India: Shimla's 'White New ' year fails to draw tourists. Shimla's occupancy during New Year plunges to 50-60%. Watch the video to know more!

India: Shimla's New Year tourism occupancy plunges

The holiday travel rush hit its peak Friday as mild weather and lower flight cancelation rates raised hopes for merrier drivers and airline passengers than last year.

Travel season begins on a high note in US

The winter is here and the Kashmir Valley is enveloped in snow and is intensifying the cold conditions. In India's Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar recorded The Season's coldest night at minus 2° on Wednesday.

Watch the snowfall spectacle at Jammu and Kashmir

China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia. &nbsp;

During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin highlighted the positive impact of the policy, stating, "Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to adjust visa policies to create more favourable conditions and further facilitate cross-border travel."

The visa-free policy, which came into effect on December 1, covers countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

According to immigration data cited by the ministry, nearly 7,000 travellers, out of nearly 18,000 travellers, who entered China in the first three days of December belonged to these countries. &nbsp;

Wang emphasised the convenience it offers, making travel easier for tourists. The daily average tourist numbers from the covered countries witnessed a 39 per cent increase in the initial three days of December compared to the last day of November.

Germany's ambassador to China expressed hope that these measures would be extended to all European Union members.

Revisiting the visa-free travel policy

China’s visa-free trade policy, announced in late November is an attempt to spur post-pandemic tourism. &nbsp;

The second-largest economy has temporarily waived off the requirement for visas for residents of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the second-largest economy in the world.

Citizens of certain nations who enter China for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, or transiting for fewer than 15 days will not require a visa if they enter between December 1 and November 30 next year.

After three years of strict COVID-19 regulations that essentially closed its borders, China is trying to revitalise its tourism sector, including the resumption of foreign flight routes.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia.

China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia. During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin highlighted the positive impact of the policy, stating, "Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to adjust visa policies to create more favourable conditions and further facilitate cross-border travel." The visa-free policy, which came into effect on December 1, covers countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. According to immigration data cited by the ministry, nearly 7,000 travellers, out of nearly 18,000 travellers, who entered China in the first three days of December belonged to these countries. Wang emphasised the convenience it offers, making travel easier for tourists. The daily average tourist numbers from the covered countries witnessed a 39 per cent increase in the initial three days of December compared to the last day of November. Germany's ambassador to China expressed hope that these measures would be extended to all European Union members. Revisiting the visa-free travel policy China’s visa-free trade policy, announced in late November is an attempt to spur post-pandemic tourism. The second-largest economy has temporarily waived off the requirement for visas for residents of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the second-largest economy in the world. Citizens of certain nations who enter China for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, or transiting for fewer than 15 days will not require a visa if they enter between December 1 and November 30 next year. After three years of strict COVID-19 regulations that essentially closed its borders, China is trying to revitalise its tourism sector, including the resumption of foreign flight routes. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's visa-free initiative sparks surge in tourism: Report

China is experiencing a boom in tourism, The dailly average tourist numbers spike in China as the nation adjusted its visa policy.

China: Daily average tourist numbers spike in Beijing

Embark on a captivating journey around the world with our latest Wings travel episode! In this episode, we explore the serene backwaters of Kerala, where ‘Seclude by the lake’ offers a tranquil retreat amidst nature's beauty. Join us on an enchanting boat ride through the picturesque landscapes that make Kerala a must-visit destination. Our 'Country in Focus' segment transports you to the ancient wonders of Jordan, with a special spotlight on the top tourist sites in Amman and the country at large. Be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring Petra, Jordan's World Wonder, and discover the rich cultural tapestry that defines this Middle Eastern gem. Next, witness the annual feast for thousands of monkeys in Thailand's Lopburi Province, a heartwarming spectacle that showcases the unique bond between humans and nature. From playful antics to delightful festivities, this event is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and local traditions. Raise your glass as we embark on a global wine tour, starting with France's Alsace Wine Route. Experience the joyous celebrations in Beaujeu as France uncorks this year's Beaujolais Nouveau. Journey to Albania, where winemakers navigate the challenges of a warmer world, and savour the taste of Bosnian wine shining on the global stage. Discover the hidden gem of Brazilian wine from the unsung savannah, making a splash on the international scene. As the holiday season kicks off worldwide, we bring you festive highlights from Tivoli in Copenhagen, which recently turned 180 and is now open for the season. Join the festivities in Paris with a dazzling lights ceremony on Champs-Elysees, and venture to Northern Russia as they celebrate Grandfather Frost's birthday in a winter wonderland. Join us for a visual feast of travel, culture, and celebration in this globetrotting adventure on Wings!

From Kerala's Backwaters to Jordan's Petra

Well back home in India Winter transforms Kashmir and Ladakh into fairytale locations. Such are the scenes in the famous tourist spots in uh Jammu and Kashmir these days. The spell of light snowfall has given the hill station a celestial look take a look.

Kashmir sees season's first snowfall in tourist spots

The ongoing war in Gaza has hurt Egypt’s tourism sector, especially in the southern Sinai region along the Red Sea. Now, in a bid to shore up its falling revenue, Egypt is all set to offer several incentives for the sector.

Egypt's tourism sector struggles

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters.

With travelers feeling the pinch due to a surge in living costs, the return to office routines, and fierce competition in the hotel industry, Airbnb finds itself in a transformative phase. The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates revenue in the range of $2.13 billion to $2.17 billion, a slight dip from analysts' average estimate of $2.18 billion. This subtle shift indicates that travelers are recalibrating their expectations and preferences.

The exhilarating summer, often labeled as the era of "revenge travel," has begun to wane as travelers set boundaries. During this period, travelers displayed a willingness to pay a premium for flights and accommodations, unlocking their pent-up wanderlust post-Covid restrictions. But the tide is changing.

As we sail into the unknown, Airbnb's third-quarter results offer a ray of hope. With revenue exceeding expectations, recording an 18% increase from the previous year, amounting to $3.4 billion, and an impressive 113.2 million nights and experiences booked, an increase of 14 per cent, travelers continue to explore the world, undeterred by the challenges they face.

A significant shift is witnessed as travelers return to urban landscapes, relinquishing the comforts of rural domestic stays embraced during the pandemic. In the third quarter, high-density urban nights booked increased by 15 per cent&nbsp;compared to the previous year. International travel is also regaining momentum, with cross-border nights booked growing by 17 per cent. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a resilient beacon, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, offering a glimpse of the global tourism revival.

While the cost of accommodations remains pivotal to Airbnb's success and its competitive edge against hotels, the platform introduces tools to help hosts set competitive pricing. In September, the average nightly price for a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb was $120, marking a slight 1 per cent&nbsp;increment from the previous year. In contrast, hotel prices surged by 10 per cent, averaging $153. These statistics reflect the delicate balance travelers strike between affordability and comfort.

Nevertheless, Airbnb faces the shadows of regulatory challenges, especially in destinations like New York City and Canada. These hurdles are poised to influence supply and room-night growth in the near term. New York City's recent regulatory framework, demanding hosts to meet specific criteria and adhere to stringent building standards, has significantly impacted Airbnb's operations. This change is perceived as a "de facto ban" and has led to the removal of thousands of listings. Before the shift in regulations, New York contributed about 1% to Airbnb's global revenue. Meanwhile, Canada contemplates measures to curb the use of short-term rental platforms in response to soaring rental costs.

In summary, although "increased regulatory restrictions" may pose short-term challenges, Airbnb's active listings exhibited a 19 per cent&nbsp;growth in the third quarter, compared to the previous year. Over the current year, Airbnb has added nearly 1 million active listings, reflecting its adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.

