Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Recognizing the significant increase in visitor numbers during the first half of the year, South African Tourism organized the second workshop of “Learn South Africa” 2023 in Pune with the goal of maintaining the travel momentum. The tourist board’s signature travel trade training session, “Learn SA,” aims to give travel agents the best resources to effectively market the destination in accordance with its plan to surpass pre-pandemic visitor statistics by the end of the year. The six-city training session, which ended in Delhi and Pune, will be followed by Kolkata, Kochi, Indore, and Jaipur in an effort to maintain the high travel momentum seen during the first half of 2023. Local events like “Learn SA” help the tourism board lay the groundwork for bringing trade partners into line with the board’s well-developed growth strategy and its goal of luring Indian tourists to the Rainbow Nation. The seminars serve as a beneficial forum for growing South African Tourism’s network of business partners by inviting and enticing a delegation of fresh faces. This immersive experience intends to strengthen our joint efforts to promote the variety of attractions and experiences that South Africa has to offer by providing them with the skills and resources they’ll need to effectively promote and represent the nation. India is currently South Africa’s sixth-largest foreign source market, and the country, in the opinion of the tourist board, has a vital part to play in the country’s thriving tourism industry. Over 111 business partners took part in the event in Pune. Additionally, more than 1,000 business partners from all around India are anticipated to attend this year’s “Learn SA” event. The 9th edition of “Learn SA” focuses on unusual activities, uncharted provinces, and undiscovered South African treasures. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Indian trade fraternity for being a part of this workshop and playing a crucial role in its success,” said Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South-East Asia, in response to ‘Learn South Africa’ 2023. Their passion, commitment, and desire to find out more about South Africa have not only improved this effort but also established the groundwork for enduring alliances that will develop over time. Through our combined efforts, we have seen a huge increase in Indian tourists this year, which confirms my conviction that this is just the beginning. By extending these initiatives to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the Indian market, we will be attempting to innovate and seek additional avenues of association. One of the major new source markets in India for South African tourism is Pune. The inclination for leisure and business travel from the nation has been rising, which has contributed to the burgeoning footfalls at The Rainbow Nation. The tourism board noted an 18% increase in business travelers from Pune between January and June 2023 compared to January to June 2022. Over 88% of travelers that entered the city from outside the country chose South Africa for their MICE and business travel plans. Due to its creative initiatives and year-round teamwork, South African tourism has seen an increase in visitors of over 80% from January through July 2023 when compared to the same period in the previous year. India is one of the top three key markets for the South African Tourism board globally, and it has a significant investment in the country as part of its long-term global strategy. Source- TRavel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/south-african-tourism-hosts-learn-sa-workshop-for-travel-trade-partners-in-pune/

Look forward to a number of innovative initiatives and partnerships that are going to shake up the hospitality industry when FHA-HoReCa, Asia’s most comprehensive and premier hospitality event, returns from 22–25 October 2024. A relationship with Foodservice Technology (FSTEC), the premier foodservice technology event in the world, as well as WorldChefs, which will host Singapore’s first-ever Global Chefs Challenge Finals, are among them. FHA-HoReCa pioneers relationships with industry experts on technology solutions and talent recognition across the best of the hotel and culinary scene to cover all bases in order to fulfill the growing demands of the hospitality and culinary industries. They are an integral component of FHA-HoReCa’s plans to advance both Singapore’s domestic and international hospitality industries by bringing the most cutting-edge options and solutions there. The FHA-HoReCa trade show is the largest international trade fair in Asia, showcasing five essential industries on a single platform: bakery, pastry & gelato; foodservice & hospitality equipment; hospitality style; hospitality technology; and specialty coffee. Over 40,000 catering and hotel industry experts travel from all over the world for this event. FSTEC Asia’s debut: “Where Hospitality and Technology Connect” The premier foodservice technology event in the world, FSTEC, is excited to announce its most recent collaboration with FHA-HoReCa for the launch of FSTEC Asia, its first edition. FSTEC Asia will be seamlessly integrated into the