Tag Archives: tourism

Thailand bounces back with 35mn arrivals in 2024

Thailand saw foreign tourist arrivals jump 26% last year after the government eased entry rules and waived visas for Chinese, the largest group of visitors to the country.

An estimated 35.5 million tourists visited Thailand last year, up from 28.2 million in 2023, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. They spent about THB 1.67 trillion, up 34% from a year ago, local media reported.

While the tally missed the ministry’s target of welcoming 36.7 million tourists, it was close to the Bank of Thailand’s prediction of 36 million. The country had set a record for tourist arrivals and revenue generation a year before the pandemic in 2019, with almost 40 million visitors and USD 60 billion in tourism revenue.

The government expects the recovery in tourism to sustain this year following relaxation in visa rules for a number of countries and longer stays per visit. The third season of hit television series “The White Lotus” — set to air in early 2025 and featuring Thai luxury hotels — is expected to draw in more visitors with the legalisation of same-sex marriage being an added attraction for LGBTQ travellers.

The government expects arrivals to jump to a record 40 million this year and along with about 200 million domestic trips to generate 2.8 trillion baht in revenue. The sector accounts for about 12% of the country’s gross domestic product – although some estimates put it as high as 20% – and nearly a fifth of jobs.

Chinese tourist arrivals totalled 6.7 million last year, about 60% of the pre-pandemic record of 11.1 million in 2019. The two countries signed a permanent visa waiver accord last year to encourage more cross-border travels.
Tourist arrivals from Thailand’s other major destinations such as Europe, India and Russia have already exceeded the pre-Covid levels, according to official data. (Source: Bangkok Post)

Nepal signs MoU with Andhra Pradesh Tourism

 

The Embassy of Nepal, led by Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Surendra Thapa, alongside Taranath Adhikari, Minister, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Representing Andhra Pradesh were Nukasani Balaji, Chairman of APTDC, and K. Vijay Mohan, President of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum and the Tours and Travels Association. This agreement marks the first MoU signed by the Nepal government with any Indian state.

The MoU aims to strengthen tourism ties between Nepal and Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on promoting and developing tourism, fostering cooperation, and sharing resources, expertise, and knowledge.

Vijay Mohan, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the vision of this partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance tourism, facilitate cultural exchanges, and drive mutual growth.

This agreement is a significant step in the relationship between Nepal and Andhra Pradesh, paving the way for collaboration in travel, tourism, and hospitality while leveraging the rich cultural and natural heritage of both regions.

Goa launches LetsGoa portal to revolutionise tourism with seamless digital experience

 

In a significant step towards transforming Goa’s tourism landscape, Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Printing & Stationery, Rohan A. Khaunte launched LetsGoa, an innovative digital platform designed to provide seamless travel experiences for tourists and locals.

The launch ceremony, held at Mantralaya, Porvorim, was attended by key dignitaries, including Chief Secretary, Dr. V Candavelou, IAS, Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director for IT, and other senior officials.
LetsGoa, Tourism Experience Platform (TEP) is a transformative platform for tourists, locals, and the tourism sector, including hoteliers, travel agencies, service providers, and activity operators. It allows businesses to showcase their products and services, enabling tourists to explore and book them easily.

During the launch, Dr. Sawant emphasized, “Goa is renowned as a premier tourist destination, and the launch of LetsGoa marks a significant step in providing seamless, technology-driven services. This platform will help showcase Goa’s rich heritage and natural beauty while ensuring convenience for tourists and locals alike.”

Minister for Tourism, Khaunte said, “The LetsGoa tourism experience platform serves as a comprehensive guide to Goa’s services, integrating tourism, technology, and local businesses. With LetsGoa, we aim to empower tourists with a reliable, single-point resource for all their travel needs in Goa. This initiative will benefit local businesses by connecting them with a wider audience.”
LetsGoa provides a one-stop solution for tourists, offering bookings for accommodations, adventure activities, cultural experiences, and more. Key features include secure online bookings for activities like paragliding, jungle safaris, and kayaking, along with a Digital Tourism Card (e-Card) that unlocks exclusive discounts, rewards, and redeemable travel points. The platform also offers real-time updates on events, attractions, and festivals.

