Industry News
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INDIA PAINTS ITS BEACHES BLUE
India is increasingly showing commitment to becoming a sustainable, environmentally-friendly tourism destination. The country worked hard to win the iconic “blue flag” certification for its beaches. For the first time, eight Indian beaches have received the coveted status, proving their dedication to a safe and sustainable environment. Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education in …
15% ANNUAL GROWTH FORECAST FOR MEDICAL TOURISM
The global medical tourism market, valued at $104.6bn (€86.12bn) in 2019, is projected to reach $273.7bn (€225.3bn) by 2027, according to new research. The forecast by Allied Market Research is for 12.8% CAGR from 2019 to 2027 in terms of value. In terms of volume, the global medical tourism market accounted for more than 23 …
HYBRID EVENTS SET TO DRIVE MEETINGS MARKET
As the meetings and incentive industry projects a slow comeback, 70% of event professionals believe hybrid events will be crucial to the future of meetings, according to recent research by the Meeting Professionals International Foundation. This is creating a new paradigm for the hotel industry. For its part, to address this shift in customer demand, …
WTTC RELEASES GUIDELINES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
There is no doubt about it. The Covid-19 crisis is taking a toll not only on business, but also on morale. To this end, the World Travel and Tourism Council has just released a set of “mental health guidelines for the Travel & Tourism sector”. Compiled to support businesses of all sizes to support the mental health of …
FIRST FOR NEW CHINESE PASSENGER JET WITH NEW AIRLINE
For the first time, a Chinese-manufactured 90-seat passenger jet has been placed in service… and this, by a brand new airline. OTT Airlines, a newly-founded subsidiary business run by China Eastern Airlines, finished its maiden flight from Shanghai to Beijing on Monday 28 December. The new airline was launched by China Eastern in February 2020, with an aim to …
MALLORCA FIRST IN EUROPE TO GAIN UNWTO.QUEST CERTIFICATION
The World Tourism Organisation has awarded its UNWTO.QUEST Certification in Europe for the first time… to the Mallorca Tourist Board. The international benchmark was created to enhance and recognise excellence and quality in the three key performance areas at the DMO level: strategic leadership, effective execution and efficient governance. Mallorca’s tourism board, a UNWTO Affiliate …
LITHUANIA: WHERE TOURISM REALLY IS MAGICAL
Lithuanians, residents of the last pagan nation in Europe, have never fully let go of their belief in supernatural powers all around them. So, it comes as no surprise that Lithuania’s national tourism development agency has created a map detailing over fifty magical objects—sculptures, monuments, and places—scattered all over the country, each with wish-granting properties and a magical story …
UNWTO: PREPARING THE WORLD FOR A TOURISM COMEBACK
2020 has seen tourism plunging to levels seen 30 years ago as one to 1.1 billion international travellers vanished due to the Covid-19 crisis. However, the UNWTO remains confident of a rebound as the demand for travel remains strong around the world. There will be a brand-new way to practice tourism activities once the Covid-19 …
HILTON CEO ON THE RECENT PAST… AND FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY
Hilton has published an “official” interview with CEO Chris Nassetta in which he talks about a challenging 2020… along with his optimism for the return of the golden age of travel. The turmoil of 2020 has affected all of us – every person, company and industry – many in profound and even tragic ways. The …
NEW SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS IN S.E. ASIA
Topgolf Entertainment Group and Singapore-based franchise partner TG SEA Development have announced today plans to develop Topgolf venues across South-east Asia. Topgolf venues around the world offer a variety of entertainment options, featuring outdoor hitting bays, craft food and beverage offerings stemming from chef-inspired menus, and corporate and social event space. With this partnership, TG …
GIBRALTAR TO REMAIN IN SCHENGEN ZONE
While the UK has officially been out of the European Union since December 31, 2020, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar has a status all of its own. The “Rock” as the territory is often nicknamed, has only a land access with Spain. The economy of the territory is also very dependent on its Spanish …
ALSACE CREATES NEW REGIONAL ENTITY
France’s two easternmost départements (districts), the Bas-Rhin and the Haut-Rhin, have unified their forces into a single entity called “Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace”. The new authority is likely to strengthen the image of Alsace abroad, with the virtual ITB Berlin playing a crucial role in showing the world that Alsace tourism has a new dynamic. The …
EUROPEAN NIGHT TRAINS ARE BACK – WITH TEE 2.0
Night trains are making a come-back in continental Europe as an environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. Leading the movement is the Austrian Federal Railway company ÖBB. The Austrians are the engine behind a broad agreement involving German, French and Swiss rail authorities. Last September, the European Union decided to make 2021 the year of …
INDONESIA EXPANDS SPORTS TOURISM OFFER
Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry is putting the spotlight on sport as a boost to domestic tourism while borders remain closed. Minister Sandiaga Uno has called on representatives of the local sports community to expand destinations for sports tourism in the country. The Minister says he is keen to expedite the implementation of the tourism …
SE ASIA: REOPENING VITAL IN 2021
Southeast Asia was a shining star in the tourism firmament until 2020. Will 2021 be the year of a revival for the region? Much will hang on the willingness of local governments to act swiftly. In 2019, Southeast Asian countries were among the most popular travel destinations in the world, thanks partly to efficient marketing …