biannual FHA-HoReCa tradeshow, offering two full days of programming with expert speakers from all over the world from October 22–25, 2024, at the Singapore Expo, setting the stage for groundbreaking discussions and innovations at the intersection of hospitality and technology. The slogan for FSTEC Asia, “Where Hospitality and Tech Connect,” represents a strategic progression from the slogan for the US event, “Where Restaurants and Tech Connect,” and it reflects how the hospitality sector is changing while also incorporating a wider range of technology-driven opportunities and solutions. The conference will feature talks on all aspects of hospitality technology, including ordering and payment, loyalty programs, workforce management systems, AI, and robotics, according to Chris Keating, Head of FSTEC. There will be something there for both the huge, international restaurant chain and the developing concept, as well as for the vendors and systems integrators who will support operators in achieving their objectives. The flagship event for FSTEC Asia in the US, FSTEC, has grown significantly over the past three years, drawing over 800 executives from top restaurant firms looking for technical solutions to improve their operations. the inaugural Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge Finals in Singapore The first-ever Global Chefs Challenge Finals in Singapore will be held at the 2024 edition of FHA-HoReCa, which will be hosted by World Association of Chef Societies, also known as Worldchefs, a leading global organization that unites professional and delegates from around the world. The top 72 chefs from 25 different nations, chosen based on their remarkable performance at the 2023 Worldchefs Regional Semi-Finals, will compete in the Global Chefs Challenge Finals. These chefs will square off at the Global Chef Challenge Finals, which is slated to run from October 22 through October 25, 2024, at the Singapore Expo. The greatest chefs in the world will gather to participate in four competition categories at the 2024 Global Chefs Challenge Finals: Global Vegan Chefs Competition Global Pastry Chefs Competition Global Young Chefs Competition Global Chefs Competition The first finals of the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge’s newest category will be held at the Global Chefs Challenge Finals. In this competition, creative chefs will present their expertise in vegan cooking. They must use important vegan foods in inventive and delicious ways while excluding animal proteins from their plates. According to Thomas Gugler, president of Worldchefs, “The Global Vegan Chefs Challenge will be an exciting opportunity for Worldchefs members interested in expanding and showcasing their expertise and knowledge of Vegan Cuisine, and this particular category will support our mission as leaders in global culinary advancement and culinary competitions.” FHA-HoReCa is paving the way in the fast-paced world of hospitality and culinary innovation. FHA-HoReCa is bridging hospitality and technology while recognizing the world’s culinary excellence, starting with the establishment of FSTEC Asia and continuing with the hosting of the Global Chefs Challenge Finals. Join FHA-HoReCa 2024 at the Singapore Expo from October 22–25, 2024, to be a part of the future. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/fha-horeca-announces-new-initiatives-and-partnerships-for-2024-edition/

After 27 years of outstanding service, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker will retire from his current role as Group Chief Executive with effect from November 5, 2023. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer will succeed Al Baker as Group Chief Executive for Qatar Airways. Under Akbar Al Baker’s direction, Qatar Airways has developed into one of the most recognizable and dependable brands in the world, standing for excellent customer service and the highest standards. The national airline of the State of Qatar has won the title of “World’s Best Airline” an unprecedented seven times, and its cutting-edge Hamad International Airport, which is managed and operated by the same company, has also been named the “Best Airport in the World.” The Qatar Airways Group’s contribution to making the FIFA World Cup the best one ever produced demonstrated to the world its capacity, dedication to quality, and passion for uniting people from all over the world. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/qatar-airways-group-appoints-new-group-chief-executive/

