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In a major move to enhance the <keyword id="23342045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-experience" source="keywords">tourism experience</keyword> across India, the <keyword id="20246604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Tourism" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Tourism" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Tourism">Ministry of Tourism</keyword> has launched an ambitious initiative titled '<keyword id="23342044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paryatan-Mitra" source="keywords">Paryatan Mitra</keyword>' and 'Paryatan Didi' on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The initiative is designed to foster responsible tourism and create local ambassadors who will serve as guides and hosts, enriching the travel experience for visitors while promoting <keyword id="20467200" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-tourism" source="keywords">sustainable tourism</keyword> practices. The program, which was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of using tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress, is aimed at empowering locals in some of India’s most visited destinations. The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to build a network of <keyword id="22391259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-ambassadors" source="keywords">tourism ambassadors</keyword>, rooted within <keyword id="21350228" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-communities" source="keywords">local communities</keyword>, to act as proud custodians of their regions. Initially piloted in six diverse tourist hotspots — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands) — the program has already begun training locals in these areas. By August 15, over 3,000 individuals had undergone training, becoming official Paryatan Mitras, dedicated to offering tourists a more informed, friendly, and memorable experience. <h2>Enhancing hospitality and local storytelling</h2>The key objective of this initiative is to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling. By offering specialised training to those who frequently interact with tourists — such as cab drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, street vendors, and even police personnel — the Ministry hopes to elevate the tourist experience to new heights. The training program emphasises the importance of cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and top-quality hospitality, all aligned with India’s age-old philosophy of 'Athithi Devo Bhava', meaning “The guest is equivalent to God.” This initiative goes beyond mere hospitality training. Each participant is also educated about their destination's hidden gems, historical significance, and <keyword id="19911712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-heritage" source="keywords">cultural heritage</keyword>, turning every local into a knowledgeable storyteller. This not only improves the quality of the tourist experience but also helps locals take pride in their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s tourism ecosystem. <h2><keyword id="20646064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering-women" source="keywords">Empowering women</keyword> and youth</h2>One of the most remarkable aspects of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs is their focus on empowering women and young people. By training them to offer new tourism experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, and nature treks, the initiative opens up exciting employment opportunities. Many of these individuals are also trained to become homestay operators, tour guides, and food and culture experience providers, allowing them to monetize their skills and knowledge in tourism-driven local economies. In a nod to modern technology, the initiative also incorporates <keyword id="20055241" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-literacy" source="keywords">digital literacy</keyword> training, equipping locals with the tools to make their tourism offerings more discoverable to both national and international visitors. By leveraging digital platforms, trained individuals can now market their homestays, tours, and cultural experiences online, allowing for a broader reach and better economic opportunities. At its core, this program reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating a collaborative tourism experience that benefits both visitors and locals. The initiative is not just about training individuals to work in tourism but is also about fostering a sense of community and ownership over the tourism experience, which in turn helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. As more individuals join the program, tourism in India could see a shift toward more sustainable practices, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping how tourists experience their destinations. By connecting visitors to trained locals with a passion for their culture and environment, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a major step toward creating memorable, responsible, and sustainable tourism across the country. (With inputs from ANI)

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

Sustainable Eco-Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Destinations

Sustainable Tourism Practices

<keyword id="23188764" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Tourism-Day-2024" source="Orion">World Tourism Day 2024</keyword> is celebrated every year on September 27 to show how important tourism is for the world. It focuses on how tourism helps bring people together, supports the economy, and shares cultures. This year <keyword id="22517201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Tourism-Day" source="keywords">World Tourism Day</keyword> is focusing on the connection between tourism and world peace. The United Nations is highlighting the importance of understanding different cultures and promoting sustainable tourism. <h2>History of World Tourism Day</h2>World Tourism Day has been celebrated on September 27 since 1980. This date marks the anniversary of when the Statutes of the UN's tourism organisation were adopted in 1970, an important step for global tourism. The timing of the day is perfect as it falls at the end of the busy travel season in the northern hemisphere and the start of the season in the southern hemisphere. In October 1997, the <keyword id="19949373" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNWTO" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="UNWTO" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="UNWTO">UNWTO</keyword> decided to have a different host country each year to partner in celebrating World Tourism Day. This day is important for raising awareness of how tourism affects social, cultural, political, and economic values around the world. <h2>Host country for this year</h2>In 2024, Georgia, a country known for its rich history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, will host World Tourism Day. Located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia offers a unique mix of cultures. It is famous for its ancient churches, wine regions, and stunning mountains. Tourism in Georgia has been growing quickly, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. With its scenic beauty, Georgia is the ideal place to showcase how tourism promotes peace and cultural exchange. <h2>Theme for this year</h2>The theme for World Tourism Day 2024 is "<keyword id="23301034" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tourism-and-Peace" source="keywords">Tourism and Peace</keyword>." Tourism plays an important role in promoting peace by bringing people from different cultures together and helping the economies of host countries. As people travel and experience new cultures, it leads to more understanding and tolerance. Tourism can break down barriers and build strong connections between nations. It also helps local communities by creating jobs and encouraging sustainable practices, which supports peace and prosperity in the long run. <h2>Indian Government initiatives to promote tourism</h2>The Indian government is working to improve tourism with several initiatives and schemes. Some key efforts include: E-Visa Facility: Nationals from 167 countries can now apply for e-visas online under seven categories, like e-Tourist and e-Business visas. The fees have been lowered to make travel more affordable. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Started in 2014-15, this scheme creates theme-based tourist circuits across India. By 2023-24, 73 projects have been completed, with a total investment of ₹5,294.11 crore. Swadesh Darshan 2.0: This updated scheme focuses on developing 57 destinations across 32 states and Union Territories for integrated tourism development. PRASHAD Scheme: Aimed at improving infrastructure at pilgrimage sites, 46 projects have been approved so far, with ₹1,621.13 crore set aside for their development. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/world-tourism-day-2024-exploring-the-10-most-peaceful-countries-on-earth/slidelist/113590691.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">World Tourism Day 2024: Exploring the 10 most peaceful countries on Earth</a>

