UNWTO Reports: International Tourism Nears Full Recovery Post-Pandemic

UNWTO Reports: International Tourism Nears Full Recovery Post-Pandemic

By Author

Published on December 2, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, the world of international tourism is buzzing with optimism. The latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects that global tourism is set to rebound to nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic strength. This resurgence is a testament to the sector's resilience and the growing wanderlust among travellers eager to rediscover the world's wonders.

From January to September 2023, international tourism experienced a remarkable upsurge. Approximately 975 million tourists ventured abroad, marking a significant 38% increase compared to the same months in 2022. This spike reflects a renewed enthusiasm for global exploration and cultural exchange.

The UNWTO's World Tourism Barometer revealed more heartening news. International tourist arrivals in the third quarter of 2023 saw a 22% increase year-on-year, with the Northern Hemisphere's summer season witnessing particularly strong travel demand. July 2023 emerged as a highlight, with a 92% recovery rate—the most robust since the pandemic began. By September, the overall sector surged to 87% of pre-pandemic levels, setting the stage for a hopeful 90% recovery by the year's end.

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In financial terms, international tourism receipts are expected to reach around USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, remarkably close to the USD 1.5 trillion recorded in 2019. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili remarked on the sector's near-complete recovery from COVID-19, emphasising its crucial role for destinations and communities reliant on tourism.

However, recovery rates vary across regions. The Middle East notably surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 20% through September 2023, thanks to strategic tourism investments and hosting large-scale events. Europe also showed strong recovery, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by intra-regional demand and interest from the United States.

Africa and the Americas are not far behind, with 92% and 88% recovery, respectively. The Americas, in particular, benefited from robust demand from the United States, especially in the Caribbean.

Contrastingly, Asia and the Pacific have been slower to recover, achieving only 62% of pre-pandemic levels. South Asia, however, stands out with a 95% recovery, while North-East Asia lags at about 50%.

Despite economic headwinds such as high inflation and geopolitical tensions, the UNWTO remains optimistic. The organisation anticipates a full return to pre-pandemic tourism levels by 2024, propelled by the industry's current momentum and enthusiasm.


Air India Soars High with Global Awards for Excellence

Air India Soars High with Global Awards for Excellence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 12, 2024

Air India, the country’s leading global airline, has soared to new heights, earning international acclaim with two prestigious awards that celebrate its innovation and passenger-centric approach.

Good Design Award Australia 2024

Air India’s innovative Vista Verve onboard product has clinched the renowned Good Design Award Australia 2024. This accolade acknowledges the brand's design excellence and forward-thinking approach.

The Vista Verve range features bespoke tableware, Slovakian lead-free glassware, and premium linens, including plush mattress toppers. These standout features underline the airline’s dedication to sustainability, luxury, and passenger comfort. Currently, this premium product is available on UK routes, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham, along with select US routes such as New York, Newark, and Washington.

FTE Awards: APEX Recognition in Singapore

At the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards ceremony in Singapore, Air India added three APEX Awards to its list of accolades, cementing its status as a global leader in passenger experience:

  • Four Star Global Airline 2025: Celebrating consistent excellence in service delivery.

  • Best Cabin Service in Central/Southern Asia: Acknowledging personalised, attentive inflight service.

  • Best Food & Beverage in Central/Southern Asia: Honouring exceptional onboard culinary offerings.

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Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Air India, expressed pride in these achievements, saying, “We are happy to receive these global recognitions that underscore our commitment towards delivering excellence in every aspect of a customer’s journey.”

Transformation Under Vihaan.AI

These awards coincide with Air India’s ambitious transformation under the Vihaan.AI initiative. The five-year plan aims to elevate the airline’s global standing through fleet expansion, mergers, infrastructure enhancements, and passenger experience upgrades.

With milestones like the integration of Air Asia India and Vistara, the establishment of South Asia’s largest aviation training academy, and plans for a new flying school and maintenance base, Air India is redefining its legacy.

