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Managing overtourism as global travel recovers

Overtourism was one of the buzzwords of 2025 and was an issue that could no longer be swept under the rug. In the past year, locals from Japan and all the way to Italy have gone on social media to protest the way foreign travellers have infiltrated their hometowns, encroaching on their way of life in the worst possible manner. As a result, both national and local governments have been working on ways by which to mitigate overcrowding on the part of foreign nationals in key tourism sites, as well as solutions that could ease things up for locals in terms of traffic, utilities, and the cost of living. However, experts warn that 2026 may not be the year we see the end of overtourism, but it will be a time when relevant solutions will be found and eventually implemented. It’s definitely not over yet In a piece written in October of last year, IE Business School professor of innovation Enrique Dans declared that cities had been turned into theme parks at the expense of local residents who were sorely inconvenienced by droves of foreigners who encroached on their way of life, clogged the streets, put a strain on key utilities, and drove up the prices of food and other necessities. According to Dans, the problem of overtourism was essentially a situation that went out of hand; as he puts it: “Today’s mass tourism was born with the creation of low-cost airlines [over] two decades, powered by globalisation and then supercharged by digital platforms. The logic has always been more visitors and more income. But this free-for-all, based on an infinite number of visitors, has run up against the physical, environmental and social limits of cities. Each arrival record means less housing, less public space, less local life. In response, city halls are finally beginning to see what we all knew a long time ago: tourist saturation is not a success, but a cancer.” Beyond that, this “cancer” has led to the defacement, even desecration of sacred or historic spaces: the Pyramids of Giza for one, Japan’s Toshodaiji Temple another; to say nothing of tourists littering in temple courtyards or dressing inappropriately at any of Italy’s famed churches or dancing in a mosque in Muslim-dominant Malaysia. But Dans remains optimistic that change has begun, as governments are applying stricter rules and implementing hefty fines for misbehaviour for foreign guests, and local communities have taken to policing key areas to protect their integrity. But how exactly are things changing? To get down to brass tacks, overtourism may not yet be gone, but it is being controlled thanks to measures applied by governments and the private sector. Such measures include: The imposition of fees specific to tourists This measure has been implemented in some key European cities like Barcelona, Santorini, and Venice, all of which were severely hit by the impact of overtourism. In all three cases and beyond, this involved the charging of tourism fees, putting price caps strictly for locals, as well as the use of dynamic pricing for goods and services; The rise of secondary destinations As a way of decongesting key cities and tourism hubs, some countries have actively begun to promote secondary destinations: lesser-known locations that are equally important historically or commercially. We have seen this in Malaysia which has successfully spread tourists out from the congestion of Kuala Lumpur and Melaka to Penang and Kota Kinabalu, and also in the religious tourism sector in France which has decongested key sites in Paris and Lourdes to equally sacred sites in Lisieux and Ars-Su-Formans; Offering primers on behaviour to travellers Ill behaviour on the part of tourists, especially those from the west and East Asia has long been an issue for many countries. As a preventive measure, some countries encourage travellers to read up on how and how not to behave within their jurisdiction. It would also help a great deal if the UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism were to be made more widely available to both tourism professionals and travellers alike; and Technology is a weapon in the battle against overtourism 2025 saw several nations implementing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools to monitor tourist activity, particularly in Japan where AI cameras are used to monitor crowds. AI and other innovations may also be used to help travellers create personalised itineraries leading them to secondary destinations more in keeping with their interests, offering them a better travel experience as opposed to being dragged along on a droning tour they may find boring or uninteresting. Admittedly, it may not look like much on paper, but it says a lot that the world is trying to find ways by which to rectify the situation. There is still a great deal of work to be done, but if it means giving tourists a meaningful experience that does not encroach on the everyday lives of locals, then any action against overtourism is certainly welcome.

