Luxury travel market normalizes after pandemic rebound

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister sets sights on Welcoming 500,000 UK Visitors by 2030 Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) pauses for a moment with, L-R, Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK and Nordics and Donovan White, Director of Tourism ahead of the Platinum Celebration Awards honouring top UK tour operators at the Ashdown Park Hotel on Thursday October 2, 2025. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, is targeting an ambitious new goal of attracting 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) by 2030, underscoring the country’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in one of its most important source markets. Speaking at the platinum celebration awards during Jamaica Travel Market, Minister Bartlett outlined the government’s forward-looking vision to significantly boost arrivals from the UK – a market that has shown steady recovery and growth following the global pandemic. “The United Kingdom holds a deeply rooted connection with Jamaica, through our shared history, culture, and vibrant diaspora,” said Minister Bartlett. “Our goal of reaching half a million UK visitors annually by 2030 is bold but also reflects the growing appetite among British travellers for the authentic Jamaican experience.” The Minister highlighted a multi-pronged approach to reaching the 500,000-visitor target, including expanding airlift from major UK cities; deepening partnerships with UK-based tour operators and travel agents; and using targeted digital and in-market campaigns tailored to UK audiences. The strategic plan will also include leveraging Jamaica’s strong diaspora in the UK to encourage multi-generational travel and investing in destination development to offer new and immersive experiences for visitors. Minister Bartlett emphasized that while the UK is currently Jamaica’s third-largest source market, “the time is ripe to accelerate our efforts and claim a greater share of outbound travel from the UK – especially among experience-driven travellers, repeat visitors, and first-time explorers looking for sun, culture, and connection.” For more 👇 https://lnkd.in/gB643HmY

The global travel and tourism industry will hit nearly $1 trillion in global sales in 2025, according to estimates by Statista Market Insights. Hotels remain one of the leading segments and are forecast to see revenue of approximately $455 billion worldwide this year. Where cruises slowed to a near standstill during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a low of $3.1 billion in global revenue in 2021, the segment is expected to surpass $45 billion in 2025, predominantly driven by North America. Meanwhile, the package holiday market is also growing rapidly, particularly among vacationers in Europe and Asia. As the following chart shows, the travel and tourism market has fully recovered from the slowdown of the pandemic, when lockdowns, travel restrictions and health risks made the industry come to a near standstill. In the years since, new travel trends have emerged, including the phenomenon of so-called “revenge travel”, as people wanted to make up for lost time. This surge of luxurious trips is now considered to be waning, however, and predicted to give way to slower and more meaningful travel. https://lnkd.in/ePWAMYQA

Jamaica nearing 5Million Visitors and US$5 Billion Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has highlighted that the destination is poised to achieve a historic milestone of welcoming nearly 5 million visitors and generating approximately US$5 billion in tourism earnings, marking a remarkable recovery despite facing significant challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating passage of Hurricane Beryl. This achievement represents not only a testament to Jamaica's resilience as a premier Caribbean destination but also underscores the strength of the tourism sector as a cornerstone of the nation's economy. The approaching milestone comes after years of strategic recovery efforts and demonstrates the unwavering appeal of Jamaica's world-class hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. “Jamaica's tourism industry has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of unprecedented global challenges," said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “Our ability to near the 5 million visitor mark and approach US$5 billion in earnings, despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and Hurricane Beryl, speaks to the dedication of our tourism partners, the warmth of our people, and the strength of Brand Jamaica on the global stage.” Year-end arrivals are projected at 4.5 million — comprising 3.1 million stopover visitors and 1.4 million cruise passengers and US4.6billion in earnings. “We are closer to our 5x5x5 KPIs despite these disruptions and are looking ahead to new targets that will benefit our people and the economy. The ambitious new strategic vision is to attract 8 million annual visitors and US$10 billion in tourism earnings by 2030,” added Minister Bartlett. This transformative growth will be achieved through three key pillars, human capital development, airlift expansion and leveraging the destination’s emerging markets strategy to diversify its visitor base by targeting high-growth markets including Latin America, Asia, and select European regions. “We have seen strong confidence in the destination by our partners – airlines, tour operators and travel agent community- and this is helping to drive the growth in our sector,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism. The tourism sector's performance has generated substantial economic benefits across Jamaica, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving growth in related industries including agriculture and manufacturing. The progression toward US$5 billion in earnings represents increased foreign exchange earnings, enhanced infrastructure development, and expanded opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The new US$10 billion target is projected to create additional jobs across the tourism value chain and related sectors, further cementing tourism's role as a primary driver of Jamaica's economic development.

