Future of Travel, Skift Global Forum East 2023, Takes Off in Dubai!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 29, 2023

For good reason, Mexico is one of the most sought-after travel destinations worldwide. However, not every area of Mexico is secure for tourists. Here are the most hazardous cities in Mexico in 2024 that data reports suggest. Due to worries about crime and kidnapping, the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for Mexico as of 2023 emphasizes varying degrees of caution across different states. Mexico's regions are categorized by the advisory into four levels: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise Increased Caution Reconsider Travel Do Not Travel Tijuana Tijuana's high murder rate and drug-related violence make it the most dangerous city in Mexico. There are 138 homicides for every 100,000 people. Tijuana is the main gateway for drugs originating in South America, making it a hub for cartel activity. Due to its proximity to the US border, it is also a significant hub for organized crime and human trafficking. Based on data on homicide rates, Tijuana is regarded as the world's most dangerous city. Acapulco Despite being one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico, Acapulco continues to draw large numbers of tourists due to its beaches. The rate of homicide in the city is 111 per 100,000 residents. Drug-related violence in Acapulco has increased dramatically as different cartels compete for control of the lucrative drug trade in the city. This city is also located in Guerrero, the notorious state well-known for its high rates of violence, chaos brought on by gang turf wars, and heroin production. Ciudad Victoria Ciudad Victoria, one of the most violent cities in Mexico, is situated in the state of Tamaulipas. This area is another hotbed of drug-related violence, with a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 residents. Being situated just beyond the U.S. border, Tamaulipas makes it an entryway city as well. In Ciudad Victoria, members of the Northeast Cartel actively manage their businesses. Ciudad Juarez Ciudad Juarez is visible to residents of El Paso, another border city, across the Rio Grande. The city is among the most violent in Mexico, with an average of 86 homicides for every 100,000 residents. The city has witnessed a sharp increase in violence as a result of turf wars between the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels, making it another hub for drug trafficking. Ciudad Juarez is firmly under the control of these two formidable cartels. Additional Reading: Kenya Is Targeting 5.5M Tourist Arrivals By 2028 Burger King Is Giving Away Free Food All Month

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 4, 2023

The prices of rug diamonds have dipped as consumer behavior changed in the post-pandemic era. Based on the CNN report of CNN, people are shying away from investing in such luxury items. The Zimnisky index reports said the prices have reached their lowest point in many years. According to industry analysts, diamond prices are changed in terms of customers’ preferences who prioritize experiences such as traveling over luxury goods and dining out. A diamond analyst, Paul Zimnisky, said that consumers had extra spending during the pandemic since expenditure on traveling and dining was considerably low. https://twitter.com/knowthepower1/status/1707513548484796766?s=20 Another diamond analyst, Edahn Golan, said diamonds are a consumer-driven market. He stated in an interview, "Shopper demand for diamond jewelry influences rough diamond prices and, to an extent, retail prices. Retailers stoke consumer demand by pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into advertising.” The sales rate of diamonds is expected to see the final jump during the winter holidays, and it will be in early 2024. There will be many holidays in this period, including Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Retailers don’t know how to adjust in-store prices based on the rough diamond market in the short term. Learn More About: How To Save Money On Your Next Trip? Olight Warrior Mini 2 Edc Tactical Light

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 11, 2023

Vietnam has exceeded its target of attracting eight million international visitors for the year 2023 by welcoming 8.9 million tourists in the first nine months. This target was set before China reopened following COVID-19-related border closures, from where around one-third of Vietnam's total international tourists came in 2019. This figure is less than half the pre-pandemic international arrivals, which were 18 million. With the introduction of new, more open visa policies, there have been calls to revise the target. Vu The Binh, the chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said that Vietnam could increase the target to 10-12 million tourists by 2023, which is achievable. During the first nine months of 2023, the number of visitors was 4.7 times higher than the same period in the previous year, but only 69% of the figure seen in the same period of 2019. In September, Vietnam welcomed over one million foreign visitors, down 13.4% compared to the previous month. Out of the total number of tourists, 87.5% arrived in Vietnam by air, 11.8% by road, and 0.7% by sea. The majority of the arrivals were from Asia, followed by Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa. The revenue from accommodation and catering services in this period saw a rise of 16%, and earnings from travel and tourism services increased by 47.7% year-on-year. Micenet Magazine, Australia, has recently called the central region of Vietnam the new hotspot for MICE tourism. The magazine wrote, “Central Việt Nam is coming into its own as more international and domestic flights serve Đà Nẵng City, which is growing as a destination for conferences, meetings and incentive events. Its location between two UNESCO world heritage sites – Hội An, 30km southeast, and Huế, 100km northwest – also helps”. The city offers an array of choices from luxury and 5-star international as well as local brand hotels around the city, with a long beach stretching 60 km. This surge in Vietnam’s tourism has been a result of the accessible e-visa policy made available by Vietnam to its visitors. Even travel agencies have contributed to the spike that has made travel easier for tourists. They are offering cheaper flights and attractive deals to streamline e-visa services for travelers, especially from India. It makes visas a 100% online process, with limited documentation. Now you can look up the best time to visit Vietnam, because this is probably a sign for you to get packing for a Vietnam trip. Read Also: November Trips In 2023: From London To The World The Best Hotels In Mexico City For A Frida Kahlo Pilgrimage Excited For Christmas? Leicester Square’s Glittering Christmas Market Is Returning To London From Nov 8