HOPE FOR WORLD TOURISM GROWTH OF 5.8% OVER NEXT DECADE According to the WTTC, it is expected that one of the great beneficiaries in the next decade will be employment, as well as the new destinations that are investing in the development of competitive infrastructure. Tourism, was one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, today the wheels are starting to turn again as nations open up again for international tourism. Growth of approx. 5.8% is expected for the next 10 years, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The reason for this is simple! People still have a ‘need’ and a desire to travel, especially after two years at home! In addition, tourism is expected to generate 126 million new jobs, 61% concentrated in the Asian continent over the next decade. Tourism can bounce back as people have the money they saved from not travelling during the pandemic to now spend on a vacation, however, the cost of living crisis could slow this big spend down. This expected growth could see the sector recover in 2023 to levels seen in 2019. Within the framework of the 21st edition of the global WTTC summit held in Manila, Philippines, Julia Simpson, its president, explained that the recovery is already evident. “In 2019 our sector contributed UK£7.6 trillion to the global economy, which was more than 10% of global GDP. By 2020, the industry lost 50% of its value, in addition to 62 million jobs. However, last year it began to recover and we can speak of a contribution to the world economy of UK£4.6 trillion”. Statistics show that by the end of 2022 global tourism will have recovered more, bringing in UK£6.65 trillion.
CRUISE TO A CRUISE BARGAIN Any cruise ship needs to run on maximum capacity; ie no empty cabins. Fewer passengers means the less money spent on drinks, excursions etc. Once a cruise line knows it has sold all it can at maximum cost, only then will it try to fill empty cabins by offering discounts. As a cruise passenger wanting a bargain you need to be flexible and know how the last minute booking system of cruise lines works. Finding that deal takes time and research so you will need to be on the ball and ready for hunting that great deal. A cruise ship will want as many cabins filled as possible … almost at any cost!
‘NICARAGUA, NATURALMENTE BELLA’ NEW TOURISM PROMOTION CAMPAIGN Nicaragua, Naturalmente Bella is the new campaign promoted by INTUR, the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, in order to promote the tourist destinations of the Central American country. Intur says that, 'as the slogan says, what we want to make known is precisely the natural beauties of this land of lakes and volcanoes where more than 50% of our territory is a protected area, biosphere reserve, with that living culture, human warmth that is breathed in every corner’. It is intended to highlight responsible, nature-friendly tourism.
DEMAND FOR TRAVEL IN GREECE International travel to Greece has returned to pre-pandemic levels, despite the unrest in East Europe, even with the potential for overspill into other nations. Since February interest in tourism in Greece has not dropped a lot and as time has gone on, the drop has become even less. The key markets for Greece include Germany, the UK, the USA, France and Italy. Now, interest in tourism is very positive, giving optimism to Greece for the coming summer season.
Aegina island, Greece
