforts and raise its status at this level.”

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Election tourism: 27% surge in inter-state travel during Lok Sabha polls

India offers a diverse array of tourism opportunities including cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, medical tourism, village-stay tourism, Himalayan trekking, and pilgrimage tourism, as well as yoga and temple tourism. As the world's largest democracy, it also presents a unique form of election tourism. "Election tourism is a fascinating phenomenon that reflects the deep-rooted commitment of citizens towards democratic participation," Rohit Sharma, COO of AbhiBus (ixigo bus business) said. Travel trends during elections Travel platforms like ixigo and AbhiBus have observed significant shifts in travel patterns during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These changes were noted based on the phases of polling across various states in India. " Our analysis of bus travel trends during the recent elections reveals a remarkable surge in intra-state travel across Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh," Rohit Sharma said. AbhiBus's analysis of bus travel trends indicated that in Tamil Nadu, travel activity increased by 27% over usual levels. Similarly, Odisha saw a 10% increase, Bihar 16%, Rajasthan 26%, and Uttar Pradesh 24% in bus travel demand during this election season. Inter-state voter mobilisation There was notable inter-state travel during the election period, with a 21% increase in bus travel from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, suggesting a cross-border mobilisation of voters. Bus travel search increase on Abhibus — Week on week Banglore - Mumbai: 104% Mumbai- Delhi: 52% Delhi-Srinagar: 45% Chandigarh - Srinagar: 48% Air travel analysis Here's an analysis of one-way average airfares for various routes as reported by Ixigo, comparing the prices from the period of 19 April to 1 June 2024 with those in the same period in 2023, along with the year-on-year percentage increase: New Delhi to Ahmedabad 2024: Rs 4,735 2023: Rs 3,871 YoY increase: 22% Hyderabad to Vishakhapatnam 2024: Rs 5,587 2023: Rs 5,040 YoY increase: 11% New Delhi to Lucknow 2024: Rs 5,486 2023: Rs 4,478 YoY increase: 23% New Delhi to Ranchi 2024: Rs 7,487 2023: Rs 5,729 YoY increase: 31% Pune to Nagpur 2024: Rs 7,163 2023: Rs 5,161 YoY increase: 39% New Delhi to Amritsar 2024: Rs 3,907 2023: Rs 3,694 YoY increase: 6% Tourism in India India's inbound tourism sector has witnessed a significant resurgence, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing by 64% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching a total of 9,236,108 visitors. However, despite this growth, the sector remains 15.5% below the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism.

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Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indians till November 11

In a bid to rejuvenate Thailand's tourism sector and bolster its economy, the cabinet has approved an extension of visa exemption programs for tourists from India and Taiwan. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that tourists from these countries will be permitted to enter Thailand without a visa until November 11, following the expiration of the current waiver. This extension allows travellers to stay for up to 30 days at a time, providing them with ample opportunity to explore the country's diverse attractions and contribute to its tourism-driven economy. The decision to extend the visa exemption programs follows the success of the initial waiver granted in November last year. Previously, Indian and Taiwanese tourists were eligible for a 15-day stay under a visa-on-arrival scheme, but they will now benefit from the extended visa-free entry period. Thailand, heavily reliant on tourism, has been strategically easing visa rules for travellers from key markets such as China and Russia to encourage visitor arrivals. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the first four months of 2024, with over 12 million visitors welcomed, representing a 39% rise compared to the same period last year. Notably, tourists from China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India constituted half of the total arrivals this year. This surge in tourism underscores the importance of these key markets in Thailand's ongoing recovery efforts. As Thailand continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the extension of visa exemption programs for Indian and Taiwanese tourists demonstrates the government's commitment to revitalising the tourism industry and ensuring a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Indians, attracting millions of visitors each year with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and bustling cities. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every traveller's preferences. For Indians, Thailand is not only a favoured holiday destination but also a convenient choice due to its proximity and affordability. Whether indulging in mouth watering street food, exploring ancient temples, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Thailand offers an unforgettable experience that keeps Indian tourists coming back year after year. Additionally, Thailand's warm hospitality, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage further contribute to its popularity among Indian travellers.

