News

Pangaea Network member for DACH markets, noble kommunikation, represented their client Sun Siyam Resorts, Maldives at a Floating Roadshow organised by Discover Airlines. On board the MS Vista Sky, the “road” show stopped at 12 German cities including Frankfurt, Bonn, Koblenz, Speyer, Mainz and Cologne where guests could learn about the beautiful holiday destinations served by Discover Airlines from Frankfurt and Cologne, which includes the Maldives. There were culinary delights, presentations and useful insights.

Sun Siyam opened their first resort 20 years ago and has grown to own and manage five luxury private island properties in the Maldives and a boutique beach retreat on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Noble kommunikation joined the Floating Roadshow to share details about these stunning resorts as the representative for Sun Siyam in Germany.

Pangaea Network will be at Arabian Travel Market, Mon 28 Apr – Thu 1 May 2025. With over 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries gathering to shape the next era of tourism, ATM is the perfect place to connect.

Pangaea Network, the leading global independent network of PR and marketing agencies, has helped over 300 tourism brands grow and achieve their objectives, moving forward with energy and strategy. So, if you are looking to engage, whichever market you need to navigate, we are the experts so get in touch and lets meet at ATM.

Pangaea Network member for Spain, The Blueroom Project has launched a campaign for their client the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to celebrate “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025”. The campaign aims to encourage travellers who already know Thailand to return and continue exploring this beautiful country.

The campaign aligns with Thailand’s goals of attracting 39 million international visitors by 2025, highlighting high-level events such as MotoGP, the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok or the SEA Games.

This initiative is in collaboration with agencies Eurovacances, Grupo Nego, Pangea and Tuareg, and offers travellers benefits including special offers and privileged access to unique experiences that reinforce Thailand’s position as a world-class tourism and sports destination.

The Blueroom Project boasts over 21 years experience providing measurable results in tourism representation, integrated communications & marketing, crisis management and content creation services for destinations and premium brands in the travel industry.

We are thrilled to announce that Pangaea Network member for the DACH market noble Kommunikation has been appointed by the beautiful destination of Tobago to conduct services for them including Trade & Media Relations. This new appointment reflects noble’s knowledge and experience delivering exceptional service to tourism clients in German speaking markets. 

We wish our member congratulations on this new client account and know they will exceed expectations in helping Tobago enhance their visibility in Germany.

Image: Pigeon Point, Tobago

Credit: Jono Hirst

Pangaea Network member in French speaking markets Travel-Insight recently arranged an incredible influencer trip for their client Exploris – Expeditions & Cruises, a new small-ship expedition company who organise unique trips to often remote places including the Antarctic, Canadian Arctic, Iceland and the Chilean Fjords.

Four influencers were selected to enjoy an immersive adventure designed to capture the essence of an Exploris trip and spent time exploring between icebergs, whales and breathtaking polar landscapes. The unique trip allowed them to generate exclusive content which will amplify Exploris’ visibility on social networks.

The world’s biggest travel event ITB Berlin takes place 4th-6th March and Pangaea Network will be attending.

As the world’s biggest travel event where the future of travel is shaped we will be connecting with industry professionals to exchange ideas and formulate strategic communication plans. As the Original Independent Tourism Agency Network made up of international tourism experts across multiple markets we offer more than 18 years experience in public relations, marketing and destination representation with worldwide clients in the tourism industry.

Our agencies provide global reach with local implementation for tourism clients looking to grow and lead their sectors. If you would like to arrange a meeting at ITB, please get in touch via the “GET IN TOUCH” link.

Pangaea member for the Nordic markets United Spirit attended Travel News Market in Copenhagen on behalf of their client Destination Asia. The B2B travel event is an exclusive table-top travel trade workshop connecting international travel and tourism suppliers with the Danish outbound market. 

Established in 1996, Destination Asia has grown into one of Asia’s leading destination management companies providing services for incentive houses, corporate meeting planners, convention/exhibition and conference organizers, tour wholesalers and operators, and cruise lines. Christine Engen, DOS of United Spirit Nordic and Chair and Board Member at Pangaea Network attended the event which was a fantastic opportunity to share the expert services of Destination Asia with top Danish travel trade. New connections were made and existing contacts updated at this brilliantly organised workshop.

Pangaea Network member for Spain, The Blueroom Project, successfully participated at FITUR 2025, the first tradeshow of the year for tourism professionals. In its 21st year as a boutique marketing and communication brand, Blueroom remained focused on the dissemination and positioning of clients through meetings, forums and top media interviews.

Highlights of the show included…

Client Amazing Thailand won “Best Stand” award in a space that drew attention to the country’s crafts, folklore, geography and people in a festival of colour supported by vibrant textiles showcasing Thailand’s cultural heritage. Under the theme “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports 2025” the stand featured “5 Must-Do Experiences” and an Amazing Thailand Beach Club event was organised for more than 100 tourism professionals and media.

Madeira Tourism showcased its incredible green tropical interior and volcanic orography alongside its mild year-round climate which entices visitors to discover the island and immerse in its culture. This wonderful destination has received a nomination for BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATION at the 2025 National Geographic Travel Readers’ Choice Awards.

FiturNext, the FITUR Observatory dedicated to promoting good tourism practices in terms of sustainability announced the winning initiatives of the 2025 Challenge as “Sustainable Gastronomic Routes of Extremadura”, Blueroom client “Hurtigruten Cruises” and “Too Good To Go”. Hurtigruten offers unparalleled voyages and extraordinary experiences whilst implementing a circular food system on its voyages to reduce food waste through AI and composting.

Client Santa Eulària des Rui, a beloved destination in Ibiza for families and those seeking a quieter holiday, was rewarded for its accessible beaches as part of the Fitur 4all initiative. The mayor of Santa Eulalia, Ms. Carmen Ferrer, was a key speaker at FITUR NEXT´s panel “Benefits of sustainable water management in tourist cities: success stories”.

