Pokhara ( RSS ) : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged to lend necessary support and cooperation for the development of Pokhara, the Tourism Capital of Nepal.

 In his address to a function organised to announce Pokhara as the Tourism Capital of Nepal here today, the Prime Minister said the government will accord top priority to develop Pokhara as further green, safe, systematized, beautiful and prosperous city.

 He also assured of seeking support and cooperation from the international development partners for the enrichment of infrastructure development needed for the tourism capital. The Prime Minister said the Investment Summit that Nepal is hosting next month will be helpful in such efforts.

 The Prime Minister on the occasion announced that the government will take initiations to operate commercial international flights from the Pokhara International Airport.

 According to the Prime Minister, the government will take further measures to effectively operate the Korala-Tribeni transit serving as the gateway to Muktinath, the famous religious shrine.

 As he said, the scale of cooperation and monitoring will be intensified to conclude the Mid-Hill Highway and the Muglin-Pokhara section along the Prithvi Highway. He called for the cooperation among the private, government and civic level to promote the internal tourism.

 On the occasion, Gandaki Province Chief Minister, Surendra Raj Pandey, said the announcement of Pokhara as the Tourism Capital will help in its branding.

 Pokhara metropolis mayor Dhanraj Acharya was of the opinion that the announcement would contribute to improving living standard of the citizens of Pokhara, creating employment opportunities and eliminating poverty. He pledged to intensify the infrastructure development in Pokhara through combined efforts among the three-tier government. 

Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) submits memorandum

Meanwhile , the Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, calling for, among others, starting international flights from Pokhara International Airport.

A delegation led by PTC Chairperson Pom Narayan Shrestha met with the Prime Minister in Pokhara today and handed over the memorandum to him.

PTC has called the attention of the government, citing that the major roadways connecting Pokhara were in dire condition and the international flights from Pokhara International Airport were not regular so far. The Council has called for starting international flights to and from Pokhara at the earliest.

The memorandum states that the tourism entrepreneurs had to face crises one after the other for some years. Stating that the investment is at risk due to the sluggishness in the economy and employment is also declining, PTC, through the memorandum, called for providing motivation and time to the tourism entrepreneurs to pay back the loan.

The Council also demanded to restructuring of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and ensuring the representation of Pokhara on the NTB Executive Board Member that is currently lying vacant.

The Council has urged the government to start international flights from Pokhara International Airport initially from the Nepal Airlines itself and then encouraging other airlines as well providing them incentive packages.

The PTC also mentioned in the memo that the prohibition on individual paragliding has demoralized the paragliding adventure sports players as they cannot conduct practice paragliding flights.

It may be recalled here that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had banned individual paragliding after a paragliding accident in the course of the Ninth National Paragliding Competition last year.

17 March 2024

Travel Biz News —-

The Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Exhibition – KITF 2024 will be held from April 24 to 26, 2024, in the pavilions of Atakent Exhibition Complex (Almaty).

More than 300 companies from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Vietnam, Georgia, Egypt, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, UAE, Russia, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, South Korea and Japan will present a wide range of opportunities and new tourism products of destinations.

The expo event will cover various sections of tourism, including international and domestic tourism, medical tourism, MICE tourism, IT solutions for the reservation system and insurance.

KITF ‘s rating and stable position are always high in the lists of the international tourism community, attracting thousands of participants and visitors from all over the world. The 2024 Exhibition will provide advanced novelties and the most advanced tools for effective networking, exchange of experience, as well as for concluding new business partnerships, which will certainly contribute to the further development and prosperity of the global tourism industry , according to a release issued by KITF secretariat and  ITECA.

KITF 2024 is preparing to become the epicenter of innovative ideas and industry trends.

China, will present the “World Nomad Games 2024” and participate in the “Alga, Kazakhstan!” round table with the participation of government agencies of neighboring countries.

The main objective of the ITECA.EVENTS platform is to create ideal business communications between visitors and participants. The application operates using artificial intelligence, advanced algorithms to improve interaction and exchange of contacts with the ability to schedule meetings, collect leads, and mobile use of the most up-to-date information.

The Official Partner of the KITF 2024 exhibition is KOMPAS. The Partner of the Business Program of the Exhibition is TRAVEL SUCCESS ACADEMY. The Exhibition is organized by ITECA Kazakhstan Exhibition Company and its International Partner – ICA Events Group of Companies.

For more information about KITF 2024 : www.kitf.kz

March 14 , 2024

Travel Biz News —

Women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40% of the total employment , according to the data released by  the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in London.

This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24% surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the Travel & Tourism sector, with over half (52%) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasises the positive impact of women in the sector, stating: “Women in Travel & Tourism play a vital role. We are proud that our sector is one of the largest employers of women in the world.

