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Destination profiles
India
India Tourism / AS2430
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The land where one visit is never enough, India is one of the most diverse tourist destinations in the world. From its tropical southern coastline to its mountainous north, the country is a world of marvels.
Tourism is big business and, fortunately, India never disappoints. The cosmopolitan cities of New Delhi and Mumbai are the most popular destinations for international travellers and a look at pre-pandemic figures reveals that Bangladesh, the USA, the UK, Sri Lanka, Canada and Australia are among the top source markets.
With its history dating back thousands of years, there is something to learn at every turn. Architectural wonders, from the Taj Mahal to Mysore Palace, make it no wonder that the country is known as one of the world’s most mystical and enchanting lands.
Its people are as diverse as its cuisine and its landscapes. Lush green jungles in the country’s heart contrast with dramatic snow-capped mountains in the north, while secluded, palm-fringed beaches on both coasts are juxtaposed against some of the most hectic cities.
Each state has something different, from its architecture to its gastronomy. While the south revels in simplicity, with daily dishes consisting of the likes of fish curries and rice, the north offers a mix of flavours as the Mughal influence becomes more evident with rich and meaty delicacies to match the changing climes.
Whether wandering through the Himalayas, exploring monasteries and seeking new realms of spirituality in one of the thousands of ashrams around the country, or going upscale for a touch of Indian city life, there is something for every traveller and budget. Some of the world’s most magnificent hotels and service to rival more developed countries make India an experience one never forgets.
Often touted for its otherworldly feel, Kerala’s backwaters offer a peaceful retreat into nature, while a camel ride through Rajasthan seems like a world away from urbanity.
The Holy Ganges attracts those looking for a more spiritual escape, something more soulful than the hustle and bustle of the likes of Mumbai or Delhi. But most of all, this is a place where everyone can find their way.
Rail trips offer a scenic way to see the vast country, while a massive network of internal flights allows visitors
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Madhya Pradesh to hop between some of the major destinations affordably and easily.
As India opens up again, 2022 feels full of promise for international visitors, while the country’s citizens are preparing to take off to new destinations to steer the outbound travel market forward.
Bulgaria
Ministry of Tourism of The Republic of Bulgaria / EU1330
Bulgaria is located in Southeast Europe and in the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula. A fascinating country at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, it is now one of the region’s up and coming destinations; a mix of old and new; a destination with a difference.
Over the centuries, the country has passed through the hands of many an empire, from the Roman to the Russian, and present-day of lowlands, plains, foothills, plateaus, river valleys, basins and mountains of varying elevations. From hiking or horse riding through the mountains in summer to skiing in winter or a trip to the country’s healing thermal springs, there is never a shortage of things to do.
With its fascinating gastro heritage, the cuisine is another reason to come, while for beach lovers, the Bulgarian Black Sea or many of its dramatic rivers dotted by magical forests offer the perfect escape, with activities such as fishing and watersports also available.
Most visitors come from the European Union and arrivals are slowly on the up, but a long way to go from 2018 numbers when statistics from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development revealed that 12.4 million foreign visitors travelled to the country.
Sozopol, Bulgaria Bulgaria was a cradle of some of the earliest civilisations in Europe.
Ancient cultural monuments include an array of fascinating UNESCOlisted sites. The list features the likes of the Kazanlak Tomb, the Thracian Tomb by the village of Sveshtari near Razgrad, the Madara Horseman, the Boyana Church, the Ivanovo Rock Churches near Ruse, the Rila Monastery and the Old Town in Nessebar.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Bulgaria’s natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions, with plenty to do for nature and outdoor adventure lovers
Lifestyles and cultures in Bulgaria have developed over thousands of years, drawing on diverse influences from Thracians to Greeks, Romans to Slavs, meaning the nation is a rich tapestry of civilisations. Travelling around the country offers an insight into this historic legacy of the melting pot nature of Bulgarian heritage.
Its natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions for nature and outdoor adventure lovers. The natural landscape is as diverse as it is breathtaking, consisting
Cyprus
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism / EU1430
Known to be one of Europe’s sunniest islands, Cyprus is the perfect yearround destination offering everything from gourmet tourism to natural beauty, heritage to nightlife.