Other Blueroom clients at FITUR included: O & L Leisure and Viva Cruises

Click here for the full story.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled its latest report today, exploring the critical gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour. Launched at FITUR 2025, Madrid, the report Bridging the Say-Do Gap: How to Create an Effective Sustainability Strategy by Knowing Your Customers was developed in collaboration with WTTC knowledge partner YouGov. The report explores the disconnect between what travellers say about sustainability and the choices they ultimately make. It provides actionable guidance to Travel & Tourism businesses on how they can address this gap by offering solutions that make sustainable travel both more accessible and more attractive, ultimately balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.

The study, drawing on a survey of more than 10,000 respondents, categorised travellers into six consumer segments, ranging from the eco-conscious “Hopeful Worriers” to the disengaged “Climate Change Agnostics”. Each group comes with unique behaviours, priorities, and barriers to selecting sustainable choices.

Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for businesses to craft effective sustainability strategies that resonate with their audience and drive real impact. According to the data, cost and quality remain the dominant priorities for travellers, outweighing sustainability considerations. Across all consumer segments, more than 50% say cost is the most important factor influencing purchasing decisions, while around 30% prioritise quality.

In stark contrast, sustainability is a primary factor for only a small minority, ranging from 11% to 7%, even among the most environmentally conscious groups. A lack of visibility also remains a significant barrier to progress. Over 10% of respondents reported no exposure to sustainability messaging or information through any channel, including mainstream media, social platforms, or community-driven initiatives.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travellers care about sustainability but when buying travel, cost and quality are king. Customers expect businesses to create affordable sustainable options. But many WTTC companies inspire change – whether that is regrowing coral reefs or reducing food waste. Customers engage with brands that have strong values.

“I am delighted to collaborate with YouGov for such a crucial piece of work. By closing the say-do gap, we not only protect the planet but ensure more rewarding experiences for customers and a brighter and more resilient future for our planet.”

To read the full report click here

Image: Pedro Lastra

O&L Leisure, a leading provider of authentic and heartfelt hospitality in Namibia has chosen Pangaea Network to increase exposure across multiple European markets. Initially working with O&L in Germany through network member noble Kommunikation in Frankfurt, Pangaea will now be representing the hospitality group through members and business partners in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands.

Founded in 1919 and with a genuine love for Namibia, O&L offer accommodation throughout Namibia at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Mokuti Etosha, Midgard, and Chobe Water Villa. The group’s outstanding hotels create a truly memorable stay while their passionate team constantly strive to deliver exceptional service and unique experiences that resonate with the true spirit of Namibia.

O&L Leisure is dedicated to growing their international reach and Pangaea Network looks forward to working with them to achieve this aim.

Since 20th December 2007 Pangaea Network has grown into a global network of communication agencies based across the globe. Each network member is an expert in their market with many years experience in the fields of PR, Marketing and Representation with impressive clients lists and contacts. As we celebrate our 18th birthday we are proud to have assisted hundreds of clients create successful communications campaigns including tourist boards, hotels chains, rental companies, cruises operators, attractions, airlines, airports and more.

We look forward to growing the network in the year ahead, strengthening existing business relationships and creating new ones too.

Madrid, Spain, 4 December 2024 – Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double digit growth compared to 2019.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world. The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.”

Tourism performance by region International tourist arrivals grew strongly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong post pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and visa facilitation also supported international travel.

The Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels

The Americas recovered 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019)

Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels as compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia and the Pacific has experienced a gradual though uneven rebound in arrivals since the region reopened to international travel in 2023.

The summer season in the Northern Hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values in Q3 2024.

A total of 60 out of 111 destinations surpassed 2019 arrival numbers in the first eight to nine months of 2024. Some of the strongest performers in arrivals during this period were Qatar (+141% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), Colombia and Andorra (both +36%).

For more information please visit: www.unwto.org/news/global-tourism-set-for-full-recovery-by-end-of-the-year-with-spending-growing-faster-than-arrivals

Photo by Phill Brown

Hurtigruten, in collaboration with Pangaea Network member for Spain The Blueroom Project, organised a successful press trip for prominent journalists from outlets including Prensa Ibérica, Oxígeno, Viajes National Geographic, La Vanguardia, and Condé Nast Traveler. The journalists experienced firsthand what is considered “the most beautiful sea voyage in the world.” onboard the MS Nordkapp.

The itinerary journeyed along the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes, offered stunning landscapes and incredible nature on one of Hurtigruten’s most iconic ships. The journalists also had the opportunity to take a spectacular excursion to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe where they could marvel at the vast Arctic landscape.

Established in 2003, The Blueroom Project in Madrid boasts more than 21 years’ experience offering representation services, communication & comprehensive marketing, crisis management and content creation for leading destinations and premium brands in the tourism sector, in the Spanish market.

Pangaea Network will be attending WTM London, Tuesday 5th November to Thursday 7th November.

As the Original Independent Tourism Agency Network made up of international tourism experts, our agencies provide global reach with local implementation for tourism clients looking to grow and lead their sectors. We offer more than 17 years experience in public relations, marketing and destination representation and if you would like to meet us at WTM, please get in touch via the “Contact Us” link below.

Pangaea Network member for Italy, Martinengo & Partners Communication recently returned from a fam trip to the ancient Arabian city of AlUla, with a group of Italian luxury tour operators and travel agents. Arranged in collaboration with Sporting Vacanze, a tour operator specialising in the luxury segment, Banyan Tree and ITA Airways, the six-day tour introduced top-performing agents to remarkable AlUla allowing them to enjoy a truly unique travel experience.

Lucrezia Martinengo, Travel Trade Manager Italy for AlUla, shared her incredible knowledge and passion for the destination through an itinerary which included stunning historical sites, a safari in Sharaan Nature Reserve, sunrise hot air balloon flight, bike tour in the AlUla oasis and stargazing, plus visits to new hotels and a soon to be opened hotel.

The trip was engaging and informative as the operators experienced the destination first-hand, providing them with unique selling points to share with clients in a new role as ambassadors of beautiful AlUla.

Taking place in Tbilisi, Georgia on 27th September, World Tourism Day 2024 aims to explore the intersection of tourism and peacebuilding, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the conference aims to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to harness the transformative power of tourism in building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation.

