Thailand Expects Only 3.5 million Chinese Tourists This Year

The outbound travel recovery in China is stuck at just over half of 2019 levels, but there’s at least one promising sign of future demand: Domestic tourism is 90% above 2019 levels.

ICONSIAM, the Thailand landmark destination located on the Chao Phraya riverside in Bangkok, has been chosen as one of the seven highlight locations for the “The Vijit Chao Phraya 2023” event, a part of ‘Thailand Winter Festival’ of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is being organised throughout December 2023 as a joint public-private sector collaboration. Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, said, “We will proudly contribute with amazing events that will help light up the river during this season of joy and invite everyone to join us and share in the festive holiday spirit at ICONSIAM.”

Chinese tourists won’t be coming back to New York City at their pre-pandemic levels next year. Affordability and limited flights are two issues holding back the rebound, say travel executives.

Seven travel startups have announced fundraises of more than $305 million over the past week.

Sri Lanka has finally announced its plans to roll out its global tourism marketing campaign urging tourists “You’ll Come Back For More,” marking the first such campaign since 2007.  

Civitatis has seen 115% growth since 2019, with a 31% surge from 2022 to YTD 2023. Civitatis’ top selling destinations are, in descending order, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Porto, Barcelona, New York, Budapest, and Prague.

Each year in the Alps, as the first snows of the season start to fall, mountain towns welcome winter visitors with a slew of smart new hotels. And this year is no different, with upscale brands including COMO Hotels and Resorts moving its beach-beautiful ethos to the Italian Alps in COMO Alpina Dolomites, and Grace Hotels giving St Moritz its first luxury opening in half a century in the Grace La Margna. With its boutique modern addition, the sleek Swiss hotel breathes new life into the former art nouveau hotel La Margna, following a trend for high-profile revamps seen across the Alps this season. Here’s a look at the six best new openings, many of which revitalise former hotel landmarks.

Fall is always an exciting time in New York City, especially because there are so many new restaurant openings. Many tasty newcomers have opened in the last few months and they’re absolutely worth a visit. From buzzy nightlife boîtes to unique omakase destinations, here’s where you should eat before the year is over.

In 1973 Jack and Dolores Cakebread were visiting friends in Napa Valley and mentioned they would be interested in buying their land if they ever wished to sell — to their surprise the friends called back later that day and agreed to a deal. Cakebread Cellars is now celebrating fifty years and have released their ‘ 50th Anniversary Chardonnay Collection ,’ made up of four single-estate wines made from the first varietal bottled by the winery. I spoke with co-owner Bruce Cakebread, son of Jack and Dolores, about his parents, the history of the winery and his favorite vintages.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting all to experience one of Thailand’s oldest and most colourful festivals while gaining insights into the charming traditions of Chiang Mai, Roi Et, Samut Songkhram, Sukhothai, and Tak at the Loi Krathong Festival 2023 at Bangkok’s Phadung Krung Kasem Canal.

Travel searches by Indian travelers for Thailand have spiked. Online travel agency Agoda’s search data for the peak December travel period shows recent visa policy changes have impacted travel preferences and top destination choices for Indian travelers.   

If you’re going to organize a three-year round-the-world cruise, a good first step is probably to acquire a ship.