tourism sector news

What next for travel and tourism? Here's what the experts say

In many countries, more than 80% of travel and tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market. Image:  Unsplash/Surface

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Stay up to date:.

• In 2020 alone, the travel and tourism sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs globally.
• But as the world recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism can bounce back as an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector.
• Two experts highlight some of the key transformations in the sector going forward during the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

The Travel & Tourism sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving not only companies but also tourism-driven economies severely affected by shutdowns, travel restrictions and the disappearance of international travel.

In 2020 alone, the sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs, impacting the living standards and well-being of communities across the globe. Moreover, the halt in international travel gave both leisure and business travellers the chance to consider the impact of their choices on the climate and environment.

Amid shifting demand dynamics and future opportunities and risks, a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient travel and tourism sector can be - and needs to be - built.

The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 finds that embedding inclusivity, sustainability and resilience into the travel and tourism sector as it recovers, will ensure it can continue to be a driver of global connectivity, peace and economic and social progress.

We spoke to Sandra Carvao , Chief of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Liz Ortiguera , CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Thailand (PATA), and asked them to highlight some of the key areas of risk and opportunity in the sector during an episode of the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

Have you read?

Travel & tourism development index 2021: rebuilding for a sustainable and resilient future, towards resilience and sustainability: travel and tourism development recovery, how can we really achieve sustainability in the travel sector, what are some of the top global trends you're witnessing currently in the travel and tourism sector.

Liz Ortiguera: Given the extended lockdown that we had on travel with the pandemic, vacation for friends and relatives (VFR) is now a high priority for people who haven’t been in touch for a long time thanks to the pandemic. So, people are reconnecting. And that kind of links to the second trend, which is multi-purpose or blended travel. Never before, particularly now that we can connect digitally through Zoom, has the ability to work from anywhere enabled travellers to cover multiple purposes, like visits with friends and multiple business trips. So, we'll find that the duration of travel and the length of stay is longer. And third is the continued high focus on safety and wellness which is top of mind for travellers due to the pandemic. All travel is wellness-related now.

Sandra Carvao: I think there is a bigger concern with sustainability, which is very welcome in our industry. Consumers, particularly the younger generation, are much more aware of the impact they have, not only on the environment but also socially and on the communities they live in. We've also seen an increase in expenditure per trip, so I think people are very eager to go outside, and they're staying longer. And on the other side, I think there are some challenges: we’re seeing a rise in late bookings because restrictions can change at short notice and that’s having an impact on the decisions of travellers. This is putting pressure on the industry in terms of planning and anticipating fluctuations in demand.

Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have immersive experiences are more likely to post about them, which is good for the industry.

What is community-based tourism and why is it important?

Sandra Carvao: One of the positive impacts of the pandemic is that people are looking for local experiences and are spending more time with communities. So, the concept of community-based tourism is obviously one that puts the community at the core of every development, ensuring that it's engaged and empowered and that it benefits. At the UNWTO, we worked with the G20 and the Saudi presidency back in 2020 and produced a framework for tourism development in communities, which states that communities need to be part of the planning and management of tourism activities. We need to go beyond traditional definitions of community to a point where the industry leans on partnerships between the public and private sectors and communities.

Liz Ortiguera: In July 2022, PATA is hosting a destination-marketing forum and one of the key themes is community-based tourism. The purpose is really to put the community and authenticity-in-culture activities at the heart of the travel experience. There are benefits for all stakeholders. One is that travellers can have an authentic experience. They're not in overcrowded, touristic locations and they experience something new and unique within the community. These experiences are designed in partnership with communities who get the benefit of financial inclusion, and if activities are designed properly, the reinforcement of their cultural heritage. Governments also engage in economic development more broadly across countries. Another interesting trend is creative tourism, which means you create an experience for tourists to participate in, like a dance lesson, or a cooking lesson. Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have these kinds of immersive experiences are more likely to post about them online and that's good for the industry.

It is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

How is technology and innovation helping to leverage cultural resources?

Sandra Carvao: One interesting trend we’re seeing is that more and more people are booking trips directly, so communities need to be supported to digitize their systems. Education and upskilling of communities are important so that they can leverage digital platforms to market themselves. From the tourists’ perspective, it is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

Liz Ortiguera: People have been living virtually for more than two years. Amazing innovations have emerged, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, and all kinds of applications and tools. But the important thing is the experience. The destination. Real-world experiences need to remain front and centre. Technology tools should be viewed as enablers and not the core experience. And when it comes to staff, technology can really democratize education. There’s an opportunity to mobilize a mobile-first approach for those who are on the frontlines, or out in the field, and can’t easily access computers, but need to get real-time information.

How is the sector dealing with labour shortages and re-employment of the workforce?

Liz Ortiguera: Labour shortages are much more dynamic in North America and in Europe. But it’s having a knock-on effect on Asia. If, for example, their air carriers are limited by staff and they have to cancel flights, which we're very much seeing out of Europe, seating capacity then becomes a limiting factor in the recovery of Asia Pacific. That's the main constraint right now. And compounding that is the rising price of fuel. But people in the Asia Pacific are keen to get reemployed.

