Vietnam’s International Tourist Influx Surpasses Expectation, Reaches 8.9 Million

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 29, 2023

Using AI technology, the online travel company Agoda has unveiled the ultimate list of places to celebrate New Year's Eve around the world. Agoda created a picture of several beautiful New Year's Eve locations from across the globe using Midjourney AI and ChatGPT 4.0 to identify the list of travel destinations. Ten Places to Go on New Year's Eve. Singapore: Take in the bright street parties and carnivals while marveling at the stunning fireworks display in Marina Bay. Bali, Indonesia: Enjoy festive fireworks and traditional Balinese performances while celebrating on the beach. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Savor the lively nightlife in District 1 and the spectacular fireworks over the Saigon River as you celebrate. Tokyo, Japan: Celebrate cultural events and contemporary countdown parties as you embrace the Japanese custom of witnessing the first sunrise of the year. Sydney, Australia: Take in the internationally recognized fireworks show over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with family-friendly activities and celebrations. New York City, USA: Attend the famous ball drop with the crowds in Times Square, or pick from a plethora of events and concerts taking place all over the city. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Take in the exuberant atmosphere of Copacabana Beach, complete with samba music and a breathtaking fireworks display. London, England: Enjoy a range of boat parties and events as you watch the River Thames light up with fireworks at night. Experience the historic Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, Scotland, which include processions, concerts, and the unique Loony Dook tradition, which involves swimming in the chilly Firth of Forth on New Year's Day while dressed in costume. Reykjavik, Iceland: Come celebrate with the locals over community bonfires and a pyrotechnics display against a backdrop of snow, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda said, "As recommended by some of the leading AI software of the moment, this list is meant to ignite a sense of wonder amongst aspiring travellers and perhaps even inspire the more spontaneous to book a last-minute getaway on Agoda. Whether it’s a short getaway within Asia or a longer trip to the other side of the world, Agoda provides the best deals."   According to data analyzed by Agoda, Bangkok, Thailand, has overtaken Dubai as the most popular foreign travel destination for Indians in the past year. There has been a 26% increase in searches on the platform since the Thai government granted visa-free entry to Indian tourists visiting the nation last month, making it a popular destination for Indians seeking a getaway. Additional Reading: 6 Things Locals Wish Tourists Wouldn’t Do When In Iceland Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area Is Expecting Big Changes

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

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

Conservative councilor Thomas Kerr has asked the chief executive to explore the options for the replacement of “set-down/pick-up areas”. The motion has been presented to elected members. In a bid to encourage more people to visit the city center, they want to change the policies for coach visitors. The local authorities have been working to bring visitors into the city center to check out spots like museums, art galleries, and music videos. It also includes Glasgow’s leisure and hospitality offerings. The motion reads, “Council recognizes that those who visit our city do so using a variety of transport methods including train, plane and coach. Council notes that due to its decision to close parts of George Square to traffic, many coach operators are no longer able to utilize the large parking spaces in front of the City Chambers as a set down and pick up area and, as a consequence of closing this area to traffic, there is no longer a similar area within the City Centre. Council notes its concern that the removal of this area, without a replacement, may be discouraging those using coaches and impact adversely on vital city center footfall.” The motion has also asked the council to take into account that many city center retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses are facing business challenges. It is now incumbent on the city center economy to take all necessary measures to encourage visitors to visit Glasgow. Councilor Kerr spoke ahead of the Thursday meeting, saying, “Glasgow’s SNP-led council must pull out all the stops to attract tourists to come to our city. My motion seeks to change this and ensure those coach operators bringing people to explore all that we have to offer have a suitable place to pick-up passengers and set-down after travelling a long way. Our city center businesses are struggling badly due to the global cost-of-living crisis and the after effects of the pandemic. They need a SNP council that is on their side and agreeing to seek a replacement area for operators would be a positive step in the right direction in supporting our economy.” The SNP administration was approached for comment ahead of the Thursday meeting. Read Also: Montana: The Unique Treasure Trove Of The United States Maldives And Bora Bora Among Top 10 Tourists Spots In The World A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence