travel tourism expert

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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Why Using a Travel Specialist Is More Important Than Ever

By CNT Editors

We've long looked to our network of trusted travel specialists to take us to the far corners of the earth. These are the pros who assemble many of the elaborate itineraries that appear in our magazine, and since the dawn of the pandemic, their up-to-the-minute insights on shifting safety protocols have made them even more essential. If you don't rely on them yet, now is the time to start. Which is why the 2021 edition of Condé Nast Traveler 's Top Travel Specialists comprises more members than ever before. Here, we give you all the reasons you need to book a trip with a travel specialist this year and share some of the best experiences our experts have ever put together—not just to show the scope and prowess of their work, but also to remind you of all the adventures ahead after a long year of staying close to home.

For the full list of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists, please visit cntraveler.com/travel-specialists .

All the reasons you should use a travel specialist—now more than ever

1. They make things work, no matter what “We keep our clients happy by helping them move or defer bookings without incurring cancellation fees while ensuring that our service providers—the camps, lodges, and hotels—don't lose bookings so that they can keep their heads above water.” — Anja Naude , Go2Africa

2. You trust someone to safeguard your financial future—why not your travel future? “Our role is becoming similar to a financial planner in that we are part of the client's team of advisers for their long-term plans. I have personally been referred by many financial planners and wealth advisers who understand the importance of a future travel portfolio or plan in retirement.” — Estee Gubbay , Luxurist Travel

3. Because you don't know everything “It's almost impossible to ask all the right questions. My job is to make sure the client understands how things will be different and to help them break through their assumptions about what they'll encounter so they have a smooth trip. A travel specialist can get things done that you don't even know need to be done.” — Elaine Baran , Esprit Travel and Tours

4. Travel specialists don't take no for an answer “Through sheer tenacity, I was able to get a client refunded over $18,000 from a tour operator who was not giving refunds.” — Alyse Cori , Travelwize

5. They make you a better traveler “ COVID-19 will pass, but now we're much more mindful of how we travel and can use this as an opportunity to use travel for good, rather than be reckless consumers.” — James Jayasundera , Ampersand Travel

6. Travel specialists have the best tools at their disposal “We know about health and safety protocols for each destination. Our tourism boards and partners have been in constant contact with updates, changes in safety regulations, and reassurance of care for our clients. Because we have ongoing personal relationships with our tourism partners, we can inspire our clients to explore the world again with confidence.” — Adrienne Sasson , Rubinsohn Travel

7. Because travel looks entirely different now “I expect there will be a growing interest in philanthropy and that vacations are likely to get longer as people want to enjoy slower travel—more time in less places. We're able to tap our contacts to help parents navigate working and schooling remotely.” — Melissa Matthews , Red Savannah

Our specialists on some of the most impressive trips they've ever planned

Sean Nelson of Oman Expeditions can plan camel treks through the desert.

“The Arabian wilderness, which is largely pristine and remote, requires a level of particular expertise. It's really a privilege to gain such access to an unspoiled landscape and the people who live there. That being said, we always try to enthrall and surprise. The largest sand dune in the world was discovered in southern Oman, and we were asked to track it down for a client. Our travelers tend to be adventurers who are conscious of the importance of low-impact travel. In this case, we ran a private expedition on a mind-blowing trail through the Empty Quarter desert and set up a comfortable camp with a private chef for his group at the bottom of the dune. It was a magical journey. It just so happened that, on this same trip, members of our team were reunited with camel-herding Bedouin family members they hadn't seen in years.” — Sean Nelson , Oman Expeditions

Sam Highley of All Road North plans trips that bring attention to Louisiana's disappearing wetlands

“Our mission is to connect travelers with people and places that change how they see the world. Clients of ours who were spending time in Louisiana had a completely immersive adventure: After breakfast at a great hotel in New Orleans, we took them to the skies in a De Havilland Beaver floatplane to fly south over the deep delta and outlying communities of Plaquemines Parish. This habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate, and from the air you can really see the challenges, as well as the efforts being made to conserve one of the largest alluvial floodplains in the world. They landed on the banks of the Mississippi and had lunch in a restored 1880s church. On the return flight, they dropped down in the maze-like bayou to the west of New Orleans and transferred to an airboat for a ride through the swampy marshland filled with wildlife.” — Sam Highley , All Roads North

By Abbe Baker

By Kaitlin Menza

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“Several weeks before I was to escort a group of 22 to Italy, a tour operator called to say that what I had previously confirmed—an after-hours visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with a private guide—was now unavailable. Refusing to accept the news, I picked up the phone and tried some of my contacts on the ground in Italy until I found one who was able to pull off the impossible. And so we arrived at the Vatican one evening and began our private tour. When we reached the Sistine Chapel, a small and humbly dressed man met us at the locked door. A large ring of dangling keys hung from his belt. He knew exactly which one would unlock the door to the sacred chapel...and in we went.” — Lynn Tyger , Frosch Travel

Lynn Tiger of Frosch Travel gets clients after-hours access to Vatican City.

“One of my clients joined zebra researchers as they did a game count flying over the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. The photos he took from that Cessna 206 with the doors off were pretty spectacular.” — Dan Achber , Trufflepig Travel

“We pulled off a helicopter safari deep into the main Himalayan range in search of the elusive snow leopard. We capped it off with a night's stay alongside monks in a remote monastery.” — Phil Bowen , Guides of Bhutan

“I was working with first-time clients on a family trip to Disney World , and from the outset we established that this was absolutely not about ticking off boxes or cramming in all the rides. I knew that they had pursued their Professional Association of Diving Instructors certification just before this trip, so I set the father and son up with private access to scuba diving in Epcot's 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium in the Living Seas Pavilion. It's filled with more than 6,000 sea creatures and has perfect visibility. Early the next morning, they set off with a photographer on a private Wild Africa Trek safari at Animal Kingdom . They fed hippos and crossed an elevated rope bridge that hovered over alligators and crocodiles and drove through the savannah where lions lounged on warm rocks and elephants gathered in herds. This trip went well beyond the typical Disney World playbook.” — Phyllis Polaner , Smartflyer

“We sent a drone up in Raa Atoll in the Maldives to look for manta rays. When we found one, we summoned our client from his villa onto an awaiting boat so he could snorkel alongside them.” — Lindsey Wallace , Linara Travel

Meg Austin of Meg2book arranges trips that include diving and sailing in Antarctica..

“For a 50th birthday trip I arranged diving under the ice in Antarctica, alongside leopard seals, and a private sail through the Drake Passage. I also scored permits to Palmer Station, one of the U.S. research centers in Antarctica. I knew I needed a vessel that could navigate the ice, which moves. No one would give me a ship. Finally, I found one, in Russia, so I scheduled conference calls in the middle of the night. I'll never forget the chuckle I got from the Russian owner of the ship when I said we won't take no for an answer. And we did it. We got it.” — Meg Austin , Meg2book

“When my client said she wanted a truly authentic experience that didn't feel produced or refined for the sake of tourism, I suggested Ethiopia. She visited the secluded Omo Valley, an ancient land where tribes are untouched by modern life. This is a raw, genuine, and deeply transformational encounter. From there she took a helicopter up to the highly remote Danakil Depression. It's the hottest, least hospitable place on earth, where lava lakes and neon-hued hydrothermal fields create a tapestry against the shimmering salt pans. It's like landing on Mars. To say few people on the planet will ever set foot there is an understatement.” — Teresa Sullivan , Mango African Safaris

Erica Gragg of Escape Artists Travel once planned a yoga class inside Istanbul's Basilica Cistern.

“This is something that could never be duplicated, but I once arranged a yoga class for 20 in the underground Basilica Cistern of Istanbul .” — Erica Gragg , Escape Artists Travel

“A gentleman contacted me to say that he'd been thinking about finally returning to Vietnam. As an American soldier he was based somewhere near the demilitarized zone in central Vietnam, and he had made friends with the local families in the village near where he was stationed. He wanted to find one family in particular, to see them and make peace in his heart with all that had happened. He said that he didn't expect I'd be able to find them. Still, I asked him to tell me what he could remember. He described a station, past the main road and down a hill. There was a small river by the village and a family with two boys and a girl. It wasn't much to go on, but I shared this with my Vietnam partner. ‘Is there any possibility we can find them?’ I asked. My Vietnam partner said it was worth trying. So he rented a motorbike, then a boat, and went out to the general region to ask around and see what he could find. It took two days of scouting, but sure enough, we found the family. When my client returned from his trip, he said he found a peace he never thought he'd be able to achieve before he passed.” — April Cole , Kaanect

Lesley Egbert of Live Longitude Travel can plan a Costa Rica trip that includes rappelling and feeding sloths.

“I planned a trip to Costa Rica for a father and his teenage son who had some physical disabilities and was mostly blind. They wanted to do this trip, and all the adventure activities they possibly could, before his condition worsened. Because the son could feel and hear better than he could see, I arranged white water rafting on a low rapid class, tandem zip lining, tandem waterfall rappelling, and ATV riding. They got to go into the animal sanctuary with a guide to feed a sloth and handle and feed the toucan. I put them at hotels where they would get the star treatment, and because I set them up with a private guide and driver for the duration of the trip, the father got to feel like he was on an actual vacation. I think about this trip a lot, because our job is so much more than just planning travel. We create these magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime.” — Lesley Egbert , Live Longitude Travel

“For our client's 40th birthday, we helicoptered six couples from Reykjavik directly to a glacier in Iceland's wild interior. We set up a bespoke camp with six heated tents, a private chef, an astronomer, and a DJ. They were lucky enough to party the night away under the northern lights. To clear the cobwebs the next day we arranged for the more hardy members of the group to swim between two tectonic plates in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure. We then deconstructed the entire camp and left the glacier without a trace of anyone having been there.” — Mark Allvey , Untold Story Travel

Tom Marchant of Black Tomato gets clients access to sites across Egypt during a cruise.