Global

Wellness tourism emerges as a core growth driver for global travel

Representative Image Post Covid the trend was revenge travel, people desperate to live life fully again and see all that the world has to offer.  Travel revived, soon followed by a trend for value adding experiences. Then came a time for calm reflection, slow journeys, enriching sleep, mindful holidays, pristine valleys, no crowds, cultural healing traditions, art and nature and sustainable choices. A holiday that relaxes and calms and charms. Wellness has become paramount in a world where a fast-paced lifestyle, stress and chaos need to be revived with relaxation, rejuvenation and calm. The wellness market has doubled since 2013, and grew 7.9% from 2023 to 2024, reaching a new peak of $6.8 trillion. The Global Wellness Institute touched upon how wellness not only  includes the tourists, also the locals benefit, with the concept of “voluntourism”. Post disasters simple yet impactful infrastructure and attractions emerge to support local community healing while also attracting new travellers. Representative Image Wellness from the brain to the body There is also a growing recognition of the brain’s integral role in overall wellbeing. As mental health crises rise globally, wellness travel is shifting towards dedicated, bespoke retreats and experiences that combine clinical psychology with holistic therapies. Also, accessibility in spa and wellness resorts has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to an essential expectation. Besides every mode of transportation is trying to make it calm and comfortable for tourists. Wellness when you fly, wellness when you’re on the train and also on the road. Assisted with hyper personalisation, attempts at decongestion and improving supply and demand to reduce overtourism. Nutrition as wellness The 60-year-olds are looking towards longevity, as lifespans increase with better healthspans. Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials (43%) believe diet culture has significantly influenced their food choices today. For optimal health, science supports following a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, and MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. Most hotels are offering organic, farm to fork options to cater to the nutrition of guests on holiday. Representative Image Wellness trends 2026 Tech and AI are aiding wellness as well. Even you maybe be wearing the wellness ring to monitor your heartbeat and sleep records or the fitness watch to count your steps. Then again tech-abstinence that impacts different parts of your life is a trend for wellness. In a world of quick fixes dietary supplements as pills and powder are growing. Radiant skin is a sign of good health and that is what people are trying to achieve. Tradition relaxation venues like hammams, spas, massage, tai-chi and yoga continue to be popular. As global travel continues its post-pandemic evolution, wellness tourism has moved from a niche offering to a core pillar of destination strategy and hospitality planning. What began as revenge travel has matured into a demand for restorative, purpose-driven journeys that prioritise mental health, physical longevity, cultural connection and community impact. For the travel trade, this signals both opportunity and responsibility — from investing in accessible, inclusive wellness infrastructure to embracing hyper-personalised experiences, sustainable food systems and technology that supports wellbeing without overwhelming the guest. Representative Image With the global wellness economy reaching record highs and travellers increasingly seeking calm, longevity and meaning, destinations and operators that embed wellness across transport, accommodation, experiences and local engagement will be best positioned for long-term growth. In an era defined by overstimulation and overtourism, the future of travel lies not in doing more, but in offering travellers the space to feel better — and to leave destinations stronger than they found them.  

Exclusives

Tourism targets vs. reality: Why the Philippines keeps missing the mark

In September 2025, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism boldly forecast earnings of over US$45 billion by the end of the year, along with the ambitious target of 8.4 million foreign arrivals. However, as the smoke cleared after the festivities of New Year’s Eve, official reports pointed out that the country failed to meet both targets: clocking in just 5.6 million arrivals as of 31st December. That’s a shortfall of up to 33 percent from the target projected early in 2025 and with that comes a significant shortfall in terms of tourism earnings. Now: how is it that a country whose tourism campaigns have long numbered among the most visible in the world continues to struggle to draw in visitors from overseas? For a Filipino like myself who happens to travel abroad for work, it isn’t so much a question of visibility but more a matter involving unrealistic expectations. Are the targets attainable? One of the things I have noticed throughout my coverage of the regional tourism scene is that other nations tend to be more conservative when it comes to setting arrivals targets and revenue goals. In the case of our regional neighbours Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, they tend to underpromise, then deliver results in spades. The Philippines, however, tends to set lofty goals and ends the year with a shortfall that has caused its Presidents to call people on the carpet; alas, several regimes have passed and no one has yet to give an answer to properly explain why the tourism sector never seems to hit its targets. But, as an intrepid traveller myself, I have only this to ask: Maybe we’re looking at the wrong end of the equation? After all, we have not skimped on marketing and advertising, but we’ve obviously cut corners where the important things are concerned; namely infrastructure, human resources, and accessibility. Indeed, I need to quote veteran Filipino journalist / columnist Boo Chanco verbatim at this point: “The DOT folks obviously don’t know what they are doing. Before making bold targets, any professional marketing person would make sure it is attainable and that they will not embarrass their principal if they fail.” If you build it, they will come I speak as a former advertising professional when I say you need to have something in place before you sell anything. Even for real estate pre-selling, they usually have an initial structure or an existing property to serve as proof of concept to draw in potential buyers. In terms of tourism promotion, selling the destination involves actually having something or someplace to sell: a properly maintained attraction, for instance; a historic province whose attractions are curated by experts, perhaps. While Philippine destinations do have the standard run of attractions and accommodations, foreign travellers have remarked that some are not well-maintained, often on the verge of complete ruin or badly in need of care and repair. At the same time, given the ongoing fiasco involving the Department of Public Works and Highways, transportation infrastructure throughout the country is in a very poor state. Given how the Philippines is an archipelago, you would think that inter-island travel would have been made more convenient by now; unfortunately, the structural integrity of key bridges is currently under scrutiny, and domestic travel options over water tend to put travellers off due to safety reasons, as well as scarce availability and the lack of speed. That essentially gives one key answer as to why travellers aren’t keen on coming to the Philippines: it’s hard to get around due to the transportation issue, good and even modest accommodations are challenging to find, and attractions tend to lose their glow once a traveller sees them in person. Banking on the wrong markets, perhaps? Historically, China has been the Philippines’ largest market in terms of foreign arrivals to the country. Prior to the pandemic, Chinese travellers would come to the country for both business and pleasure, resulting in billions in revenues per annum. Since the country reopened in 2022, however, the number of Chinese arrivals in the country has been slow to return to pre-2020 levels. The number of Chinese nationals who came to the Philippines in 2019 totalled around 1.74 million; as of end-2025, the number has dwindled to but 262,144 travellers. It is interesting to note that, as of 31st December 2025, China ranked sixth among the top ten nations contributing to tourist arrivals in the Philippines, standing well behind South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. The Philippines has been actively courting the Chinese market through roadshows and the participation of the DOT in key events like ITB China, but perhaps the country needs to look elsewhere for guests, and the recent spike in arrivals from South Korea and Australia needs to be studied carefully. (It should be noted at this point that, while the number of travellers coming in from North America are significant, the bulk of the numbers are from Filipino-Americans or naturalised American or Canadian citizens visiting their home country.) Throw in the ongoing diplomatic / political tensions between the Philippines and China, and the course of prudence will certainly involve looking to other markets. Points to ponder Admittedly, we cannot solve the issue of dwindling tourist arrivals overnight; but those in authority need to consider the following points if things are to change: Take a closer look at what exactly we need for better tourism Rather than the piecemeal approach to solving problems, it would be best to sit down, take stock of what the country currently has, make note of what it lacks, and plan from there. Seeing the big picture is essentially like looking at a jigsaw puzzle: you see the missing pieces immediately, then find ways by which to fill those voids with the right facilities, equipment, and even people; Expand their horizons in terms of source markets I’ll be blunt: China is not the be-all and end-all of source markets despite their massive population. Doing roadshows in other countries piques the interest of both regional and global neighbours, and offering a showcase that highlights the best that the Philippines has to offer (as well as what can’t be found elsewhere) makes for a strong come-on to potential visitors; Infrastructure is the key to long-term success By infrastructure, we aren’t exactly talking about new attractions or even big-name hotels. It is, perhaps, time to go back to the basics: build better and safer roads; ensure the reliability of bridges between provinces; properly implement rules and regulations for land, sea, and air travel; and also make it a point to properly operate all points of entry or exit into the country. I’ve often said that an airport (or even a seaport) gives travellers their first and last impressions of a country and its people. A properly running facility ensures that their initial and final impressions are good ones that will make them look forward to coming back; an Bank on your people and they can make bank Good infrastructure is nothing without good people. One of the primary complaints that foreign travellers have against the Philippines is the perceived ineptitude of officials and staff at major entry points. Language skills need to be improved, along with relevant skills for interpersonal communication, as well as basic courtesy. The Philippines has long been known for its hospitality, but this has been tarnished over time; perhaps it is time for local tourism and hospitality professionals to brush up on their skills and help the country come out shining.

Cultural Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh unveils new tourism campaign

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism has launched its latest campaign, 'Take a New Turn in Arunachal', to position the state as India's ultimate frontier for discovery and cultural immersion. Announced by the Minister of Tourism, Pasang Dorjee Sona, in New Delhi, the initiative seeks to attract tourists by showcasing the state's rich cultural narratives and experiential travel opportunities. The campaign is anchored in Arunachal Pradesh's refreshed brand identity, "Beyond Myths and Mountains", and invites travellers to explore beyond the scenic landscapes to uncover the stories and human experiences in destinations like Tawang, Ziro, Anini, Namsai, Dong, and Mechukha. "Arunachal is a region as old as history, with rising mountain peaks, colourful vegetation, Buddhist heritage, snow-capped landscapes, diverse tribal culture, and breathtaking biodiversity," said Sona. The state has seen a significant increase in tourism, with over 1 million visitors annually in 2023 and 2024, driven by strategic branding and improved connectivity. The new tourism policy focuses on enhancing road and air connectivity, visitor amenities, and accommodation capacity by 50%. It also promotes diverse tourism segments, including farm, spiritual, adventure, eco, tribal, and border tourism. The campaign features films and visuals capturing authentic local interactions, aiming to project Arunachal Pradesh as a top destination nationally and globally. The Tourism Department is also partnering with travel platforms and tour operators to expand its reach and improve traveller experiences. ```

Accessible Tourism

From compliance to competitive advantage: The business case for accessible tourism