Sandra Carvao: Labour shortages are a priority for the sector in countries around the world. Many workers left the sector during the pandemic and the uncertainty that surrounded the measures taken to contain it left many people unsure of whether the sector would recover. It is time to address things like conditions, scheduling, and work/life balance, all things which have been top of mind for workers during the pandemic. As the sector recovers, we need time to bring new hires on board and to train them to take over where those who switched jobs left off.

Are we seeing a growing trend towards domestic tourism?

Sandra Carvao: We’re talking about 9 billion people travelling within their own countries. And in many countries, for example in Germany, more than 80% of the tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market, similarly in countries like Spain and even smaller economies. Whenever it's possible to travel again, domestic markets tend to be more resilient. They kick off first mostly due to perceptions of safety and security issues. As the world economy recovers from the pandemic, there is a good opportunity for nations to rethink their strategy, look at the domestic market in a different way, and leverage different products for domestic tourists.

When it comes to sustainable tourism, how quickly could we mainstream eco-friendly modes of transportation?

Sandra Carvao: Transport is one of the key contributors to energy impacts and tourism. But it's also important that we look at the whole value chain. The UNWTO together with the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme just launched the Glasgow Declaration, which includes green commitments from destinations and companies. We’re seeing a strong movement in the airline industry to reduce emissions. But I think, obviously, technological developments will be very important. But it's also very important to look at market shifts. And we can't forget small islands and developing states that rely on long-haul air travel. It’s important to make sure that we invest in making the problem much less impactful.

Liz Ortiguera: 'Travel and tourism' is such a broad encompassing term that it’s not fair to call it an industry: it is actually a sector of many industries. The pandemic taught us how broad the impact of the sector is in terms of sustainability. There's a big movement in terms of destination resilience, which is the foundation for achieving sustainability in the journey to net-zero. We now have standards to mitigate that impact including meetings-and-events (MIE) standards and standards for tour operators. There are multiple areas within our industry where progress is being made. And I'm really encouraged by the fact that there is such a focus not just within the sector but also among consumers.

This interview was first done at the World Economic Forum's studios in Geneva as part of 'Our World in Transformation' - a live interactive event series for our digital members. To watch all the episodes and join future sessions, please subscribe here .

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International tourism is showing strong signs of recovery, with tourist numbers rising to 57 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. On World Tourism Day, marked on Tuesday, the UN is calling for a major global rethink of the sector, to ensure that tourism is sustainable, and benefits local communities.

The UN World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ) released encouraging news on Monday, with its latest World Tourism Barometer, which shows that international tourism arrivals almost tripled in the first seven months of 2022 (compared to the same period in 2021).

Cautious optimism

The agency’s Panel of Tourism Experts expressed cautious confidence for the rest of year, and into 2023, despite the uncertain economic environment: increasing interest rates, rising energy and food prices, and the growing prospects of a global recession, continue to pose major threats to the sector.

In a message released to mark the Day, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, hailed tourism’s ability to drive sustainable development, and called for more investment in clean and sustainable tourism, the creation of decent jobs, and for measures to ensure that profits benefit host countries and local communities.

Go green to survive

“Governments, businesses and consumers must align their tourism practices with the Sustainable Development Goals and a 1.5 degree future”, said Mr. Guterres, referring to international agreements aimed at keeping global warming in check. “The very survival of this industry, and many tourist destinations, such as Small Island Developing States, depends on it.”

“The restart of tourism everywhere brings hope,” declared Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, in his address at the opening of the official celebrations organized for the Day, in the Indonesian resort city of Bali.

Mr. Pololikashvili described tourism, which employs around 10 per cent of the global workforce, as the “ultimate cross-cutting and people-to-people sector, which touches on almost everything we do.”

Report card

To mark the day, UNWTO launched its first World Tourism Day Report , the first in an annual series of updates and analysis of the Organization’s work guiding the sector forward.

The report contains updates on the agency’s activities in key areas including gender equality, sustainability and climate action, tourism governance and investments and innovation.

Representatives of the G20 group of the world’s leading economies, including tourism ministers, will meet in Bali in November. Ahead of the event, UNWTO has produced a set of guidelines for ministers, to enable them to support resilient and sustainable tourist businesses, which take into account human capital, innovation, youth and women empowerment, and climate action.

Ensure zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation: UN rights expert

An independent UN rights expert released a statement ahead of the Day, to call for Governments to ensure that the tourism industry is free from child forced labour, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. 

Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, warned that the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and socioeconomic setbacks have caused enormous strains on child protection systems.

This, she said, has made children more vulnerable to sale, trafficking and sexual exploitation in the context of travel and tourism, especially in countries that have traditionally relied on the income generated from travel and tourism.  

