Tourism

May2024: In an event held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched the country’s spectacular summer program for 2024, “Saudi Summer is Next Door.” Saudi’s summer program will run for four months until the end of September across seven destinations and includes over 550 exceptional tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages curated for families and children across different segments like adventure lovers, those looking for luxury retreats and activities, and culture and heritage enthusiasts. Organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Saudi Summer Program 2024 launch event was attended by Secretary-general of World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, over 250 key strategic partners from the public and private sectors, and significant media and key opinion leaders. During the event, they were given exclusive details on the Saudi Summer Program 2024 and its key components. The summer program is launched across seven destinations: Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea – a new destination, Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUa. This year, the program will also witness the return of the Jeddah Season and the launch of the Aseer Season with a momentum of family activities and events lined up. In addition to this, Saudi also has a line-up of the biggest and most vibrant events as part of the summer program, particularly the Esports World Cup in Riyadh being held for the first time, an annual eight-week competition featuring the world’s most elite Esports athletes, and multiple boxing tournaments happening both in Riyadh and Jeddah. At the event, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, delivered a speech to mark the launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024. In his speech, he highlighted global tourism trends, the growth seen by the Kingdom in the tourism sector, and the record-breaking numbers of incoming tourists resulting in Saudi Arabia topping the UN World Tourism List and the G20 nations list. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, added, “Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global destination. The Saudi Summer Program 2024 is our commitment to showcasing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unparalleled hospitality that Saudi Arabia offers. We invite local and international tourists to experience the diversity of our seven unique destinations and take advantage of the exceptional offers and packages designed to create unforgettable memories. This initiative, supported by our strategic partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives like the eVisa and increased flight connectivity, demonstrates our dedication to making Saudi Arabia more accessible and appealing to tourists worldwide. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe to explore and enjoy the vibrant experiences that await them this summer.” His Excellency the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed his joy at attending the event, and said, “Saudi tourism is witnessing unparalleled development at all levels, achieving great leaps in recent years, which I witnessed during my multiple visits to this hospitable country. Saudi Arabia has global indicators related to the number of tourists, which has qualified it to top the UN World Tourism list of significant tourist destinations.” He added during his speech, “All of these great achievements for Saudi tourism would not have been achieved without proper planning from those in charge of the sector in the Kingdom and the great potential it possesses in terms of diverse climates, stunning natural landmarks and the generosity of Saudi people who are distinguished by their hospitality, raising the ceiling of ambitions for new achievements.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority also stated, “While temperatures in the region rise to high levels during summer, temperatures in the highlands of Saudi Arabia in the southern region decrease to the extent that we even witnessed snowfall in Al Soudah yesterday. Through the promotional campaign for the Saudi Summer Program 2024, we seek to highlight the uniqueness of our destinations and their climatic, natural, and cultural diversity, along with the exceptional events and activities happening during summer.” He added, “This year’s summer program includes more than 550 tourism products and 150 special offers designed in collaboration with STA’s partners which include attractive offers from hotels, and airlines offering free tickets for children in partnership with major travel, tourism and aviation companies and exceptional products in the Aseer Season and Jeddah Season like tax-free shopping offers and many new and exciting experiences such as private beaches for tourists and ladies’ beaches.” The campaign slogan “Saudi Summer is Next Door” embodies an open invitation to explore the magic of Saudi destinations and their diversity. This diversity is expressed with simple words that reflect the uniqueness of each destination such as “Closer,” “Cooler,” “More Beautiful,” and “More Affordable.” The private sector is a key partner in the success of tourism programs and initiatives and the Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to empower it by encouraging demand for products and offers that meet the aspirations of tourists from all over the world. The launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024 comes at a time when visiting Saudi has become easier, smoother, and safer through efforts like making the eVisa available to citizens of 66 countries, reducing the total price of the eVisa by 20 per cent, and increasing the number of weekly flights from Gulf cities to Saudi summer destinations to 1,100. Also, GCC residents can make use of the GCC residents visa, which allows them multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during a year. There has also been an increase in the number of hotel rooms available to travellers with an additional 25,000 rooms expected to be added this year.

