Travel & Culture

World tourism gradually recovers amid global uncertainty

Published

2 years ago

06/06/2022

MNN

Travel and tourism contributed 21.7% to global gross domestic product in 2021

Global tourism has been facing the brunt of natural and man-made events, one after the other. However, it has the potential to grow to $8.6 trillion in 2022, according to an industry survey.

Travel and tourism contributed 21.7 percent to the global gross domestic product in 2021 after falling sharply in 2020 due to COVID-19, according to a joint survey by the World Travel & Tourism Council and Oxford Economics. According to the travel body, tourism growth this year holds tremendous potential.

Even as global tourism showed strong signs of recovery in January 2022 after reeling under COVID-related restrictions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine added to the uncertainty, the United Nations World Tourism Organization stated in a report.

The UN report stated that global international tourist arrivals more than doubled in January 2022, rising by 130 percent compared to January 2021. Around 18 million more tourists were recorded worldwide in March this year.

Despite these figures reflecting a positive trend, recovery halted indefinitely in the wake of Omicron and travel restrictions in several destinations. In January 2022, international arrivals remained 67 percent below pre-pandemic levels after declining 71 percent in 2021, according to the UN report.

In the same month, all regions performed significantly better than the corresponding month in 2021. Even as international arrivals were at around half the pre-pandemic levels, both Europe and the Americas continued to have the strongest turnout.

Changing travel dynamics

Although European arrivals increased by 199 percent and Americas by 97 percent, international arrivals remained below the pre-pandemic levels and declined by 53 percent and 52 percent, respectively, UNWTO explained.

Tourist arrivals in the Middle East grew by 89 percent and Africa by 51 percent in January 2022 compared to January 2022.

By the end of March, more than 10 COVID-restricted destinations had opened up, and a growing number of places eased or lifted travel curbs; it allowed the pent-up demand to be met.

However, the war on Ukraine severely dented global travel confidence and posed challenges to the global economy. As a result, international travel is at risk, putting the global economy at peril, the UNWTO said.

As the US and Asian source markets have been easing restrictions, they could be particularly impacted in travel to Europe since they have historically been more risk-averse.

Many European countries banned Russian carriers, which affected intra-Europe travel. It also increased the duration and cost of flights between Europe and East Asia due to detours, the report added.

Sojern Middle East and Africa Managing Director Stewart Smith

In 2020, Russia and Ukraine accounted for 3 percent of global tourism spending. UNWTO estimated that at least SR55.5 billion ($14 billion) in global tourism receipts would be lost if the conflict persists.

In an assessment by UNWTO on the impact of the war, it stated that “though it is early to assess the impact on international tourism, the military offensive of the Russian Federation on Ukraine represents a downside risk that could delay a still weak and uneven recovery of international tourism, despite the increasing number of destinations easing restrictions.”

On the road to recovery

Sojern Middle East and Africa Managing Director Stewart Smith said that the company had observed that neighboring countries in Eastern Europe provide aid and support to Ukraine rather than promoting their destinations to tourists.

Sojern, a digital marketing platform that both the UNWTO and the Pacific Asia Travel Association rely on for their travel and tourism recovery research, stated that flight searches for Asia-Pacific dropped 12 percent in 2022 compared to 2019.

Smith said that several destinations do not want to miss out on tourist opportunities during their peak season. Therefore, they continued to invest in tourism support, albeit less than usual.

Through co-op marketing, Sojern partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism and demonstrated its commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s properties.

This year, the company saw a 2,000 percent increase in travel intent from Oceania, particularly Australia and New Zealand. However, there were more travel restrictions in that region than today, and it was much more difficult to travel to Europe from Oceania.

According to Sojern data, flight searches in Europe, the Middle East and Africa increased by 46 percent in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Also, year-over-year flight searches to Europe were more than 200 percent higher in March 2022 than they were at the corresponding time last year, Sojern reported.

While the conflict led to uncertainty, hotel and flight bookings in the first quarter of 2022 and April onwards showed continued promise.

