Results for: Tourism Recovery

The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council focused on promoting the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and fostering innovation and investment. International tourist arrivals increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2024, and receipts rebounded to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023. The Council approved the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, endorsed Uruguay’s bid to host the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, and signed an MoU with Greece to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism. The agenda also highlighted urban tourism management, with Barcelona sharing its strategy for responsible and inclusive growth.

Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2024 exceeded expectations, showcasing KwaZulu-Natal’s recovery with a significant economic impact. The event generated direct spending of over R226 million, contributing to GDP by over R500 million. As a platform for collaboration and innovation, ATI enabled partnerships between coastal provinces to enhance cruise tourism. Furthermore, the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme recognized 150 properties in small communities, providing a foundation for tourism growth and inclusivity.

Ireland’s tourism industry experienced a robust recovery in 2023, with notable increases in occupancy rates across various accommodation sectors. Guesthouses and B&Bs performed particularly well, while self-catering properties and caravan parks also saw significant gains. International visitors, especially from North America, played a crucial role in the surge, driving demand for airline services. Despite challenges posed by closed accommodation providers and adverse weather, the industry remains optimistic, citing the potential for further growth with improved weather conditions and continued international tourist influx.

The global travel industry is experiencing a significant surge in 2024, driven by increased consumer spending and soaring passenger traffic. According to the latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI), APAC destinations are leading the way, with Japan, Thailand, and India emerging as top hotspots. The report provides comprehensive insights into the evolving travel industry across 74 markets, including 13 in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Hong Kong’s tourism industry has shown signs of recovery with a 20% increase in visitor arrivals during the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Non-Mainland markets saw significant growth, with Indonesia experiencing an over 80% increase in arrivals due to the end of Ramadan, while long-haul markets like the US and Canada also witnessed a notable increase of over 80%. Overall, Hong Kong welcomed over 14.62 million visitors during this period.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), highlighting a bright future for Oman’s Travel & Tourism sector. Bolstered by government backing and initiatives, the industry is set to not only recover but reach new heights this year. Key indicators for 2023 include a 35% increase in the sector’s GDP contribution, reaching OMR 2.8 billion, and a 15% growth in employment, supporting 191,500 jobs. International tourists contributed OMR 1.1 billion to the economy, a 69% rise from 2022, while domestic tourism spending bounced back to OMR 1.4 billion. Strategic government investments and support are revitalizing the economy and paving the way for further increases in international tourist spending and the overall economic impact of the sector.

After a 12-year absence, Los Angeles is set to host IPW, the U.S. Travel Association’s premier inbound travel trade show, from May 3-7, 2024. The event will take place at iconic venues across the city, including the Los Angeles Convention Center, Getty Center, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Universal Studios Hollywood. Los Angeles is experiencing a remarkable tourism resurgence, with 2023 visitor numbers reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels. The city welcomed 49.1 million visitors last year, contributing $40.4 billion in business sales and supporting over 530,000 local jobs. IPW 2023 is poised to surpass pre-pandemic attendance and generate billions in future travel revenue. The event will connect over 1,700 global travel buyers and press with 5,700 travel professionals from almost 70 countries.

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) announces New Zealand Maori Tourism as the Gold Partner for the 2024 South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE). This collaboration highlights SPTO’s commitment to revitalizing Pacific tourism post-pandemic and fostering partnerships. SPTE 2024, scheduled for May 4-5 in Fiji, serves as the premier regional tourism event, connecting esteemed partners from across the Pacific and beyond.