New Delhi, 30th April 2024: Germany’s tourism is witnessing a notable growth in visitors with Indian tourists playing a key role in driving this development. The country welcomed over 8 lakh overnight stays from India in 2023, marking a large rise in German tourism compared to the previous years. This trend highlights Germany’s appeal as a sustainable and travel friendly destination offering diverse cultural experiences and hidden gems that captivate the hearts of travelers be it from India or any corner of the world. In recent years, Germany has seen a significant increase in Indian tourists choosing the country as their most preferred travel destination. The remarkable growth of 32.6% as compared to 2022, reflects the rising interest among Indian travelers in exploring Germany’s rich culture, scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and renowned culinary experiences. Germany’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices offers travelers the opportunity to meet with sustainable cultural experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. As the tourism industry in Germany grows day by day, the country aims to increase the visibility of the 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites and attract visitors interested in exploring the country’s sustainable social heritage. Not only does Germany lives and breathes history and rich culture, but it is also home to many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking out of the ordinary experiences. “We are delighted to see a growing number of Indian tourists choosing Germany as their destination of choice. Germany offers a wholesome experience of scenic beauty and a rich culture, combined with magical theme-routes and eco-friendly tourism. We believe it is the ideal destination for travelers wanting to revel in warm hospitality and scintillating cuisine. We look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors and showcasing the best of what Germany has to offer. ” Romit Theophilus, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – India at the GNTO. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and German Embassy in India briefed the details to the media at the German Embassy in New Delhi.

Mumbai, 7th February 2024: New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for New York City’s five boroughs, led a delegation of six tourism partners along with Turkish Airlines (they were the part during the Mumbai events) concluded its annual sales mission in India. The event was held from January 29th to February 3rd in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Throughout the mission, New York City Tourism + Conventions and the partners participated in a series of events, appointments, and meetings, aimed at re-engaging the travel trade across the market. The initiative successfully strengthened ties with the Indian travel industry, positioning New York City as a premier travel destination. As part of this mission, the NYC Tourism delegation engaged with key stakeholders and travel agencies in three feeder cities across India and showcased the diverse offerings that New York City has for Indian travelers. “We were pleased to be back in India, a rapidly growing feeder market for New York City tourism, for our annual sales mission, said Makiko Matsuda Healy, Senior Vice President, Tourism Market Development for New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Recently, we introduced the Travel Trade Academy program, thoughtfully enriched with Hindi subtitles to ensure that the Indian travel trade can fully engage with the five-borough destination. By incorporating Hindi subtitles, we aim to empower the trade to adeptly respond to evolving consumer demands, providing a diverse and personalized array of NYC experiences that resonate with the preferences of the Indian audience.” New York City Tourism + Conventions partners participating in the mission included :Empire State Building, Trump International Hotel & Tower NY, Hudson Yards, Millennium Hotels, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and Madame Tussauds.In Mumbai, New York City Tourism + Conventions also partnered with the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai. New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official global partner of IGLTA Foundation for their 2nd annual symposium in India. The NYC Travel Trade Academy is a free, online, educational training tool, available with subtitles in 10 languages including Hindi. The Travel Trade Academy is a self-driven learning platform to equip the global travel trade with essential destination knowledge about New York City. It aims to showcase a broad range of products and services, both new and established, in each of the five boroughs to inspire travel operators and agents to build New York itineraries for their customers. Interested members of the trade can register to participate here. The sales mission this year featured a range of activities, including B2B meetings, and networking events. Through these engagements, NYC Tourism + Convention showcased the city’s iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, world-renowned dining, shopping and entertainment options. India continues to be a significant source of international visitors to New York City, and this mission underscores the city’s commitment to providing Indian travelers with a warm welcome and a memorable experience. New York City is home to the world’s busiest airport system and the number one port of entry for U.S. international travelers. New York City welcomed a total 61.8 million travelers in 2023, marking a recovery of 93% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels. It remains on track to welcome 64.5million visitors this year. In 2023, New York City welcomed 336,000 India travelers, with 383,000 expected to visit this year.

