2012 set to be the best tourist season in Croatia’s history For the first eight months of 2012, Croatia had registered record tourism figures. “Based on the results achieved so far and announcements (for the rest of the year) this is the best tourist season in Croatia’s history,” said Tourism Minister Veljko Ostojic, adding that Croatia … Read more
Travel Spend Climbs to pre-recession levels according to Visa Insights Brazil proves to be a big contributor to the global tourism economy, increasing outbound spend by 32 percent, according to Visa’s 2011 Travel Snapshot. The research highlights key spend insights from Visa account holders traveling to and from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. … Read more
Starwood Capital’s Louvre Hotels to speed up its expansion in fast-growing China Louvre Hotels, the world’s eighth-largest hotelier owned by U.S. investment group Starwood Capital, partnershiped with number one Chinese tour operator for expansion. Louvre Hotels, which so far has three hotels in China, plans to open 25 midscale or luxury hotels in the Shanghai … Read more
Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, expects to test fly its first spacecraft beyond the Earth’s atmosphere this year, with commercial suborbital passenger service to follow in 2013 or 2014, company officials said to reuters. Virgin Galactic is the most visible of a handful of companies developing spaceships for tourism, research, educational and business purposes. The suborbital … Read more
Buyer beware: the ugly face of cosmetic tourism Cosmetic tourism? Yes. But do your homework before getting swept up in the fantasy According to “Booming Medical Tourism in India” report on Reportlinker, the heart surgery centers in India offer treatment at a significantly lesser prices compared to North America and Europe. Superior quality of dental … Read more
Myanmar re-emerges from political isolation The former Burma, one of the most isolated countries in Asia, is being welcomed back into the international fold after two decades of sanctions, thanks to democratic reforms. Myanmar is an attractive destination for travellers jaded by the rapid development seen elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and tourist numbers are already … Read more