In order to improve inbound and outbound travel experiences through cross-border digital payments, Alipay+ and LankaPay recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This will allow users of Alipay+ payment partners to easily make payments at more than 400,000 LankaQR merchants throughout Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans traveling abroad will be able to use their LankaQR-enabled apps to scan and pay at Alipay+ businesses worldwide thanks to the cooperation. By the beginning of 2024, users of popular Asian e-wallets from the region, such as those from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, will be able to make cashless payments when they visit Sri Lanka using Alipay+, a collection of international cross-border digital payment, marketing, and digitalization solutions run by Ant Group. All they need to do is scan the LankaQR. In the near future, more electronic wallets are anticipated to join. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched the LankaQR project to ensure that all QR codes and transactions utilizing QR technology are uniform and compatible in Sri Lanka. The LankaQR network was launched in 2020 and is run and administered by LankaPay, which also runs Sri Lanka’s National Payment Network. Channa de Silva, Chief Executive Officer of LankaPay, welcomed Alipay+ on board with the following statement: “We are delighted to announce this important partnership with Alipay+, which is a significant milestone in our effort to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions in support of our vision to become a global player in digital payments. We are confident that this agreement will make it easier for Asian visitors to Sri Lanka and a more appealing offer, particularly for SME merchants with significantly lower commission rates than card payments. We therefore anticipate that our initiatives will inevitably encourage more SME merchants to adopt digital platforms, which is crucial for creating the nation’s digital eco-system and advancing both the tourism sector and the national economy. By the end of 2024, the Alipay+ global merchant network will also accept all e-wallets enabled by LankaPay, allowing Sri Lankans traveling abroad to pay with their convenient domestic e-wallet. Tens of millions of retailers across more than 50 countries today accept Alipay+. Additionally, Alipay+ and LankaPay will collaborate on collaborative marketing initiatives to advertise Sri Lanka as a travel destination and local businesses that cater to tourists abroad. “Alipay+ continues to accelerate the transition to digital travel in more regions through our integrations with national standardized QR codes, this time in Sri Lanka with LankaPay,” said Dr. Cherry Huang, general manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group. We’ve witnessed a change in travel tastes as the global travel industry recovers, including more expectations for how digital solutions should improve traveler experiences and a greater desire to visit previously undiscovered locations. We’re therefore quite thrilled about how our collaboration with LankaPay will make it easier for visitors to identify and pay for goods and services at local merchants, creating growth potential for local companies. In comparison to the 720,000 visitors it received during 2022, Sri Lanka saw more than 1 million visitors from January through September of this year[1]. Monthly increases in arrivals have been observed since January, and in September, the number of visitors jumped by 275% over the same month last year. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is optimistic that they would attract more tourists than their 1.5 million annual target. As a result, as of August, it had contributed more than USD 1.3 billion to the tourism industry, an increase of 56% from the previous year[2]. Sri Lanka has the ability to draw from a broader base of Chinese and Asian visitors as a result of China opening its borders earlier this year for its nationals to travel abroad. Local firms must adjust to these new digital habits since Asian consumers are knowledgeable users of digital solutions like e-wallet payments. The acceptance of LankaQR by both large and small businesses nationwide would help visitors to make quick payments at more Sri Lankan destinations. This would be consistent with the initiative by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to market the island’s lesser-known attractions. Additionally, Sri Lanka has gained acclaim from around the world for its attractions, including being home to one of the “Top Wildlife Safaris Outside of Africa” in 2023. Through a one-time integration and straightforward technical adaption, Alipay+, which was introduced by Ant Group in 2020, enables local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach more than 1.4 billion regional and global consumers. The Alipay+ ecosystem allows for the acceptance of digital payments from e-wallets, banking applications, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) apps at millions of businesses worldwide. Popular travel destinations including the Chinese mainland, Macao Special Administrative Region, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, France, and Spain are just a few that accept it widely. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/alipay-partners-lankapay-to-enhance-digital-travel-experience-to-and-from-sri-lanka/

