Elitour Greek Health Tourism Council’s Post

Paphos Winner of European capital of Smart Tourism! Pafos, the capital of Cyprus in Roman times, has recently been named the 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism by the European Union. This prestigious award recognizes Pafos for its excellence as a tourism destination in the areas of accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage and creativity. As one of the most diverse and historically rich areas on the island, Pafos is an all-year-round destination that attracts over 550,000 international visitors with an average duration of stay of 8 days. The entire city is included in the UNESCO world heritage list, and visitors can discover important places of interest such as the UNESCO Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, the Medieval Castle by the ancient harbor, and the Old Town. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, Pafos has transformed from a traditional mass sun-and-sea tourism hotspot into a modern and innovative tourism destination. The city has invested heavily in the region's infrastructure, tourist products, services, and experiences offered, as well as tourism technology and environmental protection. This has allowed Pafos to transform quantity into quality with innovation and creativity. The tourism industry within the city of Pafos employs around 14,000 people, and the city has the capacity of 12,000 licensed tourist beds. With this award, Pafos has solidified its position as a top tourism destination in Europe, and visitors can expect even more exciting developments and offerings in the future. #europeansmarttourismcapital #europeansmarttourismcity

Paphos Winner of European capital of Smart Tourism! Pafos, the capital of Cyprus in Roman times, has recently been named the 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism by the European Union. This prestigious award recognizes Pafos for its excellence as a tourism destination in the areas of accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage and creativity. As one of the most diverse and historically rich areas on the island, Pafos is an all-year-round destination that attracts over 550,000 international visitors with an average duration of stay of 8 days. The entire city is included in the UNESCO world heritage list, and visitors can discover important places of interest such as the UNESCO Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, the Medieval Castle by the ancient harbor, and the Old Town. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, Pafos has transformed from a traditional mass sun-and-sea tourism hotspot into a modern and innovative tourism destination. The city has invested heavily in the region's infrastructure, tourist products, services, and experiences offered, as well as tourism technology and environmental protection. This has allowed Pafos to transform quantity into quality with innovation and creativity. The tourism industry within the city of Pafos employs around 14,000 people, and the city has the capacity of 12,000 licensed tourist beds. With this award, Pafos has solidified its position as a top tourism destination in Europe, and visitors can expect even more exciting developments and offerings in the future. #europeansmarttourismcapital #europeansmarttourismcity

Cultural Commodification: The Dark Side of #Heritage Tourism Heritage tourism, often celebrated for its economic benefits and role in preserving cultural sites, has a darker, less discussed side: cultural commodification. This phenomenon occurs when cultural elements are marketed and sold for tourism, often leading to the erosion of their original meaning and significance. While heritage tourism can foster cross-cultural understanding and provide economic opportunities, the commodification of culture raises significant ethical and sustainability concerns. Heritage tourism, defined as traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past, has seen substantial growth. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), cultural and heritage tourism account for 40% of all international tourism, with over 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2018. This sector's growth is driven by a globalized world where people seek unique experiences that connect them to history and culture. Cultural commodification refers to the process of transforming cultural goods, traditions, and practices into commodities to be bought, sold, or traded. This often involves simplifying or altering cultural expressions to make them more palatable to tourists, which can strip them of their original context and significance. While commodification can bring economic benefits, it can also lead to cultural degradation and loss of authenticity. The economic impact of heritage tourism is undeniable. It creates jobs, supports local businesses, and generates revenue for communities. For instance, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites contribute significantly to local economies. A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that heritage tourism generated $171.4 billion in economic output and supported 1.2 million jobs in the United States alone. However, this economic boon often comes at the cost of cultural integrity. Traditional practices and artifacts may be altered to suit tourist expectations, leading to a superficial understanding of the culture. For example, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania have seen their traditional dances and rituals turned into tourist spectacles, often performed out of context and without the same cultural significance. Indigenous cultures are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cultural commodification. These communities often rely on tourism for income but face significant challenges in maintaining control over how their culture is presented. The exploitation of indigenous cultures can lead to cultural erosion, where traditional knowledge and practices are lost or significantly altered.

🌍Türkiye's Booming Tourism Sector! 🌟 Join us as we embark on a journey to propel Türkiye to the pinnacle of global travel destinations by 2028! 🚀 With foreign arrivals soaring to a record 49.2 million in 2023 and a robust plan in place, Türkiye is poised to revolutionize its tourism landscape. Led by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, our ambitious goal is to welcome approximately 80 million visitors by 2028, catapulting Türkiye into the top three most visited countries worldwide. Why Invest in Türkiye? 📈 Strong Growth Trajectory: Tourism income surged to an unprecedented $54.32 billion last year and is projected to reach $100 billion by 2028. 🌟 Strategic Diversification: We're strategically diversifying markets and products, making the tourism sector more resilient against geopolitical challenges. 🏖️ Extending Tourism Season: We're not just about sun, sea, and sand! With a focus on cultural, health and archaeological tourism, we aim to attract visitors year-round. 💼 Targeting New Markets: From Asia to the West, Türkiye is tapping into diverse markets with tailored offerings, ensuring sustainable growth and global appeal. 🏞️ Showcasing Cultural Heritage: By highlighting our rich cultural heritage, we're unlocking tourism potential across all 81 provinces, beyond traditional coastal attractions. Invest in Türkiye's Thriving Tourism Sector and be part of a transformative journey towards unparalleled success! 🌟 #InvestInTürkiye #TourismRevolution #GlobalDestination✈️ https://lnkd.in/dPwg_2Rc