World Tourism Day 2024: All about the theme, host country, and tourism-boosting initiatives

New Delhi [India], August 4 (ANI): India's <keyword id="21307504" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="outbound-tourism" source="keywords">outbound tourism</keyword> market is expected to reach USD 18817.72 million (USD 18.81 billion) in 2024 and grow at a <keyword id="20256055" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CAGR" source="keywords">CAGR</keyword> of 11.4 per cent in the decade between 2024 and 2034 to reach approximately USD 55388.41 million (USD 55.38 billion), highlighted a FICCI-Nangia knowledge paper. The paper titled '<keyword id="22661864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Navigating-Horizons" source="Orion">Navigating Horizons</keyword>: <keyword id="22661865" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Rise-and-Future-of-Indian-Outbound-Tourism" source="Orion">The Rise and Future of Indian Outbound Tourism</keyword>', released during the '3rd Outbound Tourism Summit' here in the FICCI office earlier this week, asserted that few emerging markets and opportunities for outbound <keyword id="19916662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel" source="keywords">travel</keyword> include various Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Eastern European countries. India's online travel market, which consists of sales of travel services through online channels, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5 per cent between 2024-29, from USD 17.24 billion to USD 28.40 billion. International travel has thus been eased by the steady growth in affordable technology, states the paper. It further states that the government administration and the tourism industry stakeholders in India may undertake various strategic interventions to promote the outbound tourism market. These include bilateral engagement; improved connectivity; support to travel industry stakeholders; marketing of international destinations; curated packages; and hospitality partnerships, among others. Speaking at the launch of the report, Mary M Mutuku, Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to India said that Kenya is not only committed to deepen the relations between India and Kenya but also promoting Kenya as a preferred tourist destination. "Currently, the India market is among the top 5 Kenya's key sources of tourists, and this has the potential to grow even further," she said in her brief address. To attract more <keyword id="110519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tourists" source="Orion">Indian tourists</keyword> to Kenya, Mutuku stated that Kenya has put in place the necessary infrastructure to ease travel in the country. "With an increase in the number of flights between the two countries along with the opening of the Nairobi Expressway, tourists will have more convenience traveling in Kenya. A new cruise terminal at Mombasa port is a major boost to cruise tourism. The berth targets to enhance passenger handling capacity as well as allow for an increased volume of cruise ships arrival at the port," she added. Seitenov Darkhan, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Kazakhstan to India had said, "We have huge potential for mutual and beneficial cooperation in the tourism sector. There has been significant growth in the number of tourists coming to Kazakhstan from India which is also due to offering 14 days visa-free regime for Indian tourists along with an increase in a number of direct flights." While highlighting the investment potential for Indian industry, Darkhan further said that in order to meet the needs of Indian tourists in Kazakhstan, it would be advisable to consider building a network of Indian hotels and restaurants in the major cities in Kazakhstan. "We invite major Indian investors to participate in implementing these initiatives in our country," he added. Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Commercial, High Commission of Sri Lanka in India said, "The strong shared heritage between India and Lanka forms the bedrock of our bilateral relationship. India alone stands out as a key source market for Sri Lanka. The integration of the Indian UPI payment system with 'LankaPay' has made simplified payment options for Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka," he added. Dissanayake further stated that to fully realize the potential of outbound tourism there is a need to focus on marketing and promotion of various offerings by Sri Lanka; infrastructure development; promoting sustainable tourism and further streamlining the visa process. Working together, we can unlock the potential of outbound tourism between India and Sri Lanka," he added. Jyotsna Suri, Past President, of FICCI and CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group stated that any country has to have healthy inbound and outbound tourism. "<keyword id="644076" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tourism" source="Orion">Indian tourism</keyword> has witnessed a major growth in the last few years and while we are at the threshold of massive growth, we must be cognizant of sustainability as well," she added. Ankush Nijhawan, Chairman, of FICCI Outbound Tourism Committee and Co-Founder, TBO.com and MD, of Nijhawan Group said that the global travel and tourism industry is expected to reach USD 2.6 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.2 per cent. "Traveler preferences are becoming increasingly diverse, and demand tailor-made travel services. Demographic boost, government support, increased connectivity, and niche segment growth are powering India's outbound travel boom," he added. Representatives from the Embassy of Madagascar to India, the Embassy of Georgia to India, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Singapore Tourism Board also shared their perspectives during the session.