“We created an epic itinerary for a family cruising the Nile in a private dahabeah to Egypt , Jordan, and Oman. We pulled everyone out of bed at 4:30 a.m. and transferred them to the Giza Plateau to experience the Pyramids before they opened to the public. We even tapped a photographer to capture the family as the sun rose in front of the Pyramids and the Sphinx. They went on a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum with archaeologists and an Egyptologist, and had an after-hours tour of the Valley of the Kings where they accessed King Tutankhamen's tomb. It's hard to overstate the sheer magnificence of sailing in a glorious dahabeah. It's really the trip of a lifetime.” — Tom Marchant , Black Tomato

The small victories they pulled off in 2020

“In a year where very few were able to travel, my guests were among the first Americans to travel to Kenya after the lockdown in August. They had an amazing time and really helped others feel more confident about traveling.” — Elizabeth Loftus , Alluring Africa

“Our client decided to go to the Serengeti for the wildebeest migration. Because he was arriving in just two weeks, we knew exactly where the animals would be, and he experienced it all with no one else around.” — Elizabeth Gordon , Extraordinary Journeys

“I pulled off a 50-person retreat in the Dominican Republic—with two weeks' notice. People came from around the world, and everyone made it. It was an amazing way to end the year.” — Dawn Oliver , Well Xplored

This article appeared in the April 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

As travel resumes and builds momentum, it’s becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. —a number made more significant because it was reached without travelers from China, which had the world’s largest outbound travel market before the pandemic. 2 “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Recovery and growth are likely to continue. According to estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80 to 95 percent of prepandemic levels depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, travel recovery in Asia–Pacific, and geopolitical tensions, among other factors. 3 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries in which the organization conducts research will have either recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95 percent of full recovery. 4 “Global travel and tourism catapults into 2023 says WTTC,” World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), April 26, 2023.

Longer-term forecasts also point to optimism for the decade ahead. Travel and tourism GDP is predicted to grow, on average, at 5.8 percent a year between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the growth of the overall economy at an expected 2.7 percent a year. 5 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 , WTTC, August 2022.

So, is it all systems go for travel and tourism? Not really. The industry continues to face a prolonged and widespread labor shortage. After losing 62 million travel and tourism jobs in 2020, labor supply and demand remain out of balance. 6 “WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide,” World Travel & Tourism Council, October 6, 2021. Today, in the European Union, 11 percent of tourism jobs are likely to go unfilled; in the United States, that figure is 7 percent. 7 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022.

There has been an exodus of tourism staff, particularly from customer-facing roles, to other sectors, and there is no sign that the industry will be able to bring all these people back. 8 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022. Hotels, restaurants, cruises, airports, and airlines face staff shortages that can translate into operational, reputational, and financial difficulties. If unaddressed, these shortages may constrain the industry’s growth trajectory.

The current labor shortage may have its roots in factors related to the nature of work in the industry. Chronic workplace challenges, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, have culminated in an industry struggling to rebuild its workforce. Generally, tourism-related jobs are largely informal, partly due to high seasonality and weak regulation. And conditions such as excessively long working hours, low wages, a high turnover rate, and a lack of social protection tend to be most pronounced in an informal economy. Additionally, shift work, night work, and temporary or part-time employment are common in tourism.

The industry may need to revisit some fundamentals to build a far more sustainable future: either make the industry more attractive to talent (and put conditions in place to retain staff for longer periods) or improve products, services, and processes so that they complement existing staffing needs or solve existing pain points.

One solution could be to build a workforce with the mix of digital and interpersonal skills needed to keep up with travelers’ fast-changing requirements. The industry could make the most of available technology to provide customers with a digitally enhanced experience, resolve staff shortages, and improve working conditions.

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The pace of technological change has redefined customer expectations. Technology-driven services are often at customers’ fingertips, with no queues or waiting times. By contrast, the airport and airline disruption widely reported in the press over the summer of 2022 points to customers not receiving this same level of digital innovation when traveling.

Imagine the following travel experience: it’s 2035 and you start your long-awaited honeymoon to a tropical island. A virtual tour operator and a destination travel specialist booked your trip for you; you connected via videoconference to make your plans. Your itinerary was chosen with the support of generative AI , which analyzed your preferences, recommended personalized travel packages, and made real-time adjustments based on your feedback.

Before leaving home, you check in online and QR code your luggage. You travel to the airport by self-driving cab. After dropping off your luggage at the self-service counter, you pass through security and the biometric check. You access the premier lounge with the QR code on the airline’s loyalty card and help yourself to a glass of wine and a sandwich. After your flight, a prebooked, self-driving cab takes you to the resort. No need to check in—that was completed online ahead of time (including picking your room and making sure that the hotel’s virtual concierge arranged for red roses and a bottle of champagne to be delivered).

While your luggage is brought to the room by a baggage robot, your personal digital concierge presents the honeymoon itinerary with all the requested bookings. For the romantic dinner on the first night, you order your food via the restaurant app on the table and settle the bill likewise. So far, you’ve had very little human interaction. But at dinner, the sommelier chats with you in person about the wine. The next day, your sightseeing is made easier by the hotel app and digital guide—and you don’t get lost! With the aid of holographic technology, the virtual tour guide brings historical figures to life and takes your sightseeing experience to a whole new level. Then, as arranged, a local citizen meets you and takes you to their home to enjoy a local family dinner. The trip is seamless, there are no holdups or snags.

This scenario features less human interaction than a traditional trip—but it flows smoothly due to the underlying technology. The human interactions that do take place are authentic, meaningful, and add a special touch to the experience. This may be a far-fetched example, but the essence of the scenario is clear: use technology to ease typical travel pain points such as queues, misunderstandings, or misinformation, and elevate the quality of human interaction.

Travel with less human interaction may be considered a disruptive idea, as many travelers rely on and enjoy the human connection, the “service with a smile.” This will always be the case, but perhaps the time is right to think about bringing a digital experience into the mix. The industry may not need to depend exclusively on human beings to serve its customers. Perhaps the future of travel is physical, but digitally enhanced (and with a smile!).

Digital solutions are on the rise and can help bridge the labor gap

Digital innovation is improving customer experience across multiple industries. Car-sharing apps have overcome service-counter waiting times and endless paperwork that travelers traditionally had to cope with when renting a car. The same applies to time-consuming hotel check-in, check-out, and payment processes that can annoy weary customers. These pain points can be removed. For instance, in China, the Huazhu Hotels Group installed self-check-in kiosks that enable guests to check in or out in under 30 seconds. 9 “Huazhu Group targets lifestyle market opportunities,” ChinaTravelNews, May 27, 2021.

Technology meets hospitality

In 2019, Alibaba opened its FlyZoo Hotel in Huangzhou, described as a “290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality.” 1 “Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has a hotel run almost entirely by robots that can serve food and fetch toiletries—take a look inside,” Business Insider, October 21, 2019; “FlyZoo Hotel: The hotel of the future or just more technology hype?,” Hotel Technology News, March 2019. The hotel was the first of its kind that instead of relying on traditional check-in and key card processes, allowed guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, to check-in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

The hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. Each guest room has a voice-activated smart assistant to help guests with a variety of tasks, from adjusting the temperature, lights, curtains, and the TV to playing music and answering simple questions about the hotel and surroundings.

The hotel was developed by the company’s online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba’s AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal of “leveraging cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we’re living in,” according to the company.

Adoption of some digitally enhanced services was accelerated during the pandemic in the quest for safer, contactless solutions. During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a restaurant designed to keep physical contact to a minimum used a track system on the ceiling to deliver meals directly from the kitchen to the table. 10 “This Beijing Winter Games restaurant uses ceiling-based tracks,” Trendhunter, January 26, 2022. Customers around the world have become familiar with restaurants using apps to display menus, take orders, and accept payment, as well as hotels using robots to deliver luggage and room service (see sidebar “Technology meets hospitality”). Similarly, theme parks, cinemas, stadiums, and concert halls are deploying digital solutions such as facial recognition to optimize entrance control. Shanghai Disneyland, for example, offers annual pass holders the option to choose facial recognition to facilitate park entry. 11 “Facial recognition park entry,” Shanghai Disney Resort website.

Automation and digitization can also free up staff from attending to repetitive functions that could be handled more efficiently via an app and instead reserve the human touch for roles where staff can add the most value. For instance, technology can help customer-facing staff to provide a more personalized service. By accessing data analytics, frontline staff can have guests’ details and preferences at their fingertips. A trainee can become an experienced concierge in a short time, with the help of technology.

Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential

According to Skift Research calculations, total revenue generated by guest apps and in-room technology in 2019 was approximately $293 million, including proprietary apps by hotel brands as well as third-party vendors. 1 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. The relatively low market penetration rate of this kind of tech points to around $2.4 billion in untapped revenue potential (exhibit).

Even though guest-facing technology is available—the kind that can facilitate contactless interactions and offer travelers convenience and personalized service—the industry is only beginning to explore its potential. A report by Skift Research shows that the hotel industry, in particular, has not tapped into tech’s potential. Only 11 percent of hotels and 25 percent of hotel rooms worldwide are supported by a hotel app or use in-room technology, and only 3 percent of hotels offer keyless entry. 12 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. Of the five types of technology examined (guest apps and in-room tech; virtual concierge; guest messaging and chatbots; digital check-in and kiosks; and keyless entry), all have relatively low market-penetration rates (see sidebar “Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential”).

