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.


ixigo Introduces ‘Travel Guarantee’ to Ensure Hassle-Free Journeys

ixigo Introduces ‘Travel Guarantee’ to Ensure Hassle-Free Journeys

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 20, 2024

ixigo, India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users, has launched a game-changing feature for train travelers – ‘Travel Guarantee’. Available on the ixigo Trains app, this innovative feature ensures passengers with unconfirmed waitlisted tickets receive a 3X refund of their fare, providing the flexibility to book alternate transport like flights or buses during emergencies.

Eliminating Travel Stress
Train travel during peak seasons often results in long waitlists, leaving passengers anxious about last-minute arrangements. ixigo’s ‘Travel Guarantee’ steps in to offer financial relief and convenience, enabling travelers to seamlessly rebook their journeys without worrying about skyrocketing fares.

How It Works:

  1. Opt-in During Booking: Travelers can choose the ‘Travel Guarantee’ feature for a nominal fee when booking selected trains and classes via the ixigo Trains app.

  2. Refund Process: If tickets remain waitlisted at the time of chart preparation:

    • 1X refund of the fare is credited back to the original payment mode.

    • 2X refund is issued as a Travel Guarantee Coupon, redeemable on flight, train, or bus bookings via ixigo.

CEO Speaks
Sharing insights on the rollout, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ixigo Trains, said:

“At ixigo, we strive to make travel seamless and stress-free. Train waitlists, especially during festive seasons, can be frustrating for travelers. Our ‘Travel Guarantee’ feature provides a safety net by offering up to 3X refunds on unconfirmed tickets, empowering users to rebook their journey without worrying about last-minute fare hikes. We’re committed to making train travel more reliable, convenient, and worry-free for everyone.”

Revolutionizing Train Travel
ixigo continues to enhance its position as a customer-first platform with features like free cancellations, food on trains, instant refunds, and now, ‘Travel Guarantee’. The app remains a trusted companion for millions of users, delivering convenience and innovation for seamless travel experiences.

About ixigo
Founded in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) is India’s premier travel platform, offering AI-driven solutions to book trains, flights, buses, and more. With over 48 crore Annual Active Users in Fiscal 2024, ixigo empowers travelers with smarter decisions and unmatched convenience.

For more information, visit www.ixigo.com.


AIR INDIA EXPRESS announces ‘PAYDAY SALE’ with fares starting at Just ₹1199

AIR INDIA EXPRESS announces ‘PAYDAY SALE’ with fares starting at Just ₹1199

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2024

Air India has launched its payday sale with amazing deals starting @ just 1199 and exclusive zero baggage xpress lite fares starting @ just 1049. The sale is open for bookings on domestic flights until 2nd December 2024, for travel between 7th January and 31st March 2025.

Air India Express offers exclusive perks for loyalty members, including discounts on Biz seats, boasting a 58-inch seat pitch. Benefits include 25% off 'Gourmair' hot meals, seat selection, and Xpress Ahead priority services for higher-tier members. Biz seats are available on 35 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with weekly fleet expansions.

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Air India Express continues to provide special discounted fares and exclusive benefits tailored for various passenger groups. These include students, senior citizens, healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, as well as members of the armed forces and their dependents. By offering these perks through its website, the airline ensures that a diverse range of travelers can enjoy affordable and value-packed journeys, catering to their unique needs and preferences.

The hottest deals are here for you, Grab yours before the sale ends!


Ranthambore’s Night Sky Shines with The Earth Resort’s Cultural Night Market

Ranthambore’s Night Sky Shines with The Earth Resort’s Cultural Night Market

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 8, 2024

The Earth at Ranthambore, a stunning property of Earthian Hotels N Resorts, has recently introduced an immersive Night Market experience, bringing guests closer to the heart of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage. Under the vast night sky, the resort's landscape transforms into a lively hub of traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and craftsmanship, offering an unforgettable sensory journey for visitors.

As the night begins, the resort resonates with the mesmerizing rhythms of dholaks and the melodic tunes of the sarangi, as local folk performers showcase Rajasthan’s famed dances like the Ghoomar and the Kalbelia. The vibrant costumes and graceful movements of the dancers breathe life into Rajasthani traditions, transporting guests to a world filled with stories and heritage. In the midst of this cultural showcase, a skilled magician enthralls the audience with captivating illusions, adding a whimsical touch to the evening.

Guests looking for interactive experiences can try their hand at pottery under the guidance of local artisans. Feeling the clay come alive between their fingers, they can create their own masterpieces, experiencing firsthand an age-old craft. As the night progresses, the sky opens up to stargazers, where an expert-led astronomy session reveals the cosmic wonders visible above the stunning Ranthambore landscape.

For food lovers, the Night Market's chaat counters offer a delectable array of treats, from golgappas to dahi puri, while artisan stalls display an assortment of handmade souvenirs. The live bangle shop allows guests to observe bangles being crafted in real time, offering colorful designs as a unique takeaway from the evening.

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Mr. Rohit Pareek, Managing Director of Earthian Hotels N Resorts, expressed his excitement, saying, "With the Night Market, we've created a microcosm of Rajasthan's rich cultural tapestry. It's more than just an attraction; it's an invitation for our guests to immerse themselves in the living heritage of this magnificent region. Every sight, sound, and flavor has been carefully curated to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience."

This exciting new offering enhances The Earth at Ranthambore’s existing amenities, including the tranquil Taranaalya pool, the rejuvenating Sattva spa, and its eco-friendly cottages designed by the renowned architect Eugene Pandala. These unique cottages blend luxury with sustainability, making every guest's stay both comfortable and eco-conscious.

The Night Market is part of Earthian Hotels N Resorts' commitment to sustainable luxury and cultural preservation, embodying the perfect balance of modern hospitality with deep respect for local traditions. The resort’s focus on immersive, eco-friendly experiences showcases the possibility of celebrating heritage while delivering world-class hospitality.

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For those seeking an authentic connection to Rajasthan’s culture, the Night Market at The Earth at Ranthambore promises a memorable journey through art, craft, and cuisine—all against the magical backdrop of a starry night.

About The Earth at Ranthambore by Mr. Rohit Pareek, Co-founder & Managing Director:

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Ranthambore, The Earth at Ranthambore blends refined luxury with authentic hospitality. The resort offers guests a unique experience combining comfort, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. For more details, visit: https://earthhotels.in

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About Earthian Hotels N Resorts by Mr. Rajkumar Pareek, Founder:

Earthian Hotels N Resorts is founded on the philosophy of sustainability and eco-conscious living. With a mission to preserve the natural beauty of Rajasthan, the brand delivers hospitality experiences that seamlessly combine adventure, culture, and sustainability. Learn more about Earthian’s energy-efficient and fireproof structures at https://earthhotels.in/earth-structures/.

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