Indian outbound tourism to reach USD 18817.72 million, grow at over 11% CAGR through 2034: FICCI-Nangia report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Popular tourist destinations in Greece are struggling with overcrowding.</li><li>Athens is plagued by high rents and short-term rentals, while the islands contend with cruise ships.</li></ul>An anti-cruise rebellion is afoot in popular tourism destinations in Greece.Boats full of tourists who arrive on the island, crowd the streets, and leave trash have led to the "worst season" ever, locals say.It's a story mirrored across Europe this summer, with anti-tourist protests breaking out in famous hot spots.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">In Barcelona</a>, locals have sprayed holiday-makers with water pistols and shouted at them to go home, blaming them for the city becoming unlivable due to high rent prices and apartments being turned into Airbnbs.In Athens and Greek islands, such as Santorini, there's a similar sentiment growing.<h2 id="361e29f8-09c9-466c-953e-69689735c123">Crowded monuments</h2>Vivian Antypa, an archaeologist and tour operator in Athens, told Business Insider that she loves working in tourism and meeting people from all over the world. But her job has become "challenging" recently."The government hasn't put any limitations to the number of people that can visit the monuments," she said, except for the 20,000 person cap to the Acropolis, which was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/08/03/greeces-acropolis-cap-on-daily-visitors-and-staggered-entry-times-starting-in-september">implemented last year</a>.All the other archaeological sites in the city are "extremely crowded," Antypa said."This, of course, affects the quality of our work, the experience of the people," she said. "It can be dangerous due to the hot Greek weather."The number of tourists visiting Greece increased by 120% between 2019 and 2023, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://fortune.com/europe/2024/07/09/mayor-of-athens-overtourism-greece-not-viable-visitor-tourism-economy/">Fortune reported</a>, with 33 million tourists heading to the country last year.Antypa said overtourism in Athens is a problem because the city can't accommodate the large numbers of people in the high season.As a result, the center is full of traffic and crowds, which makes it <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxXnr-nRcwU">hard for locals</a> to live their daily lives.<div type="image" title="Tourists at the Propylaea, the entrance of the Athenian Acropolis." height="1500" width="2000" msid="112347386" hostid="261" sizebytes="233924"></div>There are also not enough establishments to accommodate all the people, which has boosted the short-term rental market."That has caused a big disruption for the locals," Antypa said. "People cannot find apartments for long-term renting, and the ones that can be rented are usually extremely overpriced and in poor conditions."<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/real-estate/1237905/why-are-rental-rates-skyrocketing/">According to the Greek news outlet Kathimerini</a>, investors are turning entire apartment blocks in Athens's districts of Pangrati and Koukaki into short-term rental units.Rental rates in Pangrati have increased by 14.3% compared to last year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tovima.com/finance/greek-property-market-surge-piraeus-leads-nationwide-price-increases-in-q2-2024">the Greek newspaper To Vima reported</a>. House prices are also soaring, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-17/why-athens-home-prices-are-rising-faster-than-other-european-cities">according to Bloomberg</a>.Tourists and locals are equally disappointed in the ramifications of over-tourism, Antypa said, which "sets the standards of the Greek hospitality way back."On TikTok, there's a heated debate between vacationers and locals at top tourist sites. Visitors complain about crowds and dirty streets and share their disappointment about their trip not meeting their expectations. In response, locals call them out for being "ungrateful" and implore them to consider their part in it all.Tourist activities make up 25-30% of the Greece's GDP. Harris Doukas, the mayor of Athens, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/07/08/overrun-athens-how-the-greek-capital-is-finding-solutions-to-the-tourist-influx">told Euro News</a> that "Each visitor brings €0.40 to the city.""And we haven't seen this money yet," he said. "We need sustainable tourism that doesn't worsen city inequalities."<h2 id="3fabe98d-4c04-4ec8-981f-edecb0962ad4">A crackdown on cruises</h2>Antypa said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ships-environmental-impact-tourism-2019-9">cruise ships</a> are a big part of the problem. People aboard follow "a very specific pattern" in Athens, where they arrive very early in the morning and head straight to the landmarks. This causes traffic, queues, and "horrific crowds," she said.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/syros-greece-underrated-better-than-mykonos-santorini-what-to-do-2024-4">The islands</a> are also impacted. Nikos Drosos, a tour guide who owns the Santorini-based travel company Santo Luxury Escape, told BI, "This is one of the worst seasons that the island has had right now.""There are a lot of cruise ships and a lot of people, like 15,000 per day," Drosos said.When they arrive, the main streets are packed with buses, and people leave behind "a lot of garbage," Drosos said."Because they eat on the ship, they don't buy any souvenirs or eat in the restaurants," he added. "That's the problem for us here."<div type="image" title="A ship full of tourists socks in Santorini." height="3515" width="5272" msid="112347392" hostid="261" sizebytes="751520"></div>Drosis believes there wouldn't be an overcrowding problem if more people stayed on the island for a few days at a time."In fact, we want the people to stay more on the island," he said.<h2 id="256be5cb-54bc-402a-b01d-11950f0c69ca">Priced out</h2>The answer may not be so simple, though, as islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, have become more expensive due to their idyllic landscapes and Instagrammable views, leading to an influx of designer stores <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-stay-in-santorini-greece-best-hotels">and even a Nobu</a>.Those who may wish to come may not be able to afford a stay there."There is a real problem when locals, both those that live in a place year-round or wish to visit family and friends, are priced out," Richard Krieger, the director at Sky Vacations, told BI. "You only have to look at the prices of hotels and accommodation in the most well known places in Greece to see how expensive things have become."He added that it's not just the most famous destinations. Small towns like Katakolon in the Peloponnese can become "a nightmare when ships pull in and the crowds pour into the streets," Krieger said.Antypa said she has heard similar stories in her industry, and that the majority of visitors on the islands are not spending money there."The islands have started to lose their authenticity, their individualistic fingerprint," she said.<div type="image" title="Tourists taking photos in Santorini" height="2930" width="4395" msid="112347388" hostid="261" sizebytes="653516"></div>Krieger said implementing fees that support the tourism infrastructure and promoting the entire country as a destination is part of the solution."Our collective effort is needed to ensure that the beauty of the country remains unharmed and that by visiting in a responsible manner, we support local communities and help them thrive," he said.In June, Greece's prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-14/greece-prime-minister-ready-to-cap-cruise-ships-at-most-popular-islands?sref=PKlsHl88">told Bloomberg</a> the country was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-restricting-cruise-ship-santorini-mykonos-tourist-compaints-2024-6">moving to limit the number of cruise ships</a> allowed to stop at the most popular islands.Drosos said this will be "good in some ways.""It's going to be better for some people," he said. "The big tour companies with the big buses, I don't think they're going to like it, but it's for their own good, for everyone."Antypa said a response "is just a response," and she wants to see the government take the next step by committing to sustainable growth and protecting Greece's environment and culture."This has been the goal of many European countries for years," she said. "If the government takes action toward the right direction, we can make tourism better for the tourists and the locals."