Too many guests: a good problem to have in tourism and how to deal with it! When it comes to tourism, there are two primary types of problems. The first is more common and relates to a lack of or insufficient number of tourists arriving. Local economies that rely heavily on tourism but fail to attract enough visitors struggle. However, more established tourism destinations, such as Venice, Macau, and Paris, face a different kind of challenge: excessive demand for tourism, leading to crowding, stress, and a less-than-ideal experience for visitors. This also affects the quality of life for locals, as the overwhelming number of tourists can overrun the city. In its latest knowledge insight, the McKinsey Global Institute presents an insightful review of what cities can do to remain leading tourism hubs while maintaining the quality of life for locals and visitors alike. https://lnkd.in/gHNMHSaz

🌸 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO): International tourism to end 2023 close to 90% of pre-pandemic levels International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. 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 World Tourism 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 pandemic. Overall, tourism recovered 87% of 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 could reach USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by (...)   Read more about this news on Journal des Palaces https://lnkd.in/ehjsnytF #journaldespalaces #TheHeartofLuxuryHospitality #news #hoteliers Photo credit: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

What's Unfolding in Turkish Tourism for 2023? Türkiye's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth in 2023. During the first eight months, there was a noteworthy 14% increase in tourist arrivals, with a total of 33.4 million visitors discovering this captivating nation. But the momentum doesn't stop there! In July 2023, a historic milestone was reached as 7.1 million foreigners flocked to Türkiye, marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year. This achievement is the highest recorded figure since 1993, following an impressive 11.4% rise in June. The strategy for Türkiye's #tourism in 2023 is focused on diversification and enhancing the infrastructure for specialized tourism sectors and activities. This initiative aims not only to boost tourism revenues but also to create employment opportunities and increase incomes across all segments of society, all while preserving our valuable natural, cultural, historical, and geographical assets. The 10th #Development Plan (2014-18) plays a crucial role in realizing this vision, supporting various activities like health tourism, winter tourism, golf tourism, cultural tourism, cruise tourism, and convention tourism. Türkiye is flourishing, and Anatolia Travel Assistance is part of this exciting journey! #ِAnatoliaTravelAssistance #LGAGroup #turkeytravel #Terkiye2023

Zavod Novi turizem and GoodPlace, Factory of Sustainable Tourism executed the Tourism Development Strategy for Bela Krajina 2024-2029, which was adopted by the 3 municipal councils. The strategy, developed over 18 months, outlines 4 strategic areas and 55 measures for sustainable tourism development. Newly defined VISION: Bela Krajina TOGETHER - a proud destination with quality and authentic offerings. 4 Strategic Areas: 🍐 Coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable tourism. 🍐 Comprehensive and high-quality tourism offerings. 🍐 Green and sustainable mobility. 🍐 Enhanced destination recognition. Main Goals: 🍀 Reduce seasonality 🍀Extend average length of stay 🍀Ensure resident satisfaction with tourism development 🍀Ensure visitor satisfaction with the destination experience 🍀Ensure business stakeholder satisfaction with destination management 🍀Increase collected tourist tax year-round 🍀Achieve Slovenia Green Gold certification We wish RIC Bela krajina successful implementation of the strategic document! #belakrajina #tourism #strategy

TOURISM REPORT 2023 📊✈️ We are excited to present our annual tourism report, showcasing the development of tourism in Greenland for 2023. Here are some key highlights: 🚢📈 Cruise Tourism: There was a significant 73.8% increase in cruise tourists compared to 2022. This surge is particularly notable for a destination as unique and relatively ‘small’ as Greenland (small in terms of cities and citizens). ✈️🏔️ Land-Based Tourism: Land-based tourism saw a 9% increase compared to 2022, marking the highest growth since 2015 when the data was first collected, excluding the post-COVID-19 period. We continuously gather extensive data to paint the full picture of tourism in Greenland, from the desires of the visitors to the perspective of the locals, offering valuable insights for the tourism industry. 📊🔍 You can read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dURfCgVH. Find all reports at https://lnkd.in/efDu-Epa, including the latest economic analysis and the sentiment analysis, to gain a deeper understanding of the factors shaping Greenland's tourism landscape. #GrowGreenland

On the occasion of Greece National Day, I thought I would share a super interesting document. 😁  In this comprehensive approach by INSETE, we delve into the dynamic global tourism landscape through action plans aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and structural adaptation of the tourism sector. From the digital revolution to sustainability imperatives, we explore the key trends and challenges shaping the industry. These factors resonate deeply with Greek tourism, positioning it at the forefront of competitiveness and sustainability. The vision for Greek tourism is ambitious yet attainable. By synergizing the essence of Greek nature, culture, hospitality, and lifestyle, the aim is to create an array of tourism offerings that cater to diverse markets. As a result, Greece will emerge as one of the world’s most competitive and sustainable travel destinations. Moreover, this strategic approach ensures that tourism becomes a catalyst for economic, social, and environmental growth across all regions of this beautiful country. 🇬🇷