International Tourism: Guess Who's Back, Back Again!

International Tourism: Guess Who's Back, Back Again!

By Author

Published on September 22, 2023

International arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023, says UNWTO. In various destinations, the return of tourists has been robust, nearing or even surpassing pre-pandemic arrival levels.

Following the devastating COVID crisis, at a time when the tourism industry believed that people might never venture beyond their homes to rediscover the world's marvels, something extraordinary happened. Like birds released from captivity, travellers eagerly grabbed their bags, taking flight and causing a significant spike.

In just the second year after the pandemic, pre-pandemic visitor levels were attained, defying earlier expectations.In the first quarter of 2023, international arrivals reached an impressive 80% of pre-pandemic levels. During this period, approximately 235 million tourists embarked on international journeys, which was more than double the number for the same period in 2022.

UNWTO data also examines recovery at the sub-regional and destination levels. The Middle East stands out with the most robust performance, surpassing 2019 arrivals by 15% and becoming the first region to fully recover pre-pandemic numbers within a quarter. Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand. Africa achieved 88%, while the Americas reached approximately 85% of 2019 levels. Asia and the Pacific are gaining momentum, with a recovery rate of 54% of pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is poised to accelerate further as most destinations, particularly China, have now reopened.This demonstrated the industry's ability to bounce back and maintain a strong recovery, even when confronted with economic and geopolitical challenges.

When discussing this, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, remarked that "The start of the year has shown again tourism's unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals. However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism's return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development."

Expectations are high for a strong performance in the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season, supported by pent-up demand, the ongoing restoration of air travel connections, and the recent reopening of significant Asian markets and destinations. Nevertheless, certain hindrances may disrupt this flow. The primary obstacle to the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023 remains the economic landscape, with surging inflation and rising oil prices resulting in elevated transportation and lodging expenses. This is likely to prompt tourists to increasingly seek cost-effective options and opt for travel closer to their homes.


Surge in Short-Haul Travel Among Gen Z and Millennials: A New Trend

Surge in Short-Haul Travel Among Gen Z and Millennials: A New Trend

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 10, 2024

Recent data reveals a remarkable 25% increase in short-haul travel, driven predominantly by the preferences of Gen Z and Millennials. This surge underscores the evolving travel habits of younger generations, who seek quick, accessible getaways that offer unique experiences without the extended time commitment. Monsoon travel, in particular, has gained popularity, with destinations offering lush landscapes, vibrant festivals, and a respite from the summer heat.

This trend highlights significant shifts in consumer behavior and presents new opportunities for the travel and hospitality sectors. To gain deeper insights, we spoke with The Hosteller, India's largest brand-operated backpacker hostel chain. They emphasized the importance of understanding these new travel patterns and adapting offerings to meet the demands of this dynamic demographic.

About The Hosteller:

Established in 2014, The Hosteller is India's largest brand-operated backpacker hostel chain, headquartered in Mumbai. With a presence in over 55 Indian destinations, The Hosteller offers budget-conscious travelers a unique blend of affordability and experience. Under the leadership of Mr. Pranav Dangi, The Hosteller has become a dynamic force in hospitality, shaping the future of travel with innovative offerings and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Focused on creating immersive and standardized experiences, The Hosteller prioritizes best-in-class services and a warm, welcoming environment. The brand's proprietary tech platform facilitates community-driven experiences, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. The Hosteller's mission is to empower "young at heart" individuals to explore the world, aiming to become the world's largest standardized and self-operated chain of backpacker hostels, delivering exceptional experiences to global travelers. With a dynamic young team and over 600 employees, The Hosteller continues to grow and innovate in the backpacker hostel space.


AMRPL Unveils ‘Vue De Luxe’- A Premier Sunglass Concept Store at Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports

AMRPL Unveils ‘Vue De Luxe’- A Premier Sunglass Concept Store at Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 8, 2024

April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd (AMRPL) has launched its first exclusive sunglass concept store, ‘Vue De Luxe,’ located at the Departure Sections of Terminal 3 at Lucknow CSS International Airport and Terminal 2 at Ahmedabad International Airport. This new venture aims to elevate the shopping experience for premium sunglasses, targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, business professionals, and holidaygoers.

