Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.
Middle East, Europe and Africa performed strongest in 2023The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways include:
The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.Europe, the world’s most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and Americas reached 90%.Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-East Asia around 55%.

Available data shows several destinations, including both large, established destinations as well as small and emerging ones, reporting double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2023 when compared to 2019. Four sub-regions exceeded their 2019 arrival levels: Southern Mediterranean Europe, Caribbean, Central America and North Africa.ADVERTISEMENTUNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere. These numbers also recall the critical task of progressing sustainability and inclusion in tourism development”
International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.
International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.
The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 65% in November, slightly above 62% in November 2022 (based on STR data).
Looking Ahead to 2024International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks. 
The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year. Key considerations include:
There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024.Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024. In March, Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, and Paris will host the Summer Olympics in July and August.Strong travel from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice. Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labor to cope with high demand.The evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveler confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.

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WTTC and Biosphere Join Forces to Standardise International Hotel Sustainability More

In a joint effort to promote sustainability in the Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Biosphere have inked a partnership to promote sustainability criteria in the hotel industry under the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative.
In the current landscape of globalisation and information saturation, where sustainability holds paramount importance, the proliferation of new standards and eco-labels poses a significant challenge for the sector. Identifying clear and consistent sustainability criteria has become increasingly difficult.
Biosphere and WTTC have joined forces and solidified their commitment to fostering a more sustainable hotel industry to establish fundamental steps for global sustainability practices,
This marks a significant milestone for global hotel sustainability, benefiting over 2,500 hotels.
As partners of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), both organisations are optimistic that standardising their sustainability concepts will undoubtedly catalyse widespread adoption by hotels worldwide.ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Hotel Basics is a crucial and inclusive industry initiative, ensuring hotels continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of both travellers and the planet.
“The collaboration between Biosphere and WTTC is a fundamental step towards international standardisation in sustainability, creating a clear and homogeneous pathway for the industry.”
The recent signed agreement between WTTC and Biosphere will lay the groundwork for a network of international criteria homogenisation.
This initiative aims to facilitate the industry’s transition from basic criteria to more advanced global standards, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 goals of the United Nations. This connection is made possible through the Guide for Sustainable Tourism of UN-SDSN Spain and Biosphere.
Dr. Tomás de Azcárate Bang, President of the Responsible Tourism Institute, said: “Sustainability must be viable, understandable and achievable. This requires consensus and harmonisation of concepts, steps, and measures, which this agreement seeks to accomplish.
“The harmonisation of languages and processes will establish a more stable and defined international framework for all stakeholders aligning with sustainability models.
“This partnership signifies a milestone for the industry. By synching our approaches, we are paving the way for a rock-solid international playbook, inviting all players worldwide to align with sustainability models”.
This collaboration will result in the integration of the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics verification and the Biosphere methodology, creating the most comprehensive international framework for the sector, with a unified vision connected to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Hotel Sustainability Basics emerged as a result of a clear demand from a significant group of global hotel brands to develop fundamental sustainability criteria that all accommodation providers must meet as a minimum, designed for the industry, by the industry. 
Hotels, guest houses and tourist residences will be able to adopt the 12 criteria of the initiative, focusing primarily on the following main lines of action:
1.  Measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, as well as reducing waste and carbon emissions2.  Fundamental actions to protect the environment.3.  Fundamental actions towards a positive contribution to the communities in which they are located.

