Global Travel and Tourism Partnership doubles e-Learning engagement

 The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP), together with global technology partners, Equator Global and Travel Uni, has dramatically grown its global reach and ability to deliver learning and education over the past 4 years.

In 2019 GTTP taught around 400,000 students. In the past year alone over 750,000 students aged between 16 and 19 have received free travel educational courses. The partnership has enabled GTTP to reach many new audiences by using Equator Global’s e-Learning technology. It has significantly boosted reach to rural communities in regions such as the Caribbean, Africa and Asia including India, with Nepal being the latest country to receive access to the platform.

Commenting on the contribution made by Equator Global and Travel Uni, Anne Lotter, Global Director, GTTP said: “Ian Dockreay and the team have worked tirelessly to provide the technological infrastructure and worldwide distribution to bring our courses to even the most inaccessible places on earth. Communities far and wide have benefited from our greatly enhanced ability to deliver our life-changing knowledge and we and our global partners are delighted by how this has transformed the organisation.”

The course content ranges from information on why to consider the industry for future careers through to the importance of providing responsible and sustainable travel experiences for travellers.

Ian Dockreay, Chief Executive of Equator Global and Travel Uni said of the partnership: “This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Travel Uni, and working in partnership with GTTP in recent years has added so much to our broader educational remit for the travel industry. It allows us to contribute so much to the students’ whole journey, from reaching them when they are considering travel as a career option, through providing them with further education advice and contacts, to their choosing which area of the industry they can and would like to seek employment in. Travel Uni has delivered free e-Learning to many hundreds of thousands of travel agents and other tourism professionals over the last 20 years and this partnership programme is all about contributing to the future generations of our industry.”

GTTP’s educational programme has never been more important. Tourism and hospitality remain a key economic pillar for governments throughout the world and providing qualified students to fill the recruitment gaps that are becoming evident right across the globe, is both essential and urgent.

Dockreay added: “We should be very concerned that the UK government is set to drop travel and tourism from the national curriculum at the level 3 stage. To lose the awareness and inspiration that our industry provides such wide-ranging prospects for so many young people, when they begin considering career options, is not in the economic interests of this country’’.

In contrast, 3,500 schools and educational establishments and over 4,500 teachers and educators now benefit from the real-time online delivery of the e-Learning provided by the GTTP Portal, across 16 regional offices spread across the world.

Travel is, after all, one of the biggest contributors towards employment and economic growth in the world and by harnessing the power of collaboration, GTTP and Equator Global along with Travel Uni can together deliver tangible results in this crucial and diverse service industry.

To date, GTTP has educated more than 3 million students worldwide in travel and tourism. In the past year alone more than 700,000 students have benefitted from the programme, more than 3,500 schools have taught the programme and over 4,600 teachers have been trained to deliver the partnership’s courses to young students aged 16-19 years old.

Industry Partners include: Amadeus, American Express GBT, Marriott, The Travel Corporation, IHG and WTTC.

Equator Global is the largest travel trade training and engagement company specialising in creating bespoke marketing and training portals for destinations, hotel groups, cruise companies, attractions, airlines and the full range of travel suppliers. Over 60 clients include ABTA, Switzerland, Egypt, Thailand, New York, Italy, Korea, Sandals Resorts, Jumeirah Group and many others.

Travel Uni, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the biggest global community of frontline sales staff and management in travel agents, tour operators, OTAs, home working networks. Numbering over 320,000 members, with over 100,000 in the UK/I alone the company provides trade marketing, engagement, and training and in over 70 countries. Members primarily book holiday and leisure trips with over 70% booking luxury trips and over 60% booking cruises. The platform includes over 80 training courses and over 200 webinars entirely free to the user.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6617/Global-Travel-and-Tourism-Partnership-doubles-e-Learning-engagement

New track to Vaishno Devi closed amid adverse weather conditions, Katra receives highest rainfall in over 40 years

 Due to inclement weather conditions, the new track leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine has been closed, as confirmed by a police official. Nevertheless, the yatra, a pilgrimage to the shrine, is proceeding smoothly via the old track.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Amit Gupta, stated, “The new track to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine has been closed due to inclement weather conditions, while the chopper service to the shrine is also suspended in Reasi district today. Yatra going on from the old track smoothly.”