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‘Vue De Luxe’ offers a sophisticated selection of luxury eyewear for both men and women, featuring a curated collection of international brands. Shoppers can find renowned names such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Givenchy, Off-White, Prada, Prada Linea Rossa, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, and Versace.

Designed to be visually appealing and state-of-the-art, the store provides a seamless shopping experience. It is equipped with digital screens that display brand videos and communications, enhancing the overall ambiance. The launch of 'Vue De Luxe' is well-timed, coinciding with the holiday season and the recent cricket season, which have brought increased passenger traffic to both Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports. These prime airport locations are ideal for catering to travelers seeking luxury and style.

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Gaurav Singh, CEO of AMRPL, shared his excitement about the launch, stating, “It is with immense pride and joy that I announce the opening of our latest sunglass concept, ‘Vue De Luxe,’ at the new Lucknow Airport Terminal. This luxury sunglasses store is not just a testament to April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd's commitment to excellence but also a symbol of our vision to bring the finest experiences to the discerning traveler. ‘Vue De Luxe’ stands as a beacon of style and sophistication, offering a curated selection of eyewear that embodies the spirit of luxury. The store is designed to provide our customers with an unparalleled accessory experience. I invite you all to visit 'Vue De Luxe' and see the world through a new lens of luxury.”

AMRPL’s initiative with ‘Vue De Luxe’ reflects their dedication to offering top-notch products and services to travelers. By focusing on high-quality brands and an enhanced shopping environment, ‘Vue De Luxe’ aims to set new standards in luxury eyewear retail. This launch marks a significant step in AMRPL’s mission to provide exceptional shopping experiences in premium locations.

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About AMRPL

April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd (AMRPL) is a company committed to delivering premium retail experiences. With the introduction of ‘Vue De Luxe,’ AMRPL continues to showcase its dedication to excellence, catering to the needs of discerning travelers by offering a unique blend of luxury and style.


Snow World Entertainment Announces Major Expansion Plans Across Key Indian Cities

Snow World Entertainment Announces Major Expansion Plans Across Key Indian Cities

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 24, 2024

Snow World Entertainment, a trailblazer in the Indian entertainment and hospitality sector, announced today its ambitious plan to expand its footprint across the nation. Founded by Prasuk Jain, the company is set to open new facilities in prominent cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thane, Pitampura, Connaught Place, and Golf Course Extension Road, aiming to double its presence by 2026.

Prasuk Jain, the visionary behind Snow World Entertainment, stated, "The entertainment sector in India holds immense potential for growth. Our objective is to revolutionize entertainment by introducing unique experiences that cater to diverse customer preferences, contributing to the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative and enhancing India's global stature in these sectors."

The expansion includes the launch of new outlets under popular brands like The Game Palacio, The Game Ranch, Amazonia, and Snow World. With an investment of approximately INR 300 crores in 2023-24 and INR 500 crores in 2024-25, the expansion is expected to generate numerous job opportunities across its new locations.

Currently, Snow World Entertainment operates 14 luxury gaming and bar concepts and three complete restaurants nationwide. Notable among them are The Game Ranch, a cowboy-themed luxury gaming and bar experience; The Game Palacio, a palace-themed venue; KOA, a bohemian-themed restaurant; and Amazonia, an immersive dining experience themed around the Amazon rainforest.

By focusing on customer satisfaction, embracing innovation, and advocating ecological responsibility, Snow World Entertainment is poised to redefine the entertainment landscape in India, ensuring unforgettable experiences for its patrons.

For further information on Snow World Entertainment and its range of services, please visit Snow World Entertainment.

About Snow World Entertainment:

Founded by Prasuk Jain, Snow World Entertainment stands as a pioneering force in the Indian entertainment and hospitality industry. The company boasts a diverse portfolio, including Snow World, The Game, Amazonia, and several other distinct brands, each offering unique experiences tailored to a variety of customer interests and age groups. Dedicated to delivering exceptional entertainment, Snow World Entertainment is shaping the future of leisure and hospitality in India.

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