Tourism is travel for pleasure and the commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel.
About 790 million people travelled to various destinations worldwide in the first seven months of 2024, said the UN Tourism. with millions of
The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) of the World Economic Forum highlighted that tourism grew by 2.9% in 2024 and 3% in 2023.
No doubt, the tourism industry has contributed remarkably to the global economy and gaining popularity in 119 countries
As per the review index of the UN Tourism, based on a comprehensive assessment of safety, business environment, health and hygiene, cultural resources, and tourism revenue the United States, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Italy and Switzerland are the top 10 countries for tourism in 2024.
Among them, France is the most visited country in the world with 79.4 million visitors while Spain is visited by 71.7 million people. The United States comes with 50.9 million visitors while Italy recorded 49.8 million.
However, the United States continues to be the top travel destination, ranking first in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index for 2024. With iconic tourist spots the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon, the U.S. offers visitors diverse experiences, from vibrant cities to stunning natural wonders.
Spain leads in the second position and continues to attract travelers with its architectural wonders, including the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona and the historic Alhambra in Granada.
A country that seamlessly blends innovation with ancient traditions, Japan stands in the third ranks and offers a unique travel experience. From the serene temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural sceneries make it a must-visit destination for travelers.
France highlights the elegance of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris and the charm of its countryside, offering a journey filled with art, history, and gastronomy.
Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, offers stunning natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Germany offers a vibrant travel experience that combines tradition with innovation. The United Kingdom offers a mix of historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and Stonehenge, and the rugged beauty of Scotland’s Highlands. China offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders, such as the Great Wall, alongside the modern skyline of Shanghai. Italy offers a captivating experience through its art, history, and culinary delights, from ancient Rome’s ruins to romantic Venice’s canals. Switzerland provides a beautiful retreat into nature and culture with its Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming cities such as Zurich.
Nepal welcomes over 1.14 million tourists
According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal welcomed over 1,147,567 million tourists in 2024, marking a significant recovery and growth of nearly 13.1 per cent compared to the previous year.
Besides, for tourists coming to Nepal for mountaineering, canyoning, rafting, bungy jumping, paragliding, Nepal is a home to home to unparalleled natural, cultural, and historical attractions.
As per the index report of NTB, the highest number 317,772 Indian visitors came to Nepal while 111,216 tourists from the United States of America (USA) and 101,879 tourists from China have visited Nepal.
Passenger demand up 8.1%
Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that represents some 340 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic has said international demand rose 11.6% and capacity was up 8.6%.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 19.9% increase in demand whereas European carriers had a 9.4%. Middle Eastern carriers saw an 8.7% and North American carriers saw a 3.1%. Latin American airlines saw 11.4% and African airlines saw 12.4%.