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 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 Dec 14, 2023

Also known as the Oscars of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards Ceremony was hosted in Dubai, UAE on December 1st. At the event, the Philippines secured four major global recognitions. It also managed to retain its 2022 titles as the World's Leading Dive Destination and Beach Destination. For the first time, Manila has won the Leading City Destination and also received the Global Tourism Resilience Award. They aim to recognize Manila's “global leadership, pioneering vision and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity,” reported The Manila Times. The Philippines is reportedly one of only five countries and destinations in the world suggested for the inaugural award. According to World Travel Awards, the winners will be serving as benchmarks for implementing the best practices in tourism resilience. The additional global winners from the Phillipines for this year include Amanpulo, which has been honored as the World's Leading Dive Resort, and City of Dreams Manila which has been recognized as the Worlds Leading Fully Integrated Resort. In September the Philippines along with various resorts and hotels received top honors in the Asia Category of the 2023 World Travel Awards. The achievements were celebrated by the Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco who has highlighted the contributions of tourism to the country's economy. She said, “These accolades are as much a source of Filipino pride as they are a testament to the enormous contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy and global standing." Learn More About: Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Chinese And US Presidents Have Come To A Common Ground Regarding Tourism Facilitation!