While apps, digitization, and new technology may be the answer to offering better customer experience, there is also the possibility that tourism may face competition from technological advances, particularly virtual experiences. Museums, attractions, and historical sites can be made interactive and, in some cases, more lifelike, through AR/VR technology that can enhance the physical travel experience by reconstructing historical places or events.

Up until now, tourism, arguably, was one of a few sectors that could not easily be replaced by tech. It was not possible to replicate the physical experience of traveling to another place. With the emerging metaverse , this might change. Travelers could potentially enjoy an event or experience from their sofa without any logistical snags, and without the commitment to traveling to another country for any length of time. For example, Google offers virtual tours of the Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan via an immersive online experience available in a range of languages. 13 Mariam Khaled Dabboussi, “Step into the Meroë pyramids with Google,” Google, May 17, 2022. And a crypto banking group, The BCB Group, has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 14 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?,” Middle East Economy, July 29, 2022.

The metaverse holds potential for business travel, too—the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in particular. Participants could take part in activities in the same immersive space while connecting from anywhere, dramatically reducing travel, venue, catering, and other costs. 15 “ Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual? ,” McKinsey, May 4, 2023.

The allure and convenience of such digital experiences make offering seamless, customer-centric travel and tourism in the real world all the more pressing.

Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

Is the future contactless.

Given the advances in technology, and the many digital innovations and applications that already exist, there is potential for businesses across the travel and tourism spectrum to cope with labor shortages while improving customer experience. Process automation and digitization can also add to process efficiency. Taken together, a combination of outsourcing, remote work, and digital solutions can help to retain existing staff and reduce dependency on roles that employers are struggling to fill (exhibit).

Depending on the customer service approach and direct contact need, we estimate that the travel and tourism industry would be able to cope with a structural labor shortage of around 10 to 15 percent in the long run by operating more flexibly and increasing digital and automated efficiency—while offering the remaining staff an improved total work package.

Outsourcing and remote work could also help resolve the labor shortage

While COVID-19 pushed organizations in a wide variety of sectors to embrace remote work, there are many hospitality roles that rely on direct physical services that cannot be performed remotely, such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and facility management. If faced with staff shortages, these roles could be outsourced to third-party professional service providers, and existing staff could be reskilled to take up new positions.

In McKinsey’s experience, the total service cost of this type of work in a typical hotel can make up 10 percent of total operating costs. Most often, these roles are not guest facing. A professional and digital-based solution might become an integrated part of a third-party service for hotels looking to outsource this type of work.

One of the lessons learned in the aftermath of COVID-19 is that many tourism employees moved to similar positions in other sectors because they were disillusioned by working conditions in the industry . Specialist multisector companies have been able to shuffle their staff away from tourism to other sectors that offer steady employment or more regular working hours compared with the long hours and seasonal nature of work in tourism.

The remaining travel and tourism staff may be looking for more flexibility or the option to work from home. This can be an effective solution for retaining employees. For example, a travel agent with specific destination expertise could work from home or be consulted on an needs basis.

In instances where remote work or outsourcing is not viable, there are other solutions that the hospitality industry can explore to improve operational effectiveness as well as employee satisfaction. A more agile staffing model  can better match available labor with peaks and troughs in daily, or even hourly, demand. This could involve combining similar roles or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles. Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in other maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles could be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels. By applying a combination of these approaches, hotels could reduce the number of staff hours needed to keep operations running at the same standard. 16 “ Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages ,” McKinsey, April 3, 2023.

Taken together, operational adjustments combined with greater use of technology could provide the tourism industry with a way of overcoming staffing challenges and giving customers the seamless digitally enhanced experiences they expect in other aspects of daily life.

In an industry facing a labor shortage, there are opportunities for tech innovations that can help travel and tourism businesses do more with less, while ensuring that remaining staff are engaged and motivated to stay in the industry. For travelers, this could mean fewer friendly faces, but more meaningful experiences and interactions.

Urs Binggeli is a senior expert in McKinsey’s Zurich office, Zi Chen is a capabilities and insights specialist in the Shanghai office, Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, and Jackey Yu is a partner in the Hong Kong office.

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What next for travel and tourism? What the experts say ?

By Juliet Masiga–

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.

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.

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.

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.- Source :World Economic Forum)

( Juliet Masiga is Digital Editor, World Economic Forum)

1 July, 2022

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

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UNWTO becomes “UN Tourism” 

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters 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.

UN Tourism: Transforming tourism for a better worldTo achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability . – UN Tourism Jan. 2024

TAT launches

“Thais Always Care”  Campaign 

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign in collaboration with other organizations to ensure tourists’ safety and enhance positive image.”

The “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign was officially launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN) to ensure the safety and welcome of tourists from around the world. The campaign aims to provide seamless travel experiences for visitors to Thailand while also reinforcing the positive image of the country as a safe destination.

The campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors, showcasing the country as a desirable destination for tourists. “CARE” stands for Compassion, Assistant, Relief, and Elevate, encompassing the generosity of the Thai people and their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for tourists.

Partners involved in the campaign have strengthened their safety measures and are utilizing technology to ensure the safety of tourists in Thailand. This includes installing CCTV cameras, implementing strict security checks at department stores, and utilizing technology like the “POLICE I LERT U” application to offer emergency assistance to international visitors. The campaign will also involve working with international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and reinforce the country’s reputation as a safe destination. -Tourism Authority of Thailand

China’s resort island receives

90 m tourists in 2023

More than 90 million domestic and overseas tourists visited south China’s tropical island province of Hainan in 2023, up 49.9 percent year on year, local authorities said .

Hainan’s total tourism revenue surged 71.9 percent year on year to about 181.3 billion yuan (about 25.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

Last year, Hainan experienced rapid development in cruise tourism. Cruises to the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea saw 400 trips, up 277.8 percent year on year, and received 149,400 domestic tourists, up 405.33 percent.

This year, Hainan aims to receive 99 million tourists and its tourism revenue is expected to reach 207 billion yuan. The province aims to receive more than 1 million inbound tourists in 2024.

China aims to build Hainan into an international tourism and consumption center by 2025 and a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. – Xinhua

Vietnam  to welcome 17-18

million  tourists  this year

Việt Nam’s tourism industry has set a target to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors in 2024, approaching the pre-pandemic record in 2019 when COVID-19 had yet to disrupt global travel.

In 2023, the figure hit 12.6 million, surpassing the initial target set earlier in the year (before China, which accounted for a third of foreign arrivals to Việt Nam pre-pandemic, announced reopening plans) by 57 per cent and achieving the adjusted goal of 12-13 million.

The number of domestic travellers, meanwhile, stood at 108 million, up 6 per cent compared to the set target. Tourism activities generated about VNĐ678 trillion (US$27.85 billion) in revenue, 4.3 per cent higher than the yearly plan.

Despite substantial recovery in 2023, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the domestic tourism recovery will still face challenges in the year ahead. This is particularly true in the context of the unpredictable global developments stemming from economic uncertainties, regional conflicts and climate change.

Việt Nam’s socio-economic conditions remain stable; the economy continues to grow and inflation has been kept in check. But the persistent threat of disease and natural disasters are likely to create uncertainty affecting production, business activities and the daily lives of citizens.

According to forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel activities may fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching the levels achieved in 2019. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across different regions.

The ever-changing demands of international tourists require higher standards in product quality, diversity and unique experiences. The trends of integrating information technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are envisioned to drive the emergence of new forms of tourism.

Based on these analyses and projections, Việt Nam aims to serve 17-18 million foreign and 110 million domestic visitors this year, with an expected total revenue from tourism nearing VNĐ840 trillion.

To achieve the stated objectives, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng has instructed the VNAT to continue focusing on advising and improving the institutional framework, policies, reviewing identified deficiencies for adjustment, and international commitments in the field of tourism. Collaboration with other ministries and sectors is emphasised to formulate policies for developing various types of products such as agricultural tourism and digital transformation in tourism. He also noted the need for attention on strengthening tourism statistics and digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness of data collection, providing reliable figures to efficiently support tourism policy planning.

The ministry also calls for enhanced training for tourism officials and workers to meet requirements of new situations, especially in terms of language proficiency and technology expertise. — VNS

Global Medical Tourism market 

USD 136.93 billion in 10 years

Newark, Jan. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 20.07 billion in 2022 global Medical Tourism market will reach USD 136.93 billion by 2032. There is a growing trend towards health and wellness tourism, with individuals seeking medical treatments, preventive care, wellness programs, and holistic health experiences. Medical tourism destinations can capitalize on this trend by offering comprehensive health and wellness packages.

Furthermore, integrating digital health technologies, including telemedicine, virtual consultations, and electronic health records, can enhance the accessibility and coordination of medical tourism services. Digital platforms can streamline pre-travel consultations, post-treatment follow-ups, and information exchange between healthcare providers and patients. Introducing new and advanced medical treatments, therapies, and procedures can attract medical tourists seeking cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Countries and healthcare providers that stay at the forefront of medical innovation can position themselves as leaders in the industry.

In addition, customized and personalized medical tourism packages catering to individual patient’s unique needs and preferences present an opportunity for service providers. Tailoring experiences that include cultural activities, recovery retreats, and concierge services can set providers apart in a competitive market.