About Air India Group

Established in 1932 by JRD Tata, Air India has been a pioneer in Indian aviation. Returning to Tata Sons in 2022, the airline employs over 30,000 people, operates more than 300 aircraft, and connects 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.

With its deep-rooted Indian heritage and a forward-looking vision, Air India is dedicated to becoming a world-class global airline.

For more updates, visit Air India Newsroom.


Air India Expands Fleet with 100 Additional Airbus Aircraft

Air India Expands Fleet with 100 Additional Airbus Aircraft

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 11, 2024

Air India, India’s flagship global airline, has announced an order for 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320 Family aircraft, including the A321neo. This significant addition brings the total number of aircraft ordered from Airbus in 2023 to 350, marking a pivotal step in Air India’s ambitious transformation journey under the Tata Group.

This latest order is in addition to the 470 aircraft Air India had already committed to purchasing last year, which included 250 Airbus jets. The airline has so far received six A350s and is set to expand its fleet further to meet the growing demand in both domestic and international markets.

Enhancing Fleet Support and Operational Efficiency

As part of this expansion, Air India has partnered with Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to support the maintenance of its A350 fleet. This collaboration will provide comprehensive engineering and integrated component services, including on-site stock at Delhi, ensuring optimal reliability and performance.

Strategic Vision for Growth

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, highlighted the airline’s strategic focus:

“With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure, and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet. These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”

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Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order. Through this continued partnership, we are committed to supporting the success of Air India's 'Vihaan.AI' transformation plan under Tata's vision and leadership.”

A Revolution in Indian Aviation

Air India is the first Indian airline to operate the Airbus A350, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, renowned for their exceptional fuel efficiency, long-range capabilities, and passenger comfort. The A350s have already enhanced Air India’s non-stop flights from Delhi to London and New York, delivering a redefined flying experience.

Meanwhile, the A320 Family, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, continues to serve as the backbone of Air India’s domestic and short-haul operations, providing operational efficiency and world-class service to millions of customers.

This landmark fleet expansion underscores Air India’s commitment to meeting the aspirations of modern Indian travelers while positioning itself as a world-class global airline. With 344 new Airbus aircraft and additional Boeing jets in the pipeline, Air India is poised to redefine the future of aviation in India.


Air India Expands Vista Stream Entertainment to Narrowbody Aircraft

Air India Expands Vista Stream Entertainment to Narrowbody Aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2024

Air India, the country's flagship airline, has announced the expansion of its wireless in-flight entertainment service, Vista Stream, to its narrowbody aircraft fleet. This update marks a significant milestone in Air India's efforts to enhance passenger experience by providing seamless entertainment across its domestic and international network.

Launched in August 2024, Vista Stream was initially rolled out for Air India's widebody fleet, excluding the recently inducted Boeing 777 and Airbus 350 aircraft. The service has now been extended to narrowbody aircraft, ensuring a consistent and engaging in-flight experience for travelers.

Passengers can enjoy a wide variety of content by streaming directly to their personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With over 1600+ hours of curated content, ranging from Bollywood hits and Hollywood blockbusters to documentaries and children’s programs, Vista Stream offers something for everyone. It also features a live map for real-time flight tracking, making the journey both entertaining and informative.

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Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Air India, expressed pride in the service expansion, stating:

"As we continue to transform Air India into a world-class airline, we are happy to introduce Vista Stream that enables our guests to access digital entertainment content on their personal devices during their flight. With the introduction of Vista Stream across our narrowbody fleet, uninterrupted entertainment (BYOD) service will be available throughout the entire domestic and international network."

The service is compatible with multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

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This enhancement aligns with Air India’s transformation strategy under the Vihaan.AI program. Since its return to the Tata Group in 2022, the airline has been undergoing a significant revamp, including the largest-ever aircraft order in 2023 and merging its sister airlines for greater efficiency.

Air India's commitment to providing a world-class travel experience, coupled with its rich legacy of Indian hospitality, is evident in these developments.

For more updates, visit the official Air India newsroom here.

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