Greece is in the middle of an anti-cruise rebellion, with locals complaining about over-tourism and trashed streets

New York [US], May 21 (ANI): International tourist arrivals and the <keyword id="2173225" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel-and-tourism" source="Orion">travel and tourism</keyword> sector's contribution to <keyword id="572312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-GDP" source="Orion">global GDP</keyword> are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by the complete lifting of COVID-19-related <keyword id="19916662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel" source="keywords">travel</keyword> restrictions and strong pent-up demand, as per the new <keyword id="20020435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Economic-Forum" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Economic Forum" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="World Economic Forum">World Economic Forum</keyword> travel and <keyword id="19997361" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism" source="keywords">tourism</keyword> study, released on Tuesday. Topping the 2024 list of economies are the US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia. The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals - 20 per cent above the 2019 level, while Europe, Africa and the US all showed a strong recovery of around 90 per cent in 2023. <keyword id="21745194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-and-Tourism-Development-Index-2024" source="Orion">Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024</keyword> (TTDI), a biennial report published in collaboration with the University of Surrey, analysed the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies. "This year marks a turning point for the travel and tourism sector, which we know has the capacity to unlock growth and serve communities through economic and social transformation," said Francisco Betti, Head of the Global Industries team at the World Economic Forum. "The report offers a forward-looking window into the current and future state of travel and tourism for leaders to navigate the latest trends in this complex sector and sustainably unlock its potential for communities and countries across the world." The <keyword id="840423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-tourism" source="Orion">global tourism</keyword> industry is expected to recover from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic and surpass the levels seen before the crisis. As per the report, this is largely being driven by a significant increase in demand worldwide, which has coincided with more available flights, better international openness, and increased interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions. However, the report painted that the global recovery has been mixed. While 71 of the 119 ranked economies increased their index scores since 2019. Although the sector has moved past the shock of the global health crisis, it continues to deal with other external challenges, from growing macroeconomic, geopolitical and environmental risks, to increased scrutiny of its sustainability practices. In addition, labour shortages are ongoing, and air route capacity, capital investment, productivity and other sector supply factors have not kept up with the increase in demand. This imbalance, worsened by global inflation, has increased prices and service issues. Out of the top 30 index scorers in 2024, 26 are high-income economies, 19 are based in Europe, seven are in Asia-Pacific, three are in the Americas and one (the United Arab Emirates) is in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). The top 10 countries in the 2024 edition are the United States, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Italy and Switzerland. The results highlight that high-income economies generally continue to have more favourable conditions for travel and tourism development. This is helped by conducive business environments, dynamic labour markets, open travel policies, strong transport and tourism infrastructure, and well-developed natural, cultural and non-leisure attractions. "It's essential to bridge the divide between differing economies' ability to build a strong environment for their travel and tourism sector to thrive," said Iis Tussyadiah, Professor and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey. "The sector has big potential to foster prosperity and mitigate global risks, but that potential can only be fully realized through a strategic and inclusive approach." If managed strategically, the travel and tourism sector - which has historically represented 10 per cent of global GDP and employment - has the potential to emerge as a key contributor to growth, it said. (ANI)

