Friday, September 27 is World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated with a wide-variety of activities and events, including free access to museums and galleries around Malaga City. The Picasso Birthplace Museum, the Russian Museum Collection, and the Centre Pompidou Málaga will open their doors free of charge, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy their…
Prachuap Khiri Khan is set to host the “Let’s Go Prachuap…Invite to Travel” event, aimed at stimulating the local economy and promoting tourism across the province’s eight districts during the green season. The event, which will take place from 4 to 6 October 2024 at the Market Village Shopping Centre in Hua Hin, was officially…
The major airlines need to offer more choice and more routes to travellers going to and from Cork and Shannon, the Minister for Tourism has told travel sector leaders. At the moment, Dublin Airport handles 84% of all flights to and from Ireland with Cork, Shannon and Ireland West/Knock left – as one leading figure…
Riyadh, SANA- Syria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Ayman Sousan, met Wednesday morning Director of Regional Office of UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the Middle East, Samer Al-Kharash.
The two sides discussed means of cooperation between Organization Regional Office and Syrian Tourism Ministry in all domains related to tourism, as al-Kharash stressed readiness to bolster cooperation with Syria in all fields.
In turn, Ambassador Sousan underscored the importance of tourism sector particularly in the investment field.
He noted that cooperation with the regional office will enhance the Syrian efforts in this regard, especially in terms of qualifying the cadres working in tourism sector and promoting tourism.
Rafah al-Allouni/ Manar Salameh
PRIORITISING EXPERIENCESMeanwhile, other Middle Eastern cities such as Riyadh and Doha are also getting their fair share of Chinese tourists. Mr Schubert Lou, chief operating officer at travel service firm Trip.com, said there is a shift in consumer activities from “pure shopping” to prioritising experiences. “This cultural and artistic appeal is actually happening,” he added. “We’re seeing that that’s the desire of the people going (there).” Some observers believe China’s growing business ties with the Middle East has contributed to the tourism boom, with visa-free access and increased flight routes. “It’s part of China’s foreign policy, in a way that they are representative of what the Chinese want to be seen as,” said Mr Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation advisory firm Endau Analytics. “They want to travel, they want to showcase their people, and to show that China is still relevant, very much so, despite what happened during COVID-19.” As Chinese travel to the Middle East continues to grow, experts told CNA that countries in the region still need to upgrade their services to better receive the influx of Chinese tourists. Trip.com’s Mr Lou said these include having language support, developing guided tours, and tailoring “their experience so that they can manage to do things in the local fashion”. For Ms Liang, she is looking forward to visiting more Arab countries, especially after seeing her friends post their trips online. “We still really want to experience different cultures and customs, like those in the Middle East,” she added. “For example, Egypt might have even greater differences compared to places within China, so we hope to go there and experience it firsthand.”
On Wednesday, several key tabloids from the United Kingdom reacted strongly against Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ plans to implement a steep €20 tourist tax in an effort to combat ‘overtourism’ in several of Greece’s key tourist destinations.Notably, the Mirror and Express, which reach a broad working-class audience, highlighted Greece’s plans, along with a ‘warning’ from a major German travel operator, German Travel Association (DRV), that the tax will drive Germans to other holiday destinations.The reaction comes as Europe’s travel operators make plans for where they will drive their customers for the 2025 tourist season, and tourism ministries from throughout the world gear-up to advertise their offer at the annual and influential World Travel Market London (WTM) event, to be held this year from November 5-7.According to the tabloids, the tourist tax is cast in an unfavorable light and will target Greece’s destinations “overwhelmed this summer by colossal waves of tourists”, as well as Airbnb properties.Although the tabloids do not cite precisely when the Prime Minister made the announcement over the new tax, the news is not ‘new’ and has been widely covered in Greece since the start of September, when the PM announced his economic plans at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair.The statement from DRV, which seems to be driving the ‘bad press’ for Greece, cautions that so many tax increases in a short amount of time will divert Germans to other tourist destinations, such as Spain and Italy.The new steep levies, which are the source of consternation, are a new €20 cruise passenger fee for those heading to Santorini and Mykonos, and Greece’s ‘climate resilience fee’, which was implemented for the first time during the 2024 summer season.Germany and the United Kingdom are two of Greece’s most significant tourist markets, and are consistently among the largest group of visitors to Greece. Although Greece boasts that 2024 has been its ‘best year yet’ for tourism and is working on decoupling itself from major tour operators and diversifying the source of its tourist, any decrease in shares from Germany and the United Kingdom could spell bad news for Greece.
WTTC, in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, has launched a new report revealing the stark impact of the pandemic on woman and youth employment within the global travel and tourism sector, and how more must be done to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery.
Almost 70 million people working in travel and tourism lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services.
Women remain underrepresented in high-wage and leadership roles, while young workers face challenges in accessing stable employment
While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment report found it employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people in 2022, notably lower than the 48.4 million women (-13 per cent) and nearly 19 million young workers (15 per cent) supported by the sector in 2019.