In this ever-evolving narrative, Airbnb's earnings report deciphers the state of the tourism industry. It serves as a compass for travelers, businesses, and policymakers to navigate through the shifting dynamics of the travel landscape. The journey is marked by surprises, lessons, and, most importantly, the unrelenting spirit of exploration and discovery.

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters.

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters. With travelers feeling the pinch due to a surge in living costs, the return to office routines, and fierce competition in the hotel industry, Airbnb finds itself in a transformative phase. The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates revenue in the range of $2.13 billion to $2.17 billion, a slight dip from analysts' average estimate of $2.18 billion. This subtle shift indicates that travelers are recalibrating their expectations and preferences. The exhilarating summer, often labeled as the era of "revenge travel," has begun to wane as travelers set boundaries. During this period, travelers displayed a willingness to pay a premium for flights and accommodations, unlocking their pent-up wanderlust post-Covid restrictions. But the tide is changing. As we sail into the unknown, Airbnb's third-quarter results offer a ray of hope. With revenue exceeding expectations, recording an 18% increase from the previous year, amounting to $3.4 billion, and an impressive 113.2 million nights and experiences booked, an increase of 14 per cent, travelers continue to explore the world, undeterred by the challenges they face. A significant shift is witnessed as travelers return to urban landscapes, relinquishing the comforts of rural domestic stays embraced during the pandemic. In the third quarter, high-density urban nights booked increased by 15 per cent compared to the previous year. International travel is also regaining momentum, with cross-border nights booked growing by 17 per cent. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a resilient beacon, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, offering a glimpse of the global tourism revival. While the cost of accommodations remains pivotal to Airbnb's success and its competitive edge against hotels, the platform introduces tools to help hosts set competitive pricing. In September, the average nightly price for a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb was $120, marking a slight 1 per cent increment from the previous year. In contrast, hotel prices surged by 10 per cent, averaging $153. These statistics reflect the delicate balance travelers strike between affordability and comfort. Nevertheless, Airbnb faces the shadows of regulatory challenges, especially in destinations like New York City and Canada. These hurdles are poised to influence supply and room-night growth in the near term. New York City's recent regulatory framework, demanding hosts to meet specific criteria and adhere to stringent building standards, has significantly impacted Airbnb's operations. This change is perceived as a "de facto ban" and has led to the removal of thousands of listings. Before the shift in regulations, New York contributed about 1% to Airbnb's global revenue. Meanwhile, Canada contemplates measures to curb the use of short-term rental platforms in response to soaring rental costs. In summary, although "increased regulatory restrictions" may pose short-term challenges, Airbnb's active listings exhibited a 19 per cent growth in the third quarter, compared to the previous year. Over the current year, Airbnb has added nearly 1 million active listings, reflecting its adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. In this ever-evolving narrative, Airbnb's earnings report deciphers the state of the tourism industry. It serves as a compass for travelers, businesses, and policymakers to navigate through the shifting dynamics of the travel landscape. The journey is marked by surprises, lessons, and, most importantly, the unrelenting spirit of exploration and discovery.

Decoding tourism trends through Airbnb's financial results

Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists under a pilot project that has begun with immediate effect until March 21, 2024.

Apart from India, six other countries have been added in the list. They are: China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

The country's foreign affairs minister Ali Sabry made the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 24) on social media platform X.

"Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia &amp; Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March,” he said.

The move comes five days after a proposal was made in this regard during a Cabinet meeting last week to give free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who intend to visit Sri Lanka as tourists.

<h2>Lanka's economy heavily relies on tourism&nbsp;</h2>

Sri Lanka’s economy heavily relies on inbound tourism, with India accounting for the majority of tourist arrivals.

The move is expected to give a major boost for the crisis-hit island which has been battling persisting high inflation, unemployment and deteriorating economy post the Covid pandemic.

The move is aimed at attracting more tourists to the island nation. "We are expecting to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years," the ministry was quoted as saying in Sri Lankan media outlets.

<h2>Country seeks a turnaround&nbsp;</h2>

In September, India led with more than 30,000 arrivals, comprising 26 per cent of the total, while Chinese tourists followed as the second-largest group with over 8,000 arrivals, reports PTI news agency citing official figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-dominate-the-list-of-immigrants-acquiring-citizenship-in-rich-nations-650722">Indians dominate the list of immigrants acquiring citizenship in rich nations</a>

Apart from that, the Cabinet also proposed an e-ticketing system for most of the tourist sites in Sri Lanka in the near future.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-at-least-eight-killed-in-train-collision-at-bhairab-death-toll-expected-to-rise-650323">Bangladesh: Passenger and freight trains collide; 17 dead, over 100 injured, toll likely to go up</a>

The proposed free visas and e-ticketing system will save money and time spent on obtaining visas, the statement read.

The development also comes a month after Ali Sabry in an exclusive interview with ANI news agency said that Sri Lanka is looking at forging a closer relationship with India while adding they are trying for electricity, renewable energy, tourism and port shipping connectivity. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists under a pilot project that has begun with immediate effect until March 21, 2024. Apart from India, six other countries have been added in the list.

Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists under a pilot project that has begun with immediate effect until March 21, 2024. Apart from India, six other countries have been added in the list. They are: China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. The country's foreign affairs minister Ali Sabry made the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 24) on social media platform X. "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March,” he said. The move comes five days after a proposal was made in this regard during a Cabinet meeting last week to give free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who intend to visit Sri Lanka as tourists. Lanka's economy heavily relies on tourism Sri Lanka’s economy heavily relies on inbound tourism, with India accounting for the majority of tourist arrivals. The move is expected to give a major boost for the crisis-hit island which has been battling persisting high inflation, unemployment and deteriorating economy post the Covid pandemic. The move is aimed at attracting more tourists to the island nation. "We are expecting to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years," the ministry was quoted as saying in Sri Lankan media outlets. Country seeks a turnaround In September, India led with more than 30,000 arrivals, comprising 26 per cent of the total, while Chinese tourists followed as the second-largest group with over 8,000 arrivals, reports PTI news agency citing official figures. Also read | Indians dominate the list of immigrants acquiring citizenship in rich nations Apart from that, the Cabinet also proposed an e-ticketing system for most of the tourist sites in Sri Lanka in the near future. Also read | Bangladesh: Passenger and freight trains collide; 17 dead, over 100 injured, toll likely to go up The proposed free visas and e-ticketing system will save money and time spent on obtaining visas, the statement read. The development also comes a month after Ali Sabry in an exclusive interview with ANI news agency said that Sri Lanka is looking at forging a closer relationship with India while adding they are trying for electricity, renewable energy, tourism and port shipping connectivity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka announces visa-free entry for India, six other countries to boost tourism

Iceland is facing a tourism boom. The increased tourism in the Nordic island nation is heavily impacting its pristine wilderness. Now, in a move to protect its environment and natural beauty, the nation's authorities have decided to shift to taxing tourism.

Tourism boom in Iceland heavily impacting its wilderness

Thailand is trying to boost its tourism sector and is targeting Indian tourists, but it is currently facing a toxic plankton bloom. The plankton is killing marine life and depleting oxygen in the waters. Will tourists want to go see dead fish? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Thailand fetches for tourism amid plankton bloom

As per the latest development, the United States-based space exploration firm - SpaceVIP, is set to enter the Indian market next month, which will open exciting prospects for those who want to venture into outer space.

Cosmic journey: Space balloons & space station visit part of the tour

The picturesque Italian city of Venice, known for its stunning canals and historic charm, is gearing up for a bold experiment aimed at curbing over-tourism. In an effort to regain control over its burgeoning visitor numbers, the city is expected to approve a trial phase of a €5 (approximately $5.37)&nbsp;daily fee for all visitors aged 14 and above on Tuesday (September 12). This move will also require tourists to book their entry to the city in advance.