The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour, and progress through tourism is more relevant than ever. Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Moreover, tourism is clearly linked to the building blocks of peace- such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, sustainable development, and broad-based democracy with the capability of non-violent conflict resolution. Tourism’s biggest strength, besides being an economic powerhouse, brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances.

Tourism has the potential to contribute to peace in many ways and these need to be appropriately explored and assessed. Tourism as an instrument for peace needs to be peacesensitive and needs to be understood from both– the suppliers and consumer´s side- not
as an isolated peace strategy, but as part of social transformation towards a culture of peace. A peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of the opportunities but aware of the power of alliances to the democratisation of society, of international relations and of the world system as such.

Moreover, tourism provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging creative solutions and new business models, tourism can drive economic growth and provide unique opportunities for young talent. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism can lead to sustainable development and create platforms for innovative peacebuilding strategies. The future of tourism lies in the hands of young people. By investing in youth, providing education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active participation in the tourism sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings fresh
perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good.

To find out more: https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2024

Image Credit: Aleksandr Ledogorov

Pangaea Network member in the French Market, Travel-Insight will be attending IFTM Top Resa, the premier tradeshow for French and international travel professionals. Taking place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Travel-Insight will be available to discuss tourism, travel and trends as well as to launch the first edition of the Media Village, where media, advertising agencies and influencers can discuss future projects.

Don’t hesitate to visit their booths: P093 – Media Village & P088 – Travel-Insight

DATE FOR THE DIARY – “Communication Trends in 2025”, Agora Room, 10,30am September 19, 2024: Célia and Chloé from Travel-Insight will share valuable insights on emerging technologies, consumer behaviour and best practices in the tourism industry. This will be a unique opportunity to learn more about tomorrow’s trends and exchange ideas and opinions with Travel-Insight’s communication experts. This is the place to learn how to stay at the forefront in an ever-changing world.

London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, which has revealed the U.S. as the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, contributing a record-breaking $2.36 TN to the nation’s economy last year.

Despite the slow return of spending from international travellers, the U.S. keeps pole position, with almost double the economic contribution of its nearest rival. Following a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism, the sector continues to be the backbone to many country economies, while supporting millions of jobs globally.

The latest report from the global tourism body reveals China as the world’s second most powerful market with a GDP contribution of US$1.3 TN in 2023, underscoring its impressive rebound, despite the late reopening of its borders. Germany secured the third spot with a US$487.6 BN economic contribution, while Japan, which in 2022 was in 5th place, jumped up to 4th position, contributing US$297 BN. The United Kingdom completes the top five contributing US$295.2 BN. France, the world’s most popular destination retained its sixth position with a contribution of US$264.7 BN, followed closely by Mexico at US$261.6 BN, showcasing its continued appeal as a major tourist destination. India came in eighth, rising from a previous 10th position, with US$231.6 BN, marking a notable improvement and highlighting its growing influence in the sector. Italy and Spain complete the top 10, contributing US$231.3 BN and US$227.9 BN, respectively.

However, over the next decade, WTTC predicts China will become the biggest Travel & Tourism market with India moving up to 4th position. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of the global Travel & Tourism sector, with emerging markets gaining ground and traditional powerhouses maintaining their strongholds. The report also highlights the countries experiencing the highest annual growth rates in their Travel & Tourism contributions to GDP. In 2023, China’s sector surged led with an astounding year on year growth of 135.8%, while other Asian countries, such as Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and the Philippines recovered soon after the removal of travel restrictions.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said:

“As we look forward to a record-breaking 2024, it’s clear that Travel & Tourism is not only back on track, but also set to achieve unprecedented growth. We will continue to prioritise sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that this growth benefits everyone and protects our planet for future generations. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continues to drive us forward.”

According to the report, many key destinations will profit from a surge in international spending this year compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Saudi Arabia, up 91.3% compared to 2019%, Türkiye (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%) and Egypt (+22.9%) leading the way. Globally international visitor spending is set to grow by nearly 16% to reach US$1.9 TN, while domestic tourists are projected to spend more than ever before, reaching US$5.4TN, an increase of 10.3% over 2019 levels.

Travel & Tourism investment grew 13% in 2023 to reach more than US$1TN, with a return to pre-pandemic levels anticipated by 2025. However, high interest rates around the world could create challenges for future investment. It is therefore crucial that the public and private sectors work together to innovate to ensure the continual strengthening of this vital sector. The report also highlights the sector’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing the decoupling of growth from greenhouse gas emissions and the increasing opportunities for women, young people, and marginalised communities. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are expected to further enhance the travel experience and drive future growth.

For more information and to access the full report, please visit WTTC’s Research Hub – www.researchhub.wttc.org/product/economic-impact-report-global-trends

Image Credit: Ian Hutchinson

Trazler, an app that brings together millions of travel options in one place, has chosen Pangaea Network member in France Travel-Insight to maximize visibility, brand awareness, and platform usage, alongside the creation of an effective social media strategy to drive bookings in the French market.

Trazler utlises innovative technology to allow travellers to book flights, car rental, cruises, day trips and more with the added benefit that all elements interact in a smart way, so if a traveller changes the date of a flight, the rest of their trip with automatically adjust. Their claim is “”Book Better, Travel Smart”. Work has commenced on a brandbook to ensure consistency across all communications and Travel Insight are using their expertise and experience to create an impactful and effective social media strategy for Trazler.

The new collaboration which commenced in June and is proving to be an exciting journey for Trazler and Travel-Insight as the smart booking platform makes it’s mark on French travellers through the expertise and guidance of Travel-Insight.

Pangaea Network member for the DACH market, noble kommunikation, organised a trip to Sun Siyam Resorts in the Maldives for 14 agents in July this year. Responsible for sales and marketing for their client Sun Siyam, noble kommunikation worked with Expipoint for this trip (a B2B communication and marketing platform), who helped arrange flights and reached out to agents.

The fam trip visited the hotel group’s five luxurious private islands in the Maldives and incorporated site inspections, excursions including a snorkeling trip and dolphin cruise, plus a workshop on the production of coconut oil. The trip culminated was a wonderful private pool party where the agents could reflect on their experience while enjoying views of the Indian Ocean.