Amarnath Yatra 2023: All you need to know about the holy pilgrimage, route, timings & more
The Vaishno Devi yatra is an annual pilgrimage dedicated to the goddess Durga. On another note, heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered landslides in various areas, causing disruptions in the Amarnath Yatra, which has faced multiple halts due to adverse weather conditions.

Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine, received 315.4 mm rainfall, an all time high, a spokesperson of the meteorological department said. “This is the heaviest rainfall since 1980,” he said. The chopper and battery car service at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district was also suspended due to the inclement weather, the officials said.

The Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 1, will conclude on August 31 after a 62-day duration. According to an official statement, over 2,29,221 pilgrims have visited the Holy Cave in Amarnath since the commencement of the Yatra on July 1.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6621

Bali to impose IDR 150,000 (approx USD 10) tourist tax from 2024

 The Indonesian resort haven of Bali will impose a 150,000 rupiah (US$10) tax on tourists entering the ‘Island of Gods’ from next year to preserve its culture, officials said Wednesday. Tourist-dependent Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors annually and the beach-dotted island is trying to capitalise on its popularity to boost its coffers and protect its tropical allure. “The payment of a fee for foreign tourists applies only one time during their visit to Bali,” Governor I Wayan Koster told local lawmakers.

The fee will have to be paid electronically and will apply to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or from other parts of Indonesia, he said. The levy will not apply to domestic Indonesian tourists. More than two million tourists visited the island last year, according to official figures, as Bali rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic after imposing a zero-tolerance policy on rule-breakers. When asked if the new tax would deter visitors, Koster said authorities did not believe numbers would dip.

“It’s not a problem. We will use it for the environment, culture and we will build better quality infrastructure so travelling to Bali will be more comfortable and safe,” he told reporters. The palm-fringed hotspot has vowed a crackdown on misbehaving tourists after a spate of incidents that have included acts of disrespect to the predominantly Hindu island’s culture. Bali immigration deported a Danish woman last month after she was filmed flashing to the public while riding a motorbike. A Russian woman was also booted out of the island in April for posting a nude photo of herself in front of a sacred tree. In June, the local government published a guide for tourists who wish to visit Bali after being pressed to do so by the island’s immigration office.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6591

Pandemic over, people on travel spree again: Survey

 With the Covid-19 pandemic subsiding, individuals are now planning trips abroad, and according to a survey conducted by a private insurance company, Dubai, Maldives, Singapore, and Switzerland are the most-preferred destinations. The survey also found that people are willing to spend more on longer trips.

The survey, conducted by Acko, aimed to understand the travel behavior, patterns, and preferences of Indian travelers in seven major cities. It revealed that 60% of the 1,000 respondents are planning a trip abroad in 2023. The top choices for international destinations were Dubai (25%), Maldives (24%), Singapore (21%), Switzerland (18%), and Bali (15%). It also indicated that 31% of the respondents plan to take more international trips with longer durations, while almost 48% are budgeting more for overseas trips.

Regarding domestic destinations, Goa was found to be the most preferred, with 29% of the respondents planning a visit to the coastal state. Himachal Pradesh (26%), Kerala (22%), Uttarakhand (20%), and Rajasthan (20%) were also popular choices.
The survey also revealed an interest in adventure trips, with one in every three respondents expressing a strong desire to embark on such journeys. Scenic destinations, whether mountains or seaside locations, were equally appealing. Shopping and gastronomic holidays were among the other travel trends observed.

