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

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 12, 2023

According to a report, two of the most popular locations for tourists who want to spend their holidays in a tropical paradise are the Maldives and Bora Bora. Located on the Indian Ocean, they are now synonymous with clean azure water, pristine white beaches, and refreshing greenery. The islands, however, are very different from each other in that what the visitors can expect from the two places. The main differences between the locations are weather, accessibility, resorts, beaches, and activities. The islands cannot be chosen between them as there is no right answer. Both the islands are absolute treasures and have rightly taken their spots in the top 10 globally. Maldives Best visited in the dead of winter, this island is a drop of paradise on Earth. Featuring a 26-atoll chain of islands with white powdery beaches and turquoise waters, this chain of islands is the envy of all the islands of the world. The signature overwater bungalow resorts of Maldives make the experience even more surreal. Bora Bora This island is not just sun, sea, and beaches. Bora Bora is a major activity ground that includes 4x4 safaris and natural underwater parks that offer a look at the magnificent corals and fish. You can witness shark feedings and enjoy boat rides around the turquoise lagoon. There is also the 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu, from where the entire island is up for view from the top. Some of the other places that have secured the top spots are: Niagara Falls Consisting of the magnificent waterfalls that line the border of New York and Ontario. The Horseshoe Falls that stand at a height of 164 ft. is on the side of Canada. The Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls are located on the North American side. Mona Lisa In Paris This half-length painting created by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci has managed to retain its immense fandom thanks to its rich and fascinating history. Kept in the Louvre Museum since 1797, people line up to have a glance at the famous painting that has become an icon of simplicity in art. The Statue Of Liberty, the Northern Lights, the Stone Henge, the Taj Mahal, the Times Square, and the Burj Khalifa have locked in on the other top 10 marks. Read Also: Siam Paragon Mass Shooting Propels Thailand’s Proposed 300 Baht Tourism Fee To Get Fast-Tracked People Are Interested To Spend More On Traveling Instead Of Investing On Diamonds: Prices Fall Israel Government Declares War: Multiple Flights Cancelled

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 8, 2023

The most preferred destinations for tourists traveling within their country as well as abroad remain a matter of trend and fluctuations. But one country that has seen a huge surge in inbound tourists is Thailand. Especially Indians who want a small break. This growth comes from Thailand's latest visa policy that allows visa-free entry to its visitors, one of the nationals being Indians. Thailand's Bangkok has stolen this coveted spot from Dubai, according to Agoda, an online travel platform. They analyzed the trends based on hotel bookings on their application. Ever since the government of Thailand has permitted visa-free entry for many countries including India, the country has seen a 26% increase in searches on Agoda and Indian tourists have found their favorite escape. Other countries that have recently waived the visa requirements for tourists of various nationals include Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Both of these countries are seeing renewed interest from tourists. The report says, “When it comes to international travel choices, Indians consistently favour short haul destinations across the region. Chart topper Bangkok and fifth most popular destination Pattaya are poised to further strengthen their appeal, with the recent announcement of visa-free travel for Indians to Thailand.” The report also said that, “The rankings with the most booked destinations on Agoda underscore a distinct inclination among Indians for tried-and-tested destinations, showcasing a preference for all-time favourites that have lots to offer to any type of traveller and no matter how frequently they are visited." Krishna Rathi, Agoda's country director for India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka says, "2023 has been an incredible year for travel in India. Agoda search numbers reveal growth on all levels: domestic, inbound, and outbound. I am excited to see how this trend will shape the travel industry in 2024. "Bangkok has been followed by Dubai, then Bali in the third and Singapore in the fourth place. Read Also: Crime Rate In Florida Trending Down While California Skyrockets: Report World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 16, 2023

Christmas lights, parades, and football bring a lot of people to Wheeling and Ohio County during this magical time of year, which also helps to boost the local economy. "The holiday season in Wheeling in Ohio County is perhaps the premiere time of the year," said Frank O’Brien, director, of Visit Wheeling. The Festival of Lights in Oglebay is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. Along with hundreds of people attending the city's Winter on the Plaza event, thousands will congregate around Wheeling's Fantasy in Lights Parade. When you have several hundred thousand people spending time in your community, they spend anywhere between $3 to $5 million while they’re here, and sometimes, it's even more than that," O’Brien said. Many more will also swarm Wheeling Island Stadium for the Super Six High School Championship games. Large crowds are drawn to Wheeling's downtown by an increase in events and performances at WesBanco Arena and the capital theatre. Numerous people will be dining out, lodging in hotels, and making purchases from neighborhood merchants. And even though the city is lined with substantial construction, many people are still traveling there and managing to make ends meet. "We have been able to actually track some of that,” O’Brien said. “I'm not going to say that the roads are not a problem -- and the sidewalks being torn up is a problem -- but we are finding that people are still coming, primarily to the events at the arena and Capital Theatre." According to O'Brien, tourism generates about $800 million in revenue for the Northern Panhandle annually. Moreover, it's reasonable to anticipate making close to $10 million in the county just this season. "It's a crucial time for tourism in our area, and I think we do it better than anybody else," O’Brien said. As the holidays draw near, there will be plenty of opportunities to spread cheer and wealth. Learn More About: November Trips In 2023: From London To The World Zanzibar Or Oman: Which Do The Hungarian Tourists Like?