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Leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group is embracing new trends and opportunities in the post-pandemic travel landscape, with its CEO Jane Sun sharing insights at the prominent World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Ms Sun also expressed optimism about Asia’s continued growth and shared her perspective on its investment potential at the panel discussion titled “Asia – the world’s next growth anchor?”
As major leaders from government, business, and civil society gathered to discuss the fundamental principles of driving trust in a world of fractures and uncertainties, the panel convened influential stakeholders to delve into the exciting opportunities and new challenges emerging in Asia. Speaking alongside Ms Sun were Mr Roy Gori, President and CEO of Canada’s largest insurance company Manulife, and Mr Geoff Lee, Executive Director, Head of Private Markets and Head of Technology at Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional. Mr Ben Hung, CEO, Asia, at Standard Chartered Bank, moderated the panel.
With global tourism approaching a full recovery, Trip.com Group has witnessed strong booking interest in Asia, with Thailand, Japan, and South Korea among the top travel destinations. The rise in consumer income has also led to growing trends in the region such as high-quality wellness experiences and event tourism, particularly for sought-after events like concerts and music festivals.
Sustainable tourism is another shift that is picking up steam, with environmental awareness motivating more than 16 million Trip.com Group customers to choose low-carbon travel options, such as hotels that adhere to sustainable standards. The Group has also prioritised options such as the rental of electronic vehicles and offering flights with lower carbon emissions.
Zooming in on the post-pandemic economic trajectory in one of Asia’s largest regions, Ms Sun asserted that China offers more investment opportunities than what some may have perceived.ADVERTISEMENT“Investors should not overlook the thriving travel, wellness or entertainment sector in China. With its vast size, diverse industries, and varying levels of consumer buying power, the investment opportunities are abundant,” said Ms Sun. In particular, the travel sector presents numerous untapped growth opportunities, such as the rapid increase in inbound and outbound travel, as well as favourable policy developments.
Ms Sun expressed optimism about the growth of the tourism industry, especially with recent positive developments, such as increased flight capacities and expanded visa-free arrangements, that have facilitated international travel to and from China. These include the recent unilateral visa-free policies for several countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, mutual visa-free agreements with Malaysia, and plans for similar arrangements with Singapore and Thailand. China also announced earlier in the week that it will unilaterally grant visa-free entry to Swiss and Irish nationals. Since July 2023, China has removed visa requirements for citizens of 11 nations.
According to Trip.com Group data, significant increases have been recorded in inbound search and booking volumes from countries such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Those with visa-free arrangements or plans for relaxed visa policies, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, are among the top destinations favoured by Chinese tourists for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Moreover, since its launch in September 2023, Trip.com’s “China Travel Guide”, which provides information about hotel, transport, payment, and other travel-related issues, has served nearly 100,000 international travellers planning to visit China. Meanwhile, as of mid-January, outbound travel orders for the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays have surged more than 10 times compared to the previous year.
For the wider Asian economy, Ms Sun maintained that its prospects remain robust, citing projections that it will contribute to around 50% of global GDP growth. The rapid development of the tourism industry in Asia, coupled with the strong purchasing power of Asian customers, has indicated the potential for sustained growth in the region.
“We are committed to forging an influential network for our global partners, empowering them to welcome customers from every corner of the world,” said Ms Sun. “Equally, we stand poised to usher Asian customers into the global arena, opening doors to boundless opportunities and creating pathways for unprecedented international success.”

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Steady Progress Being Made on Tourism Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study

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Following a productive courtesy call between the Ministry of Tourism and World Bank representatives on Tuesday (January 16), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reported steady strides regarding the Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study, which will evaluate the economic impact as well as other implications of adding 20,000 new hotel rooms over the next 10 years. The meeting, led by World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, saw the team providing insights into their ongoing study titled “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean.” This study aims to empower regional markets to enhance competitiveness, improve connectivity, and overcome barriers to tourism growth. 
Expressing optimism about the Ministry’s progress on its research targets, Minister Bartlett said, “We are well advanced with getting the consultants on board; we’ve sent out requests for proposals, we’ve had responses, and the team will shortly be evaluating the responses to determine who the consultants will be to begin this project.” The procurement process for the study closes on January 25.
The World Bank team expressed keen interest in contributing to environmental and sustainability analyses for the study. They commended Jamaica for its robust data collection efforts, significantly aiding their research.
Minister Bartlett noted, “This critical assessment is being undertaken to make sure that this expansion is inclusive and that more and more of the benefits and revenue of the industry stay in our country.”
He further explained the expected impact, adding, “We expect over 3 million stopover visitors, which will result in a one-to-one visitor-to-citizen ratio. This means that the flow-through effect of tourism as an economic activity will now be felt by the average Jamaican.” ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister stressed the importance of supplying the demand that tourism brings, which includes building the capacity to produce more agricultural goods, more manufacturing goods, provide more services, and create more unique experiences for visitors. He underscored that the study aims to enable stakeholders to understand the resources required to make these changes happen.
Minister Bartlett concluded, “When we bring 20,000 new rooms to Jamaica, what will it mean? That is the basis of the Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment.”
The World Bank’s “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean” study, initiated in response to COVID-19, recognizes tourism as the main driver of the economic future of the Caribbean. Jamaica’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study aligns with this vision, assessing the sector’s carrying capacity, required skillsets, labour market arrangements, and the overall impact on the country’s economy. 