<h2>Battle with excess tourism</h2>

Venice is grappling with the consequences of its immense popularity among tourists. In 2019, despite its small size of just 7.6 square kilometres (2.7 square miles), the city welcomed nearly 13 million tourists, as reported by the Italian National Statistics Institute. With visitor numbers projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming years, the problem of over-tourism has reached critical levels.

Simone Venturini, a city council member responsible for tourism, acknowledges the urgent need for intervention. He emphasises that Venice, as one of Europe's most visited cities, bears the brunt of excessive tourism. The primary objective of the proposed fee is to encourage daily tourists to opt for off-peak days, thereby alleviating the strain on the city's infrastructure and resources.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/peter-sarsgaard-wins-best-actor-and-cailee-spaeny-wins-best-actress-at-venice-film-festival-634349">&nbsp;Venice Film Festival: Peter Sarsgaard wins Best Actor, Cailee Spaeny wins Best Actress</a>

Earlier this year, UNESCO recommended placing Venice on its list of world heritage sites in danger. The city faces a dual threat from climate change and mass tourism, which have the potential to cause irreversible changes to its delicate ecosystem and historical fabric.

In 2021, Venice banned large cruise ships from entering its historic centre&nbsp;via the Giudecca canal following a ship collision with a harbour. Critics argued that these ships not only posed a pollution threat but also contributed to the erosion of the city's foundations, compounded by frequent flooding.

While opinions among tourists are mixed regarding the proposed $5.37 daily fee, many agree that action is necessary to address overcrowding. Some, like Karina from Germany, view the fee as reasonable, given the unique experience Venice offers. However, others, such as Cal, a student from Ireland, feel that $5.37 is a substantial sum for a day of sightseeing.

Beyond the fee, Venice faces the complex challenge of striking a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and accommodating tourists while safeguarding the well-being of its residents. Rising rents and an imbalance in accommodations between tourists and residents are driving locals out of the city, leading to a transformation from a city into a temporary tourist destination.

Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: India to showcase culture and tourism

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Maria Fiano, a teacher who runs the citizens' association Ocio, who spoke to the BBC,&nbsp;believes that limiting rental accommodations for tourists may be a more effective long-term solution compared to the daily fee. She considers the fee to be a superficial measure by the town hall, emphasising the need for more comprehensive strategies to address the complex issue of over-tourism in Venice.

&nbsp;

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The picturesque Italian city of Venice, known for its stunning canals and historic charm, is gearing up for a bold experiment aimed at curbing over-tourism. In an effort to regain control over its burgeoning visitor numbers, the city is expected to approve a trial phase of a €5 (approximately $5.

The picturesque Italian city of Venice, known for its stunning canals and historic charm, is gearing up for a bold experiment aimed at curbing over-tourism. In an effort to regain control over its burgeoning visitor numbers, the city is expected to approve a trial phase of a €5 (approximately $5.37) daily fee for all visitors aged 14 and above on Tuesday (September 12). This move will also require tourists to book their entry to the city in advance. Battle with excess tourism Venice is grappling with the consequences of its immense popularity among tourists. In 2019, despite its small size of just 7.6 square kilometres (2.7 square miles), the city welcomed nearly 13 million tourists, as reported by the Italian National Statistics Institute. With visitor numbers projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming years, the problem of over-tourism has reached critical levels. Simone Venturini, a city council member responsible for tourism, acknowledges the urgent need for intervention. He emphasises that Venice, as one of Europe's most visited cities, bears the brunt of excessive tourism. The primary objective of the proposed fee is to encourage daily tourists to opt for off-peak days, thereby alleviating the strain on the city's infrastructure and resources. Also read | Venice Film Festival: Peter Sarsgaard wins Best Actor, Cailee Spaeny wins Best Actress Earlier this year, UNESCO recommended placing Venice on its list of world heritage sites in danger. The city faces a dual threat from climate change and mass tourism, which have the potential to cause irreversible changes to its delicate ecosystem and historical fabric. In 2021, Venice banned large cruise ships from entering its historic centre via the Giudecca canal following a ship collision with a harbour. Critics argued that these ships not only posed a pollution threat but also contributed to the erosion of the city's foundations, compounded by frequent flooding. While opinions among tourists are mixed regarding the proposed $5.37 daily fee, many agree that action is necessary to address overcrowding. Some, like Karina from Germany, view the fee as reasonable, given the unique experience Venice offers. However, others, such as Cal, a student from Ireland, feel that $5.37 is a substantial sum for a day of sightseeing. Beyond the fee, Venice faces the complex challenge of striking a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and accommodating tourists while safeguarding the well-being of its residents. Rising rents and an imbalance in accommodations between tourists and residents are driving locals out of the city, leading to a transformation from a city into a temporary tourist destination. Also watch | G20 Summit 2023: India to showcase culture and tourism Maria Fiano, a teacher who runs the citizens' association Ocio, who spoke to the BBC, believes that limiting rental accommodations for tourists may be a more effective long-term solution compared to the daily fee. She considers the fee to be a superficial measure by the town hall, emphasising the need for more comprehensive strategies to address the complex issue of over-tourism in Venice. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Controlling tourism in Venice: City set to approve $5.37 daily fee for visitors

Marrakesh's ancient medina was nearly empty on Sunday after a deadly earthquake that hit Morocco, but it did not deter some tourists who told AFP they chose to stay on.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the North African country's economy, and Marrakesh is its main attraction.

Friday's devastating quake which killed over 2,000 people has also spurred fears of a repeat of the tourism slump suffered during the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

Some visitors, however, were in no rush to leave.

"We're not going to let the earthquake ruin everything," said 35-year-old Kirian Ficher from Germany who was on a guided tour of the historic city.

"There was no warning of any major risk, so we stuck to our plans."

Just four people were on the tour, however, and all had been evacuated from their rooms as the earthquake hit late on Friday at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT).

The 6.8-magnitude quake was the strongest ever to hit Morocco and wiped out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakesh.

"We're still a bit hesitant about whether to leave," said tourist Dominik Huber, 26.

"But it seems relatively safe. And also, by staying we are contributing in a small way to supporting the Moroccans."

The small group stood outside the imposing studded wooden doors of the Bahia Palace, a top tourist attraction built in the 1860s which is now closed.&nbsp;

It has suffered some damage, with smashed green-glazed terracotta tiles on the ground.

Jagged cracks have appeared in the rose-coloured walls of buildings in nearby streets, and some houses are now just piles of rubble.

Guide Abderrazzaq Ouled assured the group that their tour of the city founded nearly 1,000 years ago can still go ahead.

"Most of the visit is still feasible," he said.

- Changed city - 
 
Not far away, three Italians asked police officers whether attractions in the city -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- were still open to visitors.

They too decided to stay, as did a couple sipping tea in the shade of a tiled terrace, and a lady in flip-flops and straw hat haggling in the one of the few shops still open for a leather bag she had her eye on.

In Marrakesh's famous Jemaa el-Fna square, perfume and fruit juice vendors have replaced residents who spent the night in the open, wrapped in blankets, because their homes have been damaged or destroyed.

On Saturday, the SETO group which includes around 70 of France's main tour operators said that as far as it was aware, none of its clients in Marrakesh had suffered because of the earthquake.

But the city itself has changed, its frenzied activity gone.

The human toll of the tragedy continues to mount. Already 2,012 deaths have been recorded and 2,059 people have been injured, mostly in rural mountainous areas southwest of Marrakesh.

The country's Tourism Observatory is concerned that the economic consequences of the disaster may negate the upturn in visitor numbers recorded this year.