Besides, wellness tourism, including genetic testing and personalized health assessments, is gaining traction. Medical tourism destinations can offer specialized wellness packages, including genetic evaluations and preventive health screenings, to attract individuals interested in proactive healthcare.

China eases visa application for US tourists

BEIJING: China will simplify visa applications for tourists from the United States from Jan 1, cutting the documents required, according to a notice on Friday (Dec 29) on the website of the Chinese embassy in Washington.

The move is the latest by China to revive tourism and boost the world’s second-largest economy following a slump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourist visa applicants in the US will no longer need to submit air ticket bookings, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, the embassy’s notice said.

Beijing earlier cleared the way for passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to visit the country without visas from Dec 1.Visa-free treatment will run for 12 months, during which tourists from those six countries can visit China for up to 15 days. China also expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries in November.

The number of inbound tourists to the country plummeted during the pandemic due to the country’s strict COVID-19 control policies.

China’s visa-free policy facilitates

travels from 6 countries

Around 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia entered China in December 2023, an increase of 28.5 percent compared with November, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

China’s unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from these countries took effect on December 1, facilitating inbound travels from there.

Of these inbound trips, 118,000 were made by ordinary passport holders without a visa, accounting for 55.1 percent of all inbound trips from the six countries during this period. Around 91,000 visa-free entries were made for travel and business.

Thanks to the visa-free policy, ports in the southern Chinese city of Nanning welcomed many inbound travelers. Data showed that 121 inbound travel groups of nearly 2,800 people entered China through ports in Nanning in December.

Since the inception of the visa-free policy, ports in Beijing had, by December 31, witnessed more than 12,000 visa-free entries from the relevant countries.

The NIA pledged more optimized entry-exit management policies for foreigners to facilitate their business, study, work, and life in China.

International flights to China have picked up since Beijing dropped COVID-19 restrictions a year ago but are still only at 60 per cent of 2019 levels. – Xinhua

FACTS —

Tourism helps in:

👉Reducing poverty

👉Reducing Inequalities

👉Promoting gender equality

👉Fostering decent work and economic growth

World Tourism Day 2021: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

In 2019, Travel & Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced impact accounted for: -US$8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP -10.3% of global GDP -330 million jobs, 1 in 10 jobs around the world -US$1.7 trillion visitor exports (6.8% of total exports, 28.3% of global services exports) -US$948 billion capital investment (4.3% of total investment)

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 The  TEN team maintains thousands of business contacts around the world, in all sectors of the industry. Regardless of your project needs, we have the contacts and expertise that will provide results. 

 More than 250 years of combined expertise in all aspects of the tourism industry means that we have the knowledge and experience to achieve your goals!

 Short- or long-term, TEN can hit the ground running and move your project from concept to fruition.  With our broad base of real, "in the trenches" experience, TEN can put your plans in action quickly and realize high returns on investment. 

Meet the team

 The Tourism Expert Network (TEN) is an accomplished group of industry professionals who have united to offer their extensive experience and amassed skill as a valuable resource for travel and tourism colleagues.

TEN is neither an agency nor a representation company, but rather, a band of experts inspired to give back and support the industry we love. Whether collectively or individually, TEN representatives are positioned to assist, advise, and consult with DMOs, CVBs, hotels, attractions, shopping centers, golf courses, etc. in their efforts to navigate the new policies, guidelines, and protocols designed to ensure recovery of the tourism industry. Empowered with a broad range of expertise, TEN offers a multitude of á la carte options, any of which can be tailored to effectively collaborate with your team for a few hours or a few weeks, to achieve your entity’s goals. 

TEN’s menu of services also includes exclusive packaged programs appropriate for many different initiatives. Please contact TEN with any questions or inquiries at  [email protected] . 

Passionate about helping industry partners grow their business, Terry has applied his "matchmaking" skills over nearly two decades of facilitating the CA Cup and American Cup Golf Invitationals, earning him the moniker The Golf Father.  Terry's specialty is the international promotion of rural tourism destinations, currently exemplified by his leadership of Visit Yolo, in northern California. Terry loves playing golf in locations near and far, and his favorite day of the week is Friday, when he gathers with his wife and son for a home cooked meal and hotly contested board games.  

With three decades of travel industry everything.... from hotels to tour operators, airlines to hospitality government, Alfredo is a passionate international traveler and airline junkie. He loves public speaking, client training and all levels of customer service. Alfredo also loves his girls: Tina, Chelsea, Alex and Jessica, and his Indian motorcycle, and claims to like golf but he's not very good at it.

TEN's support specialist, Faith is an accomplished trainer, speaker, and writer who followed her heart into travel and tourism  after a long career with Nordstrom. With experience in both the retail and business-to-business sectors of the industry, she is greatly enjoying her current role of Business Development Manager with American Cruise Lines. When not traveling, Faith has a penchant for collecting both classic cars and rescue animals that her family sometimes finds alarming, but luckily, mostly supports.

Rafael was attracted to tourism, like many, for the travel, and boy, has he traveled! But it wasn’t until he realized how tourism benefits a community, state and even a country, that Rafael realized this was a career with a purpose. Rafael's love of travel is driven by his love of food from around the world... both cooking and consuming it!

 Dave is an accomplished travel industry veteran with over 30 years experience in airline, consolidator and tour operator sales.  He has long standing industry relationships with hoteliers around the world and extensive destination knowledge.   When not traveling the world -whether for business or pleasure-  Dave's hobbies of choice include ice hockey, 

golf, and skiing.    

Jennifer B.

 Jennifer developed a passion for travel at an early age, crossing the globe and spending her formative years between Berlin, Germany and Boulder, Colorado. Kicking off her tourism career with the traditional German Hotel Management program, her career in Destination Marketing & PR and Outdoor & Ski Industry since includes working with the Colorado Tourism Office, Visit Durango, the Aspen Skiing Company and Aspire Tours/Aspire Mountain Tours. If not traveling, you can typically find her skiing, golfing (rather poorly), SUP’ing or simply enjoying the great outdoors with her family and pup Addie.   

An accomplished professional with 20+ years experience in leisure travel sales and marketing, Ashlee has worked for three world-class destinations - Los Angeles, Greater Palm Springs, and Scottsdale. Combining her expertise in destination marketing and a passion for lifestyle travel, she launched two companies Ciora Global, LLC to help hospitality businesses with projects and Women on Fairways, LLC, a golf & lifestyle travel company catering to women golfers. At leisure, Ashlee enjoys her morning fitness classes, playing a round of golf, traveling, and spending time with family & friends.

Jennifer O.

 Jennifer has over 20 years of tourism, marketing, and shopping center experience, including positions with America West Airlines, Tempe CVB, The Mills Corporation, Madison Marquette and Macerich. Throughout Jennifer's career she has overseen shopping center tourism programs, redevelopments, ground-up grand openings, and acquisitions. Jennifer struck out on her own eight years ago, assisting shopping centers with strategies, development, and marketing for the tourism industry. Jennifer's greatest loves are her two children, Emma and Max. She enjoys traveling (especially to beach destinations), great food and wine, but is always up for game nights and movies at home with friends and family. 

Mike has worked with the travel industry for decades, beginning with a family owned hotel in Maine.  With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Mike has educated a wide range of stakeholders on the importance of travel and tourism to the economy at the local, state and national levels.  Mike has been to 49 states, and loves taking ballpark trips with his daughter, who has been to 23 of the 30 Major League Ballparks. 

ten spreads the word

Connect travel webinar, ten partners with new york icon wine water & wonders, destinations talk radio podcast.

TEN had the privilege of participating in a great conversation with Shari Bailey of Connect Travel. Follow this link to listen in: 

https://youtu.be/U4BuBx63Fw8

TEN founder Terry Selk was featured on a recent podcast hosted by Kurt Burkhart of Destinations Talk Radio. Follow this link to listen in:

https://destinationstalkradio.com/podcasts/

Wine Water & Wonders Announces Tourism Expert Network (TEN) as their New International Sales and Marketing Representative

Rochester, NY. August 27, 2023 – New York State based Wine Water & Wonders (WWW) announces the selection of Tourism Expert Network (TEN), as their new program administrator, assisting the board with international sales and marketing efforts. TEN was selected to represent and position WWW globally by taking advantage of decades of travel industry experience and a network of talented travel and tourism professionals with expertise in all sectors of the hospitality industry.

In welcoming the partnership with TEN, Diana Keating of WWW said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Wine, Water, and Wonders to join forces with the TEN group. With their expertise, fresh perspective, and unwavering commitment, we’re poised for incredibly growth and greatness, and I am excited to see the remarkable impact they will make on our organization’s journey ahead.”

The TEN group is equally pleased to be tasked with growing recognition of WWW internationally. "We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected to represent Wine Water & Wonders of New York State. We are honored to be able to take WWW and its partners' message of diversity and fun around the world. At a time of unprecedented change, we see an incredible potential for these beautiful regions of New York State, from Niagara Falls to Long Island, to shine on the global stage”, said Terry Selk, Founding Partner of TEN. “We are convinced that our collective experience will help drive visitation to continue the growth of tourism and spur economic recovery for the area”.

ABOUT WINE WATER & WONDERS

Wine Water & Wonders of New York State is a not-for-profit destination management company with an emphasis on two pillars: (1) focus on product development, destination marketing, packaging, and education, and (2) connecting consumers, travel trade, media, and press with New York State.

