The recent visa waiver programs implemented by Malaysia and Thailand for Indian travelers are proving to be successful. Agoda’s search data indicates a significant surge in demand for travel to these Southeast Asian countries, driven by the introduction of the 30-day and 90-day tourist visas.

Thailand, a popular holiday destination, has experienced a 44% increase in searches from India following the recent visa relaxation. Meanwhile, Malaysia has seen an even more substantial rise, with a 49% increase in searches in January compared to October of the previous year, as reported by Agoda.

In a noteworthy development, Agoda revealed that Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has now become the top outbound city destination for Indian travelers, surpassing Dubai in popularity since the visa relaxations took effect. Additionally, Pattaya, a beach destination in Thailand, climbed from fifth to third place. The current top five city destinations for Indian travelers are Bangkok, Dubai, Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali.

Indian travelers are benefiting significantly from the recent wave of visa relaxations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Several markets in Asia have either implemented changes in policies or are contemplating similar measures for Indian and Chinese travelers. According to the Henley Passport Index, Indian travelers now enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries.

Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “The relaxation of visa norms seems to be an accelerator for India’s outbound travel landscape. More and more destinations are recognizing India’s potential as a key source market. With Malaysia and Thailand leading the way in terms of visa waivers, it’s clear that Southeast Asia’s allure is growing stronger. The fact that many of these destinations can now be visited without having to worry about the paperwork will likely encourage even more Indian travelers to go abroad and explore.”

Agoda, with its extensive offering of over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities available for booking, plays a crucial role in making travel convenient and accessible. For Indian tourists seeking to explore these popular destinations, Agoda’s platform serves as an ideal gateway for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.

The post Agoda: Indian travel soars in Southeast Asia after visa relaxation appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

The Government of Karnataka’s Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, and various stakeholders from Karnataka, is gearing up to captivate the vibrant city of Pune with an exclusive Roadshow dedicated to showcasing the diverse and enthralling tourism offerings of the state. This event, scheduled for 6th February 2024 at Amanora The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, Pune, starting at 06:00 pm, is designed to bring together travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives for an immersive exploration of Karnataka’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and distinctive travel opportunities.

The Roadshow aims to establish a dynamic platform for Karnataka Tourism to engage with key stakeholders in the travel industry. Pune-based travel agents and tour operators will have the chance to delve into the treasures Karnataka holds, encompassing ancient historical sites, architectural marvels, picturesque natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Media representatives attending the Roadshow will gain valuable insights into the latest developments, upcoming events, and exclusive travel experiences that Karnataka Tourism is eager to showcase. Using interactive presentations, engaging discussions, and firsthand accounts, the event seeks to generate excitement and interest in Karnataka as a must-visit destination.

Karnataka Tourism is dedicated to fostering collaborations and partnerships within the travel industry, and the Roadshow aims to strengthen ties, create networking opportunities, and open avenues for promoting Karnataka’s unique tourism offerings.

Promising an immersive experience, the Roadshow will provide attendees with a glimpse of Karnataka’s diverse attractions and the warm hospitality that awaits visitors. From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi, Pattadakal, and Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapur to the lush greenery of Coorg, Karnataka offers a spectrum of experiences catering to every type of traveler.

Through this Roadshow, Karnataka Tourism aspires to showcase the magic of the state—a place where tradition meets modernity, and every journey unfolds a unique story. It’s a blend of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

The post Karnataka Tourism to organize Roadshow in Pune appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

The Government of Karnataka’s Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, and various stakeholders from Karnataka, is gearing up to captivate the vibrant city of Pune with an exclusive Roadshow dedicated to showcasing the diverse and enthralling tourism offerings of the state. This event, scheduled for 6th February 2024 at Amanora The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, Pune, starting at 06:00 pm, is designed to bring together travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives for an immersive exploration of Karnataka’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and distinctive travel opportunities.

The Roadshow aims to establish a dynamic platform for Karnataka Tourism to engage with key stakeholders in the travel industry. Pune-based travel agents and tour operators will have the chance to delve into the treasures Karnataka holds, encompassing ancient historical sites, architectural marvels, picturesque natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Media representatives attending the Roadshow will gain valuable insights into the latest developments, upcoming events, and exclusive travel experiences that Karnataka Tourism is eager to showcase. Using interactive presentations, engaging discussions, and firsthand accounts, the event seeks to generate excitement and interest in Karnataka as a must-visit destination.

