Official figures from the Federal State Statistics Service reveal that the BRICS countries hold a considerable portion of the global tourism market. Tourists are drawn primarily to the unique cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and diverse travel opportunities these nations offer. Despite the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism, official data indicates that the BRICS countries are experiencing a steady recovery. This resurgence is driven by accumulated demand and targeted initiatives to rejuvenate the tourism sector.
China’s Tourism Surge
According to a report from Xinhua News Agency, a TV BRICS affiliate, the number of Chinese tourists in 2024 has surpassed 190 million, marking an increase of over 280 percent compared to the previous year. From January through March 2024, approximately 60 percent of these tourists vacationed at Hainan resort, while 30 percent explored mainland China, primarily visiting major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Additionally, 10 percent of Russian tourists chose China as their vacation destination. Projections for this year indicate that the number of Russian visitors to China will exceed 3 million. This expectation is bolstered by the recent announcement of a five-year development plan by the country’s aviation regulator, aimed at expanding domestic air travel and restoring international flights by 2025.
Russian Tourism Experiences Robust Growth
During a meeting held on March 28, 2024, focused on the development of federal year-round resorts, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that over 400 billion rubles will be invested in the national tourism project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry” through to 2030. According to the President, this investment will enhance the accessibility of various recreational activities in Russia, ranging from skiing to beach holidays. Since 2022, Russia has initiated the “Land for Tourism” project, which facilitates the planning and construction of new tourist infrastructure by authorities and businesses. By 2023, the initiative expanded to 45 regions, a significant increase from the 16 regions involved the previous year. Furthermore, starting August 1, 2023, citizens from 55 foreign countries have been eligible to apply for an electronic visa for entry through Russian checkpoints.
Saudi Arabia: Entering a New Phase in Tourism
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia focused on bolstering domestic tourism while also developing strategies to revive international tourism post-pandemic. Despite the challenges, the nation has made a remarkable recovery in the tourism sector. Official data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million tourists in 2023. Industry experts point out that this surge in both domestic and international visitors underscores the pivotal role of tourism in diversifying and fortifying the Saudi economy, contributing more than 4 percent to the GDP. WTTC’s report highlights that total tourist arrivals in Saudi Arabia climbed to 106.2 million in 2023, a 56 percent increase from 2019 and 12 percent from 2022. International visitors numbered 27.4 million, marking a 56 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels and a 65 percent rise from the previous year. With a target of attracting 25 million international tourists in 2023, and the region’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for historical and cultural tourism, the Gulf’s tourism sector is poised for rapid expansion.
UAE’s New Tourism Horizon
As part of the “Projects 50” initiative, the UAE has launched the ambitious UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 following the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy encompasses 25 specific initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism sector across the nation. In 2023, Dubai revealed plans to substantially expand its economy, aiming for US$8.7 trillion in economic development, with US$27 billion designated for boosting tourism. UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri forecasts that the dynamic tourism sector will significantly enhance its contribution to the national economy in 2024. This aligns with the UAE’s objective to increase tourism’s GDP contribution to US$122.5 billion by 2031.
Brazil Targets Increased Influx of International Tourists
In alignment with its BRICS counterparts, Brazil has introduced several new measures in the tourism sector. The nation has begun a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of seats and international flights arriving in Brazil, as outlined on the official government website. A groundbreaking initiative, the “International Tourism Acceleration Programme (PATI),” is set to be launched through collaborations between public and private sectors, including airports and airlines. This program is managed jointly by the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, the Ministry of Tourism, and Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion. Funding for this initiative comes from the National Civil Aviation Fund (FNAC). According to government officials, this program aims to adopt leading international practices to attract new tourists to Brazil.
India’s Tourism Industry Sees Significant Growth
In 2023, India witnessed a 64 percent increase in the number of foreign tourists compared to the previous year, as reported by the India Brand Equity Foundation. This boost in tourism was partly driven by the government’s dedicated efforts to revive the sector post-COVID-19 and through substantial infrastructure developments. One notable project includes the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, which improved access between a prominent temple and the Ganges River, linking two of the country’s most revered religious sites. Additionally, over the past decade, more than US$200 billion has been invested in enhancing India’s transportation infrastructure, which has led to the doubling of the number of airports across the nation.
Egypt Enhances Eco-Tourism Initiatives
Egypt is actively advancing its eco-tourism agenda by integrating sustainable practices into its tourism sector, facilitated by collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as reported by the Egyptian government’s official website. The strategy involves the creation of nature reserves, the regulation of activities within these areas, and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices. The effectiveness of this initiative is already being recognized by international visitors. According to the Egyptian government’s official website, the country’s tourism sector welcomed a record-breaking 14.9 million tourists in 2023, surpassing the previous high of 14.7 million recorded in 2010.
Iran Sees Surge in Tourist Arrivals, Eliminates Visas for Many
The World Tourism Organization has noted a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals to Iran in 2024, with a 60 percent rise recorded in the first quarter alone. During this period, Iran welcomed approximately 1.398 million international visitors. In a move to further boost tourism, Iran simplified visa procedures and eliminated the need for visas for citizens from 33 countries as of December 2023. This policy has now expanded to include 45 countries or territories whose residents can travel to Iran visa-free, according to the report. The Iranian government anticipates that these relaxed visa rules will significantly contribute to the revitalization of its tourism sector, following the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa’s Tourism Sector Recovery Plan
The COVID-19 pandemic brought South Africa’s tourism industry to an unprecedented low. In response, the Department of Tourism launched the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) aimed at rejuvenating the sector. The TSRP is centered around three key strategic themes: renewing demand, restoring supply, and strengthening capacity. This government program has shown positive results, as reported on the official South African government website. Data from South Africa’s national statistics agency, Stats SA, indicates that the number of international visitors to South Africa from January to December 2023 reached 8.5 million, marking a 48.9 percent increase from the same period in 2022.
Overview of Ethiopian Tourism
The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) reports that Ethiopia is increasingly being recognized as an attractive destination for investments in the tourism sector. The Commission points out several promising investment opportunities within the country, including the development of tourism infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, convention centers, duty-free shops, and cultural villages and centers.
Inaugural BRICS Tourism Forum
On June 20–21, 2024, Moscow will host the first BRICS tourism forum. This event is organized by the Ministry for Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Government of Moscow.