Travelling around, the island’s landscape changes from its mountainous south to its terraced Limassol vineyards. The quaint city of Limassol offers a truly authentic experience of the island while outdoor adventurers will love the rocky south where hiking, biking and more abound.
Drawing its main influences from Greece, the country’s tavernas are the best way to soak up the local cuisine, whether meat or fish caught fresh from the sea.
Though known for its nightlife, the town of Ayia Napa also just recently opened its underwater sculpture park, set as an underwater forest with over 130 works of art in a newly protected marine area.
Tourism arrivals in 2021 hovered just below the two million mark. But with a vast array of historical sights, miles of beautiful coastline, a warm, welcoming population and delicious food, the destination will no doubt bounce back in 2022.
Cape Greco
Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for December 2021, with a share of 19.8 percent (19,199) of the total arrivals, followed by Greece with 12.8 percent (12,420), Russia with 9.5 percent (9,234), Poland with 7.2 percent (6,989), Germany with 6.8 percent (6,618) and Ukraine with 6.4 percent (6,169).
Paphos
Spain
Spain Tourism Office / EU1550
One of the world’s most visited destinations, Spain has continued to attract tourists decade after decade. Its diverse landscape and cultural offerings appeal to travellers of all ages, nationalities and budgets, and its accessibility from all corners of the globe makes it a timeless favourite.
Alhambra, Spain Casa Mila, Barcelona
An easy country to navigate, Spain has become popular for motorbike and driving tours, while hiking its landscapes allows a close-up view of its natural beauty
Though Spain experienced an annual drop of over 70 percent in the number of international tourists in 2020, this figure went up by more than 40 percent in the following year. In comparison to 2000, the 36.5 million foreign visitors recorded in 2021 represented a decline of roughly 30 percent. However, Spain was the world’s second most popular international destination at the end of the past decade.
France and Germany were the main countries of origin for international tourism in Spain in 2021, accounting for more than 11 million travellers combined, followed in third place by the United Kingdom, which, since the beginning of 2022, has shot to number one.
Travel and tourism have become one of the leading engines of growth for the Spanish economy. The tourism sector’s contribution to GDP in Spain has been increasing over the last years and, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), was projected to reach approximately US$192 billion. The industry also plays a key role to boost the Spanish employment market, which had been experiencing a significant improvement before the outbreak of COVID-19.
An easy country to navigate, it has become a favourite for the likes of motorbike and driving tours, while for others, hiking its undulating landscapes allows a more close-up view of the country’s natural beauty, where the likes of lakes and waterfalls dot the landscape.
The birthplace of some of art’s greats, such as Picasso, visitors can immerse in arts and culture, with a wealth of museums and galleries in hubs such as Barcelona and Madrid, while heritage sites are found all over the country, from forts to churches and historic cathedrals.
Action and adventure is plentiful for the outdoor lover with activities such as surfing in Valencia and kitesurfing in the Balearic Islands, while gastronomy is on tap for those seeking the country’s local delights.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority / AF5101
Though the first thing one thinks of when picturing Zimbabwe is its extensive wildlife reserves and game safaris, there is much more to do. The largest of the country’s game reserves is Hwange, home to more than 400 bird species and 100 species of mammals. It is followed in close second by Gonarezhou, which is connected to the wider ecosystem of South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo, with the animals migrating freely between the three spaces.
Another of the country’s highlights is the city of Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly the royal capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe between the 13th and 15th centuries AD, it has been inhabited for over a thousand years.
History fans must visit Matobo, the nation’s oldest national park. It pays homage to the country’s rich human history, with over 3,500 sites dating back at least 13,000 years, showing off the ancient rock art which tells the story of
Hwange National Park a bygone age. The city of Bulawayo is a perfect stopping point for some arts and culture in this eclectic destination. It is home to the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and it is also a great base for day trips, including Hwange National Park, the Matobo Hills and Victoria Falls.
The majority of tourists who travelled to Zimbabwe in 2019 were from neighbouring African countries, nearly 1.9 million people, with Europe the second leading region of origin of international tourists.