- 'Entire groups cancelled' -

The observatory recorded some 6.5 million tourists in Morocco in the first half of 2023, mainly from Western Europe and the United States, an increase of 92 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Marrakesh is Morocco's main magnet for tourists, with more than 4.3 million visitors, the observatory's figures show.

However, the economic effects of the quake are already being felt by some tourism professionals in the city.

"Entire tour groups have already cancelled, fearing aftershocks," said 56-year-old Daehmen Ziani who runs a hammam.

"The medina is the pride and soul of Marrakesh, and tourism accounts for 99 per cent of our income. If that dies, then everything will stop" as it did during Covid, Ziani said, speaking on the marble steps of his now deserted business.

Morocco imposed a strict lockdown in spring 2020 because of the pandemic, and its tourism industry ground to a halt. 
 
"Then, we could only cross our fingers and hope that such a disastrous time doesn't happen again," Ziani added.

Marrakesh's ancient medina was nearly empty on Sunday after a deadly earthquake that hit Morocco, but it did not deter some tourists who told AFP they chose to stay on.

Marrakesh's ancient medina was nearly empty on Sunday after a deadly earthquake that hit Morocco, but it did not deter some tourists who told AFP they chose to stay on. Tourism is the lifeblood of the North African country's economy, and Marrakesh is its main attraction. Friday's devastating quake which killed over 2,000 people has also spurred fears of a repeat of the tourism slump suffered during the Covid pandemic. Some visitors, however, were in no rush to leave. "We're not going to let the earthquake ruin everything," said 35-year-old Kirian Ficher from Germany who was on a guided tour of the historic city. "There was no warning of any major risk, so we stuck to our plans." Just four people were on the tour, however, and all had been evacuated from their rooms as the earthquake hit late on Friday at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT). The 6.8-magnitude quake was the strongest ever to hit Morocco and wiped out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakesh. "We're still a bit hesitant about whether to leave," said tourist Dominik Huber, 26. "But it seems relatively safe. And also, by staying we are contributing in a small way to supporting the Moroccans." The small group stood outside the imposing studded wooden doors of the Bahia Palace, a top tourist attraction built in the 1860s which is now closed. It has suffered some damage, with smashed green-glazed terracotta tiles on the ground. Jagged cracks have appeared in the rose-coloured walls of buildings in nearby streets, and some houses are now just piles of rubble. Guide Abderrazzaq Ouled assured the group that their tour of the city founded nearly 1,000 years ago can still go ahead. "Most of the visit is still feasible," he said. - Changed city - Not far away, three Italians asked police officers whether attractions in the city -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- were still open to visitors. They too decided to stay, as did a couple sipping tea in the shade of a tiled terrace, and a lady in flip-flops and straw hat haggling in the one of the few shops still open for a leather bag she had her eye on. In Marrakesh's famous Jemaa el-Fna square, perfume and fruit juice vendors have replaced residents who spent the night in the open, wrapped in blankets, because their homes have been damaged or destroyed. On Saturday, the SETO group which includes around 70 of France's main tour operators said that as far as it was aware, none of its clients in Marrakesh had suffered because of the earthquake. But the city itself has changed, its frenzied activity gone. The human toll of the tragedy continues to mount. Already 2,012 deaths have been recorded and 2,059 people have been injured, mostly in rural mountainous areas southwest of Marrakesh. The country's Tourism Observatory is concerned that the economic consequences of the disaster may negate the upturn in visitor numbers recorded this year. - 'Entire groups cancelled' - The observatory recorded some 6.5 million tourists in Morocco in the first half of 2023, mainly from Western Europe and the United States, an increase of 92 per cent compared with the same period last year. Marrakesh is Morocco's main magnet for tourists, with more than 4.3 million visitors, the observatory's figures show. However, the economic effects of the quake are already being felt by some tourism professionals in the city. "Entire tour groups have already cancelled, fearing aftershocks," said 56-year-old Daehmen Ziani who runs a hammam. "The medina is the pride and soul of Marrakesh, and tourism accounts for 99 per cent of our income. If that dies, then everything will stop" as it did during Covid, Ziani said, speaking on the marble steps of his now deserted business. Morocco imposed a strict lockdown in spring 2020 because of the pandemic, and its tourism industry ground to a halt. "Then, we could only cross our fingers and hope that such a disastrous time doesn't happen again," Ziani added.

Tourists 'not going to let quake' stop Morocco trip

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, nearly 80 per cent of travellers will spend at least 10 per cent more for sustainable travel arrangements, according to Euromonitor International research.

According to the Euromonitor report, Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, 41 per cent of travellers are also willing to pay more than 30 per cent more for eco and adventure travel.

With a total of 17 top spots, Europe dominates the Sustainable Travel Index for 2023. Sweden continues to be at the top of the list, followed by Finland and Austria.

Apart from these European nations, Uruguay, a country in South America, has entered the top 20 for the first time, rising 15 spots from last year.

The Sustainable Travel Index enables countries to gauge their performance across key sustainability pillars to move from words to action. We bring the index results to life through case studies and provide a source of inspiration.

The two nations that have improved the most over the past five years are Egypt and the Maldives.

By developing resilient tourism, aided by its recovery from travel bans and the pandemic, and increasing average spend per arrival to improve value creation through tourism for the benefit of the &nbsp;local people, Egypt has outperformed other markets.

Melbourne tops the lists of sustainable cities

Melbourne has an ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, placing it at the top of the sustainability pillar for Euromonitor’s Top City Destinations Index.

It is followed by the Spanish cities of Madrid and Seville, which are a part of the European Union’s Net Zero Cities project.

Melbourne has achieved a lot when it comes to sustainability, from greening streets and staging carbon-neutral events to retrofitting buildings to lower their carbon footprint and switch to renewable energy.

The top three tourist destinations in terms of sustainable tourism are Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand.

As long-haul destinations, Australia and New Zealand profit from the lengthy stays. New Zealand also leads the way in regenerative tourism, going beyond simple sustainability and trying to leave a beneficial legacy for future generations.

&nbsp;

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Despite the cost-of-living crisis, nearly 80 per cent of travellers will spend at least 10 per cent more for sustainable travel arrangements, according to Euromonitor International research.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, nearly 80 per cent of travellers will spend at least 10 per cent more for sustainable travel arrangements, according to Euromonitor International research. According to the Euromonitor report, Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, 41 per cent of travellers are also willing to pay more than 30 per cent more for eco and adventure travel. With a total of 17 top spots, Europe dominates the Sustainable Travel Index for 2023. Sweden continues to be at the top of the list, followed by Finland and Austria. Apart from these European nations, Uruguay, a country in South America, has entered the top 20 for the first time, rising 15 spots from last year. The Sustainable Travel Index enables countries to gauge their performance across key sustainability pillars to move from words to action. We bring the index results to life through case studies and provide a source of inspiration. The two nations that have improved the most over the past five years are Egypt and the Maldives. By developing resilient tourism, aided by its recovery from travel bans and the pandemic, and increasing average spend per arrival to improve value creation through tourism for the benefit of the local people, Egypt has outperformed other markets. Melbourne tops the lists of sustainable cities Melbourne has an ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, placing it at the top of the sustainability pillar for Euromonitor’s Top City Destinations Index. It is followed by the Spanish cities of Madrid and Seville, which are a part of the European Union’s Net Zero Cities project. Melbourne has achieved a lot when it comes to sustainability, from greening streets and staging carbon-neutral events to retrofitting buildings to lower their carbon footprint and switch to renewable energy. The top three tourist destinations in terms of sustainable tourism are Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand. As long-haul destinations, Australia and New Zealand profit from the lengthy stays. New Zealand also leads the way in regenerative tourism, going beyond simple sustainability and trying to leave a beneficial legacy for future generations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid cost-of-living crisis, travellers will pay 10 pc more for sustainable travel: Euromonitor report

Thailand’s economic recovery has slowed down significantly during the second quarter of 2023. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) officially reported on Aug. 21 that real gross domestic product (GDP) growth had dipped from 2.6 per cent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023 to 1.8 per cent in the second, according to a report by The Bangkok Post.

