World tourism news

Here are some recent news stories and updates from the world of tourism:

Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World (2020)

According to Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index, the top 10 most visited cities in the world in 2020 were:

1. Bangkok, Thailand - 22.78 million visitors
2. Paris, France - 19.10 million visitors
3. London, UK - 19.01 million visitors
4. Dubai, UAE - 16.73 million visitors
5. Singapore - 14.67 million visitors
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 13.79 million visitors
7. New York City, USA - 13.23 million visitors
8. Tokyo, Japan - 12.93 million visitors
9. Shenzhen, China - 12.56 million visitors
10. Istanbul, Turkey - 12.42 million visitors

Tourism Recovery Efforts

Many countries are implementing measures to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism. For example:

• The European Union has launched a €2.5 billion tourism recovery plan to support the sector.
• The United States has introduced a travel corridor program to allow visitors from certain countries to enter the country without quarantining.
• Thailand has launched a "Safeguarding Tourism" campaign to promote safe travel practices.

New Tourism Developments

Some exciting new tourism developments include:

• The opening of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
• The launch of a new high-speed rail line in Japan, which will reduce travel times between Tokyo and Osaka to just 2.5 hours.
• The development of a new eco-tourism project in the Amazon rainforest, which will allow visitors to stay in sustainable lodges and participate in conservation efforts.

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

There is a growing focus on sustainable tourism, with many destinations and tour operators implementing initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For example:

• The Maldives has launched a "Sustainable Tourism" initiative, which includes measures such as reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly accommodations.
• The Costa Rican government has implemented a "Tourism for Development" program, which aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and support local communities.
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has launched a "Travel for Wildlife" initiative, which encourages tourists to support conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

Travel Restrictions and Advisories

It's always important to stay up-to-date with travel restrictions and advisories, especially during times of global uncertainty. Some recent updates include:

• The US Department of State has issued travel advisories for several countries, including China, Iran, and North Korea.
• The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued travel advisories for several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa.
• The Australian Government has issued travel advisories for several countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.