Turkey has experienced a record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming over 49 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024, generating $46.9 billion in revenue. This surge in tourism has surpassed previous records, positioning Turkey to potentially exceed its annual target of 60 million tourists. Key destinations like Istanbul and Antalya saw significant visitor increases, while tourism from major markets like Russia, Germany, and the UK also showed robust growth.
Japan welcomed a record 2.93 million foreign visitors in August 2024, marking a 36% increase compared to the same month last year. This surge signifies the country’s successful recovery in tourism after the pandemic, with significant growth in visitor numbers from key markets like China and South Korea. The strong performance indicates that Japan is on track to reclaim its position as one of the world’s top travel destinations.
Ireland’s tourism industry faced a challenging summer season in 2024, with over half of businesses experiencing a decline in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. Factors like unfavorable weather, reduced disposable income, and rising operating costs contributed to the downturn. Despite the challenges, some sectors saw growth, and businesses are exploring ways to adapt and remain resilient.
Laos has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, with international and domestic visitors driving significant economic growth. The government’s recent visa initiatives have played a key role in attracting tourists and boosting revenue.
Hong Kong’s tourism sector experienced a remarkable rebound in July 2024, with visitor numbers soaring by 52.2% compared to the same period in 2023. This surge was driven by a significant increase in visitors from Mainland China, alongside a robust recovery in international travel. The city’s diverse attractions, cultural vibrancy, and improved travel connections have fueled this growth, positioning Hong Kong as a leading global travel destination.
Azerbaijan experienced a surge in international tourism during the first seven months of 2024, with over 1.5 million visitors arriving from 182 countries, representing a 31.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth is attributed to increasing interest in Azerbaijan as a travel destination, driven by significant visitor increases from countries like India, South Korea, and China.
Azerbaijan experienced a significant increase in visitor numbers during the first seven months of 2024, with notable growth from countries like India, South Korea, and China. The country also saw substantial increases in arrivals from several other regions, including the Gulf, the European Union, and the CIS.
The Maldives has witnessed a significant surge in tourism in 2024, welcoming over 1.25 million visitors, a 10.4% increase compared to last year. This growth is attributed to diverse factors, including the country’s stunning natural beauty, thriving hospitality sector, and strategic marketing efforts. China remains the top source market, followed by Russia and the UK.
England’s tourist attractions experienced a rebound in 2023, with overall visits increasing by 11% compared to the previous year. However, these numbers are still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, with a 28% decrease compared to 2019. The return of international visitors and an increase in school trips fueled the growth, but the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact the industry.