Thailand’s GDP expanded more slowly in comparison to the 2.6 per cent rise from January to March and lagged behind the consensus projection of 3.1 per cent growth in the second quarter in a poll conducted by Reuters.

“The economy was mainly driven by the acceleration of private consumption despite the slowdown of private investment and export of services,” Nikkei Asia quoted NESDC as saying in a statement.

In the quarter from April to June, private consumption increased to 7.8 per cent compared to the previous quarter’s 5.8 per cent increase.

Despite China being Thailand’s largest commercial partner, the global demand for exports, which make up around 60 per cent of the GDP, remained poor. Due to weak worldwide demand, exports of goods declined to 5.7 per cent from April to June, adding to a 6.4 per cent decline from the previous quarter.

“The fall in exports is expected to be more serious, as the weak economic outlook in China implies a greater drop in exports in the second half of the year,” and analyst at Asia Plus Securities told Nikkei Asia.

The total revenue from tourism climbed 71.7 per cent from the corresponding quarter in 2022.

When Bangkok eliminated all entry restrictions with the Covid 19 pandemic easing in the second half of 2022, the tourism sector in Thailand, which contributes around 18 per cent of GDP, started to rebound. The recovery began to accelerate in the third quarter.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates that 29 million foreign visitors will visit Thailand this year, up from 11.5 million in 2022, albeit that number is still lower than the 39 million visitors who visited the nation in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Economic and Social Development Council has revised its earlier predictions, which ranged from 2.7 per cent to 3.7 per cent to 2.5 per cent to 3.0 per cent growth for the Thai economy this year.

&nbsp;

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Thailand’s economic recovery has slowed down significantly during the second quarter of 2023. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) officially reported on Aug.

Thailand’s economic recovery has slowed down significantly during the second quarter of 2023. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) officially reported on Aug. 21 that real gross domestic product (GDP) growth had dipped from 2.6 per cent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023 to 1.8 per cent in the second, according to a report by The Bangkok Post. Thailand’s GDP expanded more slowly in comparison to the 2.6 per cent rise from January to March and lagged behind the consensus projection of 3.1 per cent growth in the second quarter in a poll conducted by Reuters. “The economy was mainly driven by the acceleration of private consumption despite the slowdown of private investment and export of services,” Nikkei Asia quoted NESDC as saying in a statement. In the quarter from April to June, private consumption increased to 7.8 per cent compared to the previous quarter’s 5.8 per cent increase. Despite China being Thailand’s largest commercial partner, the global demand for exports, which make up around 60 per cent of the GDP, remained poor. Due to weak worldwide demand, exports of goods declined to 5.7 per cent from April to June, adding to a 6.4 per cent decline from the previous quarter. “The fall in exports is expected to be more serious, as the weak economic outlook in China implies a greater drop in exports in the second half of the year,” and analyst at Asia Plus Securities told Nikkei Asia. The total revenue from tourism climbed 71.7 per cent from the corresponding quarter in 2022. When Bangkok eliminated all entry restrictions with the Covid 19 pandemic easing in the second half of 2022, the tourism sector in Thailand, which contributes around 18 per cent of GDP, started to rebound. The recovery began to accelerate in the third quarter. The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates that 29 million foreign visitors will visit Thailand this year, up from 11.5 million in 2022, albeit that number is still lower than the 39 million visitors who visited the nation in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Economic and Social Development Council has revised its earlier predictions, which ranged from 2.7 per cent to 3.7 per cent to 2.5 per cent to 3.0 per cent growth for the Thai economy this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thailand’s economy shows little signs of recovery, despite increasing tourism 

Taiwan declared a significant move on Thursday (August 24), announcing plans to relax restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers. This decision marks a crucial step toward the revival of tourism exchanges with mainland China, potentially heralding a thaw in their strained relations.

Back in 2019, Beijing halted individual tourism permits to Taiwan, a move widely interpreted as a reflection of deteriorating relations between the two nations. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's steadfast refusal to acknowledge China's sovereignty over Taiwan exacerbated these tensions. While Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists in October of the previous year after enduring years of COVID-19-related closures, travellers from mainland China remained excluded.

<h2>A gradual reopening</h2>

The Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for cross-strait relations within the Taiwanese government, announced their intention to "loosen restrictions" on Chinese business travellers starting the following Monday. Additionally, starting from September 1, individual Chinese nationals will be permitted to apply to enter Taiwan from third-party countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-proposes-3-billion-spending-on-new-weapons-gets-f-16-boost-628762">Taiwan proposes $3 billion spending on new weapons, gets F-16 boost</a>

<h2>Gradual increase in tourism</h2>

In a move signalling optimism, Taiwan also disclosed plans to allow Chinese tour groups to visit the island, with an initial daily cap of 2,000 visitors. However, specific dates for the resumption of group tours were not provided.

The policy shift includes a provision for reciprocal travel. Taiwanese tour groups will be allowed to travel to China, but again, the initial limit will be set at 2,000 individuals per day.

Also watch |&nbsp;Chinese spy try to hack into MP Alicia Kearn's email account

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<h2>Seeking diplomatic reconciliation</h2>

Taiwan's decision to relax restrictions can be seen as a diplomatic overture to China. Jan Jyh-horng, a government spokesperson, expressed the hope that this move would pave the way for a broader resumption of exchanges between the two sides. He emphasised the importance of fostering positive responses from China.

Taiwan has experienced a significant decline in mainland Chinese tourists since President Tsai assumed office in 2016. This drop has been attributed to a more negative portrayal of Taiwan in Chinese media and Beijing's ban on group tours.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Taiwan declared a significant move on Thursday (August 24), announcing plans to relax restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers. This decision marks a crucial step toward the revival of tourism exchanges with mainland China, potentially heralding a thaw in their strained relations.

Taiwan declared a significant move on Thursday (August 24), announcing plans to relax restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers. This decision marks a crucial step toward the revival of tourism exchanges with mainland China, potentially heralding a thaw in their strained relations. Back in 2019, Beijing halted individual tourism permits to Taiwan, a move widely interpreted as a reflection of deteriorating relations between the two nations. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's steadfast refusal to acknowledge China's sovereignty over Taiwan exacerbated these tensions. While Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists in October of the previous year after enduring years of COVID-19-related closures, travellers from mainland China remained excluded. A gradual reopening The Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for cross-strait relations within the Taiwanese government, announced their intention to "loosen restrictions" on Chinese business travellers starting the following Monday. Additionally, starting from September 1, individual Chinese nationals will be permitted to apply to enter Taiwan from third-party countries. Also read | Taiwan proposes $3 billion spending on new weapons, gets F-16 boost Gradual increase in tourism In a move signalling optimism, Taiwan also disclosed plans to allow Chinese tour groups to visit the island, with an initial daily cap of 2,000 visitors. However, specific dates for the resumption of group tours were not provided. The policy shift includes a provision for reciprocal travel. Taiwanese tour groups will be allowed to travel to China, but again, the initial limit will be set at 2,000 individuals per day. Also watch | Chinese spy try to hack into MP Alicia Kearn's email account Seeking diplomatic reconciliation Taiwan's decision to relax restrictions can be seen as a diplomatic overture to China. Jan Jyh-horng, a government spokesperson, expressed the hope that this move would pave the way for a broader resumption of exchanges between the two sides. He emphasised the importance of fostering positive responses from China. Taiwan has experienced a significant decline in mainland Chinese tourists since President Tsai assumed office in 2016. This drop has been attributed to a more negative portrayal of Taiwan in Chinese media and Beijing's ban on group tours. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A diplomatic shift? Taiwan to ease restrictions on Chinese tourists

The Indian hotel industry is expected to directly contribute $ 1 trillion to the country’s GDP by 2047, attributed to an&nbsp;increase in domestic tourism and international arrivals, a report said. According to the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Benori Knowledge report, “Vision 2047: Indian Hotel Industry", the direct GDP contribution of the hotel industry was $40 billion in 2022 and is predicted to increase to $68 billion by 2027.