Due to the strategic codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), passengers on both airlines will have better connectivity to locations on each other’s networks.  Customers can purchase a single ticket, check in just once at the beginning of their journey, and have their bags transported all the way to their final destination. “Our strategic bilateral agreement with SAS, coming after the start of our flights to Copenhagen, allows more seamless travel for our guests from Northern Europe to enjoy Abu Dhabi and to connect with our growing global network, including our expanding destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent, East Asia, Middle East, and Africa,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad. The partnership enables our visitors to travel to places throughout Scandinavia from a single point, including Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Aarhus.By inviting more visitors to our country who enjoy improved travel perks and more priceless experiences, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth, and this agreement is simply the latest step in that mission. “We are pleased for the opportunity to introduce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways,” stated Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of SAS.With links to India, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and other destinations, this agreement increases the options accessible to SAS passengers for trips to Abu Dhabi and beyond. We are devoted to keeping our promise to our consumers to offer smooth travel experiences, thus we will keep improving global connectivity. The partnership between SAS and Etihad in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program is strengthened as a result of this arrangement.  Members of EuroBonus and Etihad Guest can earn miles when flying with SAS, and vice versa. This benefit is currently available for all flights on both airline networks. At the end of December 2023, the codeshare will be fully operational, allowing consumers to make reservations through all of Etihad’s sales channels, including travel agencies and Etihad.com, for travel beginning in January. Source- Travel daily Link-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-enhances-scandinavian-connectivity-in-strategic-codeshare-deal-with-sas/

Are you seeking a new location to celebrate Christmas this year? What better way to spend the most delightful time of the year than in Lithuania’s intriguing capital city, which offers some entertaining and unusual things to see and do over the holiday season? Swaying in front of the Christmas tree The focal point of the holiday celebrations in Vilnius is the city’s famous Christmas tree. The annual Christmas market is located in Cathedral Square and revolves around the tree. In December, it’s a wonderful and festive place to be, taking in all the sights and sounds of a Lithuanian Christmas. Vilnius’ Christmas trees are renowned for their distinctive themes and decorations. The show-stopper from the previous year was shaped like a cake, and the design for 2023 is now a mystery. The Christmas trees in the capital of Lithuania have long been acknowledged as some of the most imaginative in the world. The lighting of the Vilnius Christmas tree will occur on December 1, 2023. While incarcerated, serving time at a Christmas market Visitors can enjoy a truly unusual Christmas market in a former prison in addition to the traditional Christmas market! Instead of housing bad boy convicts, Lukiskes Prison has evolved into one of the city’s most important event venues. From 1904 to 2019, criminals, political detainees, and exiles completed their sentences. The prison complex remained standing after the Soviet occupation and both World Wars. It was reinvented, and now it presents a variety of cultural, musical, and artistic activities. This year, there are holiday markets focused on food on certain dates (7–10 and 14–17 December). A king’s level of ice skating The majestic inner courtyard of Valdovu Rumai, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, will be transformed into an ice skating rink this year, creating yet another novel scenario. Previously, the palace served as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s political, diplomatic, administrative, and cultural hub. Imagine skating over the ice while twirling in the knowledge that you are on historical ground. According to local tradition, the cookies can predict your future love life. It is stated that if you take a handful and count them, you will find true love or perhaps get married in the upcoming year if the number is even. How about an odd number? Simply return and make another attempt the following year. At Liepkalnis Water Storage, there is hot pleasure. Although it might not seem thrilling at first, this is really great! A special fire installations show will be on display for Christmas at the city’s old underground water storage, which is now a popular tourist destination. One for Instagram There is a fantastic custom in Vilnius where all the neighborhood shops compete for the greatest Christmas decorations. Although it’s fiercely competitive, their efforts have made the city appear magical. Visitors are certain to take some beautiful pictures! Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/a-quirky-christmas-in-vilnius/