Tourism and the climate crisis

• In response to concerns surrounding the impact of the tourism sector on the climate crisis, UNWTO launched the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism at the 2021 UN Climate Conference (COP26), which was held in the Scottish City.
• Signatories commit to supporting global commitments to halve harmful emissions by 2030, and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050, implement climate action plans, and report on their progress on an annual basis.
• To date more than 530 organizations have signed the Declaration, including major international companies, and tourism boards from a wide variety of countries.  

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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UN Tourism News

To mark the start of the United Nations ‘Decade of Action’, UN Tourism News was launched to provide the latest updates of UN Tourism’s work and key insights from the world of tourism as the sector leads the way in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Tourism News 86

Diversifying tourism across Asia and the Pacific, alongside promoting more and better education, will be key to building a more resilient and sustainable sector.

UN Tourism News 85

Tourism leaders from across the world have met again to shape the sector’s future, emphasizing the sector’s vital economic importance while also placing it firmly on the political agenda.

UN Tourism News 84

International tourist arrivals reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. According to UN Tourism, more than 285 million tourists travelled internationally in January-March, about 20% more than the first quarter of 2023, underscoring the sector’s near-complete recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

UN Tourism News 83

The 69th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas brought together prominent representatives of countries of the region in the Cuban city of Varadero. The meeting addressed the challenges and opportunities of the tourism sector that the region is facing.

UN Tourism News 82

The United Nations General Assembly has held a second thematic event focused on tourism and the sector’s critical role in critical role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and resilience

UN Tourism News 81

Europe’s national tourism authorities have met to advance shared solutions to the biggest challenges facing tourism as well as the opportunities offered by the sector’s post-pandemic return.

UN Tourism News 80

Offering more diverse experiences and investing in talented people will play a key role in helping mountain areas grow tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner. The 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism identified key challenges, among them climate change and evolving consumer trends, while recognizing the role tourism can play in the protection of the fragile mountain ecosystem, the building of resilience for mountain communities, and the preservation of the local heritage.

UN Tourism News 79

A groundbreaking statistical framework, developed under the leadership of UN Tourism, has been adopted by all 193 UN member states. The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) thus becomes the internationally agreed reference framework for measuring the economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism.  

UN Tourism News 78

With the latest UN Tourism data showing international arrivals returning to 88% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2023, emphasis has now shifted to protecting the sector from future shocks. The official visit of the delegation led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili coincided with the second Global Tourism Resilience Day. A series of high-level meetings in Jamaica also advanced shared efforts around ethical, inclusive and sustainable tourism as well as the priorities of education and investment.

UN Tourism News 77

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enter a new era with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that "people and planet" are always center stage.

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Japan’s Travel & Tourism Sector Nears Pre-pandemic Recovery Despite Lengthy Restrictions

Greek Travel & Tourism Sector to Approach Full Recovery This Year, Says WTTC

More Than 1.6mn Travel & Tourism Jobs Set to Be Created in India This Year

World Travel & Tourism Council & UNWTO Sign Historic MOU

WTTC G20 Public-Private Dialogue Shines Light on Travel & Tourism Opportunities

China’s Travel & Tourism Sector Forecast to See Swift Post-pandemic Recovery Despite Prolonged Restrictions

WTTC Calls for Urgent Action on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

UAE Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Recover This Year, Says WTTC

Strong Signs of Recovery for Travel & Tourism in Canada Says WTTC

U.S. Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Reach Record-Breaking High This Year Says WTTC

Global Travel & Tourism Catapults Into 2023 Says WTTC

VFS Global Founder & CEO Zubin Karkaria Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Executive Committee

WTTC Unveils World-First Global Travel & Tourism’s Water Footprint

WTTC Data Reveals Portugal’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

New WTTC Environmental Data Reveals Italy’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

WTTC Reveals Germany’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

WTTC Launches Groundbreaking Hotel Sustainability Basics

WTTC Reacts to Statement From the Presidency of the EU Council on Easing Restrictions for Travellers From China to the EU

Tourists Heading Back to Asian Cities Says the World Travel & Tourism Council

Beijing Set to Become World’s Largest Travel & Tourism City Destination Says WTTC

Tourists Travelling Back to South Africa’s Biggest Cities Says WTTC

International Tourists Unlocking Economic Recovery Across the UAE Says the World Travel & Tourism Council

Travel & Tourism Sector in Key European Capitals Strongly Recovering Says WTTC

Tourists Travelling Back to North Africa’s Biggest Cities Says WTTC

Heading Back to Indian Cities Say World Travel & Tourism Council

WTTC Expresses Condolences to the People of Türkiye and Syria

Orlando Crowned Largest Travel & Tourism City Destination in America for 2022

Tourists Heading Back to Australia Say World Travel & Tourism Council

WTTC and TRIP.COM Group Global Traveller Report Reveals Shift Towards Sustainable Travel

WTTC Reveal Paris as the World’s Most Powerful City Destination

WTTC Reacts to the Imposition of Travel Restrictions on Chinese Travellers

WTTC Reveals APAC’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

African Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

The World Travel & Tourism Council Reveals Climate Footprint of EU Travel & Tourism Sector