New Delhi, 31st January 2024: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), in collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), have successfully concluded the first leg of their mega six-city India Roadshow 2024, in New Delhi. The event held on January 30th at The Oberoi Hotel, marked the commencement of the roadshow with a grand kick-off in the National Capital. In attendance at the roadshow were 30 key stakeholders from Türkiye, including Tour operators, Hoteliers, and MCs. The attendees witnessed an immersive exploration of Türkiye’s stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities. The B2B sessions facilitated fruitful exchanges, fostering partnerships between the Indian travel industry leaders and Türkiye’s esteemed suppliers. Prominent Indian travel brands such as MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip actively participated in this event, underscoring the industry’s enthusiasm for Türkiye as a premier destination. The presence of influential dignitaries, including Mr. Onur Gözet from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with Türkiye’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Fırat Sunel, further emphasized the significance of the growing tourism relations between the two nations. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Onur Gözet, Deputy Director General for Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Türkiye said, “Our shared histories, deeply rooted in ancient civilizations, have woven a narrative that resonates through both Türkiye and India. It is remarkable to witness the cultural commonalities that bind the two countries, fostering a unique connection that extends beyond geographical borders. It’s no wonder that Türkiye has emerged as a country of choice for Indian tourists, with iconic destinations like İstanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia capturing the hearts of travellers. The foundation laid with the commencement of the six-city roadshow goes beyond tourism. It signifies the beginning of a collaborative journey towards enduring partnerships and mutual growth between Türkiye and India.” Further commenting on the Roadshow, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “Tourism stands as a dynamic force for connecting individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation among both travellers and hosts. As the President of TAAI, we are delighted to once again collaborate with Turkiye as a destination for their mega six-city roadshow across different regions, post the challenging phase of the COVID pandemic. The interactions today in Delhi with TAAI members from the Northern Region marked a successful commencement of the roadshow, graced by the presence of senior government representatives from Turkiye, as well as, key stakeholders. This highlighted the significance and effectiveness of such interactions in building relationships and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices. We believe that these engagements will further encourage innovation and increase footfalls, creating stronger opportunities for both tourism and economic growth.” The Delhi roadshow witnessed participation from over 200 tourism fraternity members of Türkiye and India and highlighted the vibrant synergy between both the countries. It served as a pivotal platform for showcasing Türkiye’s diverse tourism offerings to the growing Indian travel trade community. The 6-city roadshow will continue its journey with subsequent sessions to be held in Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and the concluding event in Ahmedabad.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 20th November 2023: Propelled by strong growth throughout the first three quarters of the year and anticipation of an exceptional surge in guest numbers in the final quarter, Dubai Airports is forecasting annual passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) to reach 86.8 million – surpassing 2019 traffic. DXB commenced the second half of 2023 with its growth story continuing unabated, with average monthly traffic reaching 7.6 million, tracking pre-pandemic levels throughout the third quarter. The world’s largest hub recorded 22.9 million passengers in Q3 – the highest quarterly traffic since 2019, taking the total year-to-date traffic for the first nine months of the year to 64.5 million passengers, up 39.3% compared to the same period in 2022 and 1% above 2019. “We’re thrilled but not entirely surprised that DXB is all set to surpass the pre-pandemic milestone well ahead of our initial projections by almost a year. Our outlook for the remainder of this year and the next remains optimistic. Teaming up with our strategic partners, we’re ready for the challenge to continue to exceed guest satisfaction amidst the continuous surge in traffic,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. He added,“Our team embarked on a remarkable journey, navigating fresh challenges during the recovery period and swiftly revitalising the business. Instead of settling, we’re dedicated to exploring inventive solutions, reimagining traditional concepts, integrating state of the art technology, and addressing the mammoth challenge of sustainability. Events like the Dubai Airshow present the ideal platform to recognise accomplishments and foster future growth. This edition is clearly playing a critical role in forging the path for the industry’s future.” Future Outlook Dubai Airports is expecting record-breaking numbers to continue in Q4 and 2024. To accommodate growth and to achieve the company’s ambition of revolutionising the guest journey at DXB, Dubai Airports is undertaking a strategic project to expand infrastructure capacity while enhancing operational efficiency. With a current capacity of 100 million passengers annually at DXB, the deployment of innovative technology, expansion and refurbishment of existing infrastructures and more efficient use of its space and resources is expected to propel the airport’s capacity to 120 million. As Dubai tops the list of cities with the highest spending by international visitors with a total earning of $29.4bn[1], and the Emirate at the forefront of deploying the latest technologies, Dubai Airports has continued to work closely with its stakeholders to provide guests the experience they expect from Dubai. Top destinations With 8.9 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, India was DXB’s top country destination in terms of traffic volume, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4.8 million passengers, and the UK (4.4 million passengers). Other country destinations of note include Pakistan with 3.1 million passengers, the US (2.7 million) and Russia (1.8 million). The top cities by traffic were London (2.7 million passengers) and Riyadh (1.9 million), closely followed by Mumbai (1.8 million) and Jeddah (1.7 million passengers). Performance DXB’s baggage handling system processed a total of 57.5 million bags in 2023 with a success rate of 99.8% – a rate of 2.