ABOUT TOURISM EXPERT NETWORK (TEN)

The Tourism Expert Network is a collective of seasoned professionals within the travel and tourism industry. Dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the sector, TEN members offer their wealth of experience to collaborate with diverse entities to include DMOs, CVBs, hotels, attractions and more. TEN provides tailored consulting and support services, leveraging its multifaceted expertise to strengthen the industry in a world of evolving challenges.

Media Inquiries

Alfredo Gonzalez

[email protected]

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

Why We Need ‘Travel Experts’

Pity the poor “travel expert.” Just about everyone wants to be one—or at least drink cocktails on a beach for a living (and do let me know if you find that job description out there). Yet which “title” gets air-quoted more often?

This probably happens because, unlike a field like neuroparasitology, a   lot   of people travel   a lot. (In 2013, a billion international trips were taken.) And more travelers are going DIY, opting to—as the buzzy phrase goes—“travel like a local.” This usually means skipping expert advice and typical attractions, and following recommendations found on crowdsourced review sites.

The results of going that route are often great. But   the trend begs some questions. Do travel experts have a future? Are they even necessary anymore?

Can I say, Yes?

This might come off a bit self-serving—after all, my career revolves around giving   travel advice—but I’m saying it just the same: Without travel expertise shared in some form (be it a guidebook, a string of tweets, or handwritten notes), I can see it taking a toll on   tourism, creating a world in which fewer false perceptions are put to the   test and, ultimately, creating a bottleneck at popular spots. Naturally, great trips can still happen in this world, but within a somewhat diminished context.

The notion of and need for travel expertise has centuries of precedent.

Read through the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, an illuminated French guidebook on Spain’s still-epic Camino de Santiago , and you’ll find the basic elements of a modern travel story: There’s   practical advice (Navarre “has plenty of bread, wine, milk and cattle”);   inspiration (on the Cize pass “you’ll feel you could push the sky with your hand”); and even warnings (Burgos is “lacking in firewood and the people are evil and vicious.” Ouch.).

Times have obviously changed, even in Burgos. One of the biggest game changers in travel is the rise of   user-generated content (UGC), with sites like   TripAdvisor   and   Yelp   revolutionizing how people plan trips.

I use these sites all the time. They can be helpful when you’re looking for a nearby café, or already know where you’re going.

They’re less helpful, I find, when you’re trying to suss out which   city or country or region to visit in the first place—or how to find out   what’s supposedly “real” or “authentic” there. This is partly   because popularity—as these sites tend to order things—isn’t always the most rewarding signpost by which   to travel.

Take Bulgaria, for example. Half of TripAdvisor’s top 20 destinations in the country, all ranked by popularity, are resort destinations offering   cheap package tours. No. 3, for example, is Sunny Beach, which is an overdeveloped strip of cheap condos that the Guardian mocked that the Guardian mocked that the Guardian mocked for its “ever-deepening layer of teenage vomit.”

I spent five months researching articles and guidebooks on Bulgaria. I drove over the Shipka Pass in a ’72 Moskvitch, walked isolated Black Sea beaches alone, stayed with a family who slaughtered a goat on my behalf, and had Dunkin’ Donuts with an ousted prime minister. These experiences,   if I may say so, beat out anything   in their top 10.

Instead of going to the relatively well-trodden capital city of Sofia, consider the low-key (and former capital of Bulgaria) Veliko Târnovo —and its day-trips to waterfall swimming holes, wood-cutter villages, and   ancient   Roman roads. Or Tolkienesque   Belogradchik Fortress ,   which   wraps around giant pinnacle rocks so lifelike they’re named for people.

Some people think travel experts merely get paid to travel. When they’re at their most useful, they don’t; they get paid to work, and travel is a big part of that. Unlike most travelers, they don’t tend to go to one place and write about it; they go to 37 and write about three or four of them.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Expert advice   is as much defined by what’s included as it is by what   isn’t—i.e., the stuff on the editorial cutting floor   you’ll never see. Perspective and context are the chief offerings, with experts providing   road-tested shortcuts others can follow in pursuit of great travel experiences.

But what about locals?

I love locals. Meeting them is frequently the highlight of a trip. Travel writers have long leaned on locals for practical advice, “secrets,” and hole-in-the-wall noodle stands. But never   exclusively. It’s the outside perspective—the curation, you could say—that makes what a travel writer gleans useful to fellow travelers.

In the end, it’s ultimately better to “travel in the company of locals” than like one.   An added, and perhaps unintended, benefit? I find again and again that being exposed to an   outside perspective allows locals themselves to see their hometowns with new eyes.

Celebrated travel writer and former Lonely Planet guidebook author   Robert Reid   is a featured   digital reporter for   Nat Geo Travel. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram .  

For Hungry Minds

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Experiential Travel: Creating Memories, Not Checklists

Trends in the tourism industry are constantly evolving, and experiential travel is one of the latest trends that has only increased in popularity over the years. The key point of experiential travel is to create memories that will last you a lifetime, and if that sounds like exactly your type of travel, this guide will be helpful.

What exactly is experiential travel, why should you engage in it more often, and the top tour operators for experiential trips are just some of the key things covered in this detailed guide. Keep reading to learn more about experiential travel and see why so many people have become engrossed with it!

What Is Experiential Travel?

Experiential travel is a travel method that has been talked about for decades but has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It’s essentially a way of traveling that allows you to really dig deep into the local culture and fully experience every new place you visit.

Experiential tourism is mostly focused on experiences as opposed to destinations. It also entails spending more time with locals and exploring off-the-beaten paths, instead of just visiting tourist attractions with the highest ratings on Trip Advisor and Google Maps.

This type of tourism is also known as immersion travel because it entails travelers being fully immersed in a local culture. I like to think that immersion travel is just one aspect of experiential travel, and that adventure travel is just as an important part of it.

You can immerse yourself in a local culture all you want but if you don’t actually have authentic local experiences, I don’t think you can still call it experiential travel.

The complete opposite of experiential travel would be something like traveling to a foreign destination and staying at a resort the entire time you’re there. Sure, it’s nice to relax for a few days and spend your time sipping cocktails on the beach, but can you really say you’ve visited Mexico if you’ve never left the hotel? Experiential travelers would disagree.

Benefits of Experiential Travel

The main advantage of experiential travel is that you will end your trips feeling enriched by local cultures, and you will create memories that will last forever. You will actually get to learn and understand the history and traditions of a place, and if you do it right, you can make friends everywhere in the world.

Another benefit of experiential travel is that it should be more affordable. You wouldn’t stay in a fancy hotel, but rather in an apartment rented out by a local. You can even look into house-sitting and pet-sitting options, or just stick to couchsurfing for the most authentic experiences.

Choosing local accommodation instead of mass hotel chains allows you to get in touch with the hosts, which can provide valuable tips about the local communities and the destination’s culture.

Examples of Experiential Travel

When I plan a trip to a new country, I usually start off by creating a map on Google Maps with all the most famous landmarks, tourist attractions, and museums. I prefer to do things by myself and I avoid hiring guides and travel agents, so I do aim to achieve some level of immersion into local culture.

I also make it a point to eat at as many local restaurants as possible and try all the most famous foods in that city. The opposite would be sticking to Burger King or McDonald’s because they’re “safe” options.

While all of that is part of immersion travel, a true experiential traveler wouldn’t aim to visit just the most famous attractions in a new city. Instead, they would look for knowledgeable locals who would help them find all the best-hidden gems and places that locals enjoy the most. It could include visiting a quaint restaurant with the best local cuisine or partaking in an activity that is specific to that city.

It means joining a pasta-making class when you’re in Italy, partaking in a Flamenco dance class while you’re exploring Spain, or attending a local football game when you’re staying in England.

Planning an Experiential Travel Trip

When you’re planning an experiential travel trip, try to focus on encountering authentic local experiences. I would suggest starting off with a quick walking tour of the city. But try to look for local guides that do these tours in smaller groups – it will be a much more immersive experience and you’ll get to actually learn something, especially if you’re spending time with like-minded travelers.

Then, I suggest you do some research about the cuisine of the place you are visiting and learn about the different local dishes. Try to find restaurants that are frequented by locals – if you’re not having too much success, ask your host or a local guide for recommendations.

I’ve found that asking people on Reddit can also yield some great results because there are often locals who are willing to help tourists get to know their cultures.

Next, consider what the country or city you’re visiting is most famous for and try to find attractions or experiences that incorporate that to really get a sense of how the locals are living. An example of this would be going on at least one hike if you’re traveling in the more rural areas of Switzerland, or swimming in the Rhine River if you’re staying in Basel because it’s what the locals actually do.

Top Experiential Travel Companies

Velocity black.

Velocity Black is one of the best examples of a modern concierge service that goes above and beyond for its clients. Services offered by the company include organizing trips and holidays that are tailored to your wants and needs. Velocity Black can offer its members deals on flights with the world’s best airlines, free upgrades, and access to some of the best hotels in the world.

The company is also able to organize special experiences for its clients, which range from hanging out with celebrities to swimming with orcas. The annual membership fee is £2,000 and there’s currently a waiting list to join.

Vivid Travel

Vivid Travel is an experiential travel company that focuses on creating personalized travel itineraries for their customers. The agents will ask you questions about preferences for accommodation, ideas for experiences, and attractions, but also about your budget and preferred vacation length.

Then, they can create you a unique itinerary that explores all the things that interest you the most, while staying within your budget. They’ll do all the booking for you, and it’s a great company to use if you don’t like doing the research and bookings yourself.

Niquesa Travel

Niquesa Travel is another tour operator that specializes in custom travel itineraries. It’s more of a luxury travel company, so not the best operator to use if you’re trying to travel on a tighter budget. The company can plan and organize every aspect of your trip, from flights to immersive experiences.

