Tourism consulting provided by Post Office Travel Money confirms that a significant proportion of packaged holiday travelers are now seeking experiences beyond their respective resorts. Earlier customers expected that all travel aspects be taken care of by the tour operator or the resort itself. But now, customers are stepping out especially on long haul tours. The off-resort spending has increased by 44% in just one year. This trend is particularly strong in Europe. Food is the top category with nearly four-fifths of travelers eating out at least one meal in a day outside the confines of the package.

Source: https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/all-inclusive-holidaymakers-increase-spend-off-resort-5431

Tourism operators in Malta have applied for the eco-tax collection to be delayed till up to November as plans have already been put in place for the upcoming months. This sudden charge means that pre-booked customers cannot now be charged as they have already been committed something else. Thus the tax will need to be borne by the operators themselves. Many home-stays are run here by families which will now seek to leave the arrangement as they do not gain much in this arrangement. Tourism consulting provided by FATTA clearly states that language learners and amongst the major segment of population which visit during this time and it will be a burden on the student population as well.

Source: http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2016-05-30/local-news/Tourism-operators-file-for-warrant-of-prohibitory-injunction-against-government-on-new-Eco-Tax-6736158632

The travel and tourism industry is undergoing a lot of change. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that there will be a total of around 347 million travel jobs over the next decade. Also by 2018, the industry would be worth nearly 11 trillion US dollars globally. Even in under-developed markets such as sub-Saharan Africa, tourism is a major component of the local economy. At present, tourism stands tall alongside petroleum and nutrition products as the size of the industry. While discounted rates continue to lure tourists, a significant proportion of world traveler population has now become demanding and want travel packages aligned to their tastes and preferences.

Source: http://africabusiness.com/2016/05/10/key-trends-of-lucrative-tourism-industry/

The Mekong Tourism Forum will be hosted in July this year in the south of Cambodia. The keynote session to the forum is set to discuss some major tourism trends that will be key this year. It is well understood that present day travelers seek very different experiences to traditional tourism. Instead of well set tour packages, they seek diversity and wish to merge with the local environment during travels. Such travelers do not wish to hard the environment in any way due to their tourist activities. In fact, tourism consulting provided by Expedia clearly confirms that three-fourths of baby boomers and three-fifths of Generation X-ers want to immerse in the local culture during their travels.

Source:  http://www.4hoteliers.com/news/story/15900

Singapore and China have emerged as the two largest growth source markets for inbound tourist arrivals to Japan. Tourism consulting giant Trip Advisor conducted a study on inbound tourism. As per statistics compiled, China recorded a 130 percent growth followed by Singapore and Indonesia with thirty and thirty seven percent increase respectively. Off beat destinations in Japan are also witnessing tourism arrivals. Some of those destinations are Kanazawa on Honshu famed for cultural attractions, Ishigaki in the Okinawa Prefecture known for its outdoor activities and Takayama in central Japan famous for sights and landmarks.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/interest-in-travel-to-japan-increases-with-37-per-cent-rise-from-singapore

Statistics provided by tourism consulting giant the World Tourism Organization (WTO) confirms that the country of Mexico has registered a growth in inbound tourist arrival numbers by 9.5 percent. The growth has been nearly eleven percent to similar data collected last year at this time. USA remains the largest single source of inbound tourists. Also seven hundred and fifty cruise ships were recorded to enter Mexico’s waters up two percent from last year. In particular, the Pacific region is doing best in this sub-category.

Source: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/mexico/world-tourism-organization-releases-latest-mexico-travel-stats-56564

Economics, affluence, proximity to major markets, natural capital and human made creations happen to be the best magnets to attract large number of inbound tourists to any country. A prominent tourism consulting provider has listed down the ten countries where maximum foreign tourists visit. The list starts with Thailand on tenth spot. Russia comes ninth. The UK, Germany and Turkey occupy the next three spots. At number five is Italy. Not surprisingly, China has made its mark in this industry too, now on fourth spot. Spain takes up the bronze position. The USA is the runner-up in this list. Right on top for yet another year is France.

Source:  http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-most-visited-countries-in-the-world.html