It also stated that it could reach $1 trillion by 2047. The association for the hotel industry said that, in order for the sector to reach its goal, growth must expand outside of metro areas into second- and third-tier cities as well as rural areas.

The report noted that the total contribution does take into account aspects of services from related business verticals, such as food and beverage and salons and spas, but does not take into account the expansion of the services market, eliminating scenario-based contribution estimations. The report says that variables including GDP growth, rising income levels, a rise in both domestic and international visitor arrivals&nbsp;are attributed to&nbsp;the predicted gain.

Domestic tourist visits are anticipated to rise from 677 million in 2021 to 1.5 billion by 2030 and then further to 15 billion by 2047 in the long term (2037-2047), according to the report. The survey noted that there would be 1.5 million international visitors arriving in India in 2021, 15 million by 2024, 25 million by 2030, and "are further projected to grow attracting 100 million tourists by 2047."

As per the report, all of these variables have opened up new prospects in the tourist and hospitality sectors. Technology, environmental and social sustainability, assistance from policymakers, and macroeconomic variables will all be significant, HAI Secretary General M P Bezbaruah told PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Indian hotel industry is expected to directly contribute $ 1 trillion to the country’s GDP by 2047, attributed to an increase in domestic tourism and international arrivals, a report said.

The Indian hotel industry is expected to directly contribute $ 1 trillion to the country’s GDP by 2047, attributed to an increase in domestic tourism and international arrivals, a report said. According to the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Benori Knowledge report, “Vision 2047: Indian Hotel Industry", the direct GDP contribution of the hotel industry was $40 billion in 2022 and is predicted to increase to $68 billion by 2027. It also stated that it could reach $1 trillion by 2047. The association for the hotel industry said that, in order for the sector to reach its goal, growth must expand outside of metro areas into second- and third-tier cities as well as rural areas. The report noted that the total contribution does take into account aspects of services from related business verticals, such as food and beverage and salons and spas, but does not take into account the expansion of the services market, eliminating scenario-based contribution estimations. The report says that variables including GDP growth, rising income levels, a rise in both domestic and international visitor arrivals are attributed to the predicted gain. Domestic tourist visits are anticipated to rise from 677 million in 2021 to 1.5 billion by 2030 and then further to 15 billion by 2047 in the long term (2037-2047), according to the report. The survey noted that there would be 1.5 million international visitors arriving in India in 2021, 15 million by 2024, 25 million by 2030, and "are further projected to grow attracting 100 million tourists by 2047." As per the report, all of these variables have opened up new prospects in the tourist and hospitality sectors. Technology, environmental and social sustainability, assistance from policymakers, and macroeconomic variables will all be significant, HAI Secretary General M P Bezbaruah told PTI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hotel industry projected to contribute $1 trillion to India’s GDP by 2047: Report 

Many people associate a trip to Africa with spotting the big 5 on a Safari, but did you know that India also has incredible potential as a wildlife tourism destination? In the heart of India we unlock the country's astonishing potential as a wildlife tourism haven. Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems that shelter incredible species, from regal tigers to majestic elephants. Witness the harmony between nature and culture, and uncover the treasures that make India a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

India's potential as a Wildlife Tourism Destination

Join us on WION Wings as we journey through a tapestry of cultures and spotlight unique festivals across the globe. Experience the Sebeiba festival's mystique in Algeria, dive into the creative realm of the Jerash festival in Jordan, feel the resonating melodies of the International Alphorn festival in Switzerland, and immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of the fetes de Bayonne in France. These celebrations of tradition, art, and community offer a window into the world's rich tapestry.

Unique World Festivals

About 1.89 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir in the first seven months of 2023. The UT is set to break 2022's record.

Record-breaking tourism boom in Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas. Along with the beauty of these mountain ranges, tourists are excited to see a border that divides the two countries.&nbsp;

The guns have fallen silent on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan for over two years now. And after these peaceful years, the government of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the department of tourism, have opened many areas close to the LoC for tourists and visitors.&nbsp;

The people living on the line of control are finally living a peaceful life and are ready to welcome tourists from across the country and world. The areas close to LoC in North Kashmir include Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus that have been added to the new list of tourist places in the valley.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-milestone-for-tata-lockheed-martin-parts-for-200-c-130j-military-planes-delivered-623911">India: Tata Lockheed Martin makes, delivers parts for 200 ‘C-130J’ military planes</a>

"We have been promoting the border areas. We don’t want haphazard development; we want to maintain our ecology. It was very difficult to come to these places few years ago but after the abrogation of article 370, we are opening border areas and tourists are loving it. Tourism is the back bone of the valley and this will help in building the economy of these areas. The response has been fantastic, people are so excited," said Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The department of tourism has prepared a plan to build infrastructure in these areas while keeping the&nbsp;environment in mind. They are also providing employment and generating economic opportunities for the local people of these areas.

“Keran is a very important tourist destination among the bordering areas open for tourists. We are trying to provide the infrastructure. You can apply for an e-pass. Within 24 hours, you get the pass to visit. The biggest gain will be for the locals. Tourism can provide employment, it can help in building infrastructure, it will boost the local economy,” said Ayushi Sudan, DC Kupwara.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-opposition-for-politicizing-manipur-issue-appeals-for-peace-in-state-623937">Amit Shah slams opposition for politicising Manipur issue, appeals for peace in state</a>

With breathtaking views of hills and rivers, these places are being promoted as adventure tourism destinations. And what is exciting is waving at people from across the border. People from various parts of the country come to witness these visuals.&nbsp;

“I am extremely happy; I had seen this on the social media and I came to see the place with my family. It looks better than what I saw on social media. Looking at Pakistani people from so close&nbsp;is also very nice and exciting. I will tell everyone to come here. It’s without fencing border and is amazing" said Raju J, a tourist.&nbsp;

Significantly, Kashmir has witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last four months. With all the major tourist destinations of the Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg fully booked for most of the season. The government says that promoting these sites will also help in meeting the huge influx of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

"When there used to be ceasefire violations, we used to run for our lives. It’s so peaceful now. Nothing happened in&nbsp;last 70 years, but in the last four&nbsp;years, things have changed drastically. Our roads are better, our water and electricity is better. I congratulate the central government and Indian army for their exemplary work. It’s a beautiful scene when people from both the countries wave at each other," said Mumtaz Khan, a local.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has played a major role in opening these areas to the public. The entire security system in these areas is under the Indian Army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The local people of the area say that without the Indian Army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas.

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Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas.

Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas. Along with the beauty of these mountain ranges, tourists are excited to see a border that divides the two countries. The guns have fallen silent on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan for over two years now. And after these peaceful years, the government of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the department of tourism, have opened many areas close to the LoC for tourists and visitors. The people living on the line of control are finally living a peaceful life and are ready to welcome tourists from across the country and world. The areas close to LoC in North Kashmir include Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus that have been added to the new list of tourist places in the valley. Also read | India: Tata Lockheed Martin makes, delivers parts for 200 ‘C-130J’ military planes "We have been promoting the border areas. We don’t want haphazard development; we want to maintain our ecology. It was very difficult to come to these places few years ago but after the abrogation of article 370, we are opening border areas and tourists are loving it. Tourism is the back bone of the valley and this will help in building the economy of these areas. The response has been fantastic, people are so excited," said Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir. The department of tourism has prepared a plan to build infrastructure in these areas while keeping the environment in mind. They are also providing employment and generating economic opportunities for the local people of these areas. “Keran is a very important tourist destination among the bordering areas open for tourists. We are trying to provide the infrastructure. You can apply for an e-pass. Within 24 hours, you get the pass to visit. The biggest gain will be for the locals. Tourism can provide employment, it can help in building infrastructure, it will boost the local economy,” said Ayushi Sudan, DC Kupwara. Also read | Amit Shah slams opposition for politicising Manipur issue, appeals for peace in state With breathtaking views of hills and rivers, these places are being promoted as adventure tourism destinations. And what is exciting is waving at people from across the border. People from various parts of the country come to witness these visuals. “I am extremely happy; I had seen this on the social media and I came to see the place with my family. It looks better than what I saw on social media. Looking at Pakistani people from so close is also very nice and exciting. I will tell everyone to come here. It’s without fencing border and is amazing" said Raju J, a tourist. Significantly, Kashmir has witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last four months. With all the major tourist destinations of the Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg fully booked for most of the season. The government says that promoting these sites will also help in meeting the huge influx of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley. "When there used to be ceasefire violations, we used to run for our lives. It’s so peaceful now. Nothing happened in last 70 years, but in the last four years, things have changed drastically. Our roads are better, our water and electricity is better. I congratulate the central government and Indian army for their exemplary work. It’s a beautiful scene when people from both the countries wave at each other," said Mumtaz Khan, a local. The Indian Army has played a major role in opening these areas to the public. The entire security system in these areas is under the Indian Army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The local people of the area say that without the Indian Army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kashmir: Border areas opened as guns fall silent, tourists flock to witness scenic beauty

Western Australian government has announced the launch of 'EverNow' event to bolster the State's events calendar and support jobs and the local economy. The new homegrown event called 'EverNow' is a free festival to celebrate Western Australia's unique nature and indigenous culture and will run from 4-9 October. The event includes three key elements - Song Circle, Fire Gardens and Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak.

The event known as 'EverNow' has been developed by Perth Festival and will be held across a number of iconic locations to celebrate Western Australia's Indigenous culture and heritage. Kings Park will be home to the bold reimagining of Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak which attracted 300,000 people when it opened Perth Festival in 2017 and 2019. 
 
Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak will transform Kings Park with a display of light, sound and projections - telling the stories of Noongar culture and the beauty and biodiversity of Australia's SouthWest. The Supreme Court Gardens will play host to Song Circle, a live performance and celebration of Noongar song and dance set in a future-focused immersive wonderland.

The doors to Government House Gardens will also be opened to the public as it is transformed into Fire Gardens, a dreamscape of leaping flames, shadow and wonder. The event will be free to attend but will require a ticket to gain entry. EverNow event will run for an initial two years, with the intention for the event to become an annual staple on the State's major events calendar.

"This brand new homegrown event will put Western Australia on the map, not only nationally, but internationally, as EverNow grows year on year. The festival program has been carefully crafted to engage the senses and celebrate our State's rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking nature, while attracting visitors from far and wide. Events such as EverNow contribute significant jobs for local workers and boost the State's economy, while supporting a range of Western Australian businesses," said Premier Roger Cook.

The event also aims at boosting tourism. "We want to make sure there is a reason to visit Western Australia every month and every season and that means building a strong calendar of events that offer something for everyone. EverNow will add a new dimension to our major events calendar, showcasing the unique attributes of our State and celebrating our rich Indigenous culture and heritage," said Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti.

WA's Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said that new homegrown event will create an opportunity for arts and cultural works to be developed, that draw visitors to experience the transcendent beauty of the country.&nbsp;

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Western Australian government has announced the launch of 'EverNow' event to bolster the State's events calendar and support jobs and the local economy. The new homegrown event called 'EverNow' is a free festival to celebrate Western Australia's unique nature and indigenous culture and will run from 4-9 October.

Western Australian government has announced the launch of 'EverNow' event to bolster the State's events calendar and support jobs and the local economy. The new homegrown event called 'EverNow' is a free festival to celebrate Western Australia's unique nature and indigenous culture and will run from 4-9 October. The event includes three key elements - Song Circle, Fire Gardens and Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak. The event known as 'EverNow' has been developed by Perth Festival and will be held across a number of iconic locations to celebrate Western Australia's Indigenous culture and heritage. Kings Park will be home to the bold reimagining of Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak which attracted 300,000 people when it opened Perth Festival in 2017 and 2019. Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak will transform Kings Park with a display of light, sound and projections - telling the stories of Noongar culture and the beauty and biodiversity of Australia's SouthWest. The Supreme Court Gardens will play host to Song Circle, a live performance and celebration of Noongar song and dance set in a future-focused immersive wonderland. The doors to Government House Gardens will also be opened to the public as it is transformed into Fire Gardens, a dreamscape of leaping flames, shadow and wonder. The event will be free to attend but will require a ticket to gain entry. EverNow event will run for an initial two years, with the intention for the event to become an annual staple on the State's major events calendar. "This brand new homegrown event will put Western Australia on the map, not only nationally, but internationally, as EverNow grows year on year. The festival program has been carefully crafted to engage the senses and celebrate our State's rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking nature, while attracting visitors from far and wide. Events such as EverNow contribute significant jobs for local workers and boost the State's economy, while supporting a range of Western Australian businesses," said Premier Roger Cook. The event also aims at boosting tourism. "We want to make sure there is a reason to visit Western Australia every month and every season and that means building a strong calendar of events that offer something for everyone. EverNow will add a new dimension to our major events calendar, showcasing the unique attributes of our State and celebrating our rich Indigenous culture and heritage," said Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti. WA's Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said that new homegrown event will create an opportunity for arts and cultural works to be developed, that draw visitors to experience the transcendent beauty of the country. Disclaimer – Consumer connect initiative. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Western Australia announces 'EverNow' event to boost tourism and jobs

Since Article 370 was repealed four years ago, the winds and the suns of time have altered in India's Jammu and Kashmir, sweeping the past's dust with them.

India: Kashmir receives record number of tourists

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation. To diversify its economy Saudi Arabia now seeks to position itself as one of the most happening tourist destinations in the world. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to attract 100 million tourists. So, what changes has Saudi Arabia brought in? Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority sat down with Mohammed Saleh for an exclusive chat.

100 million tourists to visit Saudi Arabia by 2030 | Alhasan Aldabbagh speaks to WION

Taliban has successfully managed to halt the age-old opium trade in its valleys hoping to fill the void by venturing into tourism. According to reports, after 20 years of successive Western-backed governments failing to eradicate opium agriculture, it appears that the interim government led by the Taliban may have succeeded in achieving what their predecessors could not.

Taliban-ruled Afghanistan looks to replace opium dependence

Italy is crippled under the effects of a severe heatwave. On Sunday, temperatures reached as high as 36 degrees celsius in Rome. According to the Italian ministry of health, the weather in the capital and in eight other cities along the peninsula has reached an orange alert level, which is the third stage on a scale of four.