Since the opening of the first resort in the Maldives (Sun Siyam Vilu Reef) in 1998, the Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio has grown to include six luxurious properties. The resort collection includes one 4-star resort (Sun Siyam Olhuveli) and four 5-star resorts (Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Siyam World) in the Maldives, as well as a boutique beach resort on the east coast of Sri Lanka (Sun Siyam Pasikudah).

Images © Sun Siyam Resorts

Pangaea Network member in Madrid The Blueroom Project, has as part of their role as the representative of Thailand Tourism in Spain, driven the development of a new air route. After many months of intensive work, and with a strategic vision to bring the jewel of Southeast Asia closer to Spain, Ávoris Corporación Empresarial, with the institutional support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has inaugurated an exclusive new direct air route connecting Madrid and Bangkok operated by Iberojet.

Starting on 30 May 2024, the airline will operate a direct flight between Madrid and Bangkok from May and December, using an Airbus A350-900 with a 432-passenger capacity. This new route coincides with revised visa conditions which extends the stay for Spanish passport holders from 30 to 60 days in Thailand.

The Blueroom Project has acted as the representative of Tourism Thailand in Spain for more than 25 years providing a full range of services including PR, marketing and trade relations. The main objective is to increase awareness of Thailand as a holiday destination among Spaniards, increase visitor numbers to the Kingdom from Spain, and position Thailand as a multi-faceted destination featuring a wide range of experiences.

Pangaea Network member in the Nordics, United Spirit Nordic organised a fam trip for 6 leading tour operators to Vietnam for their client Destination Asia and in partnership with Emirates Denmark. The fam trip showcased the DMC’s products and enabled the agents to experience services and products first-hand.

The journey began with a comfortable flight courtesy of Emirates and once in Hanoi the agents experienced the vibrant energy of the Old Quarter, where streets are alive with history, culture, and delicious street food. The agents transferred to spectacular Halong Bay where they cruised among the famous limestone karsts and emerald waters. A scenic cycle tour around Cat Ba Island showcased the lush landscapes and serene ambience of Halong Bay’s largest island, while also providing a striking contrast to the bustling city of Hanoi and ensuring the agents enjoyed a well-rounded taste of Vietnam’s diverse offerings.

United Nordic Spirit is the leading Nordic public relations, sales, and marketing agency specialising in travel and tourism. From headquarters in Copenhagen they help global brands in hospitality, aviation, tourism, and lifestyle enhance their reputation and effectively grow their business.

Hotel stays flat and short-term rentals up 41% YOY finds Phocuswright who published its latest consumer analysis Spain Consumer Travel Report 2024. According to the report, for Spanish travellers, hotels remain the overall lodging of choice, with short-term rentals (STR) a distant second despite STR usage increasing considerably over the prior year, closing the gap somewhat.

Both hotels and STRs are chosen primarily for price, location and value, but hotels also see a unique benefit from their star-ratings systems. STRs are more often selected for things like privacy, home-like feel and positive reviews.

Booking wise, OTAs are the dominant hotel booking channel among Spanish travellers. Overall, the largest drivers of any hotel channel, whether direct or indirect, are price and convenience, with those booking direct more likely to cite supplier brand preference or redeeming loyalty points, and those choosing to book indirect influenced more by convenience and easier comparisons between hotels.

The report, based on a survey of Spanish leisure travellers, provides a comprehensive range of data and analysis on the trip lifecycle for consumers in Spain.

The report answers key questions including:

What does the average Spain traveller look like? How many trips do they take per year, where do they go, with whom, for how long, and how much do they spend?
What resources – online and offline – do Spanish travellers use to research, plan and book their trips?
How do preferences differ across age groups?
How do travellers make decisions about various elements (e.g., air, hotel and activities) of their trips?
What role does social media play in Spanish consumers’ travel planning activities?
What is the sentiment towards future travel? What changes, if any, do Spain travellers intend to make regarding their future travel?

To find out more visit: www.phocuswright.com

Photo by Henrique Ferreira

To support the launch of a new bi-weekly flight between Nice and Alicante operated by easyJet, Pangaea Network member in France Travel-Insight organised a B2B workshop event in Nice. The objective was to reach local travel agencies and media, promote the beauty, diversity and vibrancy of Alicante and highlight the city’s hotel partners.

Travel-Insight secured a suitable venue at a restaurant in central Nice and organised the event which was supported throughout by the Travel-Insight team. Quality French travel agents were recruited via Travel-Insight’s database, a press release was written and distributed to trade media and invitations extended for local media to attend the event. A typical ‘Alicante’ menu completed the day with produce imported from Alicante to ensure the Mediterranean flavours and lifetstyle of the city were conveyed.

After the event thorough follow-up took place with all attendees and press, and a report presented to the client. The event was a resounding success with 35 attending including tour operators, travel agents, government officials and partners from Alicante.

Pangaea Network member for Spain, The Blueroom Project, continues to collaborate with Pangaea’s partner in China to strengthen the position of the stunning city of Valencia in Spain, on social networks in China

In a market as complex and demanding as China, this successful international collaboration has enabled Valencia to be featured on the most important and influential social networks in China including Weibo and WeChat, an example of The Blueroom Project’s expertise in tourism marketing and communication services globally.

Over the last three decades Arabian Travel Market has become a leading global event enabling growth for the travel and tourism industry. In a world where travel transcends boundaries and business opportunities await, there is a place where global travel and tourism visionaries unite. A platform where leisure blends seamlessly with business, MICE & luxury travel and global leaders come to feel the future.

Pangaea Network will be attending ATM 6-9 May 2024, Dubai – if you would like to meet, please get in touch via the “Contact Us” link below to arrange a meeting.

Image: Copyright THE-COOL-BOX Studio

New reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft highlights the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of Travel & Tourism.

The final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence from WTTC entitled “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritises safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption. Launched during the global tourism body’s participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, these reports mark significant milestones in WTTC’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in customer experiences through the safe and trustworthy integration of AI.

“Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)” delves into the potential risks associated with AI deployment and offers strategies for establishing frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness. From addressing bias and discrimination to ensuring human oversight of AI systems, this report empowers organisations to harness the power of AI responsibly. In the fourth and final instalment, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” WTTC provides a detailed overview of the AI ecosystem across key countries and international organisations. It shows how policymakers are navigating the AI landscape and shaping regulations and strategies to foster AI innovation, while ensuring its ethical and responsible use.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The insights provided in these reports demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic tool that can personalise customer experiences, drive sustainable improvements, and shape the future of Travel & Tourism.

“AI is already being used across our sector with incredible results. Several major hotel groups including Iberostar are using AI to monitor and reduce food waste, which recently resulted not only in a 27% cost saving but prevented thousands of kilos of unwanted food going to landfill. “

Julie Shainock, Managing Director, Travel, Transport, & Logistics Industry for Microsoft said: “We are seeing AI being embraced across the entire travel eco-system enhancing the customer experience, the employee experience and also driving more efficiency in operations, but we know we are only at the beginning of the journey.

“We are excited to see what the future holds as AI becomes more widely adopted to automate the more mundane tasks of travel and harness the true spirit of travel, to elevate the human experience.”

According to WTTC, AI has the power to revolutionise how businesses in the Travel & Tourism sector operate, offering immense opportunities for growth and innovation. Both reports underscore the urgent need for Travel & Tourism businesses to embrace AI as a strategic priority, investing in talent and fostering collaboration between humans and AI. But despite the sector’s increasing recognition of AI’s potential, challenges such as AI-skilled workforce shortages in the Travel & Tourism sector persist, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to overcome barriers to adoption.

For more information, please visit researchhub.wttc.org

Image: Growtika

Pangaea Network member for Germany noble kommunikation, has been chosen by Theiner’s Garten one of the first certified climate hotels in Italy, to lead their PR activity in the German market.

The hotel in the South Tyrolean Etsch Valley opened in 2009 and is celebrating it’s 15th anniversary this year. Built according to sustainable construction guidelines using natural materials throughout, the hotel offers a haven of peace and tranquility with the motto “from nature, for nature, with nature”. The term “organic” is a way of life with only high quality sustainable products used in the guestrooms and wellness areas while locally sourced, organic produce is used in the kitchen.

Anyone who stays at Theiner’s Garten keeps their environmental footprint as small as possible and noble kommunikation is proud to support this biodynamic hotel with PR expertise to help make the world of tourism just that little bit better.

Savoy Signature the hotel collection from the island of Madeira, has consolidated its presence in Spain through the the appointment of Pangaea Network member in Madrid, The Blueroom Project as its communications agency. Savoy Signature offers a growing portfolio of unique hotels and resorts, each with its own distinctive value propositions, concepts and audiences.

With the grand opening of Savoy Signature’s latest ultra-luxury resort, The Reserve, The Blueroom Project undertook a high-value communications plan achieving coverage in leading general media El Mundo, domestic financial and business magazine Expansión and leading travel publication CN Traveler. Additional coverage included hotel sector outlets such as Gran Hotel and prominent travel trade publications Hosteltur and Meet In.

The Blueroom Project has also carried out a range of successful networking and public relations actions in Spain targeting the luxury travel segment to position this unique collection of hotels in the Iberian market.

UN Tourism has released its latest Tourism Visa Openness report on global visa policies, revealing continuous shifts in international travel regulations.

The report sheds light on the evolving landscape of travel facilitation. It includes the Tourism Visa Openness Index that measures the degree to which destinations facilitate tourism and how open a country is in terms of visa facilitation for tourism purposes. Also, mobility scores are included to indicate to the extent to which citizens around the world are subject to visa policies, as well as an in-depth analysis of the reciprocity of visa policies.

Key findings include:

Return to Pre-pandemic openness: Destinations’ openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels following the lifting of COVID-19 related travel restrictions. As a consequence of the pandemic, new forms of travel facilitation, such as “nomadic visas”,also appeared.

Decline in traditional visa requirements: Fewer people worldwide now require a traditional visa to travel falling from 77% in 2008 to 59% in 2018, and then to 47% in 2023.

Visa-exempt travel: 21% of the world population do not need any form of visa, an increase from 17% in 2008 and 20% in 2018.

Visa on arrival: 14% of the world population can apply for visa on arrival, an increase from 6% in 2008. and 15% in 2018.

eVisas: 18% of the world population can apply for eVisas, an increase from 3% in 2013 and 7% in 2018.

For more information, see www.unwto.org

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok

The world’s biggest travel event ITB will take place in Berlin 5th-9th March and Pangaea Network will be attending.

As the world’s biggest travel event where the future of travel is shaped we will be connecting with industry professionals to exchange ideas and formulate strategic communication plans. We are the Original Independent Tourism Agency Network made up of international tourism experts across multiple markets and offer more than 17 years experience in public relations, marketing and destination representation.

Our agencies provide global reach with local implementation for tourism clients looking to grow and lead their sectors. If you would like to meet, please get in touch via the “Contact Us” link below to arrange a meeting.

Martinengo Communication Pangaea’s member in Italy organised a fam trip for agents and tour operators to Saudi Arabia’s exclusive cycling hub AlUla. A trip dedicated to biking was the perfect way to experience the destination and five luxury agencies and tour operators specialising in bike tours were invited to enjoy a range of bike tours for all abilities from beginner to seasoned cyclist.

One of the best things about exploring a destination by bike is the ability to take your time, get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems not accessible by car or bus. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and healthy while you travel. Contributing to the development of AlUla as Saudi Arabia’s exclusive cycling hub, the city recently inaugurated the first 45 km of cycling track in the southern part of AlUla, extending from AlUla Airport to the Mughayraa Heritage Sports Village, forming a total loop of 90 km. Plans for the next 48 km are in advanced stages.