The report, which examines employment trends across 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, underscores the sector’s potential as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and social progress.
According to the latest EIR data, in 2023, the travel and tourism sector’s GDP contribution rose by 29.1 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1 per cent below. Yet despite this economic rebound, the social recovery continued to lag, particularly for women and young people who remain more likely to be stuck in informal, part-time, or low-wage roles without security or growth potential.
The report also highlights that women remain underrepresented in high-wage and leadership roles, with the gender split in travel and tourism employment nearly mirroring that of the wider economy. Meanwhile, young workers, who make up a greater share of the travel and tourism workforce compared to the wider economy, face particular challenges in accessing stable employment.
This joint report calls for urgent action to address these disparities and maximise the sector’s potential as a driver of inclusive growth. It is critical to learn from these hardships and implement measures to protect these groups from being disproportionately affected in future crises.
Key areas of focus for governments and the travel and tourism sector include developing policies for skills training and gender equality; enhancing job opportunities for women and youth; investing in education and leadership programmes; implementing inclusive hiring practices and equal pay; supporting flexible work arrangements and childcare; and promoting entrepreneurship through support for start-ups and small businesses
Saudi Arabia minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, welcomed the joint report findings and emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting youth and female employment in the travel and tourism sector: “In 2022, Saudi women’s employment in tourism was the fifth fastest growing among G20 countries. The focus on localising services, in areas like AlUla and Diriyah, has created new opportunities for women in heritage tourism jobs. Through stronger partnerships, tourism can transform into a vehicle for inclusive development, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”
Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, added: “Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers. By investing in skills, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering entrepreneurship, we can unlock the full potential of these groups and ensure that our sector leads the way in creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.”
Read the full report here.
Thailand’s official travel super app, TAGTHAi has teamed up with Google Cloud to simplify and enhance the travel planning experience for visitors to Thailand with the help of Google Cloud’s artificial intelligence (AI) innovations.
TAGTHAi’s Design My Trip is a generative AI (gen AI)-powered capability accessible through the TAGTHAi mobile app, which utilises Vertex AI, Google Cloud’s enterprise AI platform, and Google’s first-party foundation models like Gemini, and enables travellers to create personalised trip itineraries within seconds.
From left: Google Cloud’s Annop Siritikul and TAGTHAi’s Silawat Santivisat and Kanokwan Boonchai
The early-access version of Design My Trip, released earlier in June, helps travellers create tailored one-to-three-day itineraries for visits to the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Users simply select their specific interests, such as ‘massage and spa’, ‘Michelin food’, or ‘Skywalk’, and the AI-powered tool instantly generates a customised trip plan. Integrating with Google Maps APIs, the tool also prioritises convenience by considering distances between recommended locations to minimise travel time while providing easy access to directions, reviews, and other useful information.
The full-featured version of Design My Trip, slated for release later this year, will offer expanded capabilities, allowing users to generate itineraries for longer trips and cover more points of interest and Thai provinces, such as Chiang Mai and Phuket. It will also allow users to further customise their AI-generated itineraries and share them with others for easier group travel planning. The itineraries will also offer the option of directly purchasing and storing e-tickets to attractions and activities within the TAGTHAi app.
Design My Trip is currently available in English and Thai, with plans to generate travel itineraries and other content in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other languages, to cater to a broader range of overseas visitors.
Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO, Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co. (TAGTHAi), shared: “We’re proactively addressing a major pain point faced by international visitors: navigating where to go in Thailand, and how, due to the overwhelming complexity associated with finding reliable in-destination-related information that’s scattered across numerous online platforms. We’ve developed Design My Trip to distil these complexities into personalised trip plans that guide travellers every step of the way, reducing travel anxiety and ensuring that they can easily discover and enjoy the rich tapestry of high-quality attractions and experiences that Thailand has to offer.”
“As Thailand looks to sustain its growth in international tourism, we look forward to continuing to help TAGTHAi and the broader travel ecosystem elevate their digital competitiveness and drive tangible business results with the industry’s most enterprise-ready gen AI platform,” said Annop Siritikul, country director, Thailand, Google Cloud.
Dusit International has partnered with Vietnam’s Saigontourist Group to drive tourism development in Thailand and Vietnam through strategic promotions, enhanced services, and the creation of innovative tourism products.
Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will share technical expertise, experience, and best practices to help elevate the quality and effectiveness of tourism services in both countries; as well as to explore opportunities for joint hotel development and promote each other’s tourism offerings at major events, festivals, and travel fairs.
Dusit International and Saigontourist Group aim to create innovative experiences, enhance industry standards, and promote cultural exchange
Saigontourist Group’s expansive portfolio of hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and conference facilities across Vietnam welcomes thousands of Thai visitors each year. Likewise, Thailand is a popular destination for Vietnamese travellers.