Italy suffers excruciating heatwave amidst tourist influx

Iraq's post-ISIS era: Tourism boom returns to the serene Kurdish mountains

Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the&nbsp;Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts -&nbsp;does not become a 'disaster zone'.&nbsp;

Lack of rain and a large influx of tourists are being dubbed as the primary reasons for the precarious situation. Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui has urged the public to use supplies sparingly to get through the difficult period.&nbsp;

“I would like to ask people to save water, use it sparingly. If we help each other, we can go through this,” said Samthong.

“We are not complacent. We are trying to solve the situation. We don’t want the provincial or upper [administration] to announce that Koh Samui is a disaster zone,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitters-ultimatum-to-tweetdeck-users-verification-required-in-these-many-days-611590">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter's ultimatum to TweetDeck users, verification required in these many days</a>

There has been a drastic reduction in the water levels of&nbsp;the Phru Na Muang and Phru Krajud reservoirs and the Hin Lard waterfall, which has contributed to the current predicament. If the water supplies are not sorted quickly, the island only has enough&nbsp;local freshwater supplies for residents for just 30 days.

Currently, the locals are being forced to shell out as much as 250 to 300 baht ($7-$8.5)&nbsp;for about 2,000 litres of water for daily use.&nbsp;

Samthong states that the island needs 30,000 cubic metres of water a day. The authorities are working to bring&nbsp;24,000 cubic metres through&nbsp;an underwater pipeline from Surat Thani on the mainland, while reservoir supplies would be used for the remaining amount. An additional 30,000 cubic metres is also expected to be brought in the boost the supplies, according to&nbsp;Provincial Waterworks Authority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explainer-the-high-cost-of-el-nino-in-2023-609183">WATCH |&nbsp;Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023</a>

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<h2>Tourism could be affected</h2>

Despite authorities fetching water from different sources, the problems could compound due to the El Nino phenomenon, which may lead to even less rain for the island.&nbsp;

The tourist spot has welcomed over one million foreign tourists in the past five months. The water supply crunch could put the entire hospitality industry in jeopardy which had only recently started to recoup the losses suffered during the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to a report in the Guardian, during the pandemic, the number of rooms available on the island, including in hotels and villas fell to just 5,000. However, it has since recovered to 25,000, the same level as 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts - does not become a 'disaster zone'.

Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts - does not become a 'disaster zone'. Lack of rain and a large influx of tourists are being dubbed as the primary reasons for the precarious situation. Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui has urged the public to use supplies sparingly to get through the difficult period. “I would like to ask people to save water, use it sparingly. If we help each other, we can go through this,” said Samthong. “We are not complacent. We are trying to solve the situation. We don’t want the provincial or upper [administration] to announce that Koh Samui is a disaster zone,” he added. Also read | Twitter's ultimatum to TweetDeck users, verification required in these many days There has been a drastic reduction in the water levels of the Phru Na Muang and Phru Krajud reservoirs and the Hin Lard waterfall, which has contributed to the current predicament. If the water supplies are not sorted quickly, the island only has enough local freshwater supplies for residents for just 30 days. Currently, the locals are being forced to shell out as much as 250 to 300 baht ($7-$8.5) for about 2,000 litres of water for daily use. Samthong states that the island needs 30,000 cubic metres of water a day. The authorities are working to bring 24,000 cubic metres through an underwater pipeline from Surat Thani on the mainland, while reservoir supplies would be used for the remaining amount. An additional 30,000 cubic metres is also expected to be brought in the boost the supplies, according to Provincial Waterworks Authority. WATCH | Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023 × Tourism could be affected Despite authorities fetching water from different sources, the problems could compound due to the El Nino phenomenon, which may lead to even less rain for the island. The tourist spot has welcomed over one million foreign tourists in the past five months. The water supply crunch could put the entire hospitality industry in jeopardy which had only recently started to recoup the losses suffered during the pandemic. According to a report in the Guardian, during the pandemic, the number of rooms available on the island, including in hotels and villas fell to just 5,000. However, it has since recovered to 25,000, the same level as 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Popular Thai island Koh Samui facing existential crisis as water runs out

Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations. 
 
Advertising agency DDB Philippines issued an apology on Sunday for the “highly inappropriate” images, which included sand dunes in Brazil and rice terraces in Indonesia. The agency was involved in the production of the video for the government’s tourism campaign “Love The Philippines”, worth $880,000, which was launched on June 27. 
 
Late on Saturday, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism announced that it was investigating the allegations against the DDB’s video which included “non-original shots”. Later, the video was removed from its Facebook page.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mobile-free-vacation-this-tourist-island-in-europe-home-to-nokia-has-declared-itself-a-phone-free-zone-607082">Mobile-free vacation? This tourist island in Europe, home to Nokia, has declared itself a 'phone-free' zone</a>

A post was uploaded by famous Philippine blogger Sass Rogando Sasot on Facebook saying that various images in the campaign video were of locations present in other countries. 
 
The fact-checking team of the news agency Agence France-Presse carried out an analysis which confirmed that the video showed places in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, and Switzerland.

<h2>DDB issues an apology for the video</h2>

An apology was issued by the DDB on Sunday for using “foreign stock footage”, which it described as an “unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part”. 
 
“Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed,” said DDB, in a statement. “The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the (Department of Tourism’s) objectives,” it added. The production of the video was carried out at its own expense, said DDB. 
 
In a statement, the tourism officials stated that they had “repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the (audiovisual presentations) and key visuals presented to the department”. 
 
“In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the (tourism department) that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” it stated. A few images, which have been used by the agency in the promotional video, can be found on the stock-footage providers' website.

WATCH |&nbsp;Time to learn from Titan sub disaster? | Perils of unregulated and extreme tourism

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Last week speaking to local media, Tourism Minister Christina Frasco said that the new branding campaign cost around 49 million pesos ($880,000). 
 
Frasco said that a global survey was conducted by the ministry which discovered that, in the post-pandemic era, tourists wanted “authentic interactions with communities”. Hence, the new slogan had replaced the earlier which was “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations.

Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations. Advertising agency DDB Philippines issued an apology on Sunday for the “highly inappropriate” images, which included sand dunes in Brazil and rice terraces in Indonesia. The agency was involved in the production of the video for the government’s tourism campaign “Love The Philippines”, worth $880,000, which was launched on June 27. Late on Saturday, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism announced that it was investigating the allegations against the DDB’s video which included “non-original shots”. Later, the video was removed from its Facebook page. ALSO READ | Mobile-free vacation? This tourist island in Europe, home to Nokia, has declared itself a 'phone-free' zone A post was uploaded by famous Philippine blogger Sass Rogando Sasot on Facebook saying that various images in the campaign video were of locations present in other countries. The fact-checking team of the news agency Agence France-Presse carried out an analysis which confirmed that the video showed places in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, and Switzerland. DDB issues an apology for the video An apology was issued by the DDB on Sunday for using “foreign stock footage”, which it described as an “unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part”. “Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed,” said DDB, in a statement. “The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the (Department of Tourism’s) objectives,” it added. The production of the video was carried out at its own expense, said DDB. In a statement, the tourism officials stated that they had “repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the (audiovisual presentations) and key visuals presented to the department”. “In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the (tourism department) that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” it stated. A few images, which have been used by the agency in the promotional video, can be found on the stock-footage providers' website. WATCH | Time to learn from Titan sub disaster? | Perils of unregulated and extreme tourism Last week speaking to local media, Tourism Minister Christina Frasco said that the new branding campaign cost around 49 million pesos ($880,000). Frasco said that a global survey was conducted by the ministry which discovered that, in the post-pandemic era, tourists wanted “authentic interactions with communities”. Hence, the new slogan had replaced the earlier which was “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is it Brazil, Indonesia or Switzerland? Tourism advert of Philippines uses stock footage from other countries

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