In addition to biking tours, a wide range of luxury experiences can be enjoyed in AlUla whether visitors choose to indulge in a spa day, savour a gourmet meal, sample the local culture, or try adrenaline fuelled activities. To further spread the word of these incredible opportunities Martinengo organised a webinar for tour operators, travel agents and media to complement the cycling experiences enjoyed on the trip.

Pangaea Network member for the Nordics, United Spirit Nordic is delighted to represent Cashel Travel, a family-owned powerhouse offering dream vacations across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. United Spirit’s dedicated team is fluent in the nuances of the Nordic market and their partnership with Cashel Travel will unlock a world of seamless travel experiences, crafted specifically for Scandinavian explorers.

Cashel Travel deliver comprehensive solutions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland for all types of travel from intimate FIT adventures to luxurious getaways, exhilarating group tours and corporate gatherings with an impressive track record having flawlessly executed events of all sizes, from corporate meetings to grand conferences exceeding 2,000 attendees.

United Nordic Spirit will provide boundless business opportunities for Cashel Travel bringing their expertise, commitment and in-depth market knowledge to the partnership to increase sales for Cashel Travel from the vibrant Nordic travel market.

Le Forum des Pionniers is a unique annual business event offering participants the chance to deepen their knowledge of a destination, foster opportunities and stay informed about current and future industry trends. Following on from the success of the 2023 forum, Pangaea member in the French market Travel-Insight will once again be co-organising 2024’s forum in May with ESCAET, owner of the event.

Travel-Insight will provide all event logistics and partnerships to provide a rich and diverse programme across 4 days with over 130 decision makers including destinations, distributors, services and producers. The event offers conferences centered on the main theme of the forum, a workshop bringing partners, guests and local actors together, as well as excursions to highlight the territorial attractiveness of the host country.

The forum serves as a platform to strengthen and develop economic ties between tourism professionals, distributors, tour operators, transporters, incoming agencies, institutions and technological partners. To date there have been 20 forums in 20 different destinations with the location of the 2024 forum to be unveiled shortly.

In September, the adventurer and television presenter Jesús Calleja travelled to Madeira to promote the beautiful Atlantic island through the thrilling sport of Enduro biking where riders descend rough, challenging trails at great speeds.

Pangaea Network member The Blueroom Project in Madrid, Madeira Tourism’s communications agency in Spain, organised the trip to make it known to the general Spanish public in a direct way through the tourism board’s more than 2 million followers, the attraction of the island for this sport which is booming in Europe. Enduro biking is one of the most vigorous activities within the so-called “green tourism” or “ecological tourism” category.

Accompanied by his bicycle club and an local expert guide E-Bike, Jesús Calleja experienced some of the main attractions of the island including Madeiran nature, culture and gastronomy on exciting Enduro itineraries created by the Madeira Tourist Board.

The Original Independent Tourism Agency Network celebrates 17 years delivering boutique services, successful results and efficient management to the travel industry worldwide.

Since 2007 Pangaea has evolved into a strong, dynamic global network of experienced, dedicated members and partners adapting to the challenges of the tourism industry. Together, our agencies provide global reach with local implementation for tourism clients looking to grow and lead their specific sectors and niches. As we start our milestone eighteenth year we would like to thank everyone who has helped make Pangaea the leading network of communication experts it is today.

International travel is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022.

The newest UNWTO Barometer also shows:

• World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.
• International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month so far since the start of the pandemic.
• Overall, tourism recovered 87% if pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023. That puts the sector on course to recover almost 90% by the end of the year.
• International tourism receipts cold reach USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of the USD 1.5 million earned by destinations in 2019.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses and communities where the sector is a lifeline.”

The Middle East continues to lead the recovery by regions in relative terms, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September 2023. The Middle East remains the only world region to surpass 2019 levels this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investments in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events, help underpin this remarkable performance.

Europe, the world’s largest destination welcomed 550 million international tourists over the period, 56% of the global total. That represents 94% of pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was supported by robust intra-regional demand as well as strong demand from the United States.

Africa recovered 92% of pre-pandemic visitors this nine-month period, and arrivals in the Americas 88% of 2019 numbers this period as the region benefitted from strong US demand, in particular to Caribbean destinations.

Asia and the Pacific reached 62% of per-pandemic levels in this period due to slower re-opening to international travel. However, performance among sub-regions is mixed with South Asia recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels but North-East Asia only about 50%.

The World Tourism Barometer includes more focused data on regions, as well as subregions and individual destinations. To find out more: www.unwto.org/

Image credit: UNWTO

RESTART-MED! a project dedicated to the REvitalization of Sustainable Tourism Across Regions in The MEDiterranean is working with Pangaea member Martinengo Communication in Milan to promote and improve sustainability in the tourism sector in the post-COVID era.

Martinengo Communication was selected to assist RESTART-MED! and using their experience and innovation have successfully conducted research across five target markets (Spain, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan and Italy) on sustainable tourism products, developed an eye-catching website and created a brochure and engaging video to inspire public and private entities to increase their degree of sustainability, and motivate travellers to take a sustainable holiday in the Mediterranean.

Martinengo Communication working in partnership with RESTART-MED! aim to strengthen, encourage and scale up sustainable tourism practices as well as build a community of tourism opportunities across borders, to enable to the revitalization and growth of sustainable tourism in the Med.

American Airlines and Martinengo Communication celebrated the 10th anniversary since the beginning of their collaboration. In the second half of 2013, American Airlines – one of the most important US airlines – chose the integrated marketing and communication agency Martinengo Communication as its reference for Public Relations and Press Office in Italy. The collaboration began at a crucial stage in American’s history, namely the merger with US Airways that gave birth to one of the world’s largest airlines.

Since 2013, Martinengo Communication has been the airline’s trusted point of reference for media relations in Italy. Based in the heart of Milan, the integrated communication agency has extensive experience in tourism, aviation, destinations, lifestyle, luxury products, hotels & resorts, institutions and industries.

“The quality of the team, the strategic approach, the proactivity and the ability to fully represent the values ​​and spirit of the company are some of the main aspects that led us to choose to work with Martinengo Communication” declared Will Roach, EMEA Communications Manager of American Airlines . “After 10 years of collaboration, we can say that Martinengo Communication is in all respects an extension of our business in Italy which has achieved and exceeded every objective”.