The concept of accessible tourism tends to be shunted off into a corner whenever talk turns to improvements to facilities for aviation, cruise, hospitality, and public attractions. To quote Malaysian accessibility advocate Beatrice Leong: “The thing about accessibility is that the moment you talk about persons with disabilities and accessibility, the first thing you think about is a wheelchair and a ramp.  But I'm trying to zero in on the fact that it’s more than that.” The very root of the word itself is access, essentially a means of entering a place, gaining hold of an item or information, or the license to perform certain actions. For those hampered by the physical impact of age, illness, and injury, as well as those who were born with brains differently wired from the majority, accessibility to the instruments of regular living is a daily struggle, and travel even more so. In this feature, we at Travel Daily Media take a closer look at accessible tourism and how global travel professionals can make things easier for those who need various forms of assistance. First things first: what exactly is accessible tourism? The global research firm EBSCO defines accessible tourism as such: “Accessible tourism is an approach to travel that ensures accommodations and experiences are available to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children. This concept encompasses a wide range of accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly accommodations, transportation options, and venues equipped with Braille signage or audio descriptions to assist visually impaired travellers. The tourism industry is increasingly recognizing accessibility not just as a requirement, but as a valuable opportunity to engage a broader audience.” This definition certainly concurs with Leong’s statement that accessibility involves just a wheelchair and a ramp, seeing how it allows for signage for the visually impaired and transportation options for disabilities of any stripe. Likewise, in their study A Whole of Life Approach to Tourism: The Case for Accessible Tourism Experiences for Cambridge University, experts Simon Darcy and Tracey J Dickson pointedly state:  “Accessible tourism enables people with access requirements, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive dimensions of access, to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services, and environments.” Their definition includes infants well below the walking stage, as well as senior individuals in less than ideal health. It should also be stated there that accessible tourism needs to cover three dimensions of accessibility; namely physical access, sensory access, and communication access. To elaborate further, related measures need to include:  Physical access for those with physical disabilities that require wheelchairs, walking aids, or handrails; Sensory access for those who have sight or hearing impairments; and Communication access for those who have impairments involving speech, vision, and hearing. Offering calm rooms and other soothing measures for individuals on the autism spectrum or who have been diagnosed as having one form of neurodivergence or another is also something that travel and tourism professionals need to look into. It’s not that easy Despite the need for these inclusions to be in place, along with government mandates the world over regarding the comfort and safety of the disabled, it is a sad truth that many countries have yet to implement relevant measures or struggle to place even the barest minimum. Indeed, it has been noted that there are five key barriers to the proper administration of measures related to accessible tourism. These are: Longstanding misconceptions and prejudices regarding disability tend to lead to weaker legislation and the absence of implementation Whether we like it or not, much of the world’s population has yet to (or potentially refuses to) shake off the notion that the disabled are little more than an annoyance or, worse, a burden to the rest of able-bodied society. Likewise, lawmakers who share that prejudiced mindset see measures for accessibility as either unnecessary or impractical due to “low demand,” and are quick to veto any related proposals for such measures in airports and seaports; Accessible tourism is still perceived as a risky investment For the most part, businesses the world over balk at the cost of accessibility upgrades, marking them as too high and either late to deliver returns on investment or are unprofitable all together. This mindset is more common in countries within the developing world; Stakeholders never seem to see the big picture In cases wherein the public and private sectors do agree to implement accessibility measures, they figuratively come to blows as to which exact measures to put in place. Progress regarding the implementation of key measures is often hampered by a lack of middle ground among stakeholders; Those who are supposed to be in charge lack training Admittedly, the human resources side of global travel and tourism has never quite recovered from the impact of the pandemic, as there is still a staffing shortfall of up to 52 percent throughout the industry. That said, it has been a challenge finding individuals to handle facilities related to accessible tourism due to their lack of qualifications as well as the relevant training for dealing with those in physical or mental difficulty; and There remains a major disconnect regarding infrastructure and design Despite the best efforts of urban planners and architects, physical barriers remain in transportation hubs, accommodations, as well as attractions. The concept of faulty infrastructure even applies to websites or booking systems that prove challenging to use for both regular people and those with disabilities. Now what? As daunting as the situation may be, implementing measures related to accessible tourism may start small and eventually grow thanks to sustained action on the part of governments or, more likely, the private sector by way of cause-oriented organisations. For this, we offer the following potential solutions for consideration: Maximise the use of contemporary and innovative technologies Japan is already on the forefront here, thanks to the use of robotics-enabled mobility solutions that make travel easier, more comfortable, and certainly fun for those with difficulty getting around. Haptic touchscreens may also be considered as signage for the visually-impaired, essentially offering an alternative to conventional Braille boards; Involve stakeholders in the planning and development phase One major mistake we’ve seen among urban planners, transportation companies, and even governments is that the disabled never seem to be involved in the development of related measures. It would be best if these organisers brought in qualified experts or even advocates speaking for the disabled into the planning process in order to properly see what the sector really needs as opposed to, say, yet another useless ramp; and Change the mindset, change the game The biggest problem I’ve encountered, particularly as someone whose mobility is compromised by poor vision and weak joints, is that people would rather mock than understand the difficulties others have to go through, especially when travelling. Making people aware of disabilities in an objective manner that enables them to see the disabled as real people rather than objects of pity will go a long way in ensuring greater acceptance of accessibility measures. I daresay that the conclusion to the study What is stopping the process? Analysis of obstacles to accessible tourism from a stakeholders' perspective authored by Lucía Rubio-Escuderos, Francisco Javier Ullán de la Rosa, and Hugo García-Andreu in 2024 is the best way to sum the matter up: “Promoting accessible management of tourist destinations is not only crucial for the inclusion of people with disabilities but also renders these destinations straightforward and comprehensible for all individuals, particularly considering the inevitable aging of the global population. Understanding the barriers to accessible tourism enables stakeholders to focus their actions in developing strategies to overcome them.”

Cultural Tourism

Japan unveils exciting tourism developments for 2026

Japan is set to captivate travellers in 2026 with a series of new hotel openings and cultural events across the country. The Imperial Hotel Kyoto will open in March, marking the brand's first new property in over 30 years; located near Kyoto's historic Kiyamachi district, the hotel will blend modern design with traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering a luxurious retreat for visitors. In April, Hoshino Resorts will transform the Meiji-era Nara Prison into a 48-room luxury hotel, complete with a museum detailing the building's history. Conrad Nagoya will debut in July, occupying the top floors of the Landmark Nagoya Sakae tower, providing sweeping city views and a blend of contemporary and traditional Japanese design. Later in the year, the Hyatt Centric Sapporo will open in Hokkaido, offering panoramic views and interiors inspired by the region's natural landscapes. Cultural points of interest Japan's national parks will celebrate their 90th anniversaries in February, highlighting nearly a century of conservation efforts. A digital booklet will showcase the parks' history and cultural significance. Additionally, the Hokkaido Shinkansen will mark its 10th anniversary in March with a special commemorative service between Tokyo and Hokkaido. Art enthusiasts can look forward to the Mishima Mangan Art Festival in Shizuoka Prefecture and the inaugural Maebashi Biennale in Gunma Prefecture. These events will transform local spaces into cultural stages, featuring contemporary art and installations that engage with local landscapes and history. ```