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Corsican Places invites adventure enthusiasts to embark on a journey through Corsica’s stunning landscapes with its 2024 walking holidays now on sale. Offering a choice of eight self-guided itineraries, ranging from moderate leisurely strolls to one of Europe’s most challenging treks, customers can immerse themselves in some of Corsica’s most breathtaking scenery and bucket-list adventures.
With over 36 years of expertise in Corsica, Corsican Places collaborates directly with local walking providers, ensuring variety and some of the best walking on the island. Marked trails guarantee diverse experiences, and the operator’s specialist sales team are available to provide personalised advice while its local provider offers 24/7 on-the-ground support, enhancing the overall experience.
Tours include:
Corsica Island Mystery Tour: A seven-night holiday which combines four days of self-guided walking at a moderate level along the footpaths and trails of Corsica’s north-west corner. Providing the perfect contrast between coastal scenery and rugged mountains, pine forests, mountain rivers and waterfalls with natural rock pools, the tour includes character accommodation and traditional food along the way, with an optional fifth day of walking for those keen to explore more. Following arrival into Calvi airport, customers are transferred to the nearby train station to take the short journey to Corte, once the capital of Corsica and where the walking begins. Taking in Calacuccia, Col de Vergio, Evisa, Porto and Piana, before ending back at Calvi, luggage transfers are included between hotels enroute. Weekend departures are available between May and September, with packages from £1745 pp (two sharing). Prices include flights, all accommodation, transfers, map, and route notes as follows:
• Return flights from Stansted to Calvi• Return airport transfers and transfers on the walking days• Hotel Accommodation: 3-nights half board and 4 nights bed & breakfast• Luggage transfers between hotels• Map and route notesADVERTISEMENTThe GR20
For keen and experienced hikers, the legendary GR20 trek is a must. Corsican Places offers 14-night packages tackling 13 of the full 16 GR20 sections, as well as seven-night tours and six-day treks through challenging sections of GR20 North or GR20 South.
Sample tour: GR20 North: A seven-night bucket-list adventure for seasoned hikers, featuring six days of strenuous self-guided walking along one of Europe’s most challenging treks. Prices start from £1770pp, including flights, accommodation (options include camping, refuges, and shepherds’ cabins), meals, and luggage transfers.

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Snowy weather can cause disruption to travel. We go to great lengths to minimise the effects of snow and ice on the airport – you can read more about that here – but the effects of wintry weather can still make aspects of your journey trickier.
Here we share some handy hints to help you prepare if you’re coming to the airport during adverse weather.
Keep an eye out for communications from your airline and from the airport
Your airline will inform you of any significant issues with your flight. Make sure you can access your emails and follow your airline on social media. Some airlines have apps that will send alerts direct to your phone if there are updates.
In the event that your airfield has to close they will post details on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), when it closes and when it reopens and will provide regular updates in the interim.ADVERTISEMENTPlan your journey in advance, prepare, allow extra time and monitor travel conditions to the airport
Snow and ice can cause disruption on road and rail. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on travel news and can plan your journey accordingly.
Most popular map apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps can give live traffic conditions while popular rail apps like those of specific operators and Trainline will update you if your planned journey is affected by bad weather.
Travel is likely to be slower in wintry weather. You may have to de-ice your car, traffic may be slower, trains could be delayed and even walking short distances can take longer. So factor that into your journey.
If you’re driving to the airport, make sure you have supplies with you in the event of lengthy delays on the road, a breakdown or if you get stuck. These should include a drink, food, a blanket, warm clothes, a torch (wind up torches won’t run out of batteries), screen wash, a phone charger, de-icer, a demisting pad, a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a shovel.
Be careful
It goes without saying that ice and snow make surfaces slippery – so whether you’re driving or on foot take extra care. We grit all the walkways and car parks at the airport regularly and monitor them during the day.
Make sure you’re dressed for the weather
If you’re travelling to somewhere warm it may seem inconvenient to have your coat, hat and gloves with you – but don’t be tempted to try to travel without wrapping up for the conditions here. You may end up stuck in traffic on the way to the airport or face a wait on a train platform and you’ll be glad of your coat. Make sure you’ve got good shoes on too. If you’re parking around the terminals you’ll have to walk from there to your terminal and you don’t want to be doing that in flip flops in the snow!
The same applies if you’re coming back to the airport when it’s snowy. It’s easy to get dressed for the weather in the country you’re leaving and find yourself arriving into snowy weather wearing summer clothes.