The motto of Mein Schiff Relax is “Experience well-being in a new way.” The inaugural cruises for the InTUItion class ship are now accepting reservations. The Mein Schiff Relax will make port visits in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Spain as it travels around the western Mediterranean. Regular passengers and first-time cruisers should keep an eye out for 7- to 10-day cruises from/to Palma/Mallorca. Visitors can explore the Spanish mainland by visiting the seaside cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga, and Cadiz in addition to viewing Italian destinations like Rome, La Spezia, and Naples. The eighth ship will stop in ports in Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, Marseille or Cannes in France, Lisbon in Portugal, and other ports in Italy and Spain. On select itineraries, passengers may also explore the Moroccan port city of Tangier and make an overnight stop at Palma, which will give them the opportunity to spend two days exploring Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Cruise enthusiasts and those looking to join them will discover all they need for leisure and enjoyment, including large outdoor decks, an iconic roof over portions of the 25-meter pool and sunbathing spaces, terraced sunbathing sections, and an infinity pool. There will be the French Sur Mer Bistrot and the Greek Taverna Dionysos with outdoor and indoor seating on Mein Schiff Relax in addition to the tried-and-true, included, and excluded restaurants. As usual, the interior, outdoor, and balcony cabins are roomy, stylish, and give cruise fans the freedom and storage space they need to take a trip during the most beautiful season of the year whether they are traveling alone, with a partner, or with a family. 85% of the cabins on the Mein Schiff Relax have balconies, which is a larger percentage than the rest of the Mein Schiff fleet. The eighth ship now provides lone travelers balcony accommodations in addition to the inside and outdoor cabins that will also be offered on Mein Schiff 7. The Beautiful View Suites, the Wanderlust Suites, and the Weitblick Suites, two suite categories with separate bedrooms for up to four guests, are available in addition to the Junior Suites, which are around 25 m2. The two brand-new Große Freiheit Suites each measure 88 square meters and are spread across two decks. Each suite has a veranda, two bedrooms, an infrared sauna, and large window fronts providing an endless view and a feeling of maximum spaciousness. The collection of varied journeys consists of: The 7-day cruise “Bella Italia & Spanish Fiesta” with Mein Schiff Relax from 16 to 23.03.2025 from/to Palma/Mallorca via Civitavecchia and La Spezia (Italy), Barcelona and Valencia (Spain) is available from 799 euros per person in an inside cabin, from 1,069 euros per person in a balcony cabin, each with the Mein Schiff Premium inclusive services, for double occupancy in the PRO rate (incl. 150 Euro early bird discount for bookings until 30.11.2023).* The 9-day “Highlights of Italy and Spain” trip with Mein Schiff Relax departs/arrivals from Palma/Mallorca on April 8 and arrives on April 17 and travels via Palermo, Naples, and Civitavecchia (Italy), Barcelona, and Valencia (Spain), returning to Mallorca, a Spanish island. There is an overnight stay on the ship. Inside cabins start at 1,169 euros per person, while balcony cabins start at 1,519 euros per person, both with the Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive amenities, when booked for two people at the PRO rate (includes a 200 euro early bird discount if booked by November 30, 2023). The 10-day Mein Schiff Relax cruise “Sunny Iberia and Morocco” departs from/arrives at Palma/Mallorca on April 25, 2025, and returns on May 5, 2025, via Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Tangier, Valencia, and Malaga again. Visitors can stay on board for the final night of this voyage in the Spanish port. With double occupancy with the Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive services, inside cabins start at 1,249 euros per person and balconies start at 1,649 euros per person at the PRO rate (includes a 200 euro early bird discount for reservations made before November 30, 2023). The “Mediterranean Favourite Places” 7-day cruise with Mein Schiff Relax from/to Palma/Mallorca on May 5, 2025, to May 12, 2025, passes through Barcelona, Cannes, Marseille, and Marseilles in France before returning to Palma, where passengers can spend the night on board in the Spanish port of Mallorca. The price for the trip, with double occupancy and Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive services, starts at 849 euros per person for an inside cabin and at 1,199 euros per person for a balcony cabin. This price includes a 170 euro early bird discount for reservations made before November 30, 2023. The balconies of the cabins facing Mein Schiff Relax will specifically be marked as non-smoking areas. The deck layout indicates the non-smoking balconies with green hatching, and they are included in the PRO rate. All unmarked balconies still allow smoking. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/tui-cruises-unveils-mein-schiff-relax-western-mediterranean-voyages/

