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Skift
05-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
India International Visitor Spending Hits Record High
STR reported China hotel data for the week ended May 31st. China hotel RevPAR fell 13% year-over-year, up against a tough comp of a 2% increase in the year-ago week. The decline was split somewhat evenly, with occupancy down 6.4% and ADR down 7%. The World Travel & Tourism Council said international visitor spending in India jumped to an all-time high of US$36.8 billion in 2024, up 9% over the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. India welcomes 20 million foreign tourists in 2024, surpassing 2019 figures by 2.3 million. They are projecting increases in 2025 off the record performance bolstered by increasing air connectivity, digital visa systems, and rising global interest in India's heritage and natural assets. Domestic tourism generated US$185.6 billion in 2024, up 22% from 2019 levels. The WTTC also expects that to rise in 2025, driven by younger demographics, increased disposable incomes, and a stronger post-pandemic preference for local exploration. The report indicated domestic tourists contributed nearly 84% of the total visitor spending in 2024. India's total travel and tourism GDP contribution in 2024 stood at US$249.3 billion, up 20% over 2019, about 6.6% of the national economy. Japan welcomed more than 3.9 million foreign visitors in April 2025, driven by U.S. demand and major cultural events. That is a new record, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, and up 28.5% from April 2024. Arrivals from the United States were up 43% year-over-year, with visitors from the U.S. already topping one million in the first four months of the year. Thailand's government is on a full-court press to try to offset the negative perception and reception to their casino entertainment complexes plan. The expectation had been a quick passage so they could get them open before MGM opens their massive IR in Osaka, Japan. That has all changed. The government's press conference on the matter laid out plans for passage of the bill in 2026 (originally expected very early 2025), looking like fewer properties than before with higher budgets, opening in 2030-2031, right around the time MGM is expected to open in Japan. It also seems like they are changing their tune on the locals being allowed to gamble as the previous, very unpopular by the industry, plan to only have those with a lot of money in the bank to be allowed to gamble changed to only those on a negative list, such as self-exclusion or family exclusion being unable to enter the casino. Those areas without casinos will be viewed as potential for entertainment facilities like stadiums and cruise/yacht terminals. Next month is when lawmakers will start debating the bill, and there is still the Senate study, which is looking like it will have a negative bias, so this is definitely still not a sure thing. Hilton Tokyo announced it will redo its ballroom as part of a multi-million dollar phased renovation of event spaces to meet the growing demand from international and domestic markets. The remodel will transform the Shinjuku property's entire fourth floor, comprising a total floor space of 1,422 square meters, to create modern, tech-ready areas for flexible event experiences. This follows the completion of renovations on the third floor last year, which added 200 square meters of meeting space to the existing 1,000 square meters. This latest phase is due to be completed in October. The Kiku Ballroom will be remodeled to allow for partitioning into four sections. The hotel has 830 guest rooms and is known as a premier destination for events. IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its hotel management portfolio in Vietnam by signing an agreement with Nha Trang Bay JSC, a member of the GreenSpark Group. IHG will manage the voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG, opening around the end of this year. The 250-unit property will have 28 floors, located less than an hour's drive from Cam Ranh International Airport. Amenities will include a swimming pool, restaurant, bars, and meeting facilities, and will be IHG's fourth hotel in the region. They have 20 hotels across eight brands scattered across the country. Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International's debut property in Malaysia, held its grand opening on May 29th. The hotel unveiled one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Melaka, further enhancing the city's appeal as a regional MICE destination. The 296-room hotel is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City. Pontiac Land Group, developer and owner of Capella Sydney, is looking for more mixed-use projects in Australia. Pontiac said they were attracted to the NSW capital due to high government spending on infrastructure, such as the metro, Australia's biggest public transport project. The 192-room Capella Sydney was opened two years ago. City Developments Ltd. agreed to sell its 50.1% stake in the South Beach mixed project in Singapore to its Malaysian partner, IOI Properties Group, for about S$834.2 million. The deal values the complex at S$2.75 billion, including the S$1.16 billion in liabilities. The project in Singapore's CBD includes retail space, a 34-story office tower, and a 45-story building housing JW Marriott Hotel Singapore. Far East Orchard Ltd. announced the termination of its joint venture agreement with Real Hospitality Group Asia Co. Ltd. The JV had been formed to establish a hospitality management business in China, but Far East said the JV had been unable to find suitable opportunities, so it was terminated. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Eastern India with the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Ranchi Bariatu Road, marking the brand's debut in the capital of Jharkhand. The hotel is located in the premium Rameshwaram Colony on Bariatu Road and was developed by Shakambari Builders Private Limited. It has 66 rooms and a full range of modern amenities, designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers.
Travel Daily News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
ETC: Value-for-money and off-peak travel drive demand
European tourism grew 4.9% in early 2025, driven by value-focused, off-peak travel despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, according to 'European Tourism: Trends & Prospects' report for Q1 from ETC. BRUSSELS – European tourism maintained strong momentum into early 2025, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. The latest 'European Tourism: Trends & Prospects' report for Q1 from the European Travel Commission (ETC) shows that international tourist arrivals increased by 4.9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with nights up 2.2%. Following a robust 2024 – when arrivals exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 6.2% and nights by 6.4% – the sector has continued to capitalise on shifting traveller behaviours. Demand for value-for-money destinations and off-peak travel remains strong, reflecting ongoing price sensitivity among travellers. While performance so far in 2025 has been stable, the economic outlook has become more uncertain. Rising prices, persistent geopolitical tensions, and the introduction of new US tariffs are expected to influence traveller sentiment and spending habits as the year progresses. Looking at travel expenditure, the latest estimate for 2025 suggests that travellers are expected to spend around 14% more across Europe than in 2024. With spending growth projected to outpace the increase in arrivals, this may reflect a higher average spend per visit. Commenting on the report, ETC President Miguel Sanz said: 'Europe's tourism sector continues to show extraordinary resilience, and the latest data highlights how European tourism is responding to shifting traveller priorities. We are seeing strong interest in value-for-money destinations and a growing demand for travel outside the traditional peak season. These trends reflect cost-consciousness, but also a broader desire for more balanced and authentic travel experiences. As uncertainty grows globally, Europe's ability to offer diversity, connectivity, and dependable quality puts the region in a strong position to remain a preferred destination worldwide.' Winter destinations boost early-year performance Winter tourism hubs performed strongly in early 2025, with year-on-year increases in arrivals to destinations such as Slovakia (+14.3%) and Norway (+13.2%). Notably, Norway has also attracted some longer stays over the winter season – overnights were 15.3% above 2024 and over a third higher than in 2019. Italy's reputation as a value-for-money ski destination may have also helped sustain momentum during the winter months, seeing a greater increase in overnights (+8%) compared to some other alpine markets, including Austria (-3.5%) and Switzerland (+4.5%). Eastern Europe rebounds amid improved confidence and connectivity Central and Eastern European destinations continued their recovery from the slower performance of recent years. Destination countries which have seen prolonged recovery due to their perceived proximity to the war in Ukraine, such as Poland (+16.2%), Latvia (+27.8%), and Hungary (+18.2%), have demonstrated a rebound in arrivals on Q1 2024, albeit from a more subdued level. Romania (+11.7%) and Bulgaria (+1.4%) also benefited from their accession to the Schengen Area in January, which has begun to facilitate smoother cross-border movement and renewed visitor interest. Mediterranean destinations thrive on off-season demand Southern Europe remained a major draw in Q1, as demand for warmer winter temperatures from some Northern and Western European source markets supported travel activity across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Spain welcomed over 10 million foreign arrivals in just two months – up nearly 2 million compared to 2019. Other Mediterranean destinations saw strong year-on-year growth in arrivals, including Cyprus (+15.4%) and Malta (+12.6%), albeit on a small base. This trend has been supported by rising interest in travel outside peak summer months and increased air capacity for Malta. This might reflect the trend of 'cool-cations', as travellers increasingly seek to avoid the warmest months. At the same time, it highlights how destinations successfully diversify their tourism offerings to strengthen the industry during off-peak periods. Value for money a key consideration As costs for tourism-related services remain well above pre-pandemic levels, travellers are placing greater emphasis on affordability. Most categories have recorded notable year-on-year price increases since the same period in 2024. In particular, domestic and international package holidays have seen the steepest rises, up 12% and 10% respectively compared to last year. This potentially supports shorter stays, alongside greater demand for more affordable destinations. With value-for-money considerations shaping destination choices, some countries like Romania have benefited, with an increase in arrivals. Meanwhile, destinations perceived as more expensive, including Iceland (-5.7%) and Monaco (0.8%) have stagnated or declined compared to the same period in 2024. Uncertain transatlantic outlook as new US tariffs may cloud demand Newly announced US trade tariffs have added heightened uncertainty to transatlantic travel, with Europe bracing for a potential dip in American visitors this year. Although Europe remains a leading long-haul destination, fluctuations in the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate and rising travel costs may soften US demand. This decline matters as the US accounted for 9% of global travel pre-pandemic, and last year, Americans made up over a third of Europe's long-haul arrivals. Despite these headwinds, US travel to Europe continues to perform well in early 2025, with over 80% of reporting destinations recording year-on-year growth in Q1. Some offsetting effects may also emerge, including a shift away from travel to the US – particularly from China – and an increase in short-haul travel within Europe, as more travellers choose to stay within the region amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Page 1 / 1 Zoom 100%
