Peden Doma Bhutia travel tips

Foreign visitor spending in Japan in the first nine months of this year surpassed 2023’s full-year record of JPY 5.3 trillion ($35 billion).

While there is a growing awareness about sustainability among travelers, there remains a gap between awareness and action, according to Trip.com’s Sustainable Travel Consumer Report.

Travel metasearch engine Skyscanner is preparing to launch a new marketplace within its app that offers a range of additional services.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, October 18, 2024, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. 

This year is shaping up to be a “year of contrasts” for the Asia Pacific hotel market, according to real estate services company JLL.

It was only recently that Yatra Online CEO Dhruv Shringi could be heard talking about how Indian carrier IndiGo’s fierce pricing squeeze had led to a drop in revenue.

Minimalism, for Gautam Munjal, the founder of Minimalist Hotels, is more than a buzzword — it’s about offering a high-quality experience without excess, appealing to travelers who are increasingly eco-conscious. In the latest episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, catch Munjal in conversation with Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia as he talks about integrating hybrid spaces that cater to both work and leisure needs, while aiming to tap into the growing demand for flexibility among young urban travelers. He also sees food and beverage as an essential part of the guest experience, introducing unique concepts like craft cocktail bars and cozy cafés. 

Foreign tourists overstaying their visa permits in Indonesia or engaging in illegal activities now risk facing prison sentences of up to 20 years.

The global tourism industry is bouncing back in 2024. International arrivals increased 16% between January and August, compared to 2023, according to travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys. The company’s insights, presented at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Perth, highlighted the pivotal role of the Asia-Pacific region in driving this resurgence.

China’s travel sector is making a strong comeback, following a challenging period during the pandemic.

In a year marked by regional instability and war, Saudi Arabia’s inbound arrivals have continued to grow.

Tourism Authority of Thailand has introduced an AI-driven initiative designed to boost spiritual tourism. “Mu Thua Thai Pai Kub AI” offers a modern twist on traditional astrology, aiming to personalize travel experiences.

In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia is joined by Saniya Zanpure, research analyst at Skift, to explore India’s inbound tourism landscape. Last month, the Indian government announced initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, including offering 100,000 free visas. Despite surging outbound travel, inbound recovery has been slower, making these measures critical. Catch them discuss factors behind this disparity, such as safety concerns, visa issues, and infrastructure challenges, as well as untapped opportunities to enhance India’s appeal.    

China has now announced visa-free entry for citizens of 5 countries — Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia starting October 15. With this move, nationals from these countries can now visit China for up to 15 days without needing a visa.

Indian online travel company EaseMyTrip has resumed flight bookings to the Maldives. This comes after EaseMyTrip suspended services in January following a diplomatic spat between the two nations.

For a U.S. state with just over 4.5 million people, Louisiana punches above its weight when it comes to tourism. In 2023, the state brought in 43 million visitors. 

In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia talks to Mehul Sharma, CEO and founder of Signum Hotels and Resorts, about the demand-supply gap in India’s hospitality market. Sharma goes on to talk about the growing demand for religious tourism in India and what makes religious destinations such a strong investment for hospitality companies.  

We’re getting closer to the completion of Vistara’s merger with Air India, which will combine fleets, routes, and — most importantly for frequent flyers — loyalty programs.

Around 128 million Chinese travelers will venture abroad in 2024, according to the latest survey from digital marketing and research firm China Trading Desk.

The Indian government is offering visa-fee waivers for the first 100,000 tourists entering the country under the “Chalo India” program. The operational guidelines will be finalized soon, after which the scheme will officially launch, the ministry has said.

Goa is not ready to lose out on the destination wedding business, especially this close to the upcoming wedding season. The state has rolled back its decision to increase the fees to hold private events, including weddings.