“Ten years have passed since the first contact with American Airlines and we are proud to have given our contribution to making American an essential point of reference for the Italian media in the aviation industry. Working for such a prestigious and pioneering airline is a great honor for all of us and at the same time represents a constant opportunity for growth,” says Lorenzo Martinengo, Press Office Manager of American Airlines in Italy .

Pangaea member Martinengo Communication in Italy organised the participation of AlUla in the “Saudi Village” at Casina Valadier, in Villa Borghese Park, Rome from 25th – 29th September, in cooperation with The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. The event celebrated 90 years of Saudi-Italian diplomatic relations.

AlUla’s participation included three main activities to highlight the cultural aspects of the archaeological region of AlUla, an open-air museum:

An immersive booth in the main square of the Saudi Village with images and videos of the archaeological site of Hegra, the heart of AlUla oasis and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

A photo exhibition: “AlUla: sites and faces along the Incense Road” incorporating images by Giacomo Bretzel and in cooperation with Condé Nast Traveller

A themed talk: “AlUla and Italy, two crossroads of civilizations connected – from the Incense Road to present and future opportunities of cultural partnerships” in cooperation with Condé Nast Traveller

The event also succeeded in presented AlUla to the public and a high number of travel trade and media representatives alongside the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 25 September 2023 – The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around the theme of Tourism and Green Investments. In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held on 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UNWTO’s Member States will mark the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programmes. The date marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

On World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO will place emphasis on Tourism and Green Investments. The day will focus on the importance of:

Investment for People (by investing in education and skills),

For Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation)

For Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).

UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism. The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism’s private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally.

To find out more: www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2023

Image credit: Saudi Tourism Authority

Pangaea member Travel Insight in Paris, will organise the Influencer Village at IFTM Top Résa, the largest French tourism fair. During the 3 day event a total of 30 influencers will be brought together consisting of 10 new influencers each day from the categories: Lifestyle, Travel, Family, Business, Adventure, Sport, History and Culture. Influencers from international communities will also be present.

The Influencer Village is the first reverse workshop in the tourism sector, an exclusive format in France. Brands will be able to meet their favourite influencers and use the opportunity to discuss future collaborations. All influencers and bloggers are hand-selected according to various criteria including their social media statistics (size of the community, commitment, etc.) and their professionalism (content creation, referent brands, projects, etc.).

Starting on 3rd October, Travel-Insight is committed to providing influencers of the highest quality and experience to enable destinations, tour operators, large distributors and travel agencies to carry out truly impactful operations.

To find out more and meet the influencers, visit: www.travel-insight.fr/le-village-des-influenceurs/

The second edition of the ‘Consumer Travel Spend Priorities’ research, by Outpayce, a wholly owned Amadeus company, reveals in the coming 12 months, consumers will spend 28 percent more on travel than had been expected a year ago. Outpayce’s travel data analysis also noted that international travel and holidays take the highest priority among consumers.

“International travel” was ranked highest by consumers out of six options; the others were domestic travel, subscription to, for example, Netflix, restaurant visits, buying new clothes and, for example, buying concert tickets. All spend categories edged up compared to last year’s study pointing to a tentative jump in overall consumer confidence. However, the number of people ranking travel as a ‘high priority’ for the coming twelve months increased by the largest margin, rising to 47%, up 12% year-over-year. Travellers expect to spend significantly more on international travel during the coming year with average expected spend of $3,422, an increase of $753 per consumer, or 28%, compared to last year.

About the research: 4,500 travelers were surveyed from the US, UK, France, Germany and Singapore during the second quarter of 2023 using an online methodology by international market research firm Opinium on behalf of Outpayce from Amadeus.

Source: outpayce.com

Pangaea Network member for the Nordic markets, United Spirit Nordic organised a high-end event in Copenhagen at short notice for client South African Tourism. The event was designed to raise awareness amongst Danish trade and media on the new “Live Again” campaign.

United Spirit Nordic selected elegant venue Hotel D’Angleterre and liaised with South African Tourism and the South African Embassy in Denmark to organise the event. To secure a high level of attendance United Spirit Nordic utilised their extensive network of contacts securing 27 key trade and media attended.

The results achieved were beyond the clients’ expectations; the “Live Again” campaign was firmly established in the minds of all trade and media attending, 2 journalists were chosen for a press trip to South Africa, and travel trade representatives were invited to Indaba thanks to the successful event.

The “Amazing Thailand Fest 2023”, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), attracted more than 3,500 people over a July weekend in Barcelona. The event showcased Thai culture with folk dancing, craft workshops, Muay Thai shows and a selection of international films and television series filmed in Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is represented by Pangaea Network member The Blueroom Project in Spain and more than 75 journalists and tourism professionals along with many local visitors enjoyed the event. The festival highlighted Thai culture, traditions, travel opportunities and cuisine with guests invited to indulge in delicious traditional dishes.

The “Amazing Thailand Fest 2023” was a huge success offering an enriching and memorable experience for all who attended. The Blueroom Project would like to thank all participants, media and collaborators for their support organising the event.

United Spirit Nordic organised a famil to Saint Martin earlier this month for agents from leading tour operators in the Nordics. Agents from Ticket, Nordmannreiser/USAspecialisten, Berg Hansen, Caribia, Sunway group / Sea travel and Air France-KLM enjoyed a 5 day itinerary around “the friendly island” accompanied by Head of Trade at United Spirit Nordic, Paul Sikic.

The trip included site inspections of several hotels and villas, excursions on Quad/ATV bikes, guided island tours, dinners, workshops and meetings with tourism officials. With direct flights from Paris CDG to SXM Princess Juliana airport on the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten), the famil successfully showed the agents it is an easy trip to make from Nordic countries and boasts an incredible range of attractions for visitors.

On Sunday May 28th, in the elegant setting of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Rome, Martinengo & Partners Communication organised the first event to unveil AlUla as a new premium cycling destination in Arabia.

