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STA CEO, Marc Crothall MBE, is in The Herald today, highlighting the potential impact the visitor levy scheme could have on Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry and urging councils to think carefully before introducing the charge in their area: “Whilst tourism charges are routinely applied in many parts of the world, councils must carefully consider the destination’s price competitiveness. There is a price tipping point for every customer, even the high-spending US market. Quality of experience and value for money go hand in hand. With destinations around the world becoming more attractive, accessible, and affordable, electing to add more cost onto a visitor’s bill carries substantial risk. Scotland and the UK are already a heavily taxed visitor destination.” Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/efHEmbNn

U.S. Tourism Heats Up This Fall and Winter: Why Jamaica Stands Out As fall and winter approach, the U.S. tourism market is buzzing with fierce competition. With global destinations pulling out all the stops, expanded airline routes, and economic pressures at play, travelers have a world of choices—but some spots shine brighter than others. Global Choices, Intense Competition American travelers are spoilt for choice, from Europe’s historic charm to Southeast Asia’s tropical escapes to Jamaica's numerous festivals. To compete, U.S. and Caribbean destinations must offer more than just good deals—they need to deliver unique, unforgettable experiences that rival these global hotspots. Airline Capacity: More Routes, Fewer Seats Airlines have expanded routes to meet pent-up demand, but a shortage of aircraft has limited capacity. Fewer seats mean higher competition and prices, so travelers need to book early and be flexible to snag the best deals. This also puts pressure on destinations to be top-of-mind as travelers weigh their options. Why Jamaica Shines In this competitive mix, Jamaica stands out. With excellent air connectivity—frequent flights from major U.S. cities—and a well-developed tourism industry, Jamaica offers both accessibility and high-quality experiences. Its mature service levels, from luxury resorts to warm hospitality, make it an easy choice for travelers seeking a stress-free, satisfying getaway. The Economic Factor: Value is King With inflation squeezing wallets, travelers are more price-conscious than ever. Jamaica’s accommodation options offer unbeatable value, making it a smart choice for those looking to stretch their vacation dollars without sacrificing quality. Looking Ahead This season, U.S. travelers face a competitive landscape with endless options. But with its convenient flights, outstanding service, and great value, Jamaica is a destination that promises more than just a getaway—it promises an experience. Whether you’re a traveler or in the tourism industry, staying ahead means recognizing the stars in this vibrant travel landscape. And Jamaica? It’s one of the brightest. #travel #Tourism #Leadership #Airlines

Tourism Northern Ireland is supporting more than 100 local industry in Derry today at a high profile workshop event. Held in partnership with the ITOA Inbound Tourism Operators Association Ireland, the gathering brings local tourism businesses together with Ireland’s largest and leading tour operators, handling agents and Destination Marketing Companies (DMCs). Members of ITOA, which is the representative association of Ireland’s premier inbound tour operators, package and promote all aspects of the Irish tourism product and sell to leisure and business through the global travel trade distribution channel. At the Everglades Hotel today, 110 Northern Ireland industry had the opportunity to sell their visitor products and experiences to almost 60 individual ITOA members during one-to-one meetings. In 2023, ITOA members delivered 734,000 overseas holiday and business tourism visitors to the island of Ireland. Tourists handled by ITOA members spent €622.7 million holidaying in Ireland in 2023. The continued collaboration between Tourism Northern Ireland and ITOA has significantly raised awareness of the region’s offerings and fostered lasting business relationships. Nikki Paterson, Business Solutions Manager at Tourism Northern Ireland, said the annual workshop is "incredibly important" for the NI industry.