In terms of budgeting, 72% of respondents planning international trips allocated up to Rs 6 lakh, while 55% of those planning domestic travel allocated less than Rs 1 lakh for a trip.
The survey showed that most respondents planned social holidays, including trips with friends, partners, and immediate family members. Only 14% of respondents intended to travel alone.
The importance of travel insurance was also highlighted, as nearly 67% of respondents felt it was a necessity, especially for overseas travel. Approximately 62% of respondents were aware that travel insurance covers medical emergencies, and almost half knew that it also covers lost baggage. The top priority for Indian travelers when choosing travel insurance was medical and accident coverage (38%), followed by trip emergency and trip flexibility cover.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6578/Pandemic-over-people-on-travel-spree-again-Survey

Himachal & Uttarakhand Travel Advisory: Kullu-Manali, Manali-Leh Highway closed

 Travellers to Himachal Pradesh have been advised to exercise caution in view of the relentless rain that has been lashing the state and most parts of North India. Reportedly, stretches of the road connecting Kullu to Manali have caved in, falling into River Beas.

There is also a high chance of landslides between Mandi and Kullu. All movement towards Rohtang and Atal tunnel has also been stopped for now. It is also reported that the Manali-Leh highway is closed for now, and situation has been worsening on the Spiti Valley stretch as well. Shimla-Kalka train has also been cancelled for now, owing to the heavy risk of landslide.

Travellers are advised to refrain from any trips to the region. Those in the state, especially around Manali region, are also advised to stay put for now, and stay within their accommodation premises. With the currently raging rivers and mountain streams, travellers are also advised to stay away from the water streams and not go trekking as well. Aut bridge is reported to have been washed off, cutting off Manali currently. Upper reaches of Kinnaur have also been affected.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6579/Himachal-Uttarakhand-Travel-Advisory-Kullu-Manali-Manali-Leh-Highway-closed

Sun tourism: All you need to know about the emerging trend taking over the travel industry

 There is a distinctive allure in exploring mountainous regions while enjoying the solace of warm and sunny destinations. (Source: Freepik)

When we envision mountains, our minds automatically go to the snow-capped peaks and the cold temperature. However, there is a distinctive allure in exploring mountainous regions while enjoying the solace of warm and sunny destinations. This emerging trend in the travel industry is called sun or solar tourism.
Sun tourism is becoming increasingly popular among mountain enthusiasts who are seeking a mixture of scenic landscapes teamed with the invigorating warmth of the sun. It allows mountain lovers to not only enjoy outdoor activities but also embrace the sun-kissed aura of the hills. They can carouse in the natural beauty of rugged peaks, tranquil valleys, and lush forests while being surrounded in the cozy embrace of ample sunshine.

So, by bringing tourists to locations where mountains co-exist with sunny weather, sun tourism is a departure from the conventional mountain tourism paradigm, which has been traditionally associated with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and trekking.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6582/Sun-tourism-All-you-need-to-know-about-the-emerging-trend-taking-over-the-travel-industry

Karnataka Tourism to exhibit its range of offerings at TTF Kolkata 2023

 Karnataka Tourism has announced its participation at TTF Kolkata 2023, a travel and tourism event scheduled to take place from July 14th to July 16th at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. The event offers an ideal platform for Karnataka Tourism to highlight the state’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse tourism potential to a wide audience. TTF is India’s oldest and leading travel trade show network opening the door to India’s travel markets, one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

The main objective of this event is to promote the state as an all-around tourism destination offering a range of services. Tourism Service providers from Karnataka will be participating in the exhibition.

Karnataka is a land of mesmerizing beauty and captivating experiences. The state boasts a remarkable blend of ancient temples, palaces, historical monuments, hill stations, pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. The state has the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi & Pattadakal, the majestic Mysore Palace, the intricacies of the Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebidu, and the ruins of Vijayanagara.

Karnataka’s rich history is evident through its association with renowned dynasties such as the Kadamba, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Wodeyar. These dynasties have left an indelible mark on the land, shaping its culture, architecture, and traditions. The state is home to an impressive collection of 747 unique protected monuments, temples, and palaces. These historical treasures offer a glimpse into Karnataka’s glorious past and stand as testaments to its cultural significance and architectural brilliance.

