The Thai government’s target of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue this year, with the aim of earning even more in the coming years, will be achieved through five strategies. The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, stated that these strategies align with the government’s policy to transform Thailand into a global aviation hub, capable of handling more than 150 million air travellers annually by 2030. 

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President, EMEA & APAC – GBTA, said, “Business travel spends coming from India is around USD 33 billion per year. This is set to grow by 12% in 2024. We see a rise in blended travel with 79% of business travellers from India extending their work trips for leisure. This figure is much higher than that for APAC, but they are similar to global figures.” 

Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO said, “Last-minute cancellations are causing problems for the clients. Around 20-25% passengers are facing issues with last-minute flight cancellations and increased airfares of alternative flights due to last-minute bookings. Although Vistara is refunding or offering adjustments to other flights, the itineraries of our passengers are being disrupted. Vistara should inform passengers at least 10 days in advance of flight cancellations. We are not currently recommending Vistara for booking to any of our passengers.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is set to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract over 39 million visitors by 2030 and contribute AED 90 billion to the UAE GDP. This comprehensive strategy will also create 178,000 new jobs, increase hotel room supply to 52,000, and boost international overnight visitors to over 7 million. 

Dusit Hotels and Resorts kicks off its India Showcase 2024 with a three-city roadshow in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, aimed at presenting its offerings to the Indian travel trade. Nine hotels are participating in the roadshow, focusing on attracting more Indians, especially from the MICE and wedding segments.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL stated, “With the pace of growth increasing year on year, FY 2024 set new benchmarks with 52 signings, one contract a week. Of this, our recent strategic alliance with Tree of Life resorts contributed 14 new hotels to the portfolio.”

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on the hub of adventure – Interlaken, Chaplin’s World – a journey into the life and work of Charlie Chaplin, and Geneva – the home of watchmaking, on April 5 at 3 pm. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

According to the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Sector Council (THSC)’s report, it is estimated that 5.7 million youths could be trained to meet an expected incremental labor demand of 3 million workers between 2025 and 2028 in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, challenges such as low wages and long working hours deter youth from continuing in the industry. 

Citing that the Formula 4 racing demonstration has brought significant publicity to J&K in the international market. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said that to fully capitalize on J&K’s potential the Ministry of External Affairs should focus on the countries which have issued advisories against traveling to J&K.

To discover all that Summer in Abu Dhabi has to offer, join an exclusive webinar today, 8 March at 3 pm (IST). This webinar promises an insider’s look into the exciting offerings of the season. For more information, please contact: +91 9650196532, jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.