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Sri Lanka extends visa-free entry for Indian visitors and others to boost tourism

In a bid to bolster tourist arrivals and facilitate travel between nations, the Sri Lankan government has announced an extension of visa-free entry for visitors from India and select countries until May 31, 2024. This decision, approved by the country’s Cabinet, allows nationals from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia to enter Sri Lanka without a visa for a 30-day visit. The initiative, initially introduced as a pilot project in October, is part of a strategic effort to revitalise the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Visitors from the specified countries are required to apply for a visa through the official website before their arrival. The free visa has a validity period of 30 days, promoting seamless travel and exploration within the picturesque island nation. Despite recent controversies surrounding high visa charges imposed by a private company, the government has decided to uphold a $50 fee for visitors obtaining a 30-day arrival visa. Various stakeholders in the tourism sector have advocated for this fee cap, emphasising the importance of attracting tourists while ensuring affordability and accessibility. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has faced significant challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and internal economic and political crises. The extension of visa-free entry comes amidst efforts to support the country's recovery from these challenges. Additionally, Sri Lanka has outlined specific requirements for Indian citizens seeking tourist visas. These include: Holding a valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Applicants are required to complete an online visa application form and pay the applicable fee. They must also provide confirmation of return or onward travel, proof of accommodation bookings in Sri Lanka. Health-related documents such as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if arriving from an infected area. These requirements aim to ensure that travellers are adequately prepared for their visit and comply with health and safety regulations, contributing to a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This move is expected to enhance travel opportunities and promote tourism between Sri Lanka and its neighbouring countries, providing a boost to the island nation's economy and strengthening international ties.

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Tourists arrivals from India to the Maldives decreased by 42 percent

Maldives is not keeping happy these days! In a shocking development, tourist influx from India to the Maldives has dangerously dropped by 42.2% in the initial four months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year. Seems like Maldives’ negative comments on India didn’t go well with Indians. The diplomatic tensions is one of the biggest reasons for this significant drop. Traditionally, India was the Maldives' primary tourist source but after the tensions arose, things took a U-turn. To brush up the memory, in the beginning of 2024, some high-ranking officials from the Maldives made disrespectful remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Consequently, India launched an anti-Maldives campaign, advising Indians against visiting the Maldives for tourism purposes. As per data disclosed by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the drop in Indian tourist arrivals has been significant. In January 2023, 18,612 Indian tourists visited the Maldives, but in January 2024, only 15,003 tourists arrived, marking a 19.4% decline. Similarly, February saw another huge dip of 40.9%, with 19,497 arrivals in 2023 compared to 11,522 in 2024. March and April experienced even steeper declines, with arrivals plunging by 54% and 55.6%, respectively. Consequently, India has slipped to the sixth position in terms of tourist markets for the Maldives. China, Russia, England, Italy, and Germany have surpassed India in tourist arrivals. Despite the dip in Indian visitors, the Maldives received a total of 772,651 tourists until April this year, with China emerging as the leading tourist market for the island nation. The Maldives, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, captivates travelers with its paradisiacal beauty and pristine natural landscapes. Comprising 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, it offers a stunning tapestry of turquoise lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Renowned as a premier luxury travel destination, the Maldives beckons visitors with its exclusive overwater villas, world-class resorts, and indulgent spa retreats. Beyond its idyllic beaches, the Maldives boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by South Asian, Arab, and African traditions, reflected in its cuisine, music, and art.

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China Extends Visa-Free Travel for 12 Countries Until End of 2025

China has decided to extend visa-free travel for a total of 12 countries until December 31, 2025, permitting unrestricted entry for short stays. As the Chinese authorities have revealed, the list of countries whose citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free entry privileges until the end of 2025 is as follows: Austria Belgium France Germany Hungary Ireland Italy Luxembourg Malaysia Netherlands Spain Switzerland According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who confirmed the news, visa-free travel for these 12 countries has been prolonged in an effort to promote exchanges between Chinese and foreigners. This means that China is currently focused on strengthening its relationship with the countries that it already has agreements in place and depending people-to-people ties. China dropped the visa requirement for France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain in December 2023. Meanwhile, passport holders of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg were exempted from the visa requirement in March of this year. In line with the visa-free policy, passport holders of the 12 countries mentioned above can enter China without the need to obtain a visa for stays not exceeding 15 days. Moreover, visa-free entry is permitted only to those entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit purposes. Travelers from the 12 countries who want to stay in China for more than 15 days, as well as those wanting to enter for purposes other than those mentioned above, have to undergo the visa application process. Portugal Continues to Push for Visa Exemption While China has so far dropped the visa requirement for nationals of several European Union countries, the case is not the same for Portugal. Portuguese passport holders continue to be required to obtain a Chinese visa before traveling to the country, regardless of the purpose of their entry and stay period. The Portuguese authorities have said that the inclusion of Portugal in China’s visa-free travel policy would have a positive impact on both countries and have called on China to consider adding Portugal to the list of countries whose citizens are not required to apply for a visa for short stays. On the other hand, the Chinese authorities have not made an official statement on the issue at hand. They have just said that they are open to strengthening their relations with Portugal.

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