Source: AN

Travel & Culture

Maldives Showcased at Asia’s Biggest Dive Expo

Published

3 days ago

16/04/2024

Maldives Marketing and Public Cooperation (MMPRC) has promoted Maldives at Asia’s largest dive expo, Adex Ocean Mission 2024.

Notably, Adex Ocean Mission is a global platform where investors, scientists, marine conservationists and as well as underwater photographs can join together. Simultaneously, dive operators along with dive equipment manufacturers took part in the expo. It has been 26 years since the expo first commenced.

Remarkably, MMPRC has actively engaged in promoting Maldives as a leading tourism destination, following exposure globally. The very expo was carried out from April 12 to 14 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Providing insight on the expo, MMPRC affirmed that persistent efforts have been made to provide updated information regarding the Maldives to those interested in diving related activities. Moreover, initiatives have been taken to create awareness about the Maldives as a central hub prioritising diving and as well as marine conservation.

One of the primary incentives of partaking in such expos is to attract tourists from the South Asian region. While the tourist arrival from the South-East Asian region amounted 58,947, the number of tourists who visited from January and February totals to 7,481.

Additionally, efforts are currently underway to initiate joint marketing campaigns and outdoor promotional campaigns following active engagements with several stakeholders targeted towards tourists arrivals from the South-East Asian market.

Source(s): PsmNews

Travel & Culture

Minister launches Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project

Published

4 days ago

16/04/2024

The foundation stone of the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project has been laid in a event held in Addu City. The project was officiated by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. This initiative marks as the biggest project targetting the development of the tourism sector within the city. The project worth USD 142.9 million, aims to pave a road for Addu City to be developed sustainably, in addition to bringing advancements to the tourism industry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan observed the launch of the project was a long-awaited vision of the residents of Addu City, noting that the practical work of the project will commence in two weeks. The minister stated that this project will enhance employment prospects, creating 3,000 job opportunities.

The project was entrusted by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation to China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC). The pertaining agreements signed by the companies on March 23, 2023, outlines the development of the project through engineering, procurement, and constructions required.

Providing an insight on the project, Maldives Fund Management Corporation revealed that the Hankeda project will have the capacity to accommodate 2,082 beds along with 1,041 rooms. It further disclosed that a variety of hotels of different standards will be established under the project. This encompasses of two grand hotels, two deluxe hotels, ten boutique hotels, 64 serviced apartments and seven beach villas. Several additional facilities will be provided under the project, including a knowledge centre, mix sport building, outdoor beach sports, theatre and other such entertainment facilities. Building will also be developed designated for food courts, restaurants and small firms.

The project will undoubtedly serve as a transformative endeavour to the entire city, bringing revolutionary changes to the tourism sector as well.

Source(s): PsmNews

Travel & Culture

Fuvahmulah city council initiates tourism zone development project

Published

2 weeks ago

04/04/2024

The Fuvahmulah City Council has launched a significant project aimed at developing a tourism zone within the city, covering an expansive area of 12 hectares. An agreement laying the groundwork for this transformative endeavor was recently signed between the Fuvahmulah City Council and Regional Airports, symbolising a pivotal step towards its realization. Mayor Ismail Rafeeq and the Managing Director of Regional Airports, Ahmed Mubeen, officiated the contract signing.

The comprehensive two-year agreement delineates the collaborative responsibilities of Regional Airports and the city council, encompassing investor recruitment, project design, and development. Mayor Ismail Rafeeq articulated his vision for the project, emphasizing the establishment of recreational service centers alongside accommodations for tourists.

With a focus on attracting more visitors to the city, Mayor Rafeeq highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster Fuvahmulah’s air transportation infrastructure. Plans are underway to commence physical work on the development before the year’s end, underscoring the council’s commitment to swift progress. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to explore the potential expansion of Fuvahmulah’s airport to accommodate jet landings.

Fuvahmulah City is renowned for its acclaimed diving spots, drawing a significant number of tourists seeking immersive experiences. Presently, the city boasts 21 guesthouses, catering to the influx of visitors flocking to explore its natural wonders.

Source(s): PsmNews