You can contact Niquesa Travel to arrange any type of trip you want, and they also have a few pre-made itineraries that sound amazing. Travel to Morocco on a limited budget and follow a series of clues as you explore the local culture, or go on a road trip through England in a supercar.

Black Tomato

Black Tomato is a favored luxury travel company for experiential travel. This company has pre-made itineraries for virtually every corner of the world, but its agents can also create entirely new customized itineraries for customers.

Trekking in Nepal, safaris in Uganda, and sailing in the Galapagos Islands are just some examples of trips this company can arrange for you. Allowing Black Tomato to plan your trip means you’ll need to tell them everything about your preferences and budget, and they’ll do absolutely everything for you from booking the plane tickets to reserving you a spot in the pasta-making class in Tuscany.

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is one of the oldest luxury travel companies with a history of more than six decades. The company is known for incredibly detailed personalized itineraries, as well as excellent service.

Booking a trip with Abercrombie & Kent means that you could attend a private tour of a museum, get customized meals, and stay at places that are off-limits for regular people. This is one of the priciest tour agencies for experiential travel, but also one that can offer you a unique and personalized experience in every corner of the world.

Current Trends in Experiential Travel

Trends in the travel industry are constantly changing, but the core of experiential travel will always be immersive experiences. Adventure tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of experiential travel, and more and more travelers are spending their time hiking, backpacking, rafting, skydiving, and engaging in all sorts of other adventures that are typical for the places they are visiting.

Meaningful engagement with the local communities is also a growing trend in experiential travel. Forming an emotional connection with people in a foreign place is essential for creating lifelong memories, and an increasing number of people will spend their time visiting schools, museums, theaters, and similar places that the locals frequent in their daily lives.

But the way I see it, you should focus on experiences you’re genuinely interested in, and skip any experiences you might not enjoy, regardless of how local they are. An example of this would be if you were in London – maybe it would be a truly authentic local experience to spend an afternoon at a pub and go to a football match, but if that’s not something you would genuinely enjoy, you absolutely shouldn’t do it.

Instead, do something that’s fun for you – see a play at the Globe Theater, or spend an afternoon in the Natural History Museum, if that’s more up your alley.

The Future of Experiential Travel

Even with the rise of experiential travel among young adults, there is still absolutely a market for those who prefer to spend their vacation days lounging and relaxing. However, experiential travel has become extremely popular over the past few years, and it was in part a result of the global pandemic of 2020.

Most of the world was stuck for nearly a year, unable to leave their house properly, let alone travel to a new destination. When the countless restrictions were finely dropped and we were allowed to start traveling again, people wanted to get out of the house and do something.

The future of experiential travel lies in more personalized experiences and sustainability. More and more tour operators are shifting to offering immersive travel experiences to satisfy the growing demand for experiential trips. Also, the importance of AI is growing at the same time as the demand for experiential tours, and it’s hard to imagine a world in which the two don’t become integrated.

It’s expected that travel companies will turn to AI to help create unique and personalized itineraries and that VR will become a bit component of experiential travel. It’s only a matter of time until VR allows us to become fully immersed in destinations that we cannot physically visit, whether it’s a trip to Macchu Picchu from the comfort of your couch or a tour of ancient Rome.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Our Swiss travel consultants know Switzerland intimately either from being raised in this country or having visited many times. We are all Switzerland Travel Experts and are here to assist you in preparing the perfect tour itinerary from arrival to departure.

Karen Bianchi Karen was born and raised in Zurich. She has been working in the tourism industry and promoting Switzerland as a travel destination ever since she started her career after graduating in hospitality at SSTH, Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality. As a tourism professional and hospitality school graduate Karen has extensive experience in customer service and is comfortable speaking in (Swiss) German, Italian, English, French and Spanish. During the many years working for Switzerland Tourism, at their headquarters in Zurich and abroad, she has continuously enhanced her knowledge about Switzerland and tourism marketing. As a passionate traveler Karen has visited many destinations worldwide, and has been living abroad several times.

Veronica Reyes Veronica is a travel agency consultant for Switzerland who has specialized in immersing herself in the Swiss culture and the wonders that the small Alpine country has to offer. She studied tourism and worked as a Tour Guide in her native country of Guatemala, which has helped her to understand the needs of each visitor from a different perspective. Passionate about crafting bespoke experiences, she ensures every itinerary reflects the unique interests and desires of our clients. As a specialist in a people-focused profession, Veronica has excellent social skills, cultural awareness and is comfortable communicating in English, German and Spanish.

Christen Fleming As a Swiss national who grew up in the US, Christen has the unique opportunity to view Switzerland through the eyes of both a local and as a traveler and is passionate about sharing her love of Swiss travel and culture with others. She has a background in working for tour organizers and both major and boutique hotels in the US and Europe and loves creating magical Swiss travel experiences by curating custom itineraries for her clients. As a mother of two young children, she is familiar with the many incredible offerings that Switzerland has for families, but is always on the lookout for all things extraordinarily and charmingly Swiss for couples and families alike.

Sara Casapulla After her studies in tourism, Sara moved to London and later to Paris where she worked for different tour operators. She then lived and worked in India as an India travel specialist for 4 years. Now back in Switzerland she has been working as a Switzerland Travel Expert ever since. Sara lives now in a beautiful green valley surrounding Lugano, in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland where she is creating tailor-made vacations for our clients. Fluent in English, French and Italian, she likes to spend her free time in discovering new hiking trails with her 2 dogs, plant-based cooking and is a dedicated animal rights activist.

Lisa Scherer As an enthusiastic traveler, Lisa explored many countries in East and Southeast Asia. She was born and raised in Zurich and knows Switzerland from extensive travels throughout the country. Since being trained as a Switzerland Travel Expert, Lisa has been working as a remote Switzerland travel consultant out of her second home country Japan. She is happy to share her passion for traveling with our clients and to help them organize their perfect vacation. Her other time she dedicates to her own campervan rental company in Osaka.

Pepe Strub Pepe Strub is a seasoned Switzerland travel professional from Basel and knows Switzerland inside out. He specializes in elaborate itineraries including hiking, biking and adventure sports. He also enjoys escorting groups by train and coach through Switzerland and neighboring countries. Prior to working in tourism he has worked in international trade and banking. His fluency in four languages has contributed to his success in arranging trips for demanding clients from all over the world. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Americas.

Sombatua Sihotang Sombatua was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. His political degree and German language skills brought him first to work at the German Embassy and then at the Embassy of Switzerland in Indonesia, where he also worked for Switzerland Tourism for 2 years as the Marketing Representative in Indonesia. This experience allowed him to learn a lot about Switzerland as a tourism destination and to become a Switzerland Travel Expert. He also has extensive experience in communication and marketing and has been enhancing his sales knowledge ever since he started working for Magic Switzerland.

Nicole Williams Born and raised in the Swiss capital of Berne. After graduating from the SHV Hotel Management College, Nicole worked for different hotels in the Berne area as well as for the Business Travel Department at Swisscom for over 5 years. She is fluent in English, French and German and has an extensive Switzerland knowledge. Since Nicole has been living in Atlanta, she loves going back to Switzerland for several weeks every summer and enjoys traveling around and exploring. She is always happy to share her new experiences and knowledge with our clients.

Annalaine Makajil After graduating from University in England, Anna worked as a research analyst for a few years in Kuala Lumpur and then moved to Switzerland 18 years ago. In addition to being a travel consultant for Magic Switzerland and looking for the best options for her clients, she's also a content and forum moderator with MySwissAlps, an online resource for travelers. Anna enjoys exploring the Swiss Alps with her family, spending winter holidays in the mountains and hiking the trails all seasons.

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The First U.S. National Park Is Still Iconic as Ever — How to Visit

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park.

• Planning Your Visit

How to Get There

• Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do in the Park

Wildlife and natural features, places to stay, places to eat.

Daniel Ribar/Travel + Leisure

Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite national park , and it was the most popular park in 2023 according to Google . So what’s all the fuss about? Well, it has otherworldly geothermal elements, is a treasure chest of iconic megafauna and elusive predators, and, frankly, is simply stunning. 

You could spend years here and still find something new to be awestruck by. Unfortunately, many people who visit barely scratch the surface. T+L spoke to two Yellowstone experts, Daryl Hunter and Linda Veress, who want visitors to take a bigger bite out of the park. “I recommend people get out of their vehicles and walk around, go for a walk. So many people will just drive around and around. Even if it’s just a short walk around the boardwalk, being outside, experiencing the peace makes a huge difference,” Veress said. 

“A mistake some people make is they go to the first puff of steam they see, and then they see it, and it’s okay, and then the second one, and it is okay. And then they’re tired of looking at okay springs, and they drive right by the good ones and miss them,” Hunter said. 

We don’t want you to miss the good ones. Enter: this guide to Yellowstone National Park. 

Meet the Experts

• Daryl Hunter has lived near Yellowstone since 1987, exploring every corner of the park as a wildlife and landscape photographer and interpretive guide. 
• Linda Veress is a park spokesperson who has worked and lived in Yellowstone for ten years.

Planning Your Visit 

Daniel Ribar/Travel + Leisure

You don’t need to reserve a spot for your vehicle to enter Yellowstone National Park. Just remember that if you’re coming in through the South Entrance, you’ll pass through Grand Teton National Park first. There are separate entrance fees for each park, ranging from $20.00 to $35.00.

That said, you'll need to book accommodations and campsites well in advance — Yellowstone gets packed fast. “It’s not a place that [visitors] want to show up and think that they’ll be able to get a place to stay at the last minute,” Veress said. 