North American Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

The World Travel & Tourism Council Announce Collaboration with UNWTO and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance at COP15

Rwanda Announced as Next WTTC Global Summit Host

International Cities Remain the Backbone of Global Travel & Tourism 

WTTC Unveils World-First Global Travel & Tourism Climate Footprint Data

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh Set to Be Biggest Ever

Global Traveller Survey Reveals International Travel Is Back

WTTC Announces Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May as Keynote Speaker for Its Global Summit in Saudi Arabia

WTTC Announces Ban Ki-Moon Former United Nations Secretary-General as First Keynote Speaker for Its Global Summit

TBO.COM Co-founder Gaurav Bhatnagar Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Executive Committee

WTTC Announces Speakers for Its 22nd Global Summit in Saudi Arabia Next Month

The World Travel & Tourism Council and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Announce Partnership to Accelerate the Transition to Net Positive Hospitality

WTTC Welcomes the Agreement on a Collective Long-Term Aspirational Goal

The World Travel & Tourism Council Commends Government of Canada’s Decision to Remove COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

WTTC Calls on ICAO Member States to Rally Behind Aviation and Agree Ground-Breaking Carbon Reduction Targets

The World Travel & Tourism Council Hosts Historical Dialogue Between Private Sector and the G20 Ministers

WTTC Welcomes the Reopening of Borders in Japan

WTTC Publishes Ground-Breaking Report on How Travel & Tourism Can Reverse Nature Loss

The World Travel & Tourism Council Reacts to the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

U.S. Retains Its Position as the World’s Biggest Travel & Tourism Market Despite Lengthy Travel Restrictions by Boosting Domestic Travel

World Travel & Tourism Council Welcomes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Nearly 50,000 Travel & Tourism Jobs in Portugal Could Remain Unfilled, Says WTTC

Quarter of a Million Vacancies in Travel & Tourism Threaten Italy’s Economic Recovery, Says WTTC in New Report

According to WTTC, More Than 70,000 Vacancies in Travel & Tourism Threaten France’s Economic Recovery

130,000 Vacancies in Travel & Tourism Threaten UK Economic Recovery Says WTTC in New Report

412,000 Travel & Tourism Jobs Across the U.S. Will Remain Unfilled Unless Urgent Action Is Taken

WTTC Reveals New Data Signaling the Recovery of International Travel to the U.S.

According to WTTC and ETC, 1.2 Million Travel & Tourism Jobs Across the EU Will Remain Unfilled Unless Urgent Action Is Taken

WTTC Launches New Report on Best Practices for Short-Term Rentals

China’s Travel & Tourism Sector to Create More Than 30 Million Jobs Over the Next Decade

Japan Travel & Tourism Could Approach Pre-Pandemic Levels Next Year

South Korea’s Travel & Tourism Expected to Create Nearly Half a Million Jobs Within the Next Decade

South Africa’s Travel & Tourism’s Growth to Outpace the National Economy for the Next 10 Years

More Than Five Million New Travel & Tourism Jobs to Be Created in Indonesia Within the Next Decade

Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism to Have Fastest Growth in the Middle East Over the Next Decade

Travel & Tourism Jobs in Nigeria to Double Over the Next Decade

New Report From WTTC Analyses Critical Factors for Hotel Investment Post Pandemic

WTTC Publishes New Report on Destination Resilience

WTTC Calls for Greater Coordination Between Caribbean Governments to Create More Than 1.3 Million Jobs Over the Next Decade

Portugal’s Travel & Tourism Could Surpass Pre-pandemic Levels in 2023

World Travel & Tourism Council Welcomes Decision to Remove Testing for Travelers Which Caused “Untold Damage”

Travel & Tourism Set to Inject Over $2.6 Billion Into the U.S. Economy Over Next Decade

WTTC Announces Influential Speakers for Its Sustainability and Investment Summit in Puerto Rico

Visitors Flock to UK to Join Celebrations as the Queen Celebrates 70 Years on the Throne

India’s Travel & Tourism Could Surpass Pre-pandemic Levels by the End of 2022

Italy’s Travel & Tourism Could Reach Pre-pandemic Levels Next Year, Reveals WTTC Report

France’s Travel & Tourism Could Surpass Pre-pandemic Levels in 2023

WTTC Publishes Report on Digital Travel Post COVID

Germany’s Travel & Tourism Could Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels Next Year

New Report From WTTC Reveals UK Travel & Tourism Sector Is Expected to Create 700,000 Jobs Over the Next Decade

Turkey’s Travel & Tourism Sector to Grow at Twice the Rate of the National Economy

North America Travel & Tourism Sector GDP Expected to Grow an Average of Nearly 4% Annually Over Next Decade

Travel & Tourism Sector Across Africa Expected to Create 14 Million New Jobs Within the Next Decade

Canada Travel & Tourism Could Reach Pre-pandemic Levels Next Year

Nearly Eight Million New Travel & Tourism Jobs to Be Created in Europe Within the Next Decade