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The San Francisco Airport Commission has approved a resolution to rename the International Terminal at SFO for the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The announcement responds to a proposed nomination submitted in November 2023 to the Airport Commission by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, whose members include former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and retired SFO Airport Director John L. Martin.
The Airport Commission carefully reviewed the proposed nomination and found that the following were “compelling reasons to honor the nominee recommended for consideration:”
In 1980 and 1981, as Mayor of San Francisco, Feinstein led the negotiation of a 30-year Lease and Use Agreement with the airlines that transformed the Airport’s business operation and provided for the construction of SFO’s first International Terminal that opened in 1983. The Agreement incentivized the Airport to establish itself as a leader among U.S. airports in concession revenue performance, providing the Airport with major capital financing capacity and a formula whereby the airlines and City share in the Airport’s business success. The Agreement provided for a new business structure which is still in place today that provides for 15% of SFO concession revenue to be shared with the City as repayment for its investment. The City has realized over $1 billion as a return from this 15% share since 1981. SFO remains one of only a handful of airports across the country with this structure.From the Master Plan expansion of the new International Terminal to the BART-SFO extension and new Air Traffic Control Tower, Senator Feinstein played a leadership role in making the Airport the world-class facility it is today. Senator Feinstein led the charge to extend BART to SFO and, in a historic meeting, negotiated the agreement between the Airport, BART, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the airlines to bring the mass transit system directly into the International Terminal.Senator Feinstein was a tireless advocate for SFO behind the scenes, including supporting SFO’s first in-line baggage screening system following 9/11, helping SFO access new FAA technology to improve safety and reduce delays, and providing federal agency resources in the aftermath of the Asiana crash.
What happens next
With the adoption of the resolution to rename the International Terminal for Dianne Feinstein, SFO will begin work with the Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee to develop an approach for implementation. This will include collaboration on locations, design, and content to celebrate the legacy of Senator Feinstein relative to both SFO and the City of San Francisco. There is no defined timeline for this activity, but the goal is to ensure the finished result captures the intent which led to the naming campaign.ADVERTISEMENT

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This week sees the launch of Sustainable Journeys, a new UK tour operator dedicated to helping people take steps to travel more sustainably by providing itineraries and unforgettable travel experiences which enable individual travellers to explore, whilst taking into consideration environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits to local communities.
Sustainable Journeys uncovers more climate-friendly ways to enjoy the beauty and diversity of destinations. Reducing traveller emissions by using trains, electric vehicles, buses, bikes, and hikes, with stays at sustainably focused accommodations and enjoying activities which support local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Whilst Sustainable Journeys encourage slow travel there is often need for travellers to fly, because of time challenges and distances, and these trips are considered too, reviewing aircraft, routing and cabin choices to minimise the impact.
Sustainable Journeys will be working with Path Net Zero, which specialises in providing carbon measurement solutions, to measure the carbon footprint from the various elements of trips which will be displayed for each itinerary to help make the best and most practical choices. Path Net Zero will also manage a Carbon Fund for Sustainable Journeys, supporting developing world projects that have through their actions reduced carbon emissions; this will be achieved through a donation of 3% of the holiday price through registry Gold Standard, who pay Fair Trade prices to project operators for the work they are doing.
In addition, Sustainable Journeys is collaborating with NGO Planeterra to add a ‘Ripple Score’ to each itinerary, detailing the percentage of money spent which stays locally in the destination, an important principle of sustainable tourism.
Estonia, one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, is the launch partner of Sustainable Journeys. Several of the new itineraries reveal little known areas of the Baltic country, highlighting where and how to explore beyond the popular city break of Tallinn to immerse in the forests, national parks, coastal and island retreats, quaint and historic villages, and cultural centres, including Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024.ADVERTISEMENTSustainable Journeys are now available in Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, with more destinations soon to follow. 
Melissa Tilling, CEO of Sustainable Journeys commented “We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved, especially local communities and our mission is to bring a pragmatic enabling approach to sustainable travel to support customers who are often confused by labelling, terminology, and what to trust. Whilst no one can take away the act of emitting carbon into the atmosphere Sustainable Journeys hope to make it easier for consumers to travel more responsibly, understanding their choices and ensure that visitors contribute positively, from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
We carefully select partners aligned with our sustainable tourism principles, aligned to the United Nations, to provide transport methods, lodging and activities which provide an optimum balance between sustainability and pragmatism in terms of what can be offered, what is sensible and what best protects the wellbeing of our customers. We endeavour to prioritise local community involvement to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are equally distributed.”
Packages include:  Estonian EV Exploration – This 10-night self-drive tour, from £1,235 per person (based on two adults sharing), starts in historic Tallinn. Heading east to the rich green forest and wetlands of the Lahemaa National Park and quaint fishing villages, turning south to The Onion Trail and cultural centre of Tartu. It continues onwards through the Soomaa National Park, stopping at historic and picturesque coastal towns and the summer capital Parnu. Price includes car hire, bed and breakfast in locally owned hotels and guesthouses, cultural and wine-tasting experiences. Transport to the Baltics by air or rail is additional.  For more information visit, or to book visit www.sustainablejourneys.co.uk

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