IBTM World, the leading global trade show for the meetings and events industry, is set to welcome a wave of new exhibitors and destinations at its 2024 edition. From Asia to the Caribbean, the event will showcase a diverse range of destinations and hotels, enhancing networking opportunities for attendees.
As extreme heatwaves grip Southern Europe, tourists are increasingly seeking cooler destinations, leading to the emergence of ‘coolcations’. While Northern European countries are positioning themselves as attractive alternatives, the allure of Southern Europe remains strong, suggesting a complex future for travel preferences.
A new ‘Overtourism Index’ highlights Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal as top European destinations struggling with overtourism during summer. Evaneos, a travel agency, is responding by removing Mykonos and Santorini from its offerings starting in 2025 due to the strain on these islands’ resources.
The Bihar government has launched a new initiative that empowers homeowners near popular tourist spots to generate additional income by offering bed-and-breakfast services. The scheme aims to boost tourism, offer affordable lodging, and promote eco-tourism in the state.
A new Swiss-led training program, Swiss Executive Hospitality Training (Swiss EHT), is being implemented in Vietnam to enhance the quality of the country’s hospitality workforce and align the sector with international standards. The program involves collaboration with Vietnamese educational institutions and Swiss experts, with the aim of creating a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry in Vietnam.
The traditional travel agency market is projected to experience significant growth, reaching $212.9 billion by 2032, driven by rising collaborations, niche market specialization, and adaptability to evolving traveler needs. This report delves into market trends, growth opportunities, and segmentation insights.
The Travel Institute has launched its latest specialist course, focusing on the Netherlands. This interactive e-learning course equips travel agents with the knowledge and skills to excel in this increasingly popular destination, offering comprehensive information on its rich culture, iconic sights, and upcoming anniversary celebrations.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with noon, a local e-commerce platform, to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with digital tools and access to global markets. This initiative, a key part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aims to enhance Dubai’s tourism sector by enabling SMEs to reach international tourists through online platforms, offering them a richer and more personalized travel experience.
Abu Dhabi’s hotel industry experienced record-breaking occupancy in August 2024, driven by a surge in demand from global events and international visitors. Major events like the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, UFC Fight Night, and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition fueled this growth, highlighting the city’s strategic approach to leveraging events to boost tourism.
Glacier National Park in 2023 welcomed over 2.9 million visitors, generating a substantial economic impact on nearby communities. Visitor spending created thousands of jobs and boosted local businesses, highlighting the vital role of national parks in supporting regional economies.