“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make Travel & Tourism more resilient and inclusive. Putting women at the heart of Travel & Tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”

The global body’s data also reveals women in Travel & Tourism surpass the average workforce participation in other sectors globally. In regions such the Americas, women make up a larger share of employment in the sector compared to the economy-wide workforce.

9 March , 2024 Photo : WTTC

Travel Biz News —–

More than 5,500 exhibitors and 1,300 senior buyers from 170 countries have attended the global B2B platform ITB Berlin 2024 taking place from 5 to 7 March on the Berliner Exhibition Grounds, Germany.

The slogan of the ITB Berlin Convention, the industry’s leading thinktank, is ’Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together’. Taking place with 17 theme tracks and on four live stages, 200 sessions featuring experts will discuss topics including travel technology, marketing & sales, future travel, MICE, sustainability, destination management, hospitality, social responsibility, business travel, future work, AI, web 3.0 and chatbots.

Some 400 speakers representing big names such as Booking.com, Phocuswright, TUI, the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), Google, Trip.com and Microsoft will provide fascinating insights on the future of tourism, according to a statement issued by ITB Berlin secretariat.

The ITB Berlin Convention, the industry’s leading thinktank, examines global trends and highlights best practices with industry experts to shape tomorrow’s tourism.

ITB Berlin reports excellent bookings for a total of 150,000 square metres, equivalent to over 90 per cent of the display area. The ITB Buyers Circle with 1,300 senior buyers serves as an industry barometer and underlines the global importance of ITB Berlin.

Strong growth in the Mobility, Travel Technology and Cruise segments and the presence of the Host Country Oman and other Arab states reflect the diversity of the 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories .

Taking as its slogan ’Beauty Has An Address’, this year’s Official Host Country the Sultanate of Oman is taking part in a wide range of activities and events, including at the ITB Berlin Convention, as sponsor of the ITB Blogger Base, and as partner of the ITB MICE Night. The Sultanate is presenting 5,000 years of history and its rich cultural heritage at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.

Political representatives Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, welcome the host country and participants.

The travel industry is represented by Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, has represented ITB Berlin.

ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show since 1966. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Under the heading „Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together. “,“,from business, science and politics will discuss the industry’s current and future challenges on 4 stages leading speakers with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees.

March 5 . 2024

Photo : Messe Berlin

UNITED NATIONS, (Xinhua) — The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Monday to declare 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

The resolution invites the World Tourism Organization to facilitate the organization and implementation of this international year, in collaboration with governments, relevant organizations of the UN system, international and regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

It encourages all states, the UN system and all other actors to take advantage of the international year to promote actions at all levels and to support sustainable and resilient tourism as a means of promoting and accelerating sustainable development.

27 Feb 2024

Chinese passenger airlines will be allowed to boost their weekly round-trip U.S. flights to 50 starting on March 31, up from the current 35, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Monday, returning the market to nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels.

The approval “is a significant step forward in further normalization of the U.S.-China market in anticipation of the Summer 2024 traffic season,” the USDOT said.

More than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but until August 2023, Chinese and U.S. carriers could each fly only 12 a week between the two countries.

The number rose on Sept. 1 to 18 weekly round-trips and then to 24 per week starting Oct. 29. The USDOT approved 35 for Chinese carriers in November.

Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which fly a combined 31 weekly flights to China, said it “supports the U.S. government’s approach to slowly, gradually and reciprocally reopen the market with China. It’s imperative the U.S. government maintains this approach.”

The Chinese embassy in Washington said it was “glad to see the positive progress made on increasing direct passenger flights between China and the U.S.” The embassy added it is working to “further facilitate cross-border travel and promote people-to-people exchange between the two countries.”

Reuters reported last June that newly approved Chinese flights to the United States were not overflying Russia, which would have given them a shorter flight time and fuel advantage over U.S. rivals blocked from Russian airspace.

Other international air markets involving China have reopened far more quickly, with seat capacity between China and the United Kingdom this month exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 30%, and China-Singapore by 6%, according to aviation data provider OAG.

The USDOT said it was engaged in a productive dialogue with China’s aviation regulator towards the “implementation of a roadmap to provide for a gradual, broader reopening of the U.S.-China air services market and a phased and predictable return to the capacity entitlements” specified under a U.S.-China agreement.

On a trip to China last year, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she wanted to boost travel and tourism between the two countries.

If China returned to 2019 U.S. tourism levels, it would add $30 billion to the U.S. economy and 50,000 U.S. jobs, Raimondo said in August. -Reuters

27 February 2024

Photo ; China Southern ( Kale Woods )

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan welcomed more than 2 million visitors for an eighth consecutive month in January, official data showed , setting the stage for a potential record year for tourism.

The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was 2.69 million last month, down slightly from 2.73 million in December, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

Arrivals in December were an all-time high for that month and capped a pandemic recovery year that saw a little more than 25 million visitors enter the country.