The Western Ghats offer breathtaking landscapes, while the state has 35 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks with diverse flora and fauna. With 320 km of coastline, Karnataka’s beaches are renowned for their scenic beauty and offer exciting water sports activities. Karnataka has beautiful hill stations like Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakaleshpura and Kodachadri where one can explore homestays, coffee, cuisine and unique traditions. The best places for Jungle Stays and to spot elephants and tigers are Kabini, Bandipur, Dandeli and Nagarhole.

The state has a diverse cultural heritage and celebrates a range of festivals, like Dasara, Karaga, and Ugadi showcasing the vibrant and colourful cultural traditions of the state. The cuisine of Karnataka is renowned for its flavorful and delectable offerings, featuring a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies such as masala dosas, bisi bele bath, idlis, ragi mudde, and more.

In addition to its natural and cultural wonders, Karnataka is home to the bustling city of Bengaluru, known as the IT hub of India. With numerous startups and unicorns, Bengaluru has earned the reputation of being the Silicon Valley and startup paradise of Asia. The city offers a unique blend of talent, entrepreneurship, academia, and technological advancements.

Bengaluru and Mysuru serve as prominent hubs for Naturopathy and Yoga, housing numerous Ayurvedic wellness centres that provide a wide array of treatments and therapies aimed at promoting holistic health and well-being. Known as a land of silks, spices, and sandalwood, Karnataka is famous for its enchanting hill stations, breathtaking waterfalls, revered pilgrimage centres, and a coastline adorned with untouched beaches. With its diverse range of tourism landscapes, encompassing archaeology, religion, ecotourism, wildlife, and more, the state presents a multitude of experiences for discerning travellers to indulge in.

Karnataka Tourism’s participation in TTF Kolkata 2023 aims to highlight the state’s diverse tourism landscapes, from archaeology and religion to ecotourism and wildlife. Undoubtedly, Karnataka stands as one of India’s premier tourist destinations throughout the year, boasting a wealth of diversity. Whether you seek a tranquil beach getaway, an exploration of ancient monuments and palaces, thrilling wildlife encounters, or exhilarating scuba diving adventures, the state’s tourism industry caters to every traveller’s desires.

Visitors to the Karnataka Tourism booth will have the opportunity to explore a range of travel experiences, interact with knowledgeable representatives, and gather valuable information to plan their trips. They will be exhibiting at hall B stand no. B100.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6571/Karnataka-Tourism-to-exhibit-its-range-of-offerings-at-TTF-Kolkata-2023

Vietnamese airline announces new direct flight between Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City

 Vietjet, a Vietnamese airline, has announced a first-ever direct flight route from Kerala to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from August 12. The announcement came days after Vietnamese Ambassador, Nguyen Thanh Hai, met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on July 5 and promised to start a direct flight service between Ho Chi Minh City and Kochi.

Vietjet said with the commencement of the new route from Cochin International Airport, the airline will be operating a total of 32 Vietnam-India flights every week. Airline authorities said the Kochi- Ho Chi Minh City route will be operated with a frequency of four flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

"The flights from Kochi will depart at 23:50 (local time) and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 06:40 (local time). The return flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 19:20 (local time) and arrive in Kochi at 22:50 (local time)," the airlines said in a release.

After his meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador nearly a week ago, Chief Vijayan, in a tweet, said that the direct flight service would enhance ties between Kerala and Vietnam and also boost the state’s tourism and development.

Speaking at an event held here last week announcing the launch of the new route from Kochi, the Vietnamese Ambassador to India had termed the opening of the route connecting Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City by Vietjet as a breakthrough, creating a new impetus for economic - trade - tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Viet Nam and South India.

"With the favourable geographical location of Ho Chi Minh City in particular, and Vietnam in general, visitors will easily explore destinations across Vietnam as well as from Vietnam to other countries and regions around the world," Hai had said in the release.

Jay L Lingeswara, Vice-President (Commerce) of the airline had said that with this new route, Vietjet will increase connectivity between Vietnam and India.