Middle East Travel & Tourism Sector Expected to Create 3.6 Million New Jobs Within the Next Decade

WTTC Global Summit Closes in Manila and Announces Saudi Arabia as Next Host Destination in November This Year

The World Travel & Tourism Council Reveals Massive Increase in Global International Inbound Travel

WTTC Launches New Cyber Resilience Report for the Global Travel & Tourism Sector

WTTC Launches Major Hotel Sustainability Initiative at Its Global Summit in Manila

Leading Tourism Ministers and Business Leaders Discuss Lessons Learnt From the Pandemic at WTTC’s 21st Global Summit

Travel & Tourism Sector Expected to Create Nearly 126 Million New Jobs Within the Next Decade

New Report From WTTC and Jll Outlines Global Cities’ Preparedness for Sustainable Travel & Tourism Growth

British Adventurer Bear Grylls Named as Keynote at WTTC Global Summit in the Philippines

WTTC’s Latest Economic Impact Report Reveals Significant Recovery in the Philippines Travel & Tourism Sector in 2021

Global Travel & Tourism Sector Unites to Support Ukraine

The World Travel & Tourism Council Welcomes the Removal of the Travel Health Notice for Cruises

WTTC Announces Speakers for Its 21st Global Summit in the Philippines

The World Travel & Tourism Council Addresses EU Ministers to Discuss the Recovery of Travel & Tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council Commends New Zealand Government for Reopening Its Borders to International Travellers

WTTC Reacts to the Removal of All Remaining UK Travel Restrictions

World Travel & Tourism Council Supports Call For Intra-EU Travel Restrictions to Be Dropped

WTTC Reacts to the Removal of COVID-19 Tests for the Fully Vaccinated Travelling to Saudi Arabia

WTTC Statement on the Invasion of Ukraine

Middle East’s Travel & Tourism Sector Could Grow To Us$246 Billion in 2022, Says WTTC

France’s Travel & Tourism Sector Could See Employment Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels This Year, Says WTTC

WTTC Welcomes “Sensible” EU Scrapping of Pre-departure Tests for Fully-Vaccinated

China’s Travel & Tourism Sector Could Reach CNY 11 Trillion This Year, Says WTTC

UK’s Travel & Tourism Sector Poised to Hit £192 Billion This Year if Government Keeps Borders Open, Says WTTC

WTTC: U.S. Travel & Tourism Recovery Projected to Exceed Pre-pandemic Levels in 2022

UK Economy Suffered £7Billion Losses as Travel & Tourism Hit by Government Omicron Restrictions, Says WTTC

Travel & Tourism Could Grow to $8.6 Trillion in 2022, Says WTTC

WTTC Reacts to the Removal of COVID-19 Tests for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

WTTC Announces the Sustainability and Investment Summit to Be Held in Puerto Rico

WTTC Predicts a Strong Recovery of the European Travel & Tourism Sector in 2022

Date updated: 23/05/24

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ixigo posts INR 656 crore revenue and INR 73 crore profit in FY24

For the full fiscal year 2024, ixigo's gross transaction value (gtv) surpassed inr 10,000 cr, marking a 38% year-over-year (yoy) growth. this growth was also reflected in the fourth quarter of fy24, which saw a 34.9% yoy increase in gtv. notably, the flight gtv expanded by 75% for the full year and by 63.6% for the fourth quarter compared to the same period the previous year..

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Regional airports found wind beneath their wings in fy24, india's tourism sector ripe for the picking, israel continues to see reduced travel abroad in june, new tourism avenues to emerge in up with strategic mou & major development projects, dubai flight delay leaves flyers stranded in airport for 10 hours, demand for travel is back in full swing: new vfs global south asia coo, ihcl continues growth momentum, signs 16 hotels & opens 6 in q1 fy 25, railways to run special unreserved rath yatra train between raipur and puri, americans look past fuel cost, bad weather to set july fourth travel record, govt orders inspection of structural strength of all airports, delhi airport first to launch govt’s fast track immigration-trusted traveller programme, tourist footfall reaches 1 crore-mark in goa; visitors flocking even in monsoon: minister rohan khaunte, inr 24,000 cr approved for 4-lane road from umiam in meghalaya to assam's silchar, india will get world's largest museum in 2025: shekhawat, air india to establish south asia's largest flying training organisation in amravati, maharashtra, metro records 2nd highest footfall as schools reopen, ihcl announces 6th taj hotel in goa, destination.

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New York tourism industry recovers from COVID, except in employment

A LBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Employment in the tourism industry still lags 4.3% behind the pre-COVID benchmark. That’s according to a report from the State Comptroller’s Office, available at the bottom of this story and released before Independence Day.

COVID wiped out almost a third of tourism-related jobs, and no region of the state fully bounced back.

Still, per the report from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, wages in the industry—$23.1 billion in total, with an average salary of $55,000—were 6.9% higher in 2023 than in 2019. And while the report tallies $10.9 billion lost in the travel and tourism sectors during the pandemic, the subsequent recovery saw $792 million more economic activity than in 2019.

