Welcome to our weekly travel news, where we bring you the latest and most exciting updates from the world of travel and tourism. This week, we delve into Thailand’s tourism boom, witnessing record-breaking visitor numbers that fuel the economy. British Airways resumes its Jeddah route, reflecting the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Indonesia preps for the esteemed Bali & Beyond Travel Fair, a celebration of its diverse cultural and natural treasures. From Sanlorenzo’s eco-conscious superyacht to Finnair’s extended Arctic routes, luxury travel evolves. And in Mauritius, the Heritage resort beckons families to indulge in opulent vacations. Stay tuned for the latest trends and adventures worldwide, ensuring your wanderlust is always satisfied. Dive into the exciting updates shaping the world of travel.
Let’s explore the top travel news of the week.
1. Tourism Boom in Thailand Q1 2024
Thailand experienced a substantial rise in tourism in the first quarter of 2024, with 9.37 million international visitors generating 454 billion baht (US$12.4 billion) in revenue. This represents a 44% increase compared to the same period in 2023. April saw the highest influx of tourists, particularly from Europe and Oceania, including a significant number from the UK during the Easter holidays, bringing in 644,328 international tourists.
The daily average of foreign tourists was 92,047. The top contributing countries were China (1,756,337 visitors), Malaysia (1,168,574 tourists), Russia (622,813 visitors), South Korea (558,873 travelers), and India (472,952 tourists).
Factors contributing to this boom included a visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China, increased flight frequencies, and visa exemptions for tourists from India, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan. The confluence of Songkran celebrations and the Easter holiday in April also played a significant role. Read more
2. Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2024
Indonesia’s premier tourism trade show, the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF), will take place from June 12-14, 2024, at the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) in Nusa Dua, Bali. The event aims to highlight Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings and foster international partnerships.
The fair will feature destination exhibitions showcasing cultural, natural, and adventure experiences from across Indonesia. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances, arts, crafts, and culinary delights. The event will also include B2B sessions, facilitating business collaborations between tourism stakeholders, travel agents, hoteliers, airlines, and other industry players. Additionally, seminars and workshops will cover current trends, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing strategies. Read more
3. WTTC Forecast for 2024
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a record-breaking year for the travel industry in 2024. The sector is expected to contribute $11.1 trillion to the global economy, surpassing previous records by $770 billion.
The travel industry is projected to employ 449 million people worldwide, representing nearly 12.2% of the global workforce. The anticipated spending on international travel is $1.89 trillion, while domestic travel spending is expected to reach $5.4 trillion. Read more
4. Exciting Holiday Package by Heritage Resorts, Mauritius
Heritage Resorts in Mauritius has launched new family summer holiday packages to cater to the growing demand for family-friendly travel. The packages include complimentary stays and meals for two children up to 12 years old between May and September 2024.
The resorts offer various activities such as the Timomo Kids Club, Petit Ecolo Passport for learning about nature, and family-oriented amenities like golf courses, spa treatments, and open-air cinema nights.
Heritage Le Telfair, a five-star plantation-style hotel, and Heritage Awali, an all-inclusive five-star hotel, provide luxury accommodations and a range of activities for families. Read more
5. Sanlorenzo’s Green Superyacht
Sanlorenzo has introduced its first superyacht powered by a green methanol fuel cell system, the Almax 50Steel. This innovative technology allows the yacht to convert biomethanol into electricity, enabling it to operate emission-free at anchor.
The 50Steel superyacht features a new design with an engine room concealed on the lower deck, freeing up space on the aft deck for an open, 150-square-metre “Ocean Lounge” beach club with a pool and unfolding sea terraces. The yacht offers luxurious accommodations across five cabins, including a gym and spa area. Read more
6. Finnair’s New Route
Finnair has announced an increase in shuttle flights to Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, for the upcoming winter holiday season. This reflects a growing interest in Arctic travel experiences.
Finnair will offer up to 63 flights a week between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, a 26% increase from last winter. The increased capacity will support Finnair’s network of over 14 destinations in Finland and other popular gateways in Lapland, including Ivalo, Kittila, and Kuusamo. The airline will also boost connections to Tromsø, Norway, enhancing travel options for international customers seeking Arctic adventures. Read more
7. Jeddah Route Relaunch
British Airways has resumed flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reflecting the region’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
Starting November 4, 2024, the airline will operate year-round flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah with its Boeing 787 fleet. This new four-per-week service enhances connectivity to Saudi Arabia, complementing the daily flights between Riyadh and Heathrow Terminal. Read more
8. Maldives’ Travel Ban on Israeli Tourists
The Maldives has banned Israeli tourists due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The government has advised Israeli citizens already in the country to consider leaving, citing difficulties in providing assistance if they encounter distress. This decision comes after the Maldives had lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and restored relations in 2010. Read more
However, Israeli citizens are still welcome in Lakshadweep, India, which offers similar travel experiences to the Maldives. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also great alternatives in the eastern part of India.
9. Accor’s New Initiative
Accor has launched the “Hospitality is a Work of Heart” initiative to rejuvenate the talent culture within the hospitality industry. This initiative aims to attract and retain talent by emphasizing the value of hospitality work and enhancing employee experiences.
The campaign focuses on creating a supportive work environment, offering career development opportunities, and recognizing the contributions of hospitality workers. Read more
10. Hong Kong’s Tourism Recovery
Hong Kong is witnessing a tourism recovery with a significant increase in visitor numbers and new initiatives to attract international tourists.
In the first four months of 2024, Hong Kong welcomed 14.62 million visitors, double the number from the same period last year. This surge in tourism is expected to boost Hong Kong’s GDP by 0.1% for every increase of 1.5 million visitors. The city recorded a 2.7% year-on-year growth in real GDP in Q1 2024, driven by an over 8% rise in service exports, particularly in tourism and transportation.
To further stimulate tourism, Hong Kong plans to host 60 more major events in 2024, increasing the total to over 210 events for the year, potentially generating HK$7.2 billion ($923.58 million) in consumption and adding HK$4.3 billion in economic value. Initiatives include cultural tourism programs, new itinerary routes, entertainment expos, and fashion weeks. Read more
Travel News – June 2024: Remarks of the Week
The global travel industry is experiencing dynamic shifts and remarkable growth, evident in Thailand’s tourism surge and Saudi Arabia’s emerging appeal. Exciting innovations are making luxury travel even better, and countries like Indonesia and Mauritius are still great places to explore. Stay tuned for more updates as the world of travel evolves and adventure beckons.
