CGH Earth, a leader in responsible tourism for over four decades, has unveiled CGH Earth Saha, a new collection of handpicked luxury escapes across India. Known for its commitment to offering guests immersive experiences deeply rooted in nature, local traditions, and community, CGH Earth is now introducing private, intimate getaways that emphasize togetherness and personalized luxury.

The word 'Saha', derived from Sanskrit, means "all together," reflecting the brand’s focus on bringing people closer through shared experiences in beautiful settings. With locations spread across India, CGH Earth Saha offers a variety of unique stay options, from reserving an entire villa or bungalow to booking individual rooms for couples or small groups looking for a serene retreat.

Michael Dominic, Managing Director of CGH Earth, explained, "The rising preference for smaller, personalized family holiday spaces inspired the creation of CGH Earth Saha. This initiative perfectly aligns with our vision of providing meaningful, intimate holiday experiences while staying true to our core values of environmental stewardship and community engagement."

Each property in the CGH Earth Saha collection provides a distinct experience, showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of India. Guests can choose from a range of options, including the royal residence of Kochi’s Raja, the Sterling Company bungalows in Kochi, or a colonial residence in Pondicherry. There are also artistic retreats in the Palani Hills and nostalgic escapes in British colonial bungalows in Ooty or tea estate bungalows in Munnar.

Dominic added, "Each moment at CGH Earth Saha is designed to create cherished memories in settings that honor both local traditions and nature. The collection blends heritage homes and scenic destinations with luxurious modern comforts."

CGH Earth Saha continues the company’s legacy of responsible tourism. The brand has long focused on sustainability and community-focused hospitality, with properties spread across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and the Andaman Islands.

Switzerland Tourism is actively promoting the country as an all-year-round destination for Indian travelers, with a strong focus on autumn and winter seasons. Traditionally, Indian tourists have favored Switzerland during the summer months, but preferences are shifting as more visitors look for off-peak adventures and immersive cultural experiences.

At a recent press event in Mumbai, Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, along with Christian Schoch, Director for India, and Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director and Marketing Head, India, discussed this evolving trend. They highlighted how Indian travelers are becoming more adventurous and seeking out experiences beyond the usual summer trips.

Indian tourists are increasingly traveling to Switzerland during the fall and early winter seasons. These visitors are not only looking for the scenic beauty of Switzerland’s changing autumn colors but are also keen to explore the country's winter attractions beyond skiing. Activities such as sledding, snow-shoeing, and visiting local Christmas markets are gaining popularity, especially among couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.

In line with these trends, Switzerland Tourism has introduced its 'Travel Better' campaign, which emphasizes sustainable and high-quality travel experiences. The initiative encourages longer stays, local cultural immersion, and the use of the Swiss Travel System, promoting eco-friendly travel practices.

With demand from Indian tourists continuing to rise, Switzerland expects a 50% increase in overnight stays by Indian visitors over the next five years. In 2023, Indian travelers accounted for over 600,000 overnight stays in Swiss hotels, and this figure is expected to surpass 900,000 by 2028. This growth is driven by an increase in direct flight connections and the growing preference of Indian tourists for luxury and adventure travel.

Nydegger noted that the objective is to spread visitor traffic more evenly throughout the year. "Our hotels are open 12 months a year, but occupancy fluctuates greatly depending on the season. We want to reduce the pressure during high-occupancy months and encourage travel during quieter times," he said.

Switzerland's goal is to promote a more sustainable tourism model that balances the interests of tourists and local communities. Unlike other European countries struggling with "overtourism," Switzerland is taking proactive measures to ensure tourism remains harmonious with local life.

The event also showcased Switzerland’s new attractions, focusing on cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken, as ideal destinations during the autumn and winter months. Representatives discussed how these locations offer unique experiences in each season, making Switzerland a destination for all types of travelers.

Christian Schoch added, “Switzerland is well-known as a summer destination for Indian tourists, but we believe it’s equally perfect for autumn and winter. We see great potential in these seasons, especially since large parts of India do not experience a traditional fall or winter."

With more Indian travelers seeking offbeat destinations and experiences, Switzerland’s focus on autumn and winter tourism aligns perfectly with the evolving profile of the Indian tourist.

As the world emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, the tourism industry is witnessing a significant revival. Positive indicators from 2023 suggest a promising travel season in 2024, with international tourism recovering to 87% of pre-pandemic levels. According to UN Tourism, the sector is poised to fully bounce back in 2024.

Key Insights:

• Global tourism is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024.
• France retains its title as the most visited country, attracting over 100 million tourists in 2023.
• Spain follows closely with more than 85 million international arrivals.
• The Middle East showcases the fastest recovery, achieving a 22% increase over pre-pandemic figures.

World Tourism Rankings by Country 2024 Based on data from the UNWTO, the top countries by international tourist arrivals for 2024 are as follows:

1. France - 100 million arrivals
2. Spain - 85.17 million
3. United States - 66.48 million
4. Italy - 57.25 million
5. Turkey - 55.16 million
6. Mexico - 42.15 million
7. United Kingdom - 37.22 million
8. Germany - 34.80 million
9. Greece - 32.74 million
10. Austria - 30.91 million

World Tourism Analysis The UNWTO reported approximately 1.286 billion international tourists in 2023, marking a 34% increase from the previous year and the highest point post-pandemic. Notably, the Middle East recorded a remarkable 22% growth above its pre-pandemic arrivals.

Projections for 2024 International tourism is anticipated to recover fully in 2024, with growth projections suggesting an increase of 2% over 2019 levels. Factors influencing this include the pace of recovery in Asia and the Pacific, economic conditions, and geopolitical stability. Recent surveys reveal that 67% of tourism professionals expect improved performance in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Best Performing Destinations Coming into 2024 France leads the way with its 100 million international visitors, followed by Spain and the United States. The Middle East continues to shine with substantial growth rates, suggesting a bright future for global tourism.

Conclusion As we look ahead, the travel landscape is set for exciting changes, with countries adapting to meet the needs of international travelers. For those keen on discovering the most popular destinations in 2024, additional insights can be found in our guides on "Most Preferred Cities 2024" and "Top Destination Countries for Tourism 2024."