Skift Take New data shows that experiences are the leading factor when choosing a destination. Jesse Chase-Lubitz The latest consumer spending data from GetYourGuide reveals a surge in demand for unique travel experiences and activities that align with personal passions. The report analyzes booking data from millions of travelers and highlights a significant shift … [Read more...]
Weak Yen Drives Japan’s Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals
Skift Take The depreciation of the Japanese yen against major currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, has played a pivotal role in driving unprecedented levels of tourist arrivals to Japan. Peden Doma Bhutia Japan’s tourist arrivals soared to a record-breaking high last month, with over 3 million visitors exploring the country, as reported by the Japan National … [Read more...]
California’s ‘Ultimate Playground’ Campaign
Skift Take Today's podcast looks at Visit California's new campaign, Certares' new acquisition, and Chinese travelers' favorite destinations. Rashaad Jorden Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, April 17. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Listen Now 🎧 … [Read more...]
Indian Tourism Industry to Generate $24 Billion in 2024 – India Report
Skift Take Travel and tourism industry accounted for around 6% of India's GDP in 2022. The country has therefore been focusing on boosting tourism. Bulbul Dhawan The travel and tourism industry in India is projected to generate revenue of nearly $24 billion in 2024, according to industry promotions body India Brand Equity Foundation. At an estimated annual growth … [Read more...]
Citi, Chase Will Cover Steeper Global Entry Fees for Premium Cardholders
Skift Take Citi and Chase plan to chase the rising Global Entry fees, allowing cardholders to still access Global Entry. Elizabeth Casolo Starting October 1, 2024, Citi and Chase will cover higher Global Entry fees for certain cardholders. The news comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decided to drive up Global Entry fees by 20% — from $100 from … [Read more...]
Certares to Fuel FTI Tech Overhaul with Takeover, $130 Million Investment
Skift Take A leading travel and tourism investment firm acquires the third-largest tour operator in Europe. Jesse Chase-Lubitz Certares, a leading travel and tourism investment firm acquired FTI Group, the third-largest tour operator in Europe. This deal ends a restructuring begun in September to strengthen FTI’s finances. The consortium will own all of the … [Read more...]
California’s Tourism Boss Deploys New Campaign and Celebs to Fill Tourism Hole
California recently branded itself as the “Ultimate Playground.” That was a pivot away from “Dream Big,” the branding it used for over a decade. Visit California, the state’s destination marketing organization, pivoted after consumer research found that the state’s image had suffered from extensive media coverage of the state’s wildfires. Visit California CEO and President … [Read more...]
Chinese Tourists Continue Love Affair With Iceland, Kazakhstan is New Favorite
Skift Take Think Iceland was an unexpected favorite for Chinese tourists, what would you say about Kazakhstan? Peden Doma Bhutia Kazakhstan and Iceland have emerged as favored destinations among Chinese tourists, while Thailand continues to struggle with perceptions of safety, according to Dragon Trail International’s latest Chinese consumer sentiment … [Read more...]
Maldives Tries to Win Back Indian Tourists As Arrivals Fall 40%
Skift Take While Maldives enjoys record-breaking arrivals, its tourism companies aren't about to let the Indian market keep falling. They're on a mission to reverse the trend. Peden Doma Bhutia The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is determined to increase Indian arrivals to the island destination and is taking steps to achieve … [Read more...]
British Airways Expands ‘£1 Fare’ Option to all Flights
Skift Take Loyalty programs are huge business for many airlines, with fierce competition for well-heeled frequent fliers. BA will be hoping these changes make its Avios scheme more attractive to existing and future customers. Gordon Smith British Airways has announced a big change to redemptions in its loyalty program. The airline is making every flight available to … [Read more...]
Wisconsin Tourism Taps Into Top Chef With Its First National Cable TV Ad
Skift Take Forget stereotypes about cheese and beer. Wisconsin believes that hosting Top Chef will translate into highlight the state's culinary offerings and boost tourism to the state. Dawit Habtemariam Wisconsin has been trying to lure tourists with more than just cheese and beer in a national cable ad — the state’s first — that plays off the reality show Top … [Read more...]
Ask Skift: What Are Summer Travel Trends for 2024?
Skift Take As a monster summer travel season is a rapidly approaching, here are some trends worth noting as the industry continues its recovery from the pandemic. Rashaad Jorden Travel brands are busy preparing for the upcoming summer season, and travel demand is xpected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. What are the major trends for this summer? We put the … [Read more...]
Destination Canada CEO Bets on New Promotion Fund, World Cup 2026
The U.S., Britain, and other Western destinations are still waiting for Chinese group tours to return to their pre-pandemic levels. Canada, however, has been adapting to the continued absence of Chinese groups. The country has sought other sources of tourism growth, such as through its new fund to attract business events and its plans to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “There are some … [Read more...]
Detroit Jumps on NFL Draft Buzz with New Tourism Campaign
Skift Take Detroit is taking advantage of the NFL Draft to say it's a great place for tourism. Dawit Habtemariam As excitement builds for the NFL Draft, Detroit is trying to entice football fans to get off the couch to explore the city. Detroit is hosting the 2024 NFL Draft from April 25 to 27. Pure Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Visit … [Read more...]
Tying the Knot Abroad: Market Sizing Indian Wedding Tourism – New Skift Research
Skift Take Alongside the Indian travel boom is a growing international Indian wedding market, with lucrative opportunities across the tourism ecosystem. Varsha Arora, Skift Skift Research’s latest report, “Tying the Knot Abroad: Market Sizing Indian Wedding Tourism,” presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s international wedding market. It highlights key trends, … [Read more...]
Brazil Delays Visa Requirement for American Tourists Until 2025
Skift Take Brazil keeps pushing back its visa requirement for tourists from Australia, U.S. and Canada. Given the value of these markets to Brazil, maybe it should scrap the requirement altogether. Dawit Habtemariam Brazil postponed reinstating its visa requirements for tourists from Australia, Canada, and the U.S. until 2025, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da … [Read more...]
China’s Outbound Tourism is Changing, Female Travelers Are Leading the Way
Skift Take The evolving demographics of Chinese outbound travel shows a jump in younger female travelers. This shift will have important implications for how businesses approach their marketing strategies and the kind of products on offer. Peden Doma Bhutia A notable demographic shift, particularly among young upwardly mobile women, is driving the recent travel … [Read more...]
Goa Gives Boost to Sports Tourism – India Report
Skift Take Goa's focus on sports tourism is aimed at creating a more sustainable model of tourism in the state. It has been upgrading its sports infrastructure to promote itself as a premier destination for sports. Bulbul Dhawan The Goa tourism department has partnered with the organizers of the Ironman 70.3 India race to promote sports tourism. According to Goa … [Read more...]
Boosting Revenue During Cultural Events: A New Era for Travel Marketing?
This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner. Is Taylor Swift the most important person in travel? Skift posed this question in a recent article, reporting that U.S. cities lucky enough to get a slot on Swift’s Eras Tour have seen monthly hotel room revenues up over 7 percent on average, according to analysts at Bernstein. Travel marketers know that popular … [Read more...]
Walt Disney World Unveils 2024 Experiences: Expect Droids
Skift Take Disney has released a new lineup of experiences at its flagship resort that could give anxious visitors, and rival competitors, a taste of its priorities as it plans to double its parks investment over the next decade. Jesse Chase-Lubitz Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is introducing a range of attractions and experiences for visitors in 2024 as … [Read more...]