The inaugural ‘How India Travels’ report was published by Booking.com. The report, with McKinsey & Company as the knowledge partner, offers priceless insight into the changing travel preferences of Indians and the variables behind this increase. Indian travelers are back in the game, eager to put the pandemic’s lockdown days behind them and travel more than ever for both business and pleasure. They are looking for newer, unusual locations and authentic, immersive experiences. Often influenced by social media, where they obtain new ideas and plan their journeys, they have become more picky and experimental in what they want from a trip. The 2020s: An Era Belonging to Indian Travelers, Prepared to Explore Once More Prior to COVID-19, travel expenditures in India were USD 150 billion, placing the country as the sixth-largest spender globally. It is predicted that by 2030, total travel expenditure by Indians will soar to an impressive USD 410 billion, making India the fourth largest global spender and registering the fastest COVID recovery globally across key regions. This will be made possible by India’s strong economy, expanding middle class, and travel-loving youth. Travel restrictions that were in place for a long time, particularly in China, Japan, and South-East Asia, kept tourists away from Asia through 2022. By reaching 78% of 2019 levels in 2022, India took the lead in the recovery of tourism expenditures, compared to 52% for Asia. From 2.3 billion journeys in 2019 to a mind-boggling 5 billion trips in 2030, more trips overall are anticipated. Indian Travel Planning: Unleashing Spontaneity and Unusualness The study indicates an unexpected characteristic of Indian tourists: with an average window of only 29 days, Indian tourists exhibit extraordinary spontaneity in their trip planning, followed by Japanese tourists (57 days) and Americans (63 days). Indian travelers love the thrill of making swift, adventurous travel arrangements. The importance of food is paramount while choosing a place to stay: Indian tourists adopt a very unusual strategy. Food convenience was emphasized by travelers, with more than 80% of them valuing restaurant and room service alternatives while away. Alternative lodging choices like hostels, campgrounds, rental homes, and chalets are in high demand. Average Daily Rates (ADR) growth for these nontraditional lodging options surpassed that of traditional hotels and managed chains, pointing to a paradigm shift in travelers’ priorities. In 2023, three nights at villas and 14 nights at guesthouses were reserved for each night at a camp. In popular tourist and business destinations like Varanasi, Goa, Bangalore, and Delhi, the growth in weekend reservations for alternative lodging is 4 to 5 times larger in 2023 than in 2022. Where are Indians Going on Vacation? – An Increase in Locations While Accepting Both India and the World Tier 2-3 locations like Varanasi, Coimbatore, and Kochi are becoming more well-liked while metropolises continue to be the most popular travel destinations. According to data from Booking.com, a new trend is beginning where less well-known treasures are suddenly capturing the wanderlust of tourists looking for a more genuine and unique experience. Bookings for destinations like Varanasi, Gurugram, and Coimbatore are rising dramatically. Hilly destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Lonavala continue to be popular, but unusual places like Panchgani, Madikeri, and Mt. Abu are expected to see the highest surge in demand in 2023. The increase in demand for these outlandish locations reflects a desire to go beyond the usual. With new holiday spots from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal topping the list, Indians are increasingly exploring outside of their country for their next getaway. This is made possible by improved air connectivity, more awareness, simpler booking processes, and simplified visa requirements. What Encourages Indian Travelers to Explore: Film, Mega Events, and Social Media According to the study, TV shows and Indian movies influence the interests of Indian tourists, with more than half (54%) saying they would choose a destination featured in a show or movie. Only 2% of travelers say there is no impact. This shows how celebrity endorsements and relationships with brands are becoming more and more relevant and influential for travel destinations. Mega-events, such as athletic competitions (ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023), political gatherings (G20 Summit 2023), music festivals (Lollapalooza), and many others, have a magnetic pull on travelers and serve as compelling catalysts for their journeys. It is clear that social media has a significant impact on how people travel. In 2022, 91% of Indian travelers said that YouTube is their preferred social media site for travel inspiration, with 85% of Indian travelers showing an interest in Instagram. Rapidly Increasing Travel Ecosystem – Industry’s Approach to Providing Travelers with Power More than ever, Indian travelers desire to travel quickly and easily while seeking out unusual locations and alternative lodging. To suit the demands of the discriminating Indian traveler, the travel ecosystem is quickly adapting. For Indian tourists, destinations are creating a variety of services that cater to a range of preferences and budgets. In order to suit all types of travelers, Dubai, for example, is the pinnacle of this trend post-COVID, providing a wide range of lodging, dining, and experience alternatives for any price. The presence of major international hotel chains is