Karnataka Tourism is dedicated to fostering collaborations and partnerships within the travel industry, and the Roadshow aims to strengthen ties, create networking opportunities, and open avenues for promoting Karnataka’s unique tourism offerings.

Promising an immersive experience, the Roadshow will provide attendees with a glimpse of Karnataka’s diverse attractions and the warm hospitality that awaits visitors. From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi, Pattadakal, and Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapur to the lush greenery of Coorg, Karnataka offers a spectrum of experiences catering to every type of traveler.

Through this Roadshow, Karnataka Tourism aspires to showcase the magic of the state—a place where tradition meets modernity, and every journey unfolds a unique story. It’s a blend of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

The post Karnataka Tourism to organize Roadshow in Pune appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

South Carolina’s Grand Strand is heralding 2024 with a range of brand new undertakings, understandings and gastronomic enjoyments. With more than 60 miles of spectacular beaches and 14 distinctive communities, the Myrtle Beach area asks tourists of all ages to attempt something innovative and thrilling at The Beach this year. 

Karen Riordan, the President and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach said that their ever-changing destination endures to witness exponential development, invention and progression with regard to miscellaneous offerings and experiences for everyone. She said that they look ahead to greet tourists to The Beach who are in search of perennial recreation and escapade combined with bright skies and Southern cordiality.

New improvements in Myrtle Beach comprise:

Myrtle Beach Classic

PopStroke

Myrtle Waves Water Park

Carolina Country Music Festival

Greg Rowles Legacy Theater

Surfside Beach Pier Reconstruction

Besides the above, there are new and innovative additions to food and beverages like Coffee & Cream Cabana, Neptune Bistro & Raw Bar, Mimosas, The Tasting Room on 9th and Blue Drum Waterfront Restaurant among others. There are even exciting new additions to lodging and transportation such as DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, The George Hotel and new flight routes.

The post Myrtle Beach ushers in 2024 with plethora of new offerings appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

South Carolina’s Grand Strand is heralding 2024 with a range of brand new undertakings, understandings and gastronomic enjoyments. With more than 60 miles of spectacular beaches and 14 distinctive communities, the Myrtle Beach area asks tourists of all ages to attempt something innovative and thrilling at The Beach this year. 

Karen Riordan, the President and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach said that their ever-changing destination endures to witness exponential development, invention and progression with regard to miscellaneous offerings and experiences for everyone. She said that they look ahead to greet tourists to The Beach who are in search of perennial recreation and escapade combined with bright skies and Southern cordiality.

New improvements in Myrtle Beach comprise:

Myrtle Beach Classic

PopStroke

Myrtle Waves Water Park

Carolina Country Music Festival

Greg Rowles Legacy Theater

Surfside Beach Pier Reconstruction

Besides the above, there are new and innovative additions to food and beverages like Coffee & Cream Cabana, Neptune Bistro & Raw Bar, Mimosas, The Tasting Room on 9th and Blue Drum Waterfront Restaurant among others. There are even exciting new additions to lodging and transportation such as DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, The George Hotel and new flight routes.

The post Myrtle Beach ushers in 2024 with plethora of new offerings appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

The Government of The Bahamas remains vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and warmth of our nation as a welcoming destination. In 2023, we celebrated a noteworthy achievement with over 9 million visitors experiencing the wonders of our crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches, lively culture, friendly locals, and family-friendly adventures.

Despite recent events mentioned in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert, it’s crucial to note that The Bahamas maintains its level 2 rating, consistent with most tourism destinations. These incidents do not accurately represent the overall safety in The Bahamas, a country encompassing sixteen tourism destinations and numerous islands.

To bolster safety measures, the Government of The Bahamas has implemented an effective crime reduction and prevention strategy. This comprehensive approach, informed by the latest research and successful international models, revolves around five key pillars: prevention, detection, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation.

Law enforcement agencies are actively taking robust measures, including an intensified police presence, additional resources such as facial recognition CCTV surveillance technology, and enhanced training. Our commitment to maintaining a sterling reputation includes a zero-tolerance policy for firearm possession, with a dedicated Magistrate overseeing firearm offenses.