Worldwide tourism and its contribution to global GDP to return to pre-COVID levels this year: WEF study

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s rank on the <keyword id="20020435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Economic-Forum" source="keywords">World Economic Forum</keyword>'s <keyword id="21747126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Tourism-Development-Index-2024" source="Orion">Travel &amp; Tourism Development Index 2024</keyword> has risen to 39th place, with global tourism activities returning to pre-pandemic levels, the annual report showed on Tuesday. While the US topped the list, India is ranked highest in South Asia and among the lower-middle-income economies, the <keyword id="102110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WEF" source="Orion">WEF</keyword> said. India was ranked 54th in the previously published index in 2021, though changes made to the index parameters limit its comparability to earlier years. After the US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia figure among the top five in the 2024 list. The index, prepared in collaboration with the University of Surrey, showed India is highly price-competitive (18th) and boasts competitive Air Transport (26th) and Ground and Port (25th) infrastructure. In particular, India's strong Natural (6th), Cultural (9th) and Non-Leisure (9th) Resources help drive travel, and the country is only one of three to score in the top 10 for all the resource pillars, the WEF said. Moreover, despite a decline compared to 2019, the country still scores well for <keyword id="2173225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-and-tourism" source="Orion">travel and tourism</keyword> demand sustainability, especially thanks to more sustainable long stays among inbound visitors. It further said that as with many economies, travel and tourism enabling conditions in India have been impacted by global inflationary supply-side trends for the sector, with price competitiveness declining, while air transport and tourist services infrastructure are yet to recover to the 2019 level. As a result, the country's overall TTDI (Travel and Tourism Development Index) score is 2.1 per cent below its 2019 level. High-income economies in Europe and Asia-Pacific continued to lead the index. "International tourist arrivals and the travel and tourism sector's contribution to global GDP are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by the lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and strong pent-up demand," the WEF said. The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals (20 per cent above the 2019 level), while Europe, Africa and the Americas all showed a strong recovery of around 90 per cent in 2023. The biennial index analysed the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies. Germany was ranked 6th, followed by the UK, China, Italy and Switzerland in the top ten. The results highlighted that high-income economies generally continue to have more favourable conditions for travel and tourism development. This was helped by conducive business environments, dynamic labour markets, open travel policies, strong transport and tourism infrastructure, and well-developed natural, cultural and non-leisure attractions.

India rises to rank 39th on WEF's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, becomes highest ranked South Asian nation

