Results for: international tourism

Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform, has partnered with Xi’an, China, to launch the ‘International Consumer Friendly Tourist Destination’ initiative, designed to enhance travel and shopping experiences for tourists. International visitors can now link their Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, or Diners Club International® credit or debit cards to the Alipay app, enabling easy payments at numerous merchants across China. Alipay is also partnering with other e-wallets, including AlipayHK, MPay, Touch ’n Go eWallet, and Kakao Pay, to make it easier for international tourists to use their home digital payment solutions while exploring China.

According to statistics released by Statistics South Africa, international visitor numbers have experienced a notable surge in the first quarter of 2024. South Africa welcomed 2.4 million international visitors during this period, marking a remarkable 15.4% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Visitors from African nations made up a substantial 74.5% of the total international arrivals. Ghana stands out with a remarkable 249.4% increase in its citizens visiting South Africa. This surge is attributed to the implementation of a visa waiver program in November 2023, which allows Ghanaian and South African citizens to travel freely between the two countries for up to 90 days, fostering enhanced business and leisure ties.

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is showcasing Saudi Arabia’s exceptional summer destinations at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. Led by CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, a delegation of 72 partners, including destination management companies, hoteliers, and airlines, is highlighting Saudi’s unique summer offerings to trade partners and consumers, particularly from the GCC. With a focus on expanding its influence in priority markets like India and China, the STA aims to build on the over 23 million visits from the MEA and APAC regions last year. The Saudi exhibit at ATM 2024 features hundreds of bookable products for destinations such as Jeddah, AlUla, Aseer, Riyadh, and the Red Sea, alongside interactive experiences and cultural performances. The introduction of the “Saudi Rewards” scheme offers points on tourism-related activities, further enhancing the visitor experience. The STA and its partners aim to surpass last year’s success, where over 50,000 visitors were welcomed at the Saudi stand and significant deals were struck.

The International Pow Wow (IPW) 2024, held in Los Angeles from May 3-7, has attracted thousands of participants from over 70 countries, including tourism professionals, buyers, and media representatives. The convention provides opportunities for networking, business appointments, educational seminars, and showcases of U.S. travel destinations and businesses. IPW 2024 is expected to contribute to future international travel to the U.S. and reinforce the Los Angeles Convention Center as a hub for international cooperation within the travel industry.

The Nosy Be Tourism Board (ORTNB) serves as a driving force in elevating Nosy Be’s status as a sought-after international tourist destination. Through strategic initiatives and collective collaborations, ORTNB promotes the island’s pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty to a global audience. By showcasing Nosy Be’s offerings at national and international fairs, enhancing visitor experiences through industry partnerships, and fostering sustainable tourism practices, ORTNB attracts a diverse range of tourists while preserving the island’s natural and cultural assets. With a commitment to eco-friendly tourism and a focus on boosting international visibility, ORTNB plays a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring Nosy Be’s position as a premier destination on the global tourism map.

New Brunswick’s Tourism Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace has faced scrutiny for claiming that a trip to London and Paris last year led to increased international tourism. However, data suggests that European visits to the province grew at a slower pace than in the rest of Canada in 2023, and that increases were partially attributed to eased COVID-related travel restrictions. The minister defended the trip as part of initiatives to attract more visitors, but critics question the effectiveness and return on investment for taxpayers.