Unveiling The Best Christmas Destinations From Around The World 

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 24, 2023

The Department of Tourism in the North launched its second travel expo on Saturday in a bid to ensure a spur in the tourism industry in the northern provinces. Cordillera Administrative Region and the DOT Regional Offices I, II, and III kickstarted the 2nd North Luzon Travel Expo (NLTE) at the Grand Sierra Pines Hotel, North Outlook Drive in Bagiuo City. It is scheduled to be held from the NOV 25 to 27, 2023. The first of the NLT fairs was launched at SMX Convention Center Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The DOT-CAR is lining up the activities with the Tourism and Travel Fair being the main feature. This event will take place at the CAP Convention Center at Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The other activities include a music show featuring local artists of the four regions. The art in the park at Reflection Pool of Wright Park, Baguio City, Business to business networking activity at La Fayette Hotel, Baguio City. There will be product presentations at the CAP Convention Center as well as a familiarization tour or the North Luzon Inter-regional Circuit which will be a post-tour. The key destinations in Baguio City and Benguet in the Cordillera and Naguillan, San Fernando City, Bauang, San Juan and Luna in La Union in Region 1 will be visited. On November 26, a "Hibla ng Lahing Pilipino Fashion Parade will be staged at the Manor Garden, Camp John Hay. This will showcase regal fabrics from North Luzon to recognize the weavers of indigenous Filipino textiles." The DOT Cordillera chief Jovy Ganongan says the activities are aimed "to create a synergy to develop a robust tourism value chain by converging existing and new domestic tourism products, destinations, and services of the North Luzon regions to the local and international markets. She also said this is also to further strengthen the relationship of the North Luzon regions with their tourism stakeholders." Read Also: The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Traveling Christmas Tree For The Western Lawn Of U.S. Capitol Venice Reveals 2024 Dates For Tourist Entry Fees: Report

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 20, 2023

With nearly a decade passed, the U.S. Forest Service has finally made a decision to overhaul Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. The project has provoked hundreds and thousands of public comments from the Juneau community over the years. Alexandra Pierce, the city's tourism manager, says, “I like to see a plan that’s well managed and that listens to residents’ concerns. People didn’t want to see motorized boats on the lake and additional visitor center facilities and the Forest Service listens to the public on that, which is a positive thing.” The newly finalized plans include a new welcome center and other improvements to the old one. The plan is also set to increase parking, expand the trail systems, add an amphitheater and new public-use cabins. The glacier is one of the most visited tourist attractions. Forest service officials say the improvements will be helping in the management of the pressure with Juneau's rapid growth in cruise ship tourism that has increased in the recent years. When the visitor center was established in the 1960s, the area saw 23,000 visitors annually. Currently, about 700,000 visitors come to the glacier every year. The Forest Service is estimating that by 2050 this number could reach a million. But with more visitors the glacier has been moving away and even more so due to climate change. In a few decades the glacier will not likely be visible to the current visitor center at all. Pierce said that listening to the concerns of the people about overcrowding while also being aware that the tourism sector is an ever-growing field makes managing the area a constant balancing act. Pierce said, “I do think that’s a difficult puzzle for the Forest Service to try to solve. I think we’re all concerned about the receding glacier and what that means for the visitor experience in our community.” Read Also: Celebrations Have Begun At Oaga, Art Resort, Maldives: Report Kenya Is Targeting 5.5M Tourist Arrivals By 2028 Burger King Is Giving Away Free Food All Month