The report also highlights spiking state park attendance and growing agribusiness. They saw over 900,000 more people at state parks in 2023 than in 2000, an increase of 9.1%.

“Our State Parks are an important driver behind our state’s economy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “And my administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to our breathtaking sites and to boosting the tourism industry.”

To that end, on July 3, the governor announced signing S5423 / A4853 , making state parks accept other forms of payment besides credit cards. This promotes access to state parks by eliminating that barrier to entry.

The comptroller report said that in 2022, 355 million non-work trips into New York from other states (mostly New Jersey) represented an almost 31% growth from 2020. There were also 7.4 million more international travelers to New York in 2023 than in 2020, though still not completely recovered from an 84% COVID drop.

In 2023, tourism generated $34 billion and employed almost 417,000 New Yorkers. Today, only California outranks New York in terms of economic activity directly from tourism, the report said. And agritourism—like wine tastings, hayrides, and fruit- and vegetable-picking, and hayrides—grew, with almost twice as many farms (947) and more than triple the income ($55 million) than 2007.

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Tourism rebounds in New York, but hospitality jobs harder to fill

New York's tourism industry has rebounded in a big way since pandemic lockdowns began more than four years ago, according to a new state report on travel released ahead of an extended Fourth of July weekend.

An analysis of travel by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found people are visiting New York state close to pre-2020 levels. But there are still some challenges to face.

Ulster County Tourism Director Lisa Berger said there’s no better time to visit the Hudson Valley than right now.

“Visitor spending has grown 127% since 2019. That's the year before the pandemic, and that was a record year,” Berger said.

Across all of New York, domestic travel and tourism spending levels are surpassing pre-2020 levels, according to the comptroller's report. Non-work trips to New York increased more than 30% from 2020 to 2022.

Visit Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Patrick Kaler said it's seeing interest in Western New York as well.

“Following the pandemic, people were going on those bucket-list trips. But now, they're really focusing more on staying in the United States for different travel. And we're starting to see some really great numbers coming out of Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago,” Kaler said.

Berger’s region has also seen more visitors from Pennsylvania, Canada and other states than they did in 2019.

Kaler says those visitors are crucial for tourism.

“And what's great about those markets are that they're truly committing to coming to Buffalo. So they're going to come spend more time here, and obviously spend more money while they're here as well,” Kaler said.

There has been one challenge still to overcome – a lacking workforce to fill the increasing need for hospitality jobs.

Berger said it is something counties will need to address if they don’t want to lose the tourism gains.

“People left this industry during the pandemic," she said. "This industry was really shut down for a long part of it, and that was very difficult. And I think that they found jobs somewhere else. So now we have to interact, we have to interest like a whole new group of people in wanting to go into hospitality and tourism jobs.”

The comptroller's report draws a similar conclusion: Lawmakers will need to extend support to all of the recreational and cultural resources that draws people to New York.

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Enhancing tourism experiences in Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Six organizations supporting tourism in the region expand experiences to attract more visitors with federal support

July 3, 2024  – Milton, Ontario 

Home to scenic locations like Lake Ontario’s Waterfront, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant communities, Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas offer unique tourism experiences that draw tourists from near and far while growing Canada’s economy.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario ( FedDev Ontario ), Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and Member of Parliament for Milton visited the Crawford Lake Conservation Area in Milton. Here, PS van Koeverden highlighted how an increase in tourists leads to spillover benefits into communities, creating jobs and stimulating local economies, while announcing over $1.1 million in federal support for six projects in Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas. 

While at Crawford Lake, PS van Koeverden learned about how Conservation Halton plans to install a holographic immersive experience at the Crawford Lake Visitor Centre. With $180,000 in support from the federal government, this exhibit will highlight Crawford Lake as an important natural site. Opening in Fall 2025, this immersive experience is expected to attract over 10,000 tourists annually from students to nature enthusiasts to the region.

Conservation Halton is also receiving a $200,000 investment to install an inflatable waterpark at the Kelso Conservation Area Park. This attraction is expected to draw over 8,500 annual visitors and open the door for further investment opportunities into the park, ensuring its conservation efforts can be enjoyed by all for years to come. 

Additional information on the six projects receiving federal support is included in the backgrounder .

The Government of Canada is strategically investing in tourism projects in the region to support new products and experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.

“Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas are home to destinations that offer unique experiences for both visitors and locals, serving as vital economic drivers in the community and throughout southern Ontario. Organizations like the Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton are creating unique and impactful experiences for all to enjoy while doing important work to sustain the natural landscape for future generations to enjoy.” – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector is a vital economic engine, creating jobs for Canadians across various sectors. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting local organizations like the  Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton through the Tourism Growth Program. By investing in this industry, we aim to attract more domestic and international visitors to explore the region’s diverse offerings.” – The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism

“Crawford Lake and Kelso Lake are cornerstones of our community here in Milton, with people traveling from all over to experience the region’s natural beauty for both sport and leisure. Supporting the Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton as they enhance the offerings at these must-see destinations will ensure that our natural landscape can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike for years to come in ways that are sustainable to the lakes and the conservation areas around them.”  – Adam van Koeverden , Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and Member of Parliament for Milton

“Conservation Halton’s parks are destinations for outdoor recreation and learning that attract over one million visitors from our region and beyond. Today’s announcement of new funding for two of these popular park destinations, Crawford Lake and Kelso, is a step towards creating even more vibrant, prosperous and resilient communities. Thank you to FedDev Ontario for investing in new tourism experiences and park attractions that will bolster visitor engagement in our region.” – Barb Veale, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Conservation Halton

Quick facts

Incorporated in 1974, the Conservation Halton Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that acts as the fundraising arm of Conservation Halton by raising funds to sustain a healthy watershed with clean streams, vigorous forests, and abundant green spaces and creating areas for learning and recreation.

Incorporated in 1963, Conservation Halton is a not-for-profit organization responsible for protecting, restoring, and managing natural resources in its jurisdiction while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, and welcoming visitors from near and far across their watershed.

Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is investing $108 million, over three years, directly to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.

Support for additional projects will be announced through the coming months. In addition, the next application intake for TGP funding will open later in 2024. Follow FedDev Ontario's website for up-to-date information.

Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.

Associated links

• Conservation Halton Foundation
• Conservation Halton
• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

Edward Hutchinson Press Secretary Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario [email protected]

FedDev Ontario Media Relations [email protected]

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India’s Travel Sector Has Recovered, But International Is Still a Pain Point

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

July 4th, 2024 at 12:01 AM EDT

India is cementing its position as a significant source market for travel across the world. However, on its own turf, all is not well.

Bulbul Dhawan

India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly, according to a new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), but international travel spend in India continues to remain below pre-Covid levels. 

The WTTC report revealed:

• The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to Indian GDP stood at INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) in 2023, nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels. 
• Employment in the industry increased 8% to 43 million. 
• Domestic tourist spending was INR 14.64 trillion ($175 billion) last year, up 15% from pre-Covid levels. 
• International visitor spending was over 14% behind the 2019 levels. 

Key Role of Domestic Tourism

Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.

Online travel agency EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie agreed with the WTTC report. He said, “Domestic travel and the tourism sector, in recent times, has become the backbone of India’s economic growth, especially with the government’s focus on promoting India as an equivalent to a global destination.”

According to recent data from aviation analytics firm OAG, India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. India’s domestic air passenger traffic in 2023-24 also surpassed pre-Covid levels , 

Earlier this year, Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian also spoke about his company’s focus on India, specifically its domestic travelers. “The country’s leisure travel market is primarily driven by Indians traveling within India and discovering the country,” he said .

“The Indian market started seeing a rebound since the end of last year with the leisure hotel segment leading the way. Especially post Covid, India inbound became the buzzword. Indian travelers also started finding India more appealing due to the joint effect of increased marketing efforts and high international airfares,” said Arindam C Bahel, general manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie. 

2024 Outlook for Tourism in India

According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India is projected to be ahead of 2019 by the end of this year across four metrics: Contribution to Indian economy, employment, domestic visitor spending, and international visitor spending.

It estimates that:

• The sector will contribute almost INR 21.15 trillion ($253 billion) to India’s GDP in 2024. 
• Jobs in the industry will increase by 2.45 million this year, equaling one in 11 jobs in India. 
• International visitor spending will grow more than 17%. 
• Domestic visitor spending will increase by nearly 10%.

There are risks to these projections, however: During the peak domestic travel period in summer, a record number of travelers left due to the heatwave in North India . The extreme weather condition also led to a nearly 40% decline in sale of inbound flights in May from April 2024.

Pain Points

Despite these strong projections from WTTC, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts managing director Ajay Bakaya has shared a different perspective. 

“2023 was a phenomenal year. Our domestic tourists went up everywhere we were operating. We have seen changes in 2024. We had a really good first quarter from January to March, and April witnessed reasonable growth. But we have some places that have seen a decline in May and June. It could be the elections, but the results were far below expectations and budgets,” he said, adding that he hopes for it to be a short-term blip. 

Bakaya also shared that while the overall tourism sector in India has been performing well, the picture is not so favorable for hill stations. “All across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, tourism this year has been below 2022 and 2023 levels. The reason is that our outbound travel is now healthier and stronger due to more options, easier visas, and more economical flights.” 

He believes that in the long-term hill stations will go back to pre-Covid levels of reasonable business, but won’t witness a booming business. Goa, he explained, is also not seeing the growth that it should as probably the top tourism destination in India. “So, the picture is very good and very positive, but it is not all hunky dory. We’ll have some challenges before we scale the peak,” he said. 

Meanwhile, international inbound is lagging. And India has slashed its global tourism promotion budget by 97% .