If everything is booked inside the park, no problem — there are gateway communities you can stay in. “The closest ones will be West Yellowstone and Gardener. Those are just outside the park entrances. Some people will drive in from Jackson or Cody, but those are farther away,” Veress said.

Once you’re in the park, plan your time wisely. “You can spend a big week out there. Most people spend about three days or so,” Hunter said. If you only have a few days, follow Hunter’s advice: “Do the lower loop the first day, the upper loop the second day. The upper loop has more wildlife and fewer thermal features, and the lower area has many thermal features.” He also recommends that if you’re that close, you might as well drive to Jackson Hole for a day and see Grand Teton . 

Tamas-V/Getty Images

Yellowstone has five entrances. The year-round North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance are closest to the northern loop, Mammoth Hot Springs, and more wildlife; the West Entrance is excellent for seeing geysers; the East Entrance is on the lake; and the South Entrance is closest to Jackson. You’ll need a car if you’re not on a guided tour.

Consider flying into Bozeman, Montana , or Jackson, Wyoming. You can also fly into Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls. Car rentals are typically cheaper from Idaho Falls or Bozeman than from Jackson. You can even fly into Jackson, spend a few days there before heading to Yellowstone, and then drop off your car in Bozeman or vice versa.

Best Time to Visit 

kwiktor/Getty Images

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park varies depending on what you’re after. The summer season, typically from mid-April to the end of October, is ideal for traditional sightseeing, camping, and hiking. Most of the park’s roads are open during this time, allowing easy access to popular attractions.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting in May or June before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. These times offer a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors and better rates. Additionally, scheduling visits to popular areas like Old Faithful during early or late hours can help avoid peak crowds.

The park is quieter in the colder months, but has limited access. Only one road remains open year-round, so there are fewer opportunities for exploration unless you hop on a snowmobile tour. Access to the park’s interior is restricted to these guided tours. “You can stay at the snow lodge at Old Faithful and take ski trips. It’s a different way to see the park,” Veress said.

Visit Lower Geyser Basin.

To get a good sense of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, Hunter likes “everybody to see the Lower Geyser Basin , where the Fountain Paint Pot is. If you go to those two, you don’t have to go to other springs if you don’t have a lot of time.” The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is an easy half-mile trail. 

See Grand Prismatic Spring.

Grand Prismatic Spring is an iconic sight in Yellowstone. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail allows you to see its shocking blue and orange colors from above, or you can follow the wooden walkway right next to it. 

Ride a snowmobile or snowcoach.

If you visit Yellowstone in the winter , you have some exceptionally neat options to explore the park. Roads close, which limits your transportation to snowmobiles and snowcoaches — the only ways you’ll be able to see Old Faithful and Lower Falls. “If you don’t like being cold, you can take the snow coach. And make your reservations a long time ahead,” advised Hunter. Excursions sell out quickly.

Take a vintage car tour.

Hunter highlighted the unique experience of touring Yellowstone in vintage vehicles with retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows. These historic yellow buses were initially introduced in the 1920s. Today, eight vintage White Motor Co. buses can show you the park in style.

Go for a ride.

“We have commercially guided outfitters that do either day or overnight horseback rides in the park,” Verress said. So, although no barns are actually in park bounds, you can still get in the saddle. For a truly memorable trip with another kind of ungulate, look into llama treks. 

See Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Many people Hunter has taken on tours prefer this spectacular waterfall — in what’s dubbed the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone — to Old Faithful. “Lower Yellowstone Falls is a highlight for everybody,” he said. 

Best Hikes 

Yellowstone offers plenty of accessible flat and paved paths and boardwalks that can easily take up an entire day, but if you have the time and ability, definitely head out on a day hike. Hunter especially likes the 1.6-mile hike to Fairy Falls, which shares its trailhead with the path to Grand Prismatic Overlook. You can extend your journey to Spray and Imperial geysers if you're up for further adventure. 

Storm Point Nature Trail takes you to a beautiful lake lookout (and a colony of yellow-bellied marmots). The kid-friendly Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek, and Little Firehole Loop is 3.5 miles and offers waterfalls and panoramic vistas of Biscuit Basin. The Lamar River Trail to Cache Creek takes you through meadows that become blanketed in wildflowers in June and July.

Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife is one of its main draws, the keystone species being majestic bison and elk, grizzly and black bears, and gray wolves. 

The best time to catch a glimpse of grizzly bears and wolves is in the spring, particularly in northern regions like the Lamar Valley. “A good place to see black bears is in the vicinity of Tower Junction,” Hunter said. “There is a five-mile radius right around Tower Junction.” But you can also see them further south: “The Hayden Valley has gotten really good over the past 10 years,” he said.

If you’re eager to see bison, July and August are your best bets, especially in Hayden Valley where hundreds of bison will likely be roaming and causing traffic jams. “That’s the breeding season, and it’s a fun time to watch them because they’re all animated and looking for the ladies,” Hunter said.

Come September, during the rut — when male elk battle for dominance — early mornings come alive with elk bugling. Mammoth, Hayden Valley, and Madison Valley are great spots to see the show.

Courtesy of One&Only Resorts

Like anything, the best place to stay Yellowstone depends on your preferences, as luxury accommodations rub elbows with affordable lodges and campsites. Since Yellowstone is vast and involves significant driving, Veress recommends prioritizing where you stay based on what you want to see most. Different parts of the park offer distinct experiences, such as geothermal areas, wildlife viewing, and the lake area. For instance:

• Consider staying near Old Faithful or West Yellowstone for geothermal attractions and activities. “You can get some good lodging just on the border of Yellowstone and West Yellowstone, Montana, and Gardener, Montana,” said Hunter. “It’s usually easier to get reservations in those places, and you’re still right next to the park. 
• For hiking and higher elevations, lodging near Cooke City might be preferable.

Old Faithful Inn

Many lodgings within Yellowstone are old-fashioned and antique in style but still wonderful because of their historical charm. Yellowstone’s in-park lodge, Old Faithful Inn , built in 1903, is right by the eponymous geyser and, according to Hunter, “a work of art.” He elaborates: “That’s a cool place to stay. Make sure that you get one of the rooms with the bathroom.” The older rooms don’t have ensuite bathrooms; you must go down the hall. But they’re still an incredible look at how things were in the early 1900s. 

Lake Hotel and Cabins

Lake Hotel , constructed in 1895, is another charming historic venue. Its architecture resembles the colonial style commonly found on the East Coast during that era. 

Glamping with Excursionist

For an incredibly luxe experience, Excursionist , a luxury tour operator, offers a private camp experience . They’ll build you and your travel mates a custom camp with flushing toilets, cozy comforters, and private naturalist-led tours. 

One&Only Moonlight Basin

Located in Big Sky, Montana, One&Only Moonlight Basin is about an hour from Yellowstone. Although not within the park, it’s a more than acceptable luxury option when the in-park hotels inevitably book up a year before your planned trip. 

Getting out into nature is what it’s all about, right? Yellowstone has 2,000 campsites across 12 campgrounds, plus endless backcountry sites. The best Yellowstone campsites for a night in the great outdoors include Mammoth Campground (the only campground open year-round); the seasonal Madison Campground , where you can see bison grazing and meadows blooming in spring and summer and elks in the fall; and Grant Village Campground , which is close to conveniences like a restaurant, gas station, and visitor center.

Yellowstone National Park’s dining options range from full-service restaurants in historic hotels like Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Inn to grab-and-go eateries. Bear Pit Lounge at Old Faithful Inn offers dining right by the iconic geyser.

Outside the park in West Yellowstone, try Madison Crossing ’s locally inspired menu, which includes bison nachos, trout cakes, and elk strip steak. Espresso West is a popular coffee cabin known for its simple setup and menu of morning staples.

Of course, you can’t beat a packed lunch picnic.

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6 tips on packing light, according to travel experts

There's nothing worse than putting your suitcase on the scale at the airport and seeing that number tip over the dreaded weight limit. The only solution is to fling open your bag, take a quick inventory of what you can take out, and stuff those items in your carry-on while customers harrumph in that very long line behind you.

Not only is this particular situation embarrassing, but having to schlep around a heavy bag wherever you're going doesn't exactly make for idyllic travel. Plus, with major airlines raising baggage fees by nearly 30% this year, and long waits at baggage claim, checking a large bag certainly isn't ideal.

If these struggles are far too real, and you've dreamed about being the kind of traveler who can breeze through the airport with a lighter-than-air carry-on — without a single worry about weight (or sweat dripping down your back) — then maybe it's time to learn how to pack a lighter bag for your next jet-setting journey.

The truth is, we're packing far more than we actually need. Bringing the extra stuff for the rare occasion you might need it is only weighing you down in the long run. To fix your packing woes, Stacker spoke with travel agents and seasoned travel experts on how to pack light, focus on the necessities, and make smarter choices on what to pack. Here are their tips and tricks on how to pack the lightest bag possible next time you travel.

Pack interchangeable pieces that go with everything

While it may seem efficient to plan out a single outfit for each day that you'll be traveling, in reality, you're likely packing more tops and bottoms than you need. Instead, Echo Wang, CEO, cofounder, and seasoned traveler behind Cool Travel Vibes , says to choose items that can mix and match, making it easier to pull together an outfit with fewer items.

"Pack neutral tones and basic styles that you can layer for different temperatures," she told Stacker. "Think interchangeable tops and bottoms you can wear with multiple outfits. Remember, you can always hand wash clothes in a pinch, so pack light on the quantity and focus on quality, multifunctional pieces."