Agreements / Understandings / Contract Signings

Tourism Malaysia signs partnership with Mongolia’s Green Empire Holding

Tourism Malaysia formalised a strategic partnership with Green Empire Holding LLC yesterday, 6th January, through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC).  This partnership aims to position Malaysia as a preferred travel destination for Mongolian tourists while directly driving momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Beginning this month, the partnership will introduce the targeted Welcome Malaysia initiative, designed to increase tourist arrivals from Mongolia through a modern, digitally driven promotional campaign.  The initiative will showcase Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, including urban attractions, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and luxury travel experiences. Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Bin Abdul Rahim highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration, stating: "Our alliance with Green Empire Holding is a proactive step to diversify Malaysia’s international visitor markets by tapping into a high-potential segment. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative tourism marketing and strong public-private collaborations as we boost the movement of Visit Malaysia 2026 and elevate Malaysia’s global brand presence." Green Empire Holding chief executive Byambasuren Ayushjav echoed the sentiment, stating: "This partnership transcends conventional tourism promotion. We are committed to crafting authentic stories that inspire Mongolian travellers to discover Malaysia’s unique tapestry. Our goal is to build lasting bridges that connect our peoples through meaningful cultural and travel experiences." Meaningful alliance Under the MoC, both parties will collaborate on destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, and the exchange of tourism data.  Furthermore, the agreement encompasses business facilitation between industry players and mutual support for tourism-related events.  These coordinated efforts are intended to strengthen cultural ties and firmly position Malaysia as a ‘top-of-mind’ destination for Mongolian travellers. This strategic alliance focuses on key areas including destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, the exchange of tourism data, business facilitation between industries, mutual support for events, and other cooperative ventures.  The partnership aims to build lasting cultural connections and position Malaysia as the preferred destination for Mongolian travelers through authentic storytelling and innovative promotional strategies.

Cultural Tourism

Kenya Tourism Board targets India with new social media pages

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has unveiled dedicated social media pages on Instagram and Facebook aimed at the Indian market, marking a strategic move to enhance engagement with Indian travellers and industry stakeholders. These platforms will provide market-specific updates, destination education, and curated itineraries tailored for Indian tour operators, travel agents, and MICE planners. India remains a promising growth market for Kenya, with 2025 seeing a shift towards longer stays and customised travel experiences from Indian visitors. This trend highlights the need for closer market engagement, which the new social media pages aim to address by offering easy access to destination updates and market-specific content. The platforms will also communicate training opportunities and trade initiatives to keep partners aligned with Kenya's evolving tourism offerings. Kenya is broadening its appeal in India beyond its renowned wildlife safaris to include cultural experiences, coastal escapes, wellness, and luxury travel. This aligns with Indian travellers' growing preference for personalised and multi-experiential holidays. The digital platforms are designed to support this strategy by maintaining visibility throughout the travel decision-making process, complementing on-ground B2B engagement. KTB encourages travel trade professionals and media in India to follow these new pages for the latest updates and insights tailored to the Indian market. ```