The event transported guests to the beauty of Saudi and presented AlUla as a wonderful destination for different biking experiences; road cycling, gravel cycling and mountain biking. Guests of honour, Team Jayco AlUla (official sponsor of GreenEDGE Cycling) attended the event and enjoyed beautiful views of the Villa Borghese Park while celebrating the end of the gruelling 3 week Giro d’Italia race. Also present was Moroj Adil, a young Saudi female cyclist who as part of Team Jayco AlUla, embraces AlUla’s commitment to promote and support Saudi women in cycling.

(May 12th) At the recent XXV Edition of the Golden Egg Awards 2023 held in Talinn, Estonia the project “Estonia by Duyos” presented by Visit Estonia and created and executed by The Blueroom Project in Spain won second place to rceive the Silver Egg in the influencer marketing category. The awards are considered the largest festival celebrating creativity in Estonia.

The successful project featured Spanish designer Juan Duyos who commemorated his career in the world of haute couture and celebrated his XXV anniversary with a collection inspired by the magic of Estonia, its vibrant nature and traditions, to present a fashion show on the catwalk during “Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid” last September.

The creative alliance garnered enormous attention from Spanish media by uniting tourism, events, communication and social networks, with culture, dance and fashion andhas become a long-term project conveying the essence of Estonia to many Spanish travellers and tourism professionals.

The Association of Marketing Agencies recognised the innovation, design and impact of the campaign to award Visit Estonia the Silver Egg, the first time an overseas campaign for the tourist board has achieved such a prestigious award.

GDP contribution 5% off 2019 peak by the end of 2023 – Almost 22 million more Travel & Tourism jobs last year – International visitor spend up more than 80%

New York, U.S.: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today shows the Travel & Tourism sector is closing in on its 2019 peak, recovering by more than 95%. In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5TN, just 5% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels when travel was at its highest. 34 countries have already exceeded 2019 levels. According to the research conducted by WTTC in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the global tourism body also forecasts that the sector will recover to 95% of the 2019 job level.

A look back on last year
Last year, despite the economic and geopolitical difficulties, the Travel & Tourism sector’s recovery continued at pace, growing 22% year-on-year to reach $7.7TN. This recovery represented 7.6% of the global economy in 2022, the highest sector contribution since 2019, although its global GDP is still 22.9% behind its 2019 peak. In 2021 the global sector grew 24.7% year-on-year, and last year it grew a further 22% to reach a GDP contribution of $7.7TN.

The research shows that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and prolonged travel restrictions imposed by a number of countries such as China had a significant impact on the global recovery. But the recent decision by the Chinese government to reopen its borders from January will propel the sector and see it recover to pre-pandemic levels next year.

From a pre-pandemic high of more than 334MN, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged employment in the sector which saw losses of more than 70MN to bring the total number employed in 2020 to just 264MN. Following the recovery of 11MN jobs in 2021, the sector created 21.6MN new jobs in 2022 to reach more than 295MN globally – one in 11 jobs worldwide. Spending from overseas visitors grew by a record 82% to reach $1.1TN in 2022, showing that international travel is firmly back on track.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector continues to recover at pace, demonstrating the resilience of the sector and the enduring desire to travel.

“By the end of the year, the sector’s contribution will be within touching distance of the 2019 peak. We expect 2024 to exceed 2019.

“The recovery will speed up this year as Chinese travellers re-enter the market and over the next 10 years, Travel & Tourism will continue to grow as a sector.”

What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5TN by 2033 representing 11.6% of the global economy and will employ 430MN people around the world, with almost 12% of the working population employed in the sector.

The latest EIR also reveals that 34 of the 185 countries analysed in the EIR have now recovered to pre-pandemic levels in terms of GDP contribution. WTTC forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries will have either fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels or be within 95% of full recovery. For more information, please visit wttc.org

Source: World Travel & Tourism Council. The research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics with information sourced from UNWTO, Oxford Economics and national sources. All values are in constant 2022 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2023.

Pangaea Network celebrates 16 years as the original international network of representation, communication and tourism marketing. Boutique and independent, the network is a pioneer in Europe, with a presence in more than 30 international markets.

The non-profit company, founded in 2007 and registered in England and Wales, launches a new website to coincide with the anniversary and global recovery of international tourism, applying a more intuitive and visual design. In addition, it expands its range of next-generation digital services and geographical reach in emerging markets such as China, India, Eastern Europe, North America and Latam.

London, 14 April 2023. Pangaea Network celebrates its XVI anniversary this year, as a communication and tourism marketing consultancy of reference in Europe. For this reason, and coinciding with its anniversary, it has launched a new website, to promote a new updated and visual brand image.

In addition, considering the unstoppable recovery of the global tourism sector, Pangaea Network presents new tourism consulting and marketing solutions in the emerging markets of China, India, Eastern Europe, North America and Latam to help destinations and tourism companies attract new quality customers and high per capita spending.

The company’s new website, in English, reflects in a very direct and easy-to-read way the specialist capabilities and services offered, as well as the international reach of the network in 35 markets, which has managed the promotion of more than 300 brands. Several of its clients have been working with the network for decades which reflects the level of reliability, professionalism and the loyalty of the brands.

The networks’ success is endorsed by its management team, its members, international partners and by the reputation of its diverse and prestigious portfolio of clients that, among others, include destinations such as: Thailand, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Gambia, Rwanda, Estonia, Madeira, Tenerife, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Berlin, Toulouse, and renowned companies such as: American Airlines, Delta, Eva Air, Hurtigruten, Oceania Cruises, Star Clippers, Costa Cruises, Hyatt Regency, Bulgari Resort Dubai, Savoy Signature, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Belvilla and Sea World.

In the words of the board of directors, Cinzia Martinengo, Christine Engen and Alejandro Pérez-Ferrant: “Strategic thinking, multidisciplinary analysis by more than 280 professionals within the network, enthusiasm, personalized service, creativity, innovation and experience accumulated over more than 30 years’ by the board members, has been the cocktail that has allowed us to grow sustainably with high profitability, both in the results for our clients and in business management which places us in a strong position for the new challenges the tourism sector poses at this time”.