Tourism
Asia-Pacific Tourism Flourishes: WTO’s Investment Report Highlights 500+ Projects From 2018-2022

(CTN NEWS) – The Asia-Pacific region, known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and booming economies, has been a magnet for tourism foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years.
According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) of the United Nations, between 2018 and 2022, a total of 517 tourism FDI projects were recorded in this dynamic region, amounting to an impressive $65.1 billion in capital investment and the creation of over 105,600 jobs.
These statistics, released in the ‘Tourism Investment 2023’ report to coincide with World Tourism Day, provide a compelling narrative of the growth and resilience of tourism-related investments in the Asia-Pacific region.
Investment are returning to tourism.
We team up again with @fDiIntelligence to provide an overview of the ongoing investment cycle in the tourism sector, breaking down investment figures by region, segments and companies.
Read the full report: https://t.co/Xnsobd8icw pic.twitter.com/VQNw6eByCn
— World Tourism Organization (@UNWTO) September 14, 2023
The Rollercoaster Ride of FDI Projects
The trajectory of FDI projects in the Asia-Pacific region has not been without its ups and downs.
After experiencing a decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on international travel, the region witnessed a modest uptick in announced projects in 2022, with a 2.4% increase to a total of 42 projects.
Job creation in the sector followed a similar pattern, reaching its peak in 2018 when more than 49,000 jobs were generated. However, in the midst of the pandemic in 2021, job creation hit its lowest point with approximately 4,300 jobs created through tourism FDI.
The good news is that the number of jobs rebounded in 2022, rising by 6%, a sign of recovery and renewed confidence in the tourism sector.
China and India: Leading the Charge
China emerged as a frontrunner in attracting tourism FDI projects, securing 79 announced projects between 2018 and 2022, representing a 15% market share in the region.
The country reached its peak for tourism FDI in 2019, with 30 announced projects, although these numbers have been declining since then.
Meanwhile, India made remarkable strides, attracting three times more tourism FDI projects in 2022 compared to 2021, earning the top spot among destination countries in the region for the year.
This surge highlights India’s growing appeal as a tourist destination and its increasing attractiveness to foreign investors.
Global Perspective on Tourism FDI
Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, global trends in tourism FDI reveal a complex picture.
The sector, one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, faced a substantial setback in 2020, experiencing a staggering 59% year-on-year decrease in project numbers, which dropped to 312. Capital investment also plummeted by 70%, from $60.9 billion to $18.2 billion.
However, the global recovery began to take shape in 2022, with FDI project numbers and job creation in the tourism sector increasing by 23%, offering hope for a brighter future.
The Key Players
The United States emerged as the largest recipient of tourism FDI between 2018 and 2022, with 198 projects, closely followed by the United Kingdom (160), Spain (133), and Germany (133).
These top 10 countries accounted for nearly half (47%) of all announced tourism projects globally during the same period.
In terms of capital investment, Spain led the pack with $19.4 billion, followed by China ($11.5 billion) and the Philippines ($11.1 billion).
Interestingly, Mexico took the lead in job creation in the tourism sector, with an estimated 31,000 jobs generated between 2018 and 2022, followed by China (22,130) and Spain (20,590).
The Evolution of the Tourism Cluster
The hotel and tourism sector played a pivotal role in the tourism cluster between 2018 and 2022, contributing to nearly two-thirds of all projects.
While FDI project numbers in this sector increased by 25% from 2021 to 2022, capital investment experienced a decline, falling from $48.9 billion in 2018 to $7.8 billion in 2022.
This shift in capital investment patterns suggests changing dynamics in the industry.
Within the tourism cluster, accommodation remained the dominant sub-sector, accounting for over half (51%) of all FDI projects.
Impressively, this sub-sector also contributed to over 70% of capital investment ($126.8 billion) and job creation (270,000) during the same period, underlining its significance in the tourism landscape.
The Rise of Software and IT Services
Another intriguing development within the tourism FDI landscape is the growing prominence of software and IT services. This sector’s share of global FDI tourism projects steadily increased from 10% in 2018 to 28% in 2022.
This trend underscores the resilience of the software and IT services sector, as well as its increasing role in the digitization of the tourism industry.
In conclusion, the ‘Tourism Investment 2023’ report provides valuable insights into the remarkable resilience and growth of tourism foreign direct investment in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is showing signs of recovery, with increasing project numbers and job creation.
China and India are emerging as key players in the region, while Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom continue to attract substantial investments.
The transformation of the tourism cluster, particularly the rise of software and IT services, points to the industry’s adaptability and its commitment to embracing the digital age.
As the world continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, tourism FDI promises to play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation across the globe.
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Tourism
Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.
According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.
The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.
To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.
The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.
According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.
In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.
Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.
Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.
Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.
Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)
According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):
- You have to be 20 years of age or older
- You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
- To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
- Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.
For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:
- Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
- Instruction and conferences
- Sports medicine therapy
- International talent International music and art events
Thailand DTV Visa Benefits
Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:
- In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
- There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
- With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
- Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
- You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.
Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa
You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.
Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.
Tourism
Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.
Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.
Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.
As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.
On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.
Hotels having issues with Itravel
On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.
In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.
According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.
According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.
Unscrupulous investors
He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.
An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.
The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.
It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.
Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.
Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS
Tourism
Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.
Discovering Pristine Beaches
Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.
Embarking on Aquatic Adventures
Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.
Exploring the Baja Desert
Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.
Indulging in Culinary Delights
Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.
Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife
As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.
Relaxing in Luxury Resorts
Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.
Immersing in Local Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.
Planning Your Los Cabos Escape
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.
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