Bakaya said, “We’re all pinning our hopes on what happens starting October 2024 (the inbound tourism season in India), but so far we have seen very little inbound travel. It has been disappointing.”

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: domestic tourism , easemytrip , Hyatt Hotels , india , india outbound , india travel , international tourism , international travel , mark hoplamazian , sarovar hotels , tourism , Travel industry , Travel Trends , wttc

Photo credit: According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India will be ahead of 2019 by the end of 2024. Godson Bright / Pexels

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Manjimup was once a tobacco town. After WA's timber industry shutdown, it's transitioning again

The WA town of Manjimup is transitioning away from timber, but it is not the town's first pivot.

The town used to be a big tobacco-growing region before local growers got pushed out by overseas competitors.

What's next? 

Locals say finding a new industry for Manjimup is the million-dollar question.

From tobacco to timber and everything in between, the small Western Australian town of Manjimup has long struggled to find an identity that sticks.

Now, its latest pivot away from timber has locals asking: "What's next?" 

Vic Grozotis is an apple and avocado grower in the town, 295 kilometres south of Perth in the state's south west, in a shire with a population of just under 10,000 people.

His ties to the town date back to 1948, when his grandfather bought 100 acres of land and started growing tobacco.

"It was something that they were familiar with growing back in Macedonia," he said.

"I still remember Dad telling me a story where they made enough money to buy a car one year, so that's a reflection of the sort of income they brought into the economy."

By 1961, the industry ended almost "overnight " because local growers could not compete with big global competitors.

Hundreds of people in Manjimup lost their jobs.

"The reason the tobacco companies were given at the time was that Manjimup tobacco had too much chloride in it. However, I think it was more of a political decision," Mr Grozotis said.

"Returns were poor; I think some growers actually got a bill at those times, and it just stopped overnight.

"There was no backup in those days — you had to survive."

That's when Mr Grozotis's father planted the first apple trees on his farm.

Big business in cauliflower

Fast-forward to the 1980s, and the cauliflower industry was booming in Manjimup.

About 78 growers around the area were supplying international markets, including Anthony East's family.

"Anyone who had a bit of land, a bit of water, they grew cauliflowers for the export market," Mr East said.

"It employed managers, secretaries, admin staff, housewives — it was a big industry. Then, when it came to Chinese New Year when they tripled their orders for two weeks of the year, it was mayhem here."

But by the end of the 1990s, Mr East said global competitors started selling the vegetable for about half the price.

"It was a really, really good industry and unfortunately that got cut overnight by overseas competitors … and we just couldn't compete anymore," he said.

The family split up and took on new retail, farming, and business endeavours.

Timber winds down

Throughout all the ups and downs, timber has long been the backbone of Manjimup's economy.

Until recently, local mills were flat out processing native timber from the surrounding areas .

However, the WA government banned native logging at the beginning of 2024 , leaving the town once again in limbo.

Shire of Manjimup president Donelle Buegge said she did not know which industry would finally stick or when.

"If I knew that, I would be a millionaire," she said.

But she said the town had a bright future ahead.

"Manjimup is very resilient. We seem to successfully go from one industry to another. Our farmers are the salt of the earth; they find some other way of remaining on the land," she said.

What about farming in Manjimup?

When Mr Grozotis's family first started growing apples, there were more than 40 growers in the area.

He said that number had dwindled to just 16 over the years.

"The cost price squeeze is very, very real for us in the agriculture industry and I'm concerned that we're going to see a lot more farmers exit the industry," he said.

"We've got no young people. A group of friends and I, a few weeks ago, were sitting around a fire … and of those 10, only two had children coming back on the farm.

"So I'm the last of the generation to go farming."

Mr Grozotis said he was hopeful new farming families and the nearby lithium mine in Greenbushes would keep Manjimup thriving in future.

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Approaches to active tourism in the Urals and in Perm Krai

• Aleksander I. Ziryanov Perm State University, Perm (Russia)
• Andriej Y. Korolev Perm State University, Perm (Russia)
• Swietlana E. Mishlavtceva Perm State University, Perm (Russia)
• Azat A. Safarian Perm State University, Perm (Russia)

Located in the south of Ural, Perm Krai, apart from mineral resources and well-developed industry, can boast vast areas that lend themselves to active and qualified tourism, with the quality of an amateur sport. The development of these forms of tourism often requires large expenditure needed for adjusting the space to various types of activity. It also requires a correlation between a given character of the space and the preferred form of tourism, which often leads to environmental conflicts between the development of tourism and nature protection. The article presents the most important elements of the tourism potential in Perm Krai, as well as the sports tourism development perspectives in the context of real and potential environmental conflicts.

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• Aleksander I. Zyrianow, Andriej Ju. Koroliow, Swietłana E. Myszliawcewa, Azat A. Safarian, Propozycje zagospodarowania przestrzeni na potrzeby turystyki aktywnej na Uralu w Kraju Permskim , Turyzm/Tourism: Vol. 26 No. 1 (2016)
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