Why one of Taiwan's best teas is grown 1,000 meters above sea level
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Entrepreneur
2 hours ago
- Entrepreneur
Tourism Set to Fuel 11% of Global Economy by 2034
A new World Economic Forum report, in collaboration with Kearney and the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, predicts a significant uptick in tourist trips across the globe You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The World Economic Forum has published a new report forecasting that the travel and tourism industry is projected to serve 30 billion tourist trips by 2034. Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth, produced in collaboration with Kearney and the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, reveals a projected US$16 trillion contribution to global gross domestic product (GDP) by the same year—representing more than 11% of the total world economy, according to estimates by the World Travel & Tourism Council. The report also found that the sector is expanding 1.5 times faster than the global economy, generating significant commercial opportunities as long as the mounting challenges of climate change, labour shortages and infrastructure gaps are addressed. Asia is on track to become the world's fastest-growing tourism economy, with the direct travel and tourism GDP contribution expected to exceed 7% across the region by 2034. Notably, India and China alone will represent more than 25% of all outbound international travel by 2030. Countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are also poised for significant growth, driven by substantial investment in their tourism sectors. This momentum is leading to a rise in international arrivals, increased tourism-related business activity and greater global visibility. Equally, high-growth segments like sports tourism, projected to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032, and ecotourism which is growing at 14% CAGR, are redefining travel priorities. The global travel technology market, worth $10.5 billion in 2024, is set to nearly double by 2033, as 91% of industry tech leaders anticipate aggressive investment increases. To support this boom, the industry will need to expand significantly—requiring an estimated 7 million new hotel rooms, 15 million additional flights annually and investment in infrastructure capable of supporting 30 billion trips globally. However, the report also flags significant risks. Travel and tourism currently accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that without intervention could rise to 15% by 2034. Waste generated by tourists is expected to reach 205 million tons annually, equivalent to 7% of the world's solid waste. At the same time, workforce shortages are escalating. The UK alone saw 53% turnover in 2022–2023, while the US hospitality industry continues to lag in hiring despite 16%-above-inflation wage increases. Without decisive, coordinated action, the sector could face up to $6 trillion in lost revenue by 2030 from future disruptions, missing its potential to become a true driver of resilience, inclusion and regeneration. "As global travel accelerates, we are standing at a pivotal crossroads," Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, said. "The sector's potential to drive inclusive prosperity, cultural understanding and environmental regeneration is immense—but realizing this opportunity will require more than incremental change. It calls for a bold reimagining of the systems that underpin travel and tourism, anchored in multistakeholder collaboration. From aligning on sustainable fuel standards to empowering local communities in tourism planning, the time has come to redesign the rules to create a sector that works better for people and the planet. This report offers a blueprint to guide that transformation and unlock tourism's full promise in a rapidly evolving world." On his part, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: "This report cements a global truth: tourism is not just a siloed, standalone industry—it is an engine for economic growth, cultural understanding, and international cooperation that influences all aspects of the world's experience-driven economy. As the sector expands, the global community must lead with purpose—reimagining tourism to be more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. In Saudi Arabia, we're investing in regenerative destinations, future-ready infrastructure, and talent development—not only to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030, but to help shape and support the future of global tourism. The story being written about tourism of the future is one of transformation, and we invite the world to be part of it." "Tourism is a powerful driver of jobs, culture and economic growth around the world," Bob Willen, Managing Partner and Chairman at Kearney, added. "As the industry grows to meet the needs of billions more travellers, it also needs to evolve. That means using technology responsibly, supporting workers and small businesses, protecting the planet, and making sure local communities truly benefit. The principles in our report lay out a practical path forward from investing in greener infrastructure and building a more inclusive workforce, to preserving cultural heritage and planning for future crises. It's about creating a travel and tourism sector that's not just bigger, but works in everyone's interests."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
US teen influencer detained in Antarctica while attempting solo flight to 7 continents
A teenage pilot, who is attempting to fly all seven continents solo, hit a patch of rough air this weekend when Chilean authorities detained him for changing his flight plan without their permission and landing in Antarctica. Chilean prosecutors say American influencer Ethan Guo, 19, broke 'multiple national and international regulations' by changing his flight plans without prior notice, landing on a part of Antarctica where the South American country maintains a territorial claim. CNN requested a comment from Guo, whose lawyer on Sunday said the young pilot had experienced 'complications' while flying. Guo, whose website states he is trying to raise $1 million for cancer research by becoming 'the first person ever to fly to all seven continents solo,' has broadcast his continent-hopping journey since last September to more than a million Instagram followers. His last post, on June 23, documents a flight over the Philippines. Chilean authorities say that on Saturday, Guo submitted a false flight plan and took off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas as the sole passenger and crew member aboard a Cessna 182Q aircraft, registered as N182WT. At one point during that flight, authorities say he turned off course toward Antarctica. 'The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas,' said Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica. 'However, he continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorization, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory. With this behavior, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region,' the prosecutor added. Cristoso explained that as soon as Guo landed in Antarctica, he was detained and formally charged. 'The accused not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also multiple national and international regulations regarding routes to Antarctica and access to the white continent,' emphasized Crisosto. On Sunday, his lawyer told reporters at a press conference after Guo was charged that the young pilot experienced 'complications' while flying. 'While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications,' Karina Ulloa said, adding that Guo claims 'that he was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.' CNN requested a comment from Ulloa on Tuesday. The Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Prosecutor's Office determined on Sunday that the teen must remain in the Chilean sector of the frozen continent until authorities give him permission to return to the city of Punta Arenas. The Chilean court decreed a 90-day investigation period for this case, during which time Guo must remain in Chile.
CNN
3 hours ago
- CNN
Chinese aircraft carrier and naval fleet in Hong Kong for five-day visit
China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, and its three escort vessels are visiting Hong Kong from July 3 to 7, offering public tours for the first time to the city's residents. CNN's Ivan Watson breaks down how China's largest military ship fits into its growing navy.