Cultural Tourism

NORDEUROPA 2026 connects Northern Europe tourism online

NordicMarketing is set to host the sixth edition of NORDEUROPA, an online sales event for Northern Europe tourism, on 28–29 January 2026. The event will connect tourism suppliers from Nordic and Baltic countries with tour operators from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Benelux countries, among others, via the Converve platform. This digital format allows participants to engage in up to 38 pre-arranged meetings without the need for travel, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The event's format, which includes short breaks and fixed coffee and lunch intervals, is designed to maximise productivity and focus during the two-day schedule. Participation is free for tour operators, enabling them to join from their office or home, and even involve their entire team in the meetings. Feedback from previous editions highlights the event's effectiveness. Christel Vidø from Bellagroup A/S in Denmark praised the quality of potential clients, whilst Lukas Sommer from Intothewild Huskytours in Norway described it as a great platform to meet travel experts. Kathrin Schiemann from Viking Line in Germany noted that her high expectations were exceeded. In 2025, NORDEUROPA attracted over 250 participants and facilitated more than 1,800 meetings, underscoring its established presence in the industry. Jan Badur, Managing Director of NordicMarketing, emphasised the event's efficiency in connecting Northern Europe’s tourism suppliers with the European travel trade, stating, “The format saves time, resources and still allows personal exchange – that’s why it’s here to stay.” Registration for the event is open, with meeting bookings starting on 7 January 2026. The list of participating suppliers is available on the event's landing page, filtered by country and company type. ```

Cultural Tourism

Charter flights boost Goa’s international tourism

Goa has experienced a surge in international tourists following the arrival of charter flights from Nordwind Airlines and Fly Arystan, enhancing the state's global air connectivity during the peak holiday season. On 30 December 2025, a Nordwind Airlines flight from Moscow brought 360 passengers to Goa, followed by another from Yekaterinburg on 31 December with 373 passengers. Additionally, Fly Arystan's charter from Astana on 30 December carried 176 passengers, highlighting the growing interest from Central Asia. The Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, noted, "The consistent arrival of charter flights from markets such as Russia and Central Asia reflects the growing international confidence in Goa as a preferred holiday destination." He emphasised the importance of strengthening air connectivity to promote quality tourism. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, highlighted the role of charter operations in sustaining international tourist arrivals. "The Department of Tourism is working closely with airlines, airport authorities, and tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth facilitation and to further expand Goa’s reach in emerging and established global markets," he stated. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is committed to enhancing international connectivity and diversifying source markets. Through strategic initiatives, Goa aims to position itself as a year-round destination, attracting tourists from both emerging and established global markets. ```

Company Logo

Seoul Tourism Organization

Seoul Tourism Organization, Samil-daero, Jeo-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea South Korea

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New Caledonia Tourism (Horus Development)

Office de tourisme du Grand Sud, New Caledonia New Caledonia

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Dubai Tourism Services

Office 120, Al Salam Residence - Bur Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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South Australian Tourism Commission

250 Victoria Square, Adelaide

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Busan Tourism Authority

Busan Tourism Organization Arpina, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea South Korea

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Mekong Tourism

Pu'Er Mekong Tourism Co.,Ltd., Simao District, Puer, China China

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Mekong Tourism

Pu'Er Mekong Tourism Co.,Ltd., Simao District, Puer, China China

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Gangneung Tourism Organization

Gangneung Tourist Hotel, Geumseong-ro, Seongnae-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea South Korea

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Tourism and Events Queensland

Tourism and Events Queensland, Saint Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD, Australia Australia

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Singapore Tourism Board (STB)

Orchard Spring Lane, Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism Court, Singapore Singapore

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Tourism New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand Nelson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand New Zealand

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Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2026

Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) 2026 – Beijing, China

What is CIMX?   The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) is the premier platform for China‘s events, meetings, and incentive

ITB China 2026 – Shanghai China

ITB China is a 3-day travel trade fair focused on the Chinese travel industry, providing a platform for global travel

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Thailand 2026

Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2026

Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

TDM Global Summit Singapore – 2026

November 24, 2026 | 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM | Singapore DOWNLOAD AGENDA REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Get Ready: Event Begins

Sustainable Action Conference 2025

  Building on the success of the 2nd edition of the Sustainable Action Conference (SAC 2024), we are proud to

ITE Hong Kong and MICE Travel Expo 2026

ITE Hong Kong 2026 – The 40th International Travel Expo co-locating with the 21st MICE Travel Expo   Great Shopping

2026 China outbound & inbound Travel Market

2026 CHINA OUTBOUND & INBOUND TRAVEL MARKET 14-16 October 2026 New Hall (Hall 11), National Agricultural Exhibition Center, Beijing  

TDM Global Summit Bangkok – 2026

April 29, 2026 | 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM | Bangkok DOWNLOAD AGENDA REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Get Ready: Event Begins

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