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers – no mean feat for the world’s biggest hub for international traffic. In terms of baggage delivery on arrival, 91% of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes to the guests. The baggage volume in 2023 represents 106.07% of the 2019 baggage volume at DXB. The average waiting time at passport control queues was less than 11 minutes for 96.4% of the arriving passengers and 95.1% of passengers queued for less than six minutes at departure passport control. The average queue times at security-check on departures was less than four minutes for 98.4% of total passengers. Cargo Cargo continued to gain momentum in the third quarter registering a surge of 12.3% year on year, to reach 446,400 tonnes. The strong performance this year has helped level out a double-digit contraction in cargo recorded at the end of last year. The hub recorded 1.3 million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months of the year, registering a minor decline of under 1%. Flights Flight movements in Q3 surged by 5.1% in the third quarter to reach 106,000. DXB handled 308,000 in total flight movements between January and September, up 25.2% year-on year.

New Delhi, 13th Nov 2023: DU Digital Global Limited has been appointed as the official partner for Thailand’s sticker visa processing at the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi. Commencing from 01 October 2023, DU Digital Global will oversee the meticulous management and submission of sticker visa applications for travelers aspiring to visit Thailand.DU Digital Global is a distinguished global service provider in administrative tasks, including visas, passports, and identity management.DU Digital accepts sticker visa applications enabling anyone to visit the Visa Application Center to initiate the processing. Sticker visas offer a cost-effective alternative to Thailand’s visa-on-arrival and e-visa options, priced at INR 2,500 for single-entry visas and INR 12,000 for multiple-entry visas. Additionally, there is a nominal processing fee of INR 500. These visas allow a three-month validity with a single stay of 60 days from the date of entry for tourists, with processing times reduced to a minimum of four working days. Required documents include two passport-sized photos, confirmed travel tickets, hotel reservations, and a bank statement reflecting a minimum balance of INR 50,000. During a recent visit,Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of Thailand, and Phanuwit Vejsamphan, Second Secretary, expressed admiration for DU Digital Global Limited’s services.

New Delhi,9th August 2023: Germany saw a 209 per cent increase in overnight stays by Indians in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to new data from the German National Tourist Board. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and German Embassy in India in a press conference showcased Germany as a preferred travel destination for Indian travellers. The conference took place at the German Embassy in New Delhi. The primary objective of this conference was to highlight Germany as a must-visit destination that offers 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, coupled with a focus on nature and sustainability. GNTO aims to attract Indian travellers interested in exploring the country’s natural beauty, picturesque villages, and innovative eco-tourism practices. In 2022, Indians spend a total of 623,363 nights in Germany (2021: 201,194). The record level of 2019 with 961,656 has not yet been reached. “Howver we have already reached 65 percent of the level of 2019, leaving room for continuous growth as Indians return to travelling. There is huge demand among Indians for international travel,” said Romit Theophilus, Director India for the German National Tourist Office “Germany is an attractive destination with exceptional offers. Our goal in the medium term is to reach the number of overnight stays we had before the COVID-19 pandemic. We have achieved a remarkable increase this year compared to 2021, which shows that our diverse campaigns and offers are attractive and appeal to Indians. We know that Germany appeals strongly to Indians that are interested in culture and history, city breaks and culinary experiences.”. Theophilus added, “Sustainability is a key focus of Germany’s tourism industry, and we’re confident that the country’s natural beauty, innovative eco-tourism practices, and rich cultural heritage will resonate with Indian travellers seeking responsible travel options. We believe the conference inspires media to promote Germany as an ideal travel destination.” The shift toward sustainable travel is accelerating and well received by Indians. The shift in values of international travellers clearly shows how much travel behavior has changed since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic and has now consolidated toward more sustainability. Indians are increasingly looking for sustainable travel, according to the Sustainable Travel Report 2022 from Booking.com. The study says that 97 percent expressed a desire to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months. GNTO Campaign 2023 To further increase visitor numbers, the GNTO is offering a comprehensive tourism package with three different campaign themes for 2023.The campaign “51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany” is aimed at the contrast between historic world heritage and the diversity of products in urban and rural areas. Germany offers guests from all over the world not only unique and authentic experiences in combination with a city and nature stay, but also sustainable travel experiences. Many offers in the context of our World Heritage Sites are accessible in a climate-friendly way by public transport. The campaign is designed to ensure that guests find the offerings so attractive that they plan a longer stay – which also supports a lower CO2 footprint.