Ensuring the safety and security of all is our top priority, and we are confident that The Bahamas will continue to provide a safe and inviting haven for millions of visitors to relish the enchantment and beauty of our islands.

The post Bahamas addresses US travel advisory concerns appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

The Government of The Bahamas remains vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and warmth of our nation as a welcoming destination. In 2023, we celebrated a noteworthy achievement with over 9 million visitors experiencing the wonders of our crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches, lively culture, friendly locals, and family-friendly adventures.

Despite recent events mentioned in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert, it’s crucial to note that The Bahamas maintains its level 2 rating, consistent with most tourism destinations. These incidents do not accurately represent the overall safety in The Bahamas, a country encompassing sixteen tourism destinations and numerous islands.

To bolster safety measures, the Government of The Bahamas has implemented an effective crime reduction and prevention strategy. This comprehensive approach, informed by the latest research and successful international models, revolves around five key pillars: prevention, detection, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation.

Law enforcement agencies are actively taking robust measures, including an intensified police presence, additional resources such as facial recognition CCTV surveillance technology, and enhanced training. Our commitment to maintaining a sterling reputation includes a zero-tolerance policy for firearm possession, with a dedicated Magistrate overseeing firearm offenses.

Ensuring the safety and security of all is our top priority, and we are confident that The Bahamas will continue to provide a safe and inviting haven for millions of visitors to relish the enchantment and beauty of our islands.

The post Bahamas addresses US travel advisory concerns appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Today, the non-profit Global Wellness Institute (GWI) released a comprehensive report addressing crucial queries about the wellness industry. This singular research provides insights into the size of the wellness market in each country, identifies the nations experiencing the fastest post-pandemic growth, examines per capita spending on wellness, and assesses the wellness market’s contribution to each country’s overall economy/GDP.

The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings presents a wealth of data, revealing that the United States remains the dominant force in wellness spending, boasting an annual market worth $1.8 trillion and securing the top rank in 9 out of 11 wellness sectors. Remarkably, nearly all of the top-25 wellness markets have demonstrated robust growth since the pandemic, with standout performers such as the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Mexico, Canada, and Australia surpassing their pre-pandemic market sizes by 120% or more. Globally, the wellness economy accounts for 5.6% of total GDP, signifying that approximately 1 in every 20 consumer dollars worldwide is spent on wellness.

In a comparative context, the research indicates that annual global per capita spending on wellness ($706) is comparable to consumer out-of-pocket spending on healthcare ($711). Notably, per capita wellness spending surpasses healthcare spending across all regions except North America. Additionally, wellness spending per capita exceeds expenditures on clothing/shoes ($289) and hotels/restaurants ($475) worldwide. Noteworthy cases include Switzerland, Iceland, and the US, where individuals spend an average of over $5,300 annually on wellness.

GWI’s senior research fellows, Ophelia Yeung and Katherine Johnston, emphasize the report’s significance for countries aspiring to grow their wellness economy. They highlight the need for nations to understand their position in this vast global industry and assess how their wellness markets have responded to the pandemic’s impacts.

The report serves as a companion to GWI’s 2023 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, offering a comprehensive update on all 11 wellness sectors. The global wellness economy is currently valued at $5.6 trillion, with a projected growth to $8.5 trillion by 2027.

For further details, the “Country Rankings” report can be downloaded here, accompanied by informative graphs.

Top 25 National Wellness Markets:

United States: $1.8 trillion (14% annual growth)

China: $790 billion (8.9%)

Germany: $269 billion (16.8%)

Japan: $241 billion (-3.9%)

UK: $224 billion (19.4%)

France: $172 billion (11.6%)

India: $132.5 billion (16.5%)

Canada: $128 billion (13.5%)

South Korea: $113 billion (9.4%)

Italy: $112 billion (7.9%)

Australia: $110 billion (12.9%)

Brazil: $96 billion (18.2%)

Russia: $94.5 billion (13.2%)

Spain: $83 billion (12.4%)

Mexico: $74 billion (25.2%)

Netherlands: $50 billion (12.1%)