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I really enjoyed growing up in Barcelona but moved away 10 years ago.</li><li>I'd love to return to my home city, but the cost of living and many tourists make it difficult.</li></ul>I loved <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-moving-to-barcelona-spain-from-us-long-process-2024-3">growing up in Barcelona</a>.There's nothing like the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Collserola mountain range, its monuments celebrating Spanish and Catalan culture, the festivals steeped in centuries of tradition, and even its scars of the 1936 Civil War— bullet holes in walls and alleyways that stand eerily at chest height.From an early age, it was a playground for my friends and me, made accessible by a robust public transportation system and a low cost of living.Yet, in all my memories of beautiful parks and Gaudi-esque architecture soaked in near-eternal sunshine, I cannot remember the first time I saw the all-too-common graffiti that I see now: "Tourists go home."I moved out of Barcelona about 10 years ago, partly because of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12">tourism's impact</a><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12"> on locals</a>. Now, at 27, my parents and grandmother are aging, and I'm thinking of moving back.But the choice isn't easy, especially when it feels like Barcelona prioritizes visitors over residents.<h2 id="ce06b32d-2848-4a79-9014-2cffbe7afce9">Tourism has been booming for decades, but Barcelona has become too reliant on it</h2><div type="image" title="Tourists at Sagrada de Familia" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932533" hostid="261" sizebytes="87412"></div>Barcelona is a major tourism destination year-round, and it has been for a while. According to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">Barcelona Tourism Observatory</a>, the city received 15.6 million tourists alone last year.Tourism accounts for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/barcelona-cannot-absorb-infinite-tourism-growth-needs-curbs-mayor-says-2024-07-23/">about 15% of the city's economy</a>, which is bad news for the many locals who aren't reaping the benefits of having millions of visitors in their home.Sure, tourism brings more jobs to Barcelona — but even if that was a career path I wanted to pursue, many of them aren't built to support the actual cost of living in the city.Research published in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.paradigmpress.org/le/article/view/1206/1067">Paradigm Academic Press</a> in July found that the majority of new jobs in Barcelona's hospitality industry were only part time, and the average monthly wage in this sector is 1,200 euros or $1,327 — 300 euros less than the city's average wage.Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-24/when-it-comes-to-renting-in-barcelona-anything-goes-storage-rooms-storefronts-and-basements-cost-hundreds-a-month.html">El País</a>, citing official data, reported that the average monthly rent in Barcelona in the third quarter of 2023 was about 1,171 euros or $1,295.But housing has become an issue for workers across industries. Spain's housing crisis — worsened by many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/spain-crack-down-holiday-rentals-address-housing-crisis-2024-07-03/">homes becoming Airbnbs</a> — means it's hard to find an affordable place to live.It's one of my concerns when I think of returning to Barcelona. Many of my friends must live with their parents well into their 30s because they're struggling to afford to rent an apartment with roommates.Some residents are also forced to split another limited essential resource: water.In <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/18/1232301986/in-spain-a-years-long-drought-is-pitting-locals-against-the-tourism-industry">recent years</a>, Barcelona and the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/spain-drought-barcelona-climate-ba6f65b6ce01e3a7b081586e602a38e7">greater Catalonia region</a> have experienced and been vulnerable to droughts. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-barcelona-tourists-catalonia-anger-rain-water-drought">Water rationing</a> is becoming a new reality for many residents, who are expected to keep their resource usage low and limited while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ahead-easter-rush-officials-say-drought-must-not-put-off-barcelona-tourists-2024-03-22/">hoping globetrotting guests</a> do the same.It's hard to imagine moving back to a place where residents' basic necessities are often sacrificed for a single industry.<h2 id="850bd518-51c1-4c35-b7a0-3cecaf49fe4b">Recent protests show how much urgent change is needed — and why I'm not sure I'm ready to go back</h2><div type="image" title="tourists not welcome sign in spain" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932532" hostid="261" sizebytes="61708"></div>Last month, friends sent me videos of the viral <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">anti-tourism protesters</a> squirting water pistols at tourists. The protesters echoed a sentiment shared by many residents: We need fewer tourists, especially in already overcrowded areas.Local politicians have taken some actions, like limiting the number of hotel beds allowed in Barcelona and raising the cruise tourist tax for those who spend less than 12 hours in the city.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/barcelona-spain-tourist-apartments-154cf293078aa14c299e3539d90e9350">Barcelona City Hall</a> took action against short-term rentals like Airbnb when it announced it would not renew licenses allowing people to rent their apartments to tourists after they expire in 2028. This is partly to help residents deal with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/top-tourist-destination-barcelona-plans-shut-all-holiday-apartments-by-2028-2024-06-21/">rising rent</a> and real-estate costs.But we need faster changes and more <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourists-extend-vacations-fewer-longer-trips-more-sustainable-2024-5">sustainable tourism</a>, which starts with less tourism overall.I hope people can come and enjoy the beauty of my home city, but I want them to realize their impact and rise to the challenge of being a tourist in a city that is loved by too many.Maybe it starts with tourists prioritizing small businesses during their trips or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-lesser-known-italy-travel-destinations-according-to-local">visiting lesser-known spots</a> in the city instead of areas that are already overwhelmed.As for myself, I'm hoping that residents' desire to reimagine Barcelona as it was — not a tourist destination or the backdrop of an Instagram photo, but as a living city — shapes the city's policies going forward.Perhaps it'll lead to positive changes — like more affordable housing and stable employment opportunities — so I can finally book a one-way ticket home.

I grew up in Barcelona and live in the US. I'd love to go home, but tourism is making life unbearable for locals.