The company expects to make significant contributions to the tourism growth of Kerala, India and Vietnam via its wide range of products and services accompanied by competitive and reasonable fares.

Vietjet flights are currently operating from Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The airline said in the first five months of this year, 1,41,000 passengers from India visited Vietnam, and it is expected to reach 500,000 visitors this year.

"Previously, in 2022, the number of Indian visitors to Vietnam grew impressively, reaching 137,900 arrivals, ranking ninth in the 10 markets sending tourists to Vietnam the most. Vietjet's new route is expected to bring about 10,000 more passengers from the southern region of India to Vietnam in 2023," the release said.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6574

New Tourism Group at IPRN: Specialized Offer for International travel companies and destinations

 The IPRN Tourism Group is made up of agencies with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector that aim to share high-value information, develop business in new markets and learn as much as possible from each other.

IPRN announces the creation of a specialised tourism group to boost international public relations in the sector. With the growing importance of tourism as an economic and cultural driver, IPRN has identified the need for a specialised (and internationally inclusive) approach to tourism. The creation of this group provides IPRN members with access to tourism specific expertise for their own clients whilst the group members can leverage their specific knowledge and expertise with the best-practice experience of other group members to deliver strategies and campaigns tailored to the unique needs of the tourism industry.

IPRN’s new tourism specialty group brings together PR agencies from around the world that excel in tourism and share the goal of promoting tourism destinations and businesses with innovative and creative approaches. These agencies will work closely together to exchange knowledge, develop best practices and provide customised solutions that boost the promotion and global visibility of their clients in the tourism industry.

Diego Barceló, CEO of Comunicación Iberoamericana (Spain) and Chair of the IPRN Tourism Group explains: “The tourism industry faces unique communication and promotional challenges, and we are committed to providing effective and strategic solutions to our tourism clients. By bringing together the best tourism PR agencies from around the world, we will be able to offer world-class services and leverage our global expertise to promote tourism destinations and businesses in an impactful way”.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6575

Eco Parks in Kupwara: Jammu and Kashmir's emerging tourist destinations

 Eco-tourism parks in the Kamraj forest division of Jammu and Kashmir have become a success, attracting tourists and providing livelihood opportunities.

Nestled in the Kamraj forest division in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a series of eco-tourism parks has emerged as the epitome of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the area. Developed by the Forest Department under the visionary schemes of Green India Mission and CAMPA, these parks have become a resounding success, attracting a significant influx of visitors and providing much-needed livelihood opportunities for rural households.

Leading the pack are the Nagriwari Eco Park at Hatmulla, Kairwan Eco-Park at Dever, and Satbaran Eco-Park at Lastiyal Kalaroose. These destinations have quickly become the preferred choice for eco-tourism and biodiversity exploration in the region. As the summer tourism season takes flight in Kupwara district, these prominent eco-parks are seeing a remarkable surge in activity. Thousands of locals, families, students, and environmental enthusiasts flock to these parks on a daily basis, seeking solace in the lush greenery and cool temperatures offered by the foothills of the Kamraj forest.

Forest Department officials estimate that an average of 50,000 local visitors explore these eco-parks every month, creating a thriving ecosystem for over 110 rural families residing in the vicinity. Nagriwari Eco Park, which is spread across 7 hectares in Compartment 82/M, Nagriwari Eco-Park, boasts meticulously landscaped conifer trees, medicinal plants, ornamental flora, and native shrubs.

Offering a natural forest setting and equipped with open classrooms and educational signage, Nagriwari Eco-Park provides an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy leisurely nature walks, birdwatching, and photography, immersing themselves in the beauty and serenity of the park. Established under the Green India Mission, this park sees an average footfall of 15,000 visitors per month, providing direct livelihood opportunities for 65 families.

Kairwan Eco Park, encompassing 18 hectares of dense forests in Anderbugh Lolab, Kairwan Eco-Park, is a haven for those seeking breathtaking landscapes and lush green meadows. Adventure camps, featuring activities such as zip-lining and wall climbing, enthrall visitors, while guided nature walks, birdwatching, and photography allow for nature-based recreation. Kairwan Eco-Park, established under the CAMPA scheme, attracts an average of 10,000 visitors per month during the summer season, offering dignified livelihoods to 20 families.