Switzerland: $50 billion (14.5%)

Indonesia: $49 billion (5.9%)

Turkey: $45 billion (14%)

Taiwan: $43 billion (5.1%)

Austria: $42 billion (13.9%)

Philippines: $41 billion (8.9%)

Poland: $39 billion (11.1%)

Thailand: $35 billion (8.5%)

Sweden: $30 billion (7.5%)

The top five wellness markets globally are the US, China, Germany, Japan, and the UK, collectively representing 70% of the global wellness economy. The top 25 markets account for 86%, with the majority experiencing substantial recent growth. It’s crucial to note that currency depreciation impacts data for certain countries.

Wellness Spending Per Capita: Top 12 Countries:

Seychelles: $8,097

Switzerland: $5,737

Iceland: $5,523

Aruba: $5,361

United States: $5,321

Austria: $4,683

Australia: $4,218

Norway: $4,197

Denmark: $3,846

New Zealand: $3,689

UK: $3,342

Canada: $3,287

Unsurprisingly, the highest wellness spending is observed in affluent countries ranking in the top 25 for GDP per capita. Noteworthy growth in wellness spending per capita has been witnessed in the US and Switzerland from 2020 to 2022.

The report sheds light on unexpected leaders in wellness spending per capita, such as Seychelles and Aruba, which are prominent high-end wellness tourism destinations. These countries exhibit staggering impacts on their economies, with the wellness market contributing significantly, particularly from inbound wellness tourists.

The ratio of the wellness economy’s contribution to GDP is highest in North America (6.9%) and Europe (5.8%) and lowest in the Middle East-North Africa region (3.3%). Notable countries where wellness makes up a substantial percentage of GDP include the Philippines (10.1%), Austria (9%), the UK (7.3%), the US (7%), and South Korea (6.8%).

The research sponsors for this comprehensive study include BDMS Wellness Clinic, Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration, Therme Group, Blueprint Global, The Philippines Department of Tourism, National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Singapore Tourism Board, AG7, and The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia.

The post Global Wellness Institute: Wellness spending matches healthcare globally appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Today, the non-profit Global Wellness Institute (GWI) released a comprehensive report addressing crucial queries about the wellness industry. This singular research provides insights into the size of the wellness market in each country, identifies the nations experiencing the fastest post-pandemic growth, examines per capita spending on wellness, and assesses the wellness market’s contribution to each country’s overall economy/GDP.

The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings presents a wealth of data, revealing that the United States remains the dominant force in wellness spending, boasting an annual market worth $1.8 trillion and securing the top rank in 9 out of 11 wellness sectors. Remarkably, nearly all of the top-25 wellness markets have demonstrated robust growth since the pandemic, with standout performers such as the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Mexico, Canada, and Australia surpassing their pre-pandemic market sizes by 120% or more. Globally, the wellness economy accounts for 5.6% of total GDP, signifying that approximately 1 in every 20 consumer dollars worldwide is spent on wellness.

In a comparative context, the research indicates that annual global per capita spending on wellness ($706) is comparable to consumer out-of-pocket spending on healthcare ($711). Notably, per capita wellness spending surpasses healthcare spending across all regions except North America. Additionally, wellness spending per capita exceeds expenditures on clothing/shoes ($289) and hotels/restaurants ($475) worldwide. Noteworthy cases include Switzerland, Iceland, and the US, where individuals spend an average of over $5,300 annually on wellness.

GWI’s senior research fellows, Ophelia Yeung and Katherine Johnston, emphasize the report’s significance for countries aspiring to grow their wellness economy. They highlight the need for nations to understand their position in this vast global industry and assess how their wellness markets have responded to the pandemic’s impacts.

The report serves as a companion to GWI’s 2023 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, offering a comprehensive update on all 11 wellness sectors. The global wellness economy is currently valued at $5.6 trillion, with a projected growth to $8.5 trillion by 2027.

For further details, the “Country Rankings” report can be downloaded here, accompanied by informative graphs.