Anchipaka IAS, Director, Department of Tourism highlighted ,“LetsGoa represents a major transformation for Goa’s tourism sector, connecting local service providers, tourists, and officials. “With over 100 hotels, 50+ activity providers, and GTDC residencies involved, the platform simplifies bookings and promotes Goa’s rich heritage, wellness, adventure, and hinterland tourism.”

The ceremony also saw the launch of 75 Free Public WiFi Hotspots for seamless digital connectivity, 11 4G BSNL towers to enhance mobile network coverage, and the One Map Goa GIS portal to support efficient spatial planning and infrastructure development.

LetsGoa also serves as a tool to showcase Goa’s cultural heritage. Tourists can explore historic landmarks, attend festivals, and indulge in Goan cuisine through curated recommendations, boosting the local economy while preserving Goa’s authentic charm. With its user-friendly interface, easy payment gateways, and focus on providing unforgettable experiences, LetsGoa is set to become every traveller’s gateway to the soul of Goa.

Tourism Ministry Sanctions 76 Projects Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Union Tourism Ministry announced that 76 projects, totaling INR 5,287.9 crore, have been approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with 75 projects now physically complete. Launched by the Centre in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme focuses on the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. It has since been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to promote the creation of sustainable and responsible destinations, with 34 projects worth INR 793.2 crore already sanctioned under this new framework.
Additionally, the Ministry has introduced guidelines for a “challenge-based destination development” sub-scheme within Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This initiative invites proposals in categories like spiritual tourism and ecotourism. To date, 42 destinations across various tourism themes have been selected for development under this scheme.

Under the PRASHAD Scheme, a total of 48 projects, costing INR 1,646.99 crore, are being developed, with 23 already completed. This scheme provides financial assistance for enhancing tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage sites. Moreover, the government has approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), with an allocation of INR 3,295.76 crore for long-term, interest-free loans.

India registered 18.89 million international tourist arrivals and 9.52 million foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2023.
The foreign exchange earnings through tourism during 2023 were INR 2,31,927 crore.

Flight services resume from Puducherry Airport

 

After an eight-month hiatus, flight operations from Puducherry resumed on Friday with Indigo Airlines launching flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The services had been suspended since March when SpiceJet, the sole operator, ceased operations citing operational challenges. Following a request from the territorial administration, Indigo began operating ATR-72 aircraft, providing much-needed connectivity for the Union Territory. The inaugural flight from Bengaluru landed at 12.15 p.m., greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.

The resumption of services was marked by a ceremony attended by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, and other dignitaries. The Lt. Governor personally handed over boarding passes to passengers traveling to Hyderabad. The daily schedule includes flights departing Bengaluru at 11.10 a.m. and arriving in Puducherry by 12.15 p.m., followed by onward flights to Hyderabad and back. Evening flights connect Hyderabad with Puducherry and Bengaluru, ensuring seamless travel options.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy announced plans to further enhance connectivity by introducing flights to destinations such as Goa, Thoothukudi, and Rajahmundry. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Puducherry Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Discussions with the Tamil Nadu government are underway to expedite land acquisition for the airport’s expansion, which is expected to boost economic growth and regional connectivity.

Airport Director K. Rajasekhar Reddy emphasised the importance of the resumed services in enhancing passenger convenience and promoting tourism in the Union Territory. The restored connectivity is poised to attract more travelers, contributing to Puducherry’s overall development and increasing its appeal as a tourism and business hub.

Tourism Malaysia honors Indian Travel partners

 

Tourism Malaysia Delhi hosted an exclusive “Appreciation Night” on December 19, 2024, at QBA Lounge, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event celebrated the invaluable contributions of Indian tour operators, airlines, media, influencers, and golf organisations in promoting Malaysia as a top travel destination. Marking a significant milestone, over 1 million Indian travellers visited Malaysia this year, highlighting the growing tourism bond between the two nations.

His Excellency Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian travel community, emphasising their crucial role in achieving this milestone and the potential for even greater collaboration ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He commended the trust, partnership, and dedication that have made Malaysia a preferred destination for Indian travellers. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia Delhi, also acknowledged the pivotal role of Indian travel partners in the country’s tourism growth.

The event highlighted Malaysia’s enhanced connectivity with India, including new direct routes to Penang and Langkawi. These developments strengthen ties and position Malaysia as a leading destination for Indian travellers, paving the way for greater tourism success in the years to come.