Belgium and China have implemented extensive visa-free policies, significantly boosting tourism and fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between the two nations. This move allows citizens of both countries to travel freely, explore each other’s rich cultures, and experience unique attractions, enhancing global mobility and fostering deeper connections.
Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak Nifty India Tourism Index Fund, an open-ended fund designed to mirror the Nifty India Tourism Index. This fund offers investors a chance to capitalize on the growth of India’s travel and tourism industry, which is seeing strong growth driven by factors like staycations and business travel.
The Czech Republic is joining other European countries in limiting tourism, particularly in Prague, by restricting short-term rentals. This move aims to address the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as rising housing costs, noise pollution, and overcrowding, while promoting a more sustainable and balanced tourism model.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during the grand opening of Rixos Tersane Istanbul, highlighted Istanbul’s burgeoning reputation as a global tourism hub. He attributed its appeal to its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic location bridging East and West. The event also showcased Turkey’s commitment to promoting tourism through infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and enhanced security, further solidifying Istanbul’s place as a premier destination.
Morocco, aiming to become a top 10 global tourist destination by 2026, has partnered with Finn Partners to attract more Chinese tourists. This strategic collaboration will leverage public relations, influencer marketing, and social media to showcase Morocco’s unique cultural and natural attractions to the Chinese market.
Despite global economic challenges and the bankruptcy of a major German tour operator, Cyprus’ tourism industry is experiencing a surge in 2024. The island is seeing increased visitor numbers and revenue, with the UK remaining a key market. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis attributes this success to the island’s resilience and diversification efforts.
Tamil Nadu’s rail network is rapidly modernizing with the addition of new Vande Bharat trains, offering faster travel options from Chennai to popular destinations like Mysuru, Nagercoil, and Bengaluru. These high-speed trains are not only enhancing connectivity but also supporting tourism and pilgrimage, making travel within the state and to neighboring regions more convenient and efficient.
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently hosted a series of networking events across four major Indian cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata – aimed at strengthening partnerships with the Indian travel trade and promoting Saudi Arabia as a top travel destination. The events highlighted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, including leisure, cultural heritage, corporate travel, and pilgrimage tourism, with a particular focus on Umrah and pilgrimage tourism in Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Japan is introducing a new online entry system, JESTA, for tourists from visa-exempt countries, including Australia, by 2030. Similar to ESTA in the US, JESTA aims to improve immigration controls and enhance visitor safety, requiring travelers to apply online before arriving. This new system is expected to streamline the entry process for Australian tourists, who continue to enjoy Japan’s attractions and favorable exchange rate.
JLL’s latest survey reveals a mixed outlook for the Asia Pacific hotel industry in 2024/2025, with North, South, and Southeast Asia projecting robust performance, while Australasia expresses more cautious optimism. Key findings include differing expectations for occupancy rates, ADR, and total revenue across subregions, with concerns about labor costs, F&B revenue, and the impact of the Chinese economic situation.