Top 25 National Wellness Markets:

United States: $1.8 trillion (14% annual growth)

China: $790 billion (8.9%)

Germany: $269 billion (16.8%)

Japan: $241 billion (-3.9%)

UK: $224 billion (19.4%)

France: $172 billion (11.6%)

India: $132.5 billion (16.5%)

Canada: $128 billion (13.5%)

South Korea: $113 billion (9.4%)

Italy: $112 billion (7.9%)

Australia: $110 billion (12.9%)

Brazil: $96 billion (18.2%)

Russia: $94.5 billion (13.2%)

Spain: $83 billion (12.4%)

Mexico: $74 billion (25.2%)

Netherlands: $50 billion (12.1%)

Switzerland: $50 billion (14.5%)

Indonesia: $49 billion (5.9%)

Turkey: $45 billion (14%)

Taiwan: $43 billion (5.1%)

Austria: $42 billion (13.9%)

Philippines: $41 billion (8.9%)

Poland: $39 billion (11.1%)

Thailand: $35 billion (8.5%)

Sweden: $30 billion (7.5%)

The top five wellness markets globally are the US, China, Germany, Japan, and the UK, collectively representing 70% of the global wellness economy. The top 25 markets account for 86%, with the majority experiencing substantial recent growth. It’s crucial to note that currency depreciation impacts data for certain countries.

Wellness Spending Per Capita: Top 12 Countries:

Seychelles: $8,097

Switzerland: $5,737

Iceland: $5,523

Aruba: $5,361

United States: $5,321

Austria: $4,683

Australia: $4,218

Norway: $4,197

Denmark: $3,846

New Zealand: $3,689

UK: $3,342

Canada: $3,287

Unsurprisingly, the highest wellness spending is observed in affluent countries ranking in the top 25 for GDP per capita. Noteworthy growth in wellness spending per capita has been witnessed in the US and Switzerland from 2020 to 2022.

The report sheds light on unexpected leaders in wellness spending per capita, such as Seychelles and Aruba, which are prominent high-end wellness tourism destinations. These countries exhibit staggering impacts on their economies, with the wellness market contributing significantly, particularly from inbound wellness tourists.

The ratio of the wellness economy’s contribution to GDP is highest in North America (6.9%) and Europe (5.8%) and lowest in the Middle East-North Africa region (3.3%). Notable countries where wellness makes up a substantial percentage of GDP include the Philippines (10.1%), Austria (9%), the UK (7.3%), the US (7%), and South Korea (6.8%).

The research sponsors for this comprehensive study include BDMS Wellness Clinic, Conceptasia and Fukui Wellness Collaboration, Therme Group, Blueprint Global, The Philippines Department of Tourism, National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Singapore Tourism Board, AG7, and The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia.

The post Global Wellness Institute: Wellness spending matches healthcare globally appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

ICC’s Aviation & Tourism Committee hosts key meeting at Hotel Connaught Royal to boost India-Canada ties, signs MOU for tourism and E-Visa promotion.

On January 30th, the Aviation & Tourism Committee of the Indo Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized a pivotal meeting at Hotel Connaught Royal. The event, which lasted from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM followed by a lunch, marked a significant step in enhancing tourism and business relations between India and Canada.

The meeting garnered substantial attention, as it was covered by the national TV channel, PTI. The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which underlined the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral relations in the fields of tourism and business.

In a significant development, the Indo Canadian Chamber announced its plans to not only promote tourism and investment in India but also to lobby with the Chamber to facilitate the issuance of Electronic Visas (E-Visas) for Indian tourists and businessmen visiting Canada. This move is expected to greatly ease the travel process, thereby encouraging more visits and fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by key figures from the aviation and tourism sectors, as well as government representatives from both India and Canada. Discussions during the event focused on various strategies to boost tourism and investment opportunities, with particular emphasis on simplifying visa processes and enhancing air connectivity between the two nations.

This initiative by the ICC’s Aviation & Tourism Committee is a part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation and understanding between India and Canada. It reflects the growing importance of the tourism and business sectors as key drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange. The signed MOU is expected to pave the way for more collaborative efforts and mutually beneficial partnerships in the future.

Overall, the meeting at Hotel Connaught Royal marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster the India-Canada relationship. It underscores the commitment of both countries to work together towards common goals and sets a positive tone for future collaborations.

The post ICC unites India-Canada with landmark tourism and e-visa pact appeared first on Travel And Tour World.