Kiwis on the ground in New York celebrating record United States visitors to Aotearoa A flock of 25 Kiwi tourism operators has landed in the United States showcasing the best experiences of both Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Queenstown and encouraging more travellers to enjoy the majestic landscapes and rich cultural experiences of Aotearoa. The trip follows the strongest ever December-January summer period for US visitor arrivals into New Zealand, up 4 percent on the pre-pandemic high of 2019-2020, and up 31 percent on the 2022-2023 December to January period. Annie Dundas, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Destination, is travelling with the group and says: “It’s clear that demand for New Zealand is very high, and that airline capacity and frequency - particularly the direct flight from New York - is a game changer for many. In Queenstown our tourism operators are committed to sustainable practices to ensure travelers tread lightly, leaving the least impact on our environment as possible,” said Mat Woods Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown Inc. Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker said air connectivity options between North America and New Zealand have never been better, with more airlines flying more direct routes into Auckland. “We have Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, and United Airlines flying non-stop to Auckland from eight North American cities during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Auckland Airport Chris Simpson Carrie Hurihanganui Rene de Monchy Mark Pickering Patricia O'Callaghan Nigel Hobbs Fiona Doyle Linda McIntosh Accor AccorHotels New Zealand Explore Group Fullers360 Sudima Hotels Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA Toni Davis (Tapuika) Rich Kerr Hanna Anstiss Stephen Ecclestone Jenny Simpson Iona Bruce #nztourism #tourismindustry #hotelindustry #hotelowners #hoteldevelopment #hoteloperations #hotelbusiness #hotelrevenue #hotelbookings #hospitaityindustry #hotelinvestment #hotelmarketing #tourismnews

Brought to you by KLEBER GROUP, TLN’s member agency in Germany, the latest edition of The DACH Tourism Insider is packed with updates regarding travel and tourism across Europe. 🔍 Inside this issue: • Expedia’s Growth in Cruise & B2B Markets: A roadmap for expansion, including plans to bring cruise sales to Germany. • Sustainable Tourism: Dertour Group’s new eco-label and the growing demand for greener travel options. • Gen Z Travel in Germany: Flexibility, digital influence, and quick, eco-friendly European trips. • AI in Travel Marketing: Meet ‘Emma,’ Germany’s first AI influencer changing how travellers interact with destinations. • Solo Travel & Dining Trends: A significant rise in solo adventures and dining in Germany. • Swiss Tourist Insights: High purchasing power meets environmental consciousness, making Swiss travellers a valuable market. This issue offers a comprehensive look at the region, from consumer behaviour to sustainability, AI, and rail travel overtaking business flights. Read The DACH Tourism Insider below. #TLN #TravelLifestyleNetwork #KLEBERGroup #TheDACHTourismInsider #TravelTrends #GermanyTourism #SoloTravel #SwissTourism #HospitalityInsights

Strong local support for cruise tourism on Bornholm, Denmark👏   A recent survey highlights that residents of Bornholm greatly support cruise tourism, seeing it as a valuable boost to the island’s economy and appeal.   With 55 calls to Port of Roenne A/S and over 60 calls in total for Bornholm this season, local businesses like shops, cafés, and attractions benefited from the increased activity, while cruise guests contributed to Bornholm’s reputation as an attractive, year-round destination ❄️🌱☀️🍂   “𝘛𝘩𝘦 2024 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮. 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮 𝘢𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯,” says Jeppe la Cour, Commercial Director at Port of Roenne A/S. Destination Bornholm also welcomes the strong support for cruise tourism on Bornholm. “𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺. 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭, 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘮'𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺,” says Gitte Tvilling, CEO of Destination Bornholm.   🔎The survey was conducted by Opinion & The Other One with a total of 302 interviews. #uncoveroursecrets #yearroundtourism #localsupport