Another tourism student and I were discussing seasonality and how we could boost tourism in the low season in our region. It made me do some preliminary research into the topic. Seasonality is one of the defining characteristics of global tourism. In simple terms, it refers to the predictable fluctuations in tourist demand across specific times of the year. Driven by climate, holidays, school schedules, and cultural events, seasonality affects not only the number of visitors but also pricing, employment, and the overall economic impact of tourism. For the Caribbean, seasonality is particularly pronounced. The region experiences its “high season” from December to April, when travelers from colder northern climates escape winter for sunshine, beaches, and warmth. Resorts, airlines, and local businesses thrive during this period, often operating at full capacity. In contrast, the “low season” spans May to November, coinciding with the rainy season and peak hurricane risk. During these months, visitor arrivals drop significantly, leading to reduced revenues, staff layoffs, and underutilized infrastructure. This pattern, while predictable, poses challenges to long-term sustainability and economic stability for Caribbean destinations that heavily depend on tourism. The question then becomes: how can destinations make the off-season more attractive? One strategy lies in value-driven incentives. Competitive pricing, including discounted hotel rates, bundled packages, and special airfares, can entice budget-conscious travelers. But price alone is not enough. Caribbean destinations can leverage unique experiences that are less season-dependent—such as culinary festivals, cultural events, wellness retreats, or eco-tourism activities that appeal to niche markets seeking authenticity rather than just sun and sea. Another approach is strategic marketing. Positioning the off-season as a time of “exclusive tranquility” can resonate with travelers who prefer smaller crowds and a more intimate connection with local communities. Highlighting flexible booking policies and travel insurance options also reassures visitors concerned about weather risks. Furthermore, regional collaboration can amplify results. By creating cross-island packages or promoting multi-destination travel, the Caribbean can spread visitor flows more evenly and reduce the sharp contrasts of seasonality. Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate seasonality—it is a natural feature of tourism—but to mitigate its extremes. With thoughtful planning, innovative incentives, and creative marketing, Caribbean destinations can transform the so-called “off-season” into an opportunity for growth, diversification, and resilience.

Ras Al Khaimah Joins Two of the World’s Most Exclusive Luxury Travel Networks #travel #world #Luxury #uae Ras Al Khaimah Joins Two of the World’s Most Exclusive Luxury Travel Networks Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced Ras Al Khaimah’s acceptance into Virtuoso® and Serandipians by Traveller Made, two of the world’s most exclusive luxury travel networks. This dual acceptance positions Ras Al Khaimah among the globe’s finest destinations for discerning travellers, reflecting its growing appeal as a premier destination for exceptional experiences, world-class hospitality, and strategic promise on the global luxury travel map. Membership in Virtuoso® and Serandipians is highly selective, by invitation only, and exclusive to destinations, hotels, and travel experts that meet the highest benchmarks of luxury and experiential travel. Both networks apply strict criteria to prospective entrants, assessing destinations on authenticity, sustainability, service quality, and overall experience. With this admission, Ras Al Khaimah now joins a select few destinations in the region as well as leading international luxury destinations such as Santorini, Kyoto, the Amalfi Coast, and the Serengeti. As a preferred destination in these two networks, Ras Al Khaimah will now be represented alongside the finest in luxury travel and have access to influential travel advisors and luxury providers that shape tailor-made journeys worldwide. To join these networks, Ras Al Khaimah demonstrated more than high-end hospitality, highlighting experiential and cultural depth. Crucially, the destination demonstrated a clear roadmap for growth, with a pipeline of new developments set to expand its luxury offering. “Becoming part of Virtuoso and Serandipians marks a pivotal moment for Ras Al Khaimah as it continues to evolve as a destination. These partnerships will showcase the emirate’s exceptional blend of nature, culture, and exceptional hospitality to a global audience of travellers who value authenticity, exclusivity, and meaningful experiences. With our pipeline of world-renowned hotels and unique attractions, we are poised to redefine luxury in the region, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah as a must-visit destination for discerning travellers.” said Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Known for its luxury resorts, unique tourism experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah is fast gaining recognition as one of the region’s most exciting high-end destinations. From iconic properties by brands such as Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz-Carlton, to new arrivals including Anantara Mina Al Arab and Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort – and with future openings by the likes of Wynn Resorts, Four Seasons, and Nobu Hotels on the horizon – the emirate offers an exceptional portfolio of stays. For more info 👇 https://lnkd.in/gB643HmY