Delhi,07.08.2023: The Grand Ho Tram Strip, unveiling its newest piece of the puzzle – Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion. As the resort and entertainment complex continues to evolve, Ixora emerges as a captivating gem, adding a new dimension of luxury and allure to The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s prestigious destination. The introduction of Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion, with its well-appointed villas and residences, offers a spacious and private environment for groups of friends and families, ensuring a truly enjoyable and enriching experience. This new addition, combined with the existing 1,100 hotel rooms across the InterContinental Grand Ho Tram and Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, provides guests with diverse range of accommodations with world-class amenities, such as The Bluffs, a golf course recognized as best in Asia by the World Luxury Travel Awards. Walt Power, CEO of The Grand Ho Tram Strip said,”The addition of Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion to The Grand Ho Tram Strip signifies our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional and captivating experience for our guests. This new property further solidifies our position as the premier resort and entertainment destination in the region. We are thrilled to introduce Ixora, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall guest experience and contribute to the continuous development of the Ho Tram tourism region as a top destination in Asia.” Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion is operated by the wellness-focused hotel brand Fusion, is set to captivate visitors with its exceptional offerings. The resort features 164 residences and 46 villas, all boasting breathtaking beach views with an open and seamless architecture that harmonizes the interiors with natural elements, Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion emanates a refreshing energy that promises to pamper guests during their valuable vacation time. The concept of “The Harmony of Connections” lies at the core of Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion. It invites guests to embrace a profound connection with their inner selves, unveiling a complete sense of fulfillment. Each space within the residence or villa provides a blend of interior comfort with the sea breeze, sunlight and the natural ambiance of Ho Tram, ensuring an extraordinary experience for every guest. The Maia Spa provides relaxation therapies that strengthen the connection between physical and mental well-being. While the culinary journey at Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion offers a myriad of diverse flavors, the Ixora Kids Club offers age-appropriate activities for children. Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, nestled along the southern coast of Vietnam, is home to the captivating Ho Tram area, which has quickly emerged as a leading resort and entertainment destination in the region. Renowned for its pristine and beautiful beaches, Ho Tram was even recognized by CNNGo (USA) as one of the most picturesque coastlines on the planet. With its 30 kilometers of clear blue waters and powdery white sands, Ho Tram has rightfully earned the title of the “capital of luxury resorts” in the Southern region. Moreover, Ho Tram boasts a diverse landscape, situated amidst three natural ecosystems – the sea, river, and forest. This pristine environment places Ho Tram among the destinations with the best air quality in Vietnam. The development of transportation infrastructure in the region has further strengthened Ho Tram’s potential. By 2025, three major transportation projects will be completed, including the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway, with a total investment of 19,000 billion VND. Additionally, the Vung Tau – Binh Thuan coastal road will be upgraded and expanded to 42 meters, featuring 6 to 8 lanes. Furthermore, the Long Thanh International Airport will commence operations. Le Ngoc Khanh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, emphasized: “The launch of Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion marks a significant milestone in the implementation and development of the Ho Tram Project – one of the first and most influential tourism projects in the Ho Tram area, Xuyen Moc district, as well as the overall tourism development of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province in recent years. I believe that with the experience and reputation of The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s leadership, the Ho Tram Integrated Resort and Entertainment Complex project will be developed in accordance with the plan, and Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion will undoubtedly become a reliable and ideal destination for both domestic and international tourists.”