Over 280,000 visitors flock to Sikkim this yearTravel Biz Monitor 29-Apr-2024 Sikkim is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. According to official data released by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim has welcomed an astonishing 290,401 tourists in the first quarter of the year, up to March 31, 2024. Among these, 256,537 were domestic tourists, while 30,864 arrived from foreign countries. This surge in tourism signals a promising revival for Sikkim’s hospitality sector, which suffered a severe blow from the devastating Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023. The calamity, particularly impacting the northern part of the state, resulted in the loss of 43 lives, with over 70 individuals still reported missing. Consequently, the tourist influx during the second tourist season experienced a significant decline. However, with the current early trend indicating a robust recovery, Sikkim is poised to reclaim its status as a premier tourist destination. Behind this resurgence lies a dedicated workforce of over 250,000 to 300,000 individuals directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. This includes hoteliers, tour operators, taxi drivers, guides, and numerous other stakeholders who serve as the backbone of Sikkim’s tourism sector. The economic impact of tourism on the state is significant, with the industry estimated to have generated over 500 crores in revenue before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. As tourist numbers continue to rise, this figure is expected to witness a substantial increase, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. Looking at the infrastructure supporting this tourism boom, Sikkim boasts a robust network of 1,725 travel agencies and accommodations offering a total of 38,208 beds to accommodate the influx of visitors. The transportation sector, a vital component of the tourism machinery, comprises 2,206 registered luxury vehicles alongside 6,200 normal taxis and 12,232 smaller cabs. Additionally, there are guides and other minor bed and breakfast establishments collectively contributing to the seamless facilitation of tourist activities across the state. A glance at historical data reveals a steady upward trajectory in tourist arrivals over the past decade. From a modest figure of 576,749 visitors in 2013, the numbers have witnessed a remarkable surge, reaching a peak of 1,625,573 in 2023. The year 2024, with its promising start, is on track to surpass previous records, with projections indicating a potential milestone of 1.2 million tourists by year-end if the current growth rate persists. Courtesy/Source: Travel Biz Monitor

We are pleased to announce that MAG (Airports Group) CEO, Ken O'Toole, has been appointed to the Government's new Visitor Economy Advisory Council. The Council will bring together Government and travel industry representatives, with the aim of growing the UK's inbound tourism sector, particularly focusing on regions outside of London. Mr O'Toole said: “Aviation plays a fundamental role in facilitating tourism, giving millions of people access to all the UK has to offer. Key to increasing the number of people who visit the UK is the introduction of new routes to and from UK airports, which open up new travel opportunities for passengers around the world." Read more: https://bit.ly/3EeDDDX

PUNTA CANA, D.R. – Reef Jet, a renowned air operator committed to excellence and adherence to the highest international standards, is pleased to announce the start of its operations for the 2025 winter season. This year, the company unveils an exciting schedule featuring flights and excursions designed to offer unforgettable experiences and strengthen connectivity across the Caribbean. Among the highlights, Reef Jet will launch weekly excursions to Bahía de las Águilas, a destination recognized as one of the most paradisiacal spots in the Dominican Republic. Every Thursday, travelers from Punta Cana will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day exploring this natural gem, combining breathtaking landscapes with the exceptional service that defines the airline. Additionally, the airline invites its customers to experience the whale-watching season, available from January 16 to March 31. This program includes two options: a full-day excursion every Wednesday and a half-day option every Friday. Both are designed to provide a unique and unforgettable experience, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. To further enhance national connectivity, Reef Jet will resume its popular Punta Cana-Santiago route, with weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays. These services allow passengers to enjoy a flight time of just 50 minutes, optimizing travel and strengthening ties between these two key cities in the country. “At Reef Jet, we are committed to providing high-quality, punctual service, as well as creating experiences that connect with the best of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. The 2025 winter season presents an exciting opportunity to continue promoting domestic tourism and strengthen our position as a reliable and dedicated operator,” stated Geraint María Barrot, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer. With this proposal, the airline remains true to its mission of offering unparalleled experiences, contributing to the growth and development of the national tourism sector.

Cruise Industry Hub: Port of Miami's Role in Global Tourism The Port of Miami stands as a pivotal gateway for the global cruise industry, attracting millions of travelers each year. Renowned as the""Cruise Capital of the World"" it serves as the departure point for numerous luxury cruise lines, connecting tourists to breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. Theport's strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities enhance the travel experience, ensuring seamless embarkation and disembarkation processes. The economic impact on local businesses is significant, as tourism stimulates job creation and fosters growth in related industries. As global tourism continues to evolve, the Port of Miami remains integral to shaping the future of cruise travel. ⚓🌍 #CruiseIndustry #PortOfMiami #GlobalTourism #Travel #EconomicImpact https://lnkd.in/eUNby2N9