Thailand’s geographical proximity and affordability, along with its platter of delectable food, historical sites, pristine beaches and lively atmosphere, holds a particular appeal for Indian travellers. While tourists from India were forced to limit their travels to the Island country to a 15-day stay under a visa-on-arrival scheme until recently, the Thailand government is now extending its arms wider for us. Thailand's tourism sector has been strategically easing <keyword id="20166202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visa-regulations" source="keywords">visa regulations</keyword> to attract visitors from key markets like China and Russia. And now, the country has extended its visa exemption program, allowing visitors from these countries to vacation visa-free for up to 30 days until November 11, 2024. This move aims to revitalise its tourism industry, a key driver of the nation's economy. This is no doubt great news for those wanting to spend more time in the bustling city of Bangkok or immerse themselves in the rich culture and calm of its gorgeous temples. However, there are some rather glaring problems that Thailand is facing, thanks to climate change and the <keyword id="21610692" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="El-Nio-event" source="keywords">El Niño event</keyword> — that impacted India as well. <h4>Water shortage hits <keyword id="21610693" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Phi-Phi-islands" source="keywords">Phi Phi islands</keyword> </h4> For instance, the idyllic islands of Koh Phi Phi, which attract many Indians every year, are facing a real-life challenge that's anything but relaxing — a severe water shortage after a scorching heatwave gripped Asia. The private company supplying water may have to cut off service entirely, according to Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, president of the Krabi Hotel Association. Island authorities are scrambling for solutions, considering bringing in water from the mainland if the dry spell persists. However, they remain optimistic that the upcoming wet season in May will bring relief, and Wichupan insists that tourists planning trips shouldn't be deterred, claiming they can manage the situation. But whispers of trouble are already reaching potential visitors. Online forums and travel reviews are buzzing with warnings from returning tourists urging others to "check if their accommodation has fresh water" before booking. Some reports even detail tap water running dry in April. While Koh Phi Phi takes centre stage, the heatwave's impact isn't isolated. <keyword id="21563893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="koh-samui" source="keywords">Koh Samui</keyword>, another popular Thai island, has also experienced dry and scorching conditions. Although the tourism board there assures visitors haven't been affected, the island reportedly relies on water trucks, significantly increasing operational costs for hotels. <h4>Island closure due to coral bleaching </h4> A popular island in southern Thailand, <keyword id="21605630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pling-Island" source="keywords">Pling Island</keyword>, has been hit with a temporary closure due to extensive coral bleaching. This drastic measure by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) highlights the growing threat climate change poses to our underwater wonders. Pling Island recently witnessed intense heatwaves along with many other islands across Thailand and Asia. Due to ocean warming and acidification, corals expel the algae living within them, leaving them pale and vulnerable — a process referred to as coral bleaching. Thailand’s pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are a major draw for visitors, generating millions in revenue. However, unregulated tourism also puts a strain on these delicate ecosystems. Thailand's proactive approach in closing Pling Island demonstrates a commitment to striking a balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. While natural phenomena like El Niño contribute to warmer temperatures, scientists point to human-induced climate change as the bigger culprit. Warmer oceans are the new normal, with Asia experiencing a faster-than-average rise in temperatures. Pling Island's closure and Phi Phi’s water crisis serve as a stark reminder of that every system has a carrying capacity and we must honour it. It sends the powerful message that even paradise needs a break once in a while to ensure its future remains dazzling. While the tourism-reliant industry of Thailand could greatly benefit from more visitors, mindful travel would help secure the future of the countrymen.

