Travel's Reopening and Coronavirus Recovery

The latest news about coronavirus recovery around the world and the reopening of travel and tourism in destinations around the world.

Skift Research subscribers can view the latest data about country-by-country recovery at the Skift Recovery Index. Data about public companies can be viewed at the Skift Health Score.

Tourism

China Further Expands Visa-Free List to Include 5 More Countries

China’s new visa-free program shows just how eager it is to bring back tourists. It’s already drawing in new visitors, but reaching pre-pandemic numbers is still a challenge. The real question is: can they keep travelers coming back? These relaxed visa rules are a great start, but turning them into long-term success will take more effort.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 4 days ago

Tourism

China’s Outbound Travel Rebound Is Slow-Going — But These Trends Are Worth Watching

The Chinese travel wave is slowly making a comeback, but travelers have new habits and expectations. Companies need to step up by offering more flexibility and personalized experiences with a focus on value.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 2 weeks ago

Tourism

China Expands Visa-Free Access: Another Country Joins the List

While China’s visa exemptions simplify travel, they alone cannot bring back 2019’s robust visitor numbers. Without a full recovery of flight capacity, particularly in top markets, the tourism boost China is hoping for may remain out of reach.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 4 weeks ago

Tourism

Thailand Edges Closer to 2019 Tourism Peak

Thailand’s tourism recovery though impressive is also fragile. Competition from neighboring countries and global conflicts could disrupt growth.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 1 month ago

Online Travel

Trip.com on How China’s Older Travelers Are Shaking Up the Travel Scene

As more seniors chase unique, quality experiences, you can bet other travel companies will want a piece of the action too.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 2 months ago

Tourism

How the Indian Diaspora Is Supporting India’s Inbound Travel Growth – India Report

Trevolution Group's data on international travel to India highlights the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Tour Operators

Here’s What’s Behind a Strong Outlook for Indian Tour Operators – India Report

Research firms and the tourism industry are bullish on the potential of India for both domestic and international travel. Credit Ratings agency CRISIL has projected that a record 30 million Indians will travel overseas this year.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Tourism

Japan’s 35 Million Tourist Bonanza in 2024: Great for Business, Not So Much for Overtourism

The weak yen has definitely boosted Japan's tourism industry, but as the country rides this wave of visitors, it’s going to be a tightrope walk — balancing the economic gains with the realities of overtourism.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 3 months ago

Experiences

Intrepid’s 2030 Tourism Targets: Can India’s Travel Ecosystem Support Them?

Intrepid's vision for India is ambitious. However, the concerns of international travelers need to be addressed by India before inbound numbers can substantially increase.

Bulbul Dhawan | 3 months ago

Airlines

Western Airlines Are Pulling Out of China – Virgin Atlantic Is the Latest

After leaving Hong Kong in 2022, Shanghai was Virgin Atlantic's final Chinese destination. The development comes amid a broader retreat among some Western carriers.

Gordon Smith | 3 months ago