Tourism to Japan all but halted for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the industry was dealt a major tailwind last year by rapid depreciation in the yen that made Japan a bargain compared to many destinations.

Inbound tourism is an increasingly important part of Japan’s economy, and visitors spent more than 5 trillion yen ($33.32 billion) last year for the first time, exceeding the government’s goal.

Arrivals in January were impacted by the major earthquake on Jan. 1 in the western prefecture of Ishikawa, JNTO said, though the number was on par with the level in 2019 when Japan welcomed a record 39.9 million tourists.

Travellers from South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia set an all-time record for any single month.

Tourism from China is still far below pre-pandemic levels, when mainland travellers made up nearly a third of all visitors and 40% of tourist spending. But there are signs of life in the segment.

Chinese visitors numbered 415,900 in January, up 33% from the previous month. And department store operators Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings and J.Front Retailing said the Lunar New Year contributed to strong sales of luxury goods and duty-free items in the first half of February.

Chinese visitors may be opting for more leisurely travel this year, a trend known as “chill stay,” as opposed to rushed shopping splurges seen in years past, said Teppei Kawanishi, general manager at travel industry consultancy Honichi Lab.

26 February 2024

Photo : Visit Japan Intl. / JNTO

Travel BizNews ——

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a global tourism powerhouse.

This remarkable accomplishment achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the tourism sector worldwide, according to a release issued by UNWTO.

“This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom’s robust tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.”

UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development.

The Kingdom’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom.

The employment opportunities created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030.

27 February 2024

Photo : UN Tourism

Travel Biz News —

ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) forecasts the total volume of international visitation to the United States to increase to 77.7 million in 2024, up 10.4 million, or 15.4% from 67.3 million visitors in 2023.

NTTO also estimates international visitation to reach 85.2 million in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 visitation of 79.4 million , according to the U.S. government’s official forecast of international visitation to the United States released in Washington this week.

Additionally, according to NTTO’s forecast, the United States is on track to reach 91 million visitors in 2026, exceeding the five-year goal of 90 million international visitors by 2027 set in the National Travel and Tourism Strategy.

ITA’s International Visitor Forecast includes actual annual visitation data for years 2019-2023 and forecasted annual visitor volume for years 2024-2028. The forecast covers: Total All Countries; Overseas (which excludes Canada and Mexico); and the 12 largest source markets based on 2019 visitor volume.

The International Visitor Forecast includes three measurements: volume (in thousands); annual percent change; and share of 2019 volume for each covered source market. Download NTTO’s Forecast Table and the Forecast Summary Report, which are both located on the  NTTO’s Research website.

NTTO, housed within the Industry and Analysis unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ITA, is the federal government’s official source for U.S. travel and tourism statistics.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier government resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements.

6 February 2024 Photo : ITA

Travel Biz News —–

The GCC outbound market is forecast to grow exponentially over the next five years, driven by Gen X travellers, according to recent research, says Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which takes place from 6-9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brings together six Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – to further political and economic integration amongst them.

Generation X, those people born between 1965 and 1980 – are leading the significant growth in outbound travel from the GCC countries, according to findings by New York headquartered Research Nester. The report highlights numerous reasons why this generation has a dominant share of the GCC’s outbound market, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets.

Commenting on the report, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market said, “Within an age range of approximately 43 years to 58 years, many Gen Xers hold senior positions within companies and as such tend to travel overseas regularly on business trips.

“In addition, with responsibility comes reward and therefore many have high earning potential and disposable income. Many successful entrepreneurs at this stage in their careers also have built significant wealth and can afford to travel frequently.

“Many industry commentators are focused on Millennial and Gen Z travelers, but it is perfectly logical that Gen X would dominate the GCC outbound market value given the region’s demographics, particularly expatriate senior management.”

Members of Gen X are also changing their lifestyles, with considerable numbers now looking for a more sustainable work life balance. This often means spending more leisure time with their families, including holidays and combining business with leisure, which is significantly growing the bleisure segment of travel.

To illustrate these points, Gen X will be responsible for $11.1 billion, 41% of Saudi Arabia’s total outbound market value of $27 billion by 2028 according to the report. It is a similar picture in the UAE. Gen X will spend $18.2 billion, 60% of the total market value of $30.5 billion by 2028.

“It is also worth considering that as this generation begins to age and subsequently retire, naturally it will be Millennials who will begin to dominate outbound market share in the decade ahead,” added Curtis.

Overall, Saudi tourists favour Europe as a destination, accounting for $13.2 billion in market value by 2028, compared with just $7.4 billion in 2019. Other top destinations for GCC travellers include UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, US, India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa.

To support the outbound sector still further, ATM is also organising a market insights summit, covering India, China and Latin America, as well as the latest generational travel trends.

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for unveiling ATM’s net-zero pledge.

6 February 2024