Satbaran Eco Park, situated near the renowned Satbaran Caves, has emerged as a tourist hub. The park's captivating ambiance and the allure of the nearby caves draw in a steady stream of visitors. With an average footfall of 12,000 visitors per month, Satbaran Eco-Park provides an ideal location for adventure activities, sightseeing, camping, and trekking. Rock climbing, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and photography are just some of the eco-friendly activities visitors can partake in. This park, established under the CAMPA scheme, offers livelihood opportunities for 25 families.

The Forest Department's commitment to eco-tourism development extends beyond these parks. They have also created a network of trekking routes, including the Affan-Amri, Dever, and Kailwan-Trimukhan-Top routes, to explore the remote and pristine natural attractions of the region. By opening up these routes, authorities hope to attract national and international tourists as well as researchers from around the globe in the future.


Zahid Aslam Mughal, divisional forest officer (DFO) of Kamraj, highlighted the crucial role of ecotourism in preserving the local environment and promoting sustainable forest development. He emphasized how ecotourism not only raises awareness but also provides economic, social, and cultural incentives for the local population while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach.

"We have witnessed the significant success of these ecotourism parks and other infrastructure initiatives. As a result, we are planning to develop five more eco-parks, including Shadipora, Chak Natnussa, Lalpora, Sogam, and Hemal Warnow, under the Green India Mission and CAMPA in the current financial year 2023-24," Kamraj said.

With its commitment to conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and engaging eco-tourism experiences, Kamraj Forest Division is showcasing the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity. These eco-parks not only provide a sanctuary for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth and community empowerment. As more people embark on this eco-adventure, Kamraj Forest Division stands poised to become a model for ecotourism initiatives across the country.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6555

IndiGo Strengthens Domestic Connectivity To & From Pune

 IndiGo has announced the addition of three new routes to and from Pune in response to the rising demand for travel this season. Commencing operations between Pune-Jodhpur on June 16, 2023, and starting operations between Pune-Rajkot and Pune-Vadodara on July 03, 2023, these network additions aim to strengthen domestic connectivity and provide customers with increased flight options.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “As the global aviation industry experiences rapid resurgence with air traffic reaching over 90% of pre-Covid levels, air travel is once again becoming increasingly accessible and the preferred choice for customers. We are delighted to be a part of this revolutionary growth and meet the growing demand by introducing new domestic routes across our already extensive network. These new connections will not only promote interstate mobility and connectivity but also contribute to the socio-economic and cultural growth of the country.”

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6559

Vietnam emerging as Southeast Asia's new tourist hot spot

 As tourism rebounds after COVID, industry experts say Vietnam is becoming a favoured destination for travellers to Asia.

Vietnam has fast become one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, as tourists enjoy the county's diverse landscapes, beaches, mountainous rice terraces and bustling cities. According to a report by Google Destination Insights, Vietnam was the seventh most searched destination from March to June, and the only country in Southeast Asia in the top 20.

The popularity of Vietnam is showing in the number of international arrivals. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism announced in June that the country had welcomed over 5.5 million foreign visitors in the first six months of 2023, already exceeding the total number of international arrivals in 2022.

More tourist growth predicted for Vietnam
Vietnam's tourist sector has set a target of 8 million visitors for the remainder of 2023, however, the tourism bureau has since predicted the numbers will likely rise to 10 million.

Bobby Nguyen, chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group, a tour agency, told DW that the boost is coming mainly from Chinese, Indian and Korean tourists.
"China has reopened the outbound market to Vietnam and the Indian market has grown since 2022," he said.

"Having many online communication channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or promotion channels on Google or other networking channels is also the fastest way to promote Vietnam's image to the world," he said.