An easy way to do this is to follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method , invented by blogger Jen Bosen and referenced by numerous travel experts across the internet. The method goes as follows: pack five shirts, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two layers, and one dress (or formal wear). With this method, you can create 120 different outfit combinations, and your suitcase is still exponentially lighter.

Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics

When it comes to actually choosing the items to pack, Wang recommends picking clothes that won't take up too much space and create too many wrinkles. "Opt for quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. They'll bounce back from tight packing and save you precious luggage space."

Typically, fabrics made from a synthetic material, like nylon, spandex, or polyester, resist wrinkles more than pure blends like 100% cotton or linen. Wool also doesn't need ironing. Packing these fabrics also lightens your load for any items you would need to help eliminate wrinkles in the first place, like wrinkle sprays or travel-size steamers.

Use packing cubes

Mercedes Zach, a travel agent at ASAP Tickets, always recommends investing in packing cubes to organize your items.

"Packing and unpacking can be a bit of a hustle, especially if you're traveling with more than one suitcase," Zach told Stacker. "However, organizing your belongings becomes a lot easier if you use packing cubes that are made to make the packing process more efficient and help with navigating through your travel items. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials and have quickly replaced the good old packing method of rolling the clothes."

To save even more space in your bag—especially if you plan on shopping or accumulating more items on your trip—Zach says to specifically buy packing cubes that can compress with double zippers. "This type of packing cube is very lightweight, and you will be surprised by how much stuff you can carry with you using these. Besides, packing cubes are relatively inexpensive, and they are well worth every penny."

Pack a lightweight carry-on bag

The weight of your clothes, accessories, and recreational items aren't the only weighty items to worry about; your luggage can get just as heavy, depending on the material it is made of. Giacomo Piva, a travel industry analyst and co-founder of Radical Storage, says it's worth investing in a high-quality, lightweight rolling carry-on to keep the overall weight of your bag at even more of a minimum.

Specifically, Piva says to buy a soft-shell suitcase instead given how much lighter they can be compared to the popular hard-shell bags on the market these days. "Better to choose a soft-shell suitcase because it offers more flexibility and capacity, especially for items of different shapes, such as shoes or toiletries. Although hard-shell bags can compress and hold clothing better, they are also more at risk of cracking and are heavier in weight," Piva told Stacker.

Opt for solid toiletries

While packing smaller versions of all your necessary toiletries certainly saves space (and passes TSA regulations if you're flying), switching to solid toiletries is an even easier way to keep things light. After traveling to 48 states and 49 countries, Peggy Carlaw, CEO and chief blogger at The Smart Travel Guide, says packing solid options means you can easily shave off what you need instead of taking the whole bar with you. "You can find everything from solid shampoo to deodorant and toothpaste to lotion. Lush and Ethique are two good brands," Carlaw told Stacker.

If you prefer liquid toiletries, Carlaw says purchasing travel-sized, leakproof reusable bottles allows you to also only decant the shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, face wash, or whatever else you'll need. It may seem like a small amount of weight, but if you're not filling the bottles up to the top, it can make a significant difference in the long run.

Forget packing anything 'just in case'

Although it may seem wise to plan for those unexpected moments, in reality, there are many items that you likely don't need to bring "just in case."

"Remember, the rest of the world has stores," Carlaw added. "You can almost always purchase what you need when you arrive. It's a great way to interact with the locals."

Another situation of "just in case" packing is choosing to bring something because "maybe" you'll want it—maybe another book or extra snacks in case you get hungry. Both of these things can be purchased if you need them (how fun is it to buy a new book in a foreign country!).

Even so, remember to be honest with yourself. If the trip you're going on is all about touring and seeing the sights, will you have time to read? If you're looking to explore a town or a city, why not hit a café for that snack and turn it into an experience? Take only what you truly need, and handle those rare "just in case" moments as they come.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close.

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Experts predict another strong summer for tourism in SC in 2024

C OLUMBIA, S.C. — The weather is getting hotter and more humid, Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and schools will be letting out soon.

So that means summer tourists will soon be flocking to South Carolina, one of the nation’s top destinations for visitors.

An economist with the University of South Carolina said current economic conditions all point to a strong summer for tourism in the Palmetto State.

“Consumer spending remains strong as the labor market remains strong, unemployment is low in South Carolina and across the US, and we also continue to see strong wage growth in 2024,” USC Research Economist Joey Von Nessen said.

Von Nessen said South Carolina is likely to see more growth in tourism as it has the last few years.

But he added that growth might taper a bit this summer, with South Carolina’s tourism industry fully recovered post-pandemic, more quickly than some experts predicted.

“One reason is that South Carolina is a drive-to state, meaning that a lot of our tourism comes from people driving from border states and from elsewhere in the country, so that’s enabled our tourism sector, number one, not to fall as fast as other states’ did during the pandemic, but number two, that means we were also able to recover much faster,” he said.

The director of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Duane Parrish, said tourism contributed an estimated $29 billion to the state’s economy in 2022 and employs one in 10 South Carolina workers.

He said that benefits the pocketbooks of the state’s residents too.

“Tourism-related tax collections reduced the annual tax burden for every South Carolinian by nearly $1,000,” Parrish said during an event Monday in Columbia, marking May 19-25 as South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week.

And after record years for South Carolina tourism in 2022 and 2023, Parrish expects more of that this summer as well.

“Gas prices have remained stable. Inflation seems to have cooled a bit. People have just enjoyed the outdoor recreation more since COVID than ever, and that continues on today,” he said. “We have a lot of that in South Carolina, and I anticipate a great summer, quite frankly.”

One area of focus to bring more visitors to South Carolina is sports tourism, with Parrish pointing to Darlington and the new PGA Tour stop in Myrtle Beach as just a few examples.

He said this sector makes up about 10% of the entire tourism industry, with more growth expected in the coming years.

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Country travel craze sparks tourism market potential.

More people seeking holidays at quieter, low-key destinations, experts say

Domestic travelers' growing preference for niche destinations and experiences has ignited the huge tourism potential of many of the country's lesser-known travel spots.

From last year's barbecue craze in Zibo, Shandong province, to this year's obsession with malatang, a spicy hot pot of boiled meat and vegetables on offer, in Tianshui, Gansu province, travelers are sending clear signals that a major shift in the domestic tourism market is underway.

Both of the prefecture-level cities attracted millions of travelers who were willing to wait in line for hours to taste these local specialties.

On social media, travel products are increasingly emphasizing their "uniqueness" as a way for people to showcase their individuality and lifestyle choices.

Since 2021, when the country was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wen Yuxiang from Chengdu, Sichuan province, has discovered his passion for visiting small cities and county-level destinations off the beaten track. "I didn't fancy the popular tourist sites in downtown city areas and I couldn't travel long distances," said Wen, aged in his 30s.

That was when he started to explore counties on the edges of Chengdu.

"Travel information about those small destinations was mostly fragmented, so I just pieced together the details and came up with my own itinerary," he said.

He soon realized that there were so many options that he could satisfy his wanderlust in relative peace and quiet.

"I have been stunned by a lot of historical architecture and the breathtaking natural landscapes in those small cities and counties," he said.

Although sometimes he encounters discrepancies between online accounts of the destinations and what they are like in reality, in most instances his trips have not been disappointing. He has visited lesser-known destinations in many provinces including Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Shanxi and Guangdong.

"They are small, but they all offer the necessary facilities, such as transportation, accommodation and dining," he said. "Most importantly, these places have kept alive the identity of the local people and the communities. This is more appealing to me than crowded big cities," Wen said.

As he shared his travel experiences on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, the number of his followers grew from fewer than 200 in 2022 to more than 72,000 today.

"My fans come from different regions around the country, and most of them have given me very positive feedback, even calling me their guide to treasured getaways," he said.

Wen is proud that many of his followers share photos of their trip to a destination he has recommended, often saying they felt the same way he did about their experience.

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County travel craze sparks tourism market potential

More people seeking holidays at quieter, low-key destinations, experts say.

Untapped potential

The country boasts more than 2,800 county-level administration zones, according to a 2023 national research report on the high-quality development of such tourism. The research was conducted by the National County-Level Tourism Research Project Team in Beijing.

The study noted that only 79 counties reported tourism revenue exceeding 10 billion yuan and total tourist arrivals of over 10 million. Counties with tourism revenue below 3 billion yuan accounted for 65.86 percent of the total.

The statistics indicate the huge untapped potential of tourism in counties and other lower-tier markets, experts said.

Wang Yalei, an analyst from Trip.com Group's research center, said the potential for tourism growth in those lower-tier markets is yet to be released, as more travelers start to seek out less crowded sites and better affordability.

"Compared with the high accommodation and dining expenses in first and second-tier cities during holidays, those (lower-tier) markets also offer better value for money," Wang said.

Data from Trip.com Group showed that during the May Day holiday, the average daily hotel price in county-level markets was only half of that in popular first and second-tier cities.

The May Day holiday saw strong public demand for niche experiences, particularly in the countryside, instead of for crowded attractions, the travel agency said.

Zhejiang province's Anji and Tonglu, and Sichuan province's Dujiangyan were among the 10 most popular county-level destinations, with tourism orders increasing by 36 percent on average during the May Day holiday, Trip.com said.

"From the demand side, travelers' tendency to avoid crowds is becoming increasingly more apparent, leading to a growing number of them shifting from first and second-tier central cities toward third and fourth-tier cities, and even counties. This trend is expected to become more common in the future," Wang said.