growing even more in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Jodhpur, Dharamshala, Bodhgaya, Bilaspur, and Coorg. Additionally, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Kolhapur, Nashik, and Puri are home to 70% of the planned branded hotel properties. Branded inventory share increased in these markets from about 30% in 2015–2016 to roughly 50% in 2022–2023 due to the increasing growth potential. The road forward: Creating a Travel Industry that Blazes New Trails The travel business is experiencing fascinating times right now. Understanding Indian travelers will enable the country’s travel ecosystem to develop in concert with new wants and tastes, resulting in a thriving tourist industry in the coming years. “We are thrilled to launch the first edition of our ‘How India Travels’ Report with our knowledge partners McKinsey & Company, to better understand the ever-changing behaviors and preferences of Indian travelers,” said

Based on historical data and recent customer searches, Freetour.com, one of the platforms for scheduling free tours and inexpensive activities, has revealed the top 10 free tours that are anticipated to trend in November. 1. Free City Tour in Budapest, Hungary Budapest-based Generation Tours operates. An introductory city tour is the best option for visitors who are new to Budapest. This tour of the city’s must-see locations, including Vörösmarty tér, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, Danube Promenade, and more, is led by professional local guides. At the 2023 Freetour.com Awards, held in March of this year, this tour was named the Most Popular Tour. 2. Free Tour: Vienna Highlights | Vienna, Austria run by Prime Tours With this tour, you can see Vienna’s fascinating fusion of contemporary and history. Discover well-known sites like the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Vienna Opera House, and Heldenplatz. Explore the city’s fascinating past, from its musical legacy to its experiences during the war. 3. Free Walking Tour of Naples, Italy with Local Expert Guides It is run by Napulè Tours. This two-hour trip introduces you to the fascinating history, mythology, monuments, tales, and gastronomy of this alluring Italian city. Start your adventure in Dante Square and then stroll around the historic center, taking in the Greek-era walls, “Spaccanapoli” street, Gesù Nuovo Square, Santa Chiara church, and other sights. 4. Free Istanbul tour | Istanbul, Turkey By Viaurbis Tours operated The tour’s entertaining mix of trivia and tales will make your trip to historic Istanbul one to remember. It is the ideal method to get to know this famous Ottoman capital. 5. Free Tour of Amsterdam’s Historic Center | Netherlands by Viaterra Tours and is run A 2.5-hour tour of the city’s past, including everything from its beginnings to the effects of different historical occurrences. Discover famous locations including the Royal Palace Amsterdam, Dam Square, and the Rembrandt House Museum. Learn about the history and hidden treasures that have shaped Amsterdam. 6. Free Walking Tour of Barcelona’s Old City | Barcelona, Spain a Barkeno Tours company. With a focus on local history, culture, art, and architecture, this Barcelona tour takes you on a journey through the intriguing city’s core from Roman times to the present. It includes guided tours of well-known locations like the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and Plaza de Sant Jaume. 7.- Dublin, Ireland, Original Free Tour Generation Tours Dublin runs the business With the help of an enthusiastic local guide, discover Dublin’s colorful personality and history. Visit famous locations like Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and Trinity College Dublin. Discover the city’s rich history, which includes information on the Vikings, the 1916 Rising, and more. Your entrance to Dublin’s past and present is through this tour. 8. The Original Walking Tour of Mexico City’s Historic Downtown Estacion Mexico Free Tours runs the business. With the help of this tour, you may learn about the historical city center of Mexico City, including its famous landmarks, fascinating past, and interesting trivia. Highlights include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, Templo Mayor Museum, and Teatro de la Ciudad. In one of the biggest cities on earth, you’ll feel at home. 9.- Walking Tour of Tallinn in a Nutshell | Tallinn, Estonia by EstAdventures, Inc. On a 2-hour guided tour that brings history to life, explore Tallinn’s Old Town. Through engrossing tales and legends, learn about medieval, Soviet, and modern Estonia. Visit famous locations like the Danish King’s Garden, City Wall Towers, and St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum. 10.- Lisbon, Portugal, Free Tour: Important History & Fun Facts – Free Tastings Tours Of My Life runs the business Learn about the history, culture, and famous locations of the city, such as the Santa Justa Lift, the Carmo Convent, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. Discover Portugal’s rich history while taking advantage of a free sample of the greatest pastel de nata. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-ten-trending-free-tours-for-november-from-freetour-com/