Victoria Falls
Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand / AS2120
Wiang Kum Kam Ao Nang
The largest of the country’s game reserves is Hwange National Park, which is home to more than 400 bird species and 100 species of mammals
Famous for its temples, mystical eastern culture, world-class gastronomy and hospitality, there is something to do for every traveller in this giant of a destination. Whether exploring the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, where cuttingedge architecture sits seamlessly alongside a country rooted in centuries of cultural heritage, or escaping to one of its many serene islands, it is a destination to keep coming back to.
Shopping at the country’s many street markets or floating markets is the perfect way to soak up the authentic Thai flavours and not least, its gastronomy. In addition to the royal temples, the country is awash with gilded Buddhist temples, which show how rooted Thailand remains in its beliefs.
The country’s nightlife offers an array of things to do, from clubs and lounges to the famed Thai boxing, which, for fans or novices alike, offers an insight into the ancient Thai tradition. Water sports and adventure activities are easy to come by, wherever in the destination, with scuba diving sites found in plenty, in addition to pursuits such as trekking, camping, zip lining and more.
Thailand has taken a cautious approach to reopening its borders, with only limited opening in certain destinations from November 2021. In the first 10 months of 2021, Thailand saw 106,117 foreign tourists, a drop from 6.7 million in 2020. Before the pandemic, Thailand received almost 40 million tourists across its plethora of destinations.
Poland
Polish Tourism Organisation / EU1323, EU1325
One of the world’s up-and-coming destinations, Poland has seen a massive increase in visitors in recent years. In 2019, the country welcomed around 35.7 million arrivals, its record, and twice as many as the 18 million in 2006. Germany, Ukraine and the USA have been the country’s major source markets as Poland is so well connected by air, land and rail.
Its gothic castles and dramatic landscapes make this a magical destination for history and culture or outdoor lovers alike. The medieval urban layout of Kraków’s Old Town has not changed for centuries. The city, now on the UNESCO World Heritage list, still boasts Europe’s largest medieval market square with its Cloth Hall, the Church of the Holy Mary, with its gothic pentaptych altarpiece carved from limewood, Wawel Hill and its royal castle and the Wawel cathedral with its outstanding Renaissance chapel.
Warsaw
The medieval university building of Collegium Maius has a unique collection of astronomical instruments while the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz features a wealth of Jewish heritage, with its 16th-century cemetery and seven synagogues, of which one is now the Jewish Museum. The Małopolska Province is where one finds some of Poland’s most visited sites. This varied region stretches from the snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the rugged limestone cliffs of Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and the scenic, low-lying Vistula River Valley.
The historic centre of Warsaw offers an exception to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List, the only urban complex almost entirely reconstructed after WWII. The careful reconstruction was so well done that the international community demonstrated its appreciation by putting the historic city centre on the list of unique world heritage sites.
Another highlight while in Poland is a visit to Czocha Castle, first designed as a fortress in the 13th century. After centuries of political turbulence, followed by a fire which destroyed the castle in the 18th century, the construction was restored to its former glory.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau / AS2250
From its idyllic Indian Ocean coastline to the verdant jungles, hilly highlands and tea plantations of its inland, Sri Lanka is a natural wonder in spite of its modest size. The country’s size helps travellers traverse its diverse terrain more easily, however, and so, whether watching whales off palm-fringed beaches, seeing elephants walking on the plains or hiking through the hilly countryside, there is much to do in this Asian wonder.
With more than 2,000 years of recorded history, there are plenty of monuments and places of interest, such as colonial forts – including the much-loved Galle Fort – dotted around the country. Due to its geographical position, it still bears the memory of passing settlers, including the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British.
A more relaxed rival to neighbouring destinations, Sri Lanka is safe, clean
Devinuwara
From its idyllic Indian Ocean coastline to the verdant jungles, hilly highlands and inland tea plantations, Sri Lanka is a natural wonder in spite of its modest size
and as vibrant as any other tropical island destination to be found nearby.
According to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Authority, visitor numbers in December ended 2021 on a high with the total number of international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka at 89,506 during the year. Though vastly improved from the same time in 2020, when borders were mostly shut, it is yet to return to its January 2020 high of 228,434. Europe became the largest source of tourist traffic to Sri Lanka as of December 2021, contributing to 54.4 percent of the total arrivals.
Asia and Pacific accounted for 37.2 percent of total arrivals, the Americas accounted for 5.4 percent of the total traffic while the Middle East accounted for 2.5 percent.
