Inbound tourism to India is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 12 per cent from 2022 to 2027, driven by rising disposable incomes, growth of the middle class, and increasing awareness of India as a tourist destination, revealed a report by Nangia Andersen in association with FICCI.

CAPA India has said that India should urgently introduce mechanisms to institutionalise consumer protection, providing full refunds in the event of airline closure, along the lines of @ATOLprotected in the UK, which is run by the @UK_CAA). CAPA India has been recommending this since 2011: CAPA India

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India said, “Digital transformation will be a very critical driver of growth. In 2047 India will be the youngest country in the world. We will be a provider of almost 25% of the workforce in the world.” 

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed an MoU to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalise on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary. This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travellers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 has opened today in Dubai. A huge Indian delegation is there, comprising senior officials from MOT, states and stakeholders. TravTalk has launched its first Carbon Neutral Edition while pledging to make its operations carbon neutral.

Abid Rashid Shah, Tourism Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir has shared that the Union Territory received 1.88 crore tourists in 2022. However, the industry is now expecting that they will cross the two crore-mark for tourist arrivals in 2023.

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, believes that to attract medical tourists, maintaining global standards is a primary requisite. “Thematic creatives on niche tourism products like medical tourism are being used in government campaigns to cater to diverse consumer interests,” he adds.

World Travel and Tourism Council says that by 2033, tourism sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5 trillion, i.e. 11.6% of the global economy, and will employ 430mn people around the world, with almost 12% of working population in the sector.

Travel Professionals attending GTFF 2023 may register for a free Familiarization tour of North Bay, Ontario. The full day program that will include lunch, will provide an opportunity to discover the charms of the city and get a taste of Ontario’s magnificent Northern region. Featured in the itinerary are museum visits, including the North Bay Museum, Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace which provides understanding and connection to Canada’s historical and current contributions to air defence, and a visit of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company; to experience the magic of a restored Heritage Carousel and nostalgic Heritage Railway. Participants will continue the day with a tour of the city and tour a local North Ontario Brewery with a delicious selection of local craft beers; enjoying a flight or pint. Participants may also have the opportunity to visit a Maple Syrup Farm (subject to time availability), to indulge in savouring Canada’s iconic sweet delicacies from a region well known for maple syrup production.

From 1 May to 30 September 2023, visitors to Mount Faber Peak, Harbourfront and Sentosa will catch a glimpse of a rare sight – an eye-catching line of 67 Poké Ball cabins soaring 100 metres above sea level. The exteriors of cable car cabins on the Mount Faber Line will be wrapped in the recognisable red and white colours of Poké Balls. Much like the inspiration behind their outward appearance, inside each cabin awaits a surprise — five different interior designs, each themed around first-generation Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, as well as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the latest Pokémon video games. Families and fans of Pokémon will experience something new each time they ride on the Singapore Cable Car, marvelling at a vibrant assemblage of newly-installed beautiful, multicoloured lights at Mount Faber Station, Harbourfront Station and Sentosa Station. Mr Buhdy Bok, Managing Director, Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG), said, “Even as we look back on our past with immense pride and reminisce the many beautiful memories that led us to this historic milestone of the Singapore Cable Car’s Golden Jubilee, we must look to the future. Beyond celebrating the momentous birthday of a national icon, we are also welcoming a time when the global appetite for travel is stronger than ever. Through our exciting year-long line-up of activities, we hope guests will rediscover the Singapore Cable Car while recreating newer and even more beautiful memories that they can cherish for many years to come.” Atop the verdant hilltop destination of Mount Faber Peak, visitors will also be able to snap pictures at various photo points – including vintage cable car cabins – with a variety of Pokémon like …