Sri Lanka Gears Up to Host South East Asia Travel Mart to Promote Destination Sri Lanka Aviation Voice: Sri Lanka is preparing to host the South East Asia Travel Mart, uniting regional tourism leaders and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and position the island as a premier year-round travel destination in the region. Speaking at the International Tourism Leaders Summit 2025, held on 2nd October 2025 at the BMICH under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Mr. Nihal Muhandiram, President of the Alumni Association of Tourism, University of Colombo and Member of the Tourism Advisory Committee, announced the initiative. This year’s International Tourism Leaders Summit 2025 brought together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders including travel agencies, airlines, hoteliers, leading travel and aviation associations, tourism leaders and key industry decision-makers, fostering collaboration and advancing regional tourism growth. The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), led by its President, made a significant contribution to the organization of this year’s summit, with the President also taking part in the event’s proceedings. “As tourism leaders, we aim to collaborate in organizing a Travel Mart for the South East Asian region, bringing together industry experts to further promote Destination Sri Lanka. Our country has immense potential to lead this initiative,” Mr. Muhandiram said. He further highlighted the importance of enhancing Sri Lanka’s year-round tourism potential, stating, “We are gathered here to discuss what more we can do to position Sri Lanka as a leading tourism destination. Our island has every reason to become one of the top hotspots in the world, it has already been recognized by leading global magazines, websites and organizations.” Mr. Muhandiram also urged tourism leaders to collaborate and work collectively to make this vision a reality. “At the end of September 2025, Sri Lanka surpassed 1.7 million tourist arrivals, marking a strong recovery for the industry. We are now on track to achieve our best year for tourism, potentially surpassing the historic 2.33 million arrivals recorded in 2018. With this strong foundation, we are confident that Sri Lanka can successfully host a South Asian Travel Mart in the near future,” he added.

Global Sales In The Travel And Tourism Industry: ■According to Statista Market Insights, global travel and tourism sales are projected to reach nearly $1 trillion in 2025, representing a full recovery and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, some reports show a different figure for 2025, with one forecasting $956 billion and others indicating growth into the trillions for overall market size. ■Key points: ▪︎Recovery and Growth: The travel and tourism market is fully recovering from the pandemic, with new trends like "revenge travel" emerging and contributing to the surge in sales, though this trend is now said to be waning. ▪︎Market Segments: Hotels are a leading segment with projected revenue of around $455 billion in 2025, while the cruise and package holiday markets are also experiencing significant growth. ▪︎Different Projections: While Statista Market Insights cites nearly $1 trillion for 2025 sales, Statista also provides data showing that the total travel and tourism expenditure worldwide was $6.45 trillion in 2023. ▪︎Economic Impact: Travel and tourism is a significant economic driver, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projecting it will contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy in 2025. ▪︎Regional Dynamics: Europe: Economic stability, low unemployment, rising disposable incomes, and EU tourism initiatives are driving the market in Europe. Asia: The package holiday market is growing rapidly in this region as well. Emerging Destinations: Countries like Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro are attracting tourists for their coastlines, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. As Per Statista Market Insights : Global sales in travel & tourism Year. $ Billion 2019. 784.2 2020. 351.1 2021. 483.5 2022. 722.1 2023. 876.4 2024. 933.8 2025. 988.5 As of early 2025, India accounts for 2.1% of worldwide tourism receipts. While this reflects a strong recovery for the country's tourism sector, India's overall share of global sales remains a small fraction of the total.

The Journey of a Traveler: A Story Beyond Numbers Tourism is often measured in arrivals, revenues, or overnight stays. But behind the numbers lies a deeper story a story of people, places, and transformations. It begins with curiosity. A traveler leaves home, not just to see new landscapes but to taste a different dish, hear a new language, and step into another rhythm of life. Upon arrival, the traveler’s first impressions are shaped by warm greetings, vibrant markets, or the hum of local music. What begins as sightseeing quickly becomes something more intimate: an exchange of culture and humanity. As the traveler immerses, the journey deepens. A shared meal with a host family, a dance at a local festival, or a lesson in a centuries-old craft these moments go beyond entertainment. They preserve traditions, give value to local knowledge, and remind us that diversity is worth protecting. But tourism is not just about what the traveler receivesit’s about the ripple effects. Each purchase, each guided tour, each night in a local homestay helps sustain families, empower women, and give youth opportunities. At the same time, the way we travel can leave footprints—on fragile ecosystems, on crowded cities, on cultural authenticity. And finally, there is return. The traveler goes home, but something has shifted. Perhaps it’s a new recipe, a song remembered, or simply a broader view of the world. Tourism, at its best, transforms not just destinations but also the hearts and minds of those who journey. In this way, tourism is more than numbersit is a bridge between cultures, a protector of heritage, a livelihood for communities, and a mirror that changes the traveler.