In 2023 and the 1H2024, Saigontourist Travel Service Company arranged trips for approximately 15,400 Vietnamese tourists to experience Thailand’s top destinations, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
As a key player in hospitality education, with Dusit Thani College, The Food School, and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School developing top talent for Dusit Hotels and Resorts and the industry at large, Dusit International and Saigontourist Group will also collaborate in education and training for tourism operations.
Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International, commented: “More than just a business agreement, this strategic alliance is a commitment to fostering mutual growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development in the tourism sector. Our collaboration will undoubtedly lead to new opportunities and innovations, benefiting both our organisations and the tourism industries of Vietnam and Thailand.”
“I believe that through close collaboration and leveraging the growth potential of both groups, we will achieve outstanding success in tourism development, thereby contributing to the socio-economic advancement of both Vietnam and Thailand,” added Truong Duc Hung, general director, Saigontourist Group.
Skift Take
As Golden Week approaches, China’s travel rebound is set to lift global tourism. Destinations that cater to confident Chinese travelers seeking diverse, immersive experiences will win big.
Peden Doma Bhutia
After years of limited mobility, Chinese outbound travel is set to make a significant recovery during the upcoming October Golden Week, according to Dragon Trail Research.
“We expect an October Golden Week that will come closer than any previous Chinese holiday period since the country’s reopening to meeting pre-pandemic levels,” Dragon Trail noted in a soon-to-be-released survey report.
Industry experts have eagerly anticipated this resurgence, and Chinese travelers are now embracing international exploration, focusing on personalized, immersive experiences.
Golden Week: A Turning Point for Chinese Travel
As China’s Golden Week kicks off on October 1, it marks a major milestone in the recovery of outbound travel.
According to Dragon Trail Research, 40% of surveyed respondents planning to travel by the end of the year have set their sights on October, signaling a strong appetite for international vacations. ForwardKeys backs this up, reporting that air tickets issued for outbound travel have reached 85% of 2019 levels, with a 32% increase from last year.
Source: Dragon Trail Research
Unlike 2023’s early spike from a Mid-Autumn Festival overlap, this year’s travel patterns for Golden Week is more evenly spread across the week. These multiple peaks reflect greater confidence and eagerness among travelers to explore new destinations at a more relaxed pace.
Chinese Travelers: Making Up for Lost Time
While Chinese outbound tourism hasn’t fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, the upward trajectory is clear. By August 2024, 16% of respondents to the Dragon Trail survey had already ventured abroad, a significant jump from just 4% by this point last year. More impressively, 60% of these travelers had embarked on at least two outbound trips.
Safety concerns, a significant post-pandemic travel deterrent, have also stabilized. Chinese tourists now feel more secure visiting destinations across 10 out of 11 global regions, with Europe and Southeast Asia being top choices.
While other parts of Asia remain the most frequently visited, Europe continues to capture the interest of long-haul travelers. Survey respondents reported plans to visit 28 European countries, ranging from Scandinavia to the Balkans. The Middle East has seen the biggest gain in interest.
Experiences Beyond Sightseeing
The Chinese travel landscape has evolved. Today’s tourists are no longer content with standard sightseeing trips. According to Dragon Trail Research, 70% of respondents participated in cultural or sporting events during their trips.
Experiences include museum visits and opera performances in Europe to fireworks festivals in Japan and Hong Kong. Niche travel segments like cruises and self-drive tours are gaining popularity, pointing to a more personalized, tailored approach to travel.
The recent Paris Olympics also showcased a shift in preferences, with Chinese travelers attending global events and taking in iconic experiences abroad.
These trends show that Chinese tourists now prioritize unique activities and experiences over simply choosing a destination.
Budget Conscious, but Ready to Splurge
Despite their enthusiasm for travel, Chinese tourists are strategic about spending. Most plan to spend between RMB 10,000 ($1424) and 30,000 ($4274) per trip, carefully allocating their budget across priorities. A significant portion of this is reserved for food and drink, with 76% of respondents stating they are willing to spend more on local culinary experiences.
Entertainment and cultural activities follow closely behind, with travelers eager to indulge in local events and experiences. Promotions and discounts remain attractive, especially for those booking cruises or accommodations. This blend of budget-consciousness and a willingness to splurge on key experiences defines today’s Chinese traveler.
Source: Dragon Trail Research
Planning and Booking: Shorter Windows, Trusted Platforms
One key trend that has emerged post-pandemic is the short planning window. Around 64.7% of respondents plan their trips within two months of departure, with most trips lasting between four and seven days. This reflects a combination of spontaneity and careful financial planning, as travelers balance flexibility with cost management.
When it comes to booking, Chinese online travel companies like Ctrip and Qunar continue to dominate, along with social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and WeChat. These channels provide travelers with a blend of convenience and user-generated content, offering the reliability they seek when making travel decisions.