Vietnam's improved visa policy expected to boost tourism
Hanoi recently approved a new visa policy for international visitors arriving in the country, tripling visa waivers from 15 to 45 days for selected countries.

And for visitors from countries eligible to apply for an electronic visa to Vietnam, visas will now be valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries.

The changes will come into force on August 15.

Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said the visa changes will boost the tourism sector.

"It's picking up, and over the next six months, you will see travellers to Vietnam increase. I think it's going to be very strong, and you'll see growth particularly now the Chinese market is back," he told DW.

One of Vietnam's selling points is that it's a lesser-known destination, and it offers both tourism and business opportunities, said Bowerman.

"A lot of younger people now want to learn a bit more about the country. I think there's a lot about Vietnam that isn't very well-known. I think Thailand is probably better known. There is a sense of discovery and mysticism about Vietnam. It is the country where people want to invest, where they want to do business, and they want to travel," he added.
Vietnam's travel industry looks forward
For travel companies in Vietnam, the new visa policy and prospect of more international arrivals is exciting.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what happens," said Max Lambert, owner of Fuse Hostels & Travel.

Fuse launched two hostels in the popular city of Hoi An late last year, but Lambert already believes his company is operating near to what pre-pandemic levels would have been.

"We're seeing in the last three months a substantial uptick in the number of international guests staying in hostels," he told DW, adding that bookings are back to 2019 levels.

"I think the hangover from the COVID pandemic, for our end of the market, is pretty much over," he said.

Thailand still holds top spot
However, international arrivals into Vietnam are still way off pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, there were nearly 19 million international arrivals.

It means Vietnam has still some way to go if it's going to rival tourism in Thailand, said Lambert.

"Thailand is still getting more number growth. Thailand is the big player in the region, it's going to take a long time for Vietnam to get to that level," he said.

Tourism operator Nguyen said Vietnam must improve in several areas to fully maximize its potential.

"Tourism is an integrated economy, the coordination between ministries and sectors must be close. The infrastructure, including the system of highways, railways, and roads, does not meet the development of tourism," he said.

"It is necessary to retrain and train new personnel working in the tourism industry to meet the quality of services provided to tourists," he added.

Thailand expects to reach 20 million visitors by the end of 2023. However, Thailand's tourism industry is aiming for a return to 2019 levels, when the country welcomed a record 39 million international arrivals.

"Thailand has reclaimed its place as the most visited country in the region and the dominant tourism nation in the region. And that won't change. Tourism to Thailand is doing really well," said analyst Bowerman.

"However, before the pandemic, Vietnam was really seen as not necessarily a challenger, but certainly an emerging force. Vietnam was seen as the next big thing in tourism in Southeast Asia. I think it still is," he added.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6549

Turkiye gearing up to welcome highest-ever number of Indian travellers in 2023

 Turkiye has emerged as a top holiday and wedding destination for Indian visitors over the recent years. According to the latest reports, the country has broken all previous inbound travel records from India this year as it saw an increase of 88.03 per cent travellers until April 2023 alone. The two most visited cities this year that left tourists mesmerised with their scenic beauty were, Istanbul and Nevsehir. The country has emerged as an ideal destination for the FIT and MICE segments amongst Indian travellers, leading to an uptick in the number of Indians visiting Turkiye, this year.

Having a lot to offer in terms of beautiful historical landmarks, rich local cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and exuberant art and music, Turkiye expects to host an even higher number of Indian visitors by the end of 2023 as the wedding season approaches. With many Indian couples choosing to get married in the country’s scenic destinations, Turkiye is expected to host a significant number of Indian weddings this year. Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum and Cappadocia are amongst the most preferred cities by Indian couples to host their destination weddings. Moreover, the upcoming festive and holiday seasons combined will also add up to the number of Indian travellers visiting the country as most of them prefer taking leisure vacations around the end of the year.

Turkiye ranks as the fourth most popular destination for tourists worldwide after hosting 51.4 Million international visitors in 2022. The country aims to surpass all the previous records by hosting a significantly higher number of Indian and international visitors in 2023.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6546