Thailand is now welcoming Indians with open arms, but are its drought-hit islands really prepared for a tourism influx?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tourism is bigger than ever, with international tourists set to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024.</li><li>A new book, "The New Tourist," talks about balancing tourism's impacts and being a mindful traveler.</li></ul>Whether carving their names on the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourist-recorded-carving-colosseum-walls-sparking-outrage-2023-6">Coliseum in Rome</a> or haphazardly approaching <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourists-surround-bear-two-cubs-yellowstone-national-park-sparking-debate-2023-8">bears at Yellowstone National Park</a>, tourists frequently make the news for behavior that's, frankly, very stupid.Well-behaved or not, all <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overtourism-measures-limit-tourism-going-to-increase-venice-amsterdam-rome-2023-10">tourists can have negative impacts</a> on a destination, from too much traffic and congestion to rising rents and priced-out locals. And yet tourism can also bring economic and cultural benefits to a community — especially when it's done right.Paige McClanahan's new book, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-New-Tourist/Paige-McClanahan/9781668011775">"The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,"</a> is all about how tourism impacts the world, from the good to the bad, and how people who travel can be the right kind of tourist.McClanahan, an American journalist based in France, talked to Business Insider about what it means to be a new tourist, her experience living in a small touristy village in the French Alps, and why people should stop saying they're a "traveler, not a tourist."The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.BI: Why do you think your book — and conversations about how to be a better traveler — are important right now?Paige McClanahan: In 2024, we're expected to see <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-reached-97-of-pre-pandemic-levels-in-the-first-quarter-of-2024">1.55 billion international tourist arrivals</a>, which is breaking the pre-pandemic record. Tourism is growing. It's growing faster than the global economy. It's a huge force.At the same time, so many of us who are traveling are looking at our travels through a different lens. All of us, of course, were forced to stay at home during COVID because of pandemic restrictions, and I think that forced so many of us to reexamine this aspect of our lives that we had taken for granted.I'm hoping this book is arriving in a moment where it can really resonate with people because we're traveling more than ever, and I think we're more ready than ever to consider the implications of our travels. And actually surveys are showing that people are more concerned about sustainability, they're more concerned about their impacts on communities. They're willing to spend more to have a positive impact on the place. So I hope the book is coming really at the right moment to speak to that audience.Was there a specific moment or an experience you had traveling that sparked the idea for the book?In 2018, I moved with my family to a little village in the French Alps.I had a chance to see firsthand how tourism really brought life into this village that would otherwise have become a ghost town, probably 50 years ago. It brought life, it brought energy, it brought culture, it brought all sorts of activities for my family, for me and my children, that we wouldn't have had otherwise in this beautiful corner of the French Alps.At the same time, as a resident of a tourist destination, I, for the first time in my life, really had to deal with things like having a heaving grocery store for maybe six or eight weeks a year, or having the parking lot where drop kids off at school overflowing sometimes, or sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the road that leads to my house when I'm just trying to get home with my groceries.Tourism is so huge and it has so many impacts that go so much deeper below the surface than most of us think about when we're traveling. It was really so moving to this village that that inspired me to start looking at travel and tourism in my journalism.Everywhere I look, there's complexities, there's good and bad and it's so important.Can you describe what you mean by "the new tourist"? What does a new tourist look like?In the last chapter of the book, I respond to an essay that was written by an exceptional writer named Agnes Kard and published in The New Yorker last summer called "The Case Against Travel." She described some tourists as "unchanged changers" — people who go to a place and they change the place, they inflict their presence on the place, and they're unchanged. They themselves remain closed in their hearts and minds to the experience and they come away unmoved. So, I took that as my starting point. That's what I see as an old tourist. Let's have a new tourist be somebody who's a changed changer, changed and enlightened.A new tourist is someone who takes the time to educate themselves about the impact that their presence will have on the place they're visiting and uses that knowledge to do their best to minimize any negative impacts of their presence on the place and maximize any positive impacts, whether it's economic, social, or cultural impacts.And they're changed themselves. They come with a view to having their mind changed. They come with a level of humility. They come with a strong desire to really see the humanity in the people they're visiting and the beauty in the place they're visiting and don't see themselves as superior to the people or the place.It's a mindset shift, really, but I think that it's a really powerful mindset shift that can lead to very constructive impacts both the tourist destination and on the traveler herself.How might travel look differently for someone who's embraced that mindset? How would their behaviors change?To start as an example, how you decide where you're going to go on a trip. When you're thinking about where you want to go, really take some time to reflect. Are you going to a place because it's on some top 10 list that you saw, and you feel like you're obligated to cross it off? Or are you going for a deeper sort of reason, like you want to connect with the culture? Maybe there's something meaningful there that you want to take the time to really learn about or get engaged with when you're there. I think it starts with self-reflection and making sure your motivations for where you want to travel are coming from a deeper place and not a superficial bucket list.At a really practical level, maybe taking fewer trips, but staying longer and really taking the time to engage in a place. Because if you, as an American, come to Europe for two weeks and hit five major cities with two to three days in each place, that's not going to give you the chance to engage in a meaningful way with anybody who lives there or with the culture and history of the place. But if you come to Paris for two weeks, you settle in, and you're seeing the same people at the corner shop every day, you're going back to the same bar at the corner, the same cafe at the corner, and you have a chance to build some relationships. You have a chance to really get to know this corner of Paris. You have a chance to explore beyond the top five things to do and explore other perspectives of the city, not just the cliché.Visiting fewer places is also better for the climate and it's better for the economies of the places you're visiting because every tourist destination wants people to come and stay longer. Be a high-quality visitor. And hire a local tour guide, whether it's for an hour or half a day or a full day, or multiple days. It gives you a chance to really have a personal, human, one-on-one interaction with someone who lives in that place, and you're directly supporting a local.That's one of the highest aims we can have as new tourists: to come away with a real human connection and not just photos for our Instagram feed.You write in the book that the stigma around the word "tourist" needs to change. Why?I think the problem with somebody saying, "I travel a lot, but I'm not a tourist when I travel, I'm a traveler" — It's like, OK, sure, you're a traveler, but I want you to remember that you're a tourist too. If we dissociate ourselves from this phenomenon of tourism that means we don't feel any ownership over the problems that tourism presents. If tourism is something that only other people do, then why should we be bothered about the problems that come with it?If we implicate ourselves in tourism, if we say, "Yes, I'm a tourist," then we might hopefully feel some ownership over the problems with tourism and we might be inspired to actually do something to change it.Because if tourism is this thing that only other people do, and everyone in the world, all of us who are lucky enough to travel, see tourism as something that other people do, nothing's ever going to get better.

You Searched For "sustainable tourism" and got 12 results

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

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Indian outbound tourism to reach USD 18817.72 million, grow at over 11% CAGR through 2034: FICCI-Nangia report

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Greece is in the middle of an anti-cruise rebellion, with locals complaining about over-tourism and trashed streets

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Worldwide tourism and its contribution to global GDP to return to pre-COVID levels this year: WEF study

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India rises to rank 39th on WEF's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, becomes highest ranked South Asian nation

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I grew up in Barcelona and live in the US. I'd love to go home, but tourism is making life unbearable for locals.

Aina de Lapparent Alvarez

Thailand is now welcoming Indians with open arms, but are its drought-hit islands really prepared for a tourism influx?

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An American mom who moved to the French Alps experienced the impacts of over-tourism firsthand. She says there's a better way to do it

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