• World Skyscraper Day : 10 most Instagrammed skyscrapers in the world

    World Skyscraper Day : 10 most Instagrammed skyscrapers in the world

    Travel Biz News —

    Musement, the activity booking platform in destinations around the world, has compiled a ranking of the world’s most Instagrammed skyscrapers to commemorate World Skyscraper Day on September 3 this year.

    “When the first skyscrapers were built in Chicago and New York in the 19th century, no one could imagine how this new trend would end up transforming the urban skyline of cities across the globe. In fact, the success of skyscrapers is such that many of them have become must-see attractions, especially if they have incredible viewpoints at the top,” Musement said in a release issued to mark World Skyscraper Day .

    To carry out the study the 100 tallest skyscrapers in the world have been taken into consideration, and the number of Instagram mentions of the two most popular hashtags of each building has been analyzed. The result is a list of 10 architectural icons that will delight lovers of these lofty giants.

    1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai), more than 6,300,000 mentions. With more than 6 million mentions on Instagram, the Burj Khalifa leads the ranking. In addition, thanks to its 2,717ft height, it still holds the record for the tallest building in the world. After learning about its construction from a multimedia presentation, visitors can zip up in high-speed elevators to At the Top, located on floors 124 and 125, or to At the Top Sky, on the 148th floor, to marvel at unparalleled views of the desert and the Persian Gulf 1,821ft above sea level. To end in style, visitors can enjoy a tea or a cocktail in The Lounge, located on floors 152, 153 and 154.

    2. Empire State Building (New York), more than 4,200,000 mentions. This symbol of the Big Apple was the first building to have more than 100 floors in the United States. In addition, it was also the tallest skyscraper in the world between 1931 and 1972. Built in a record time of 410 days, the Empire State Building attracts more than 4 million visitors each year. It’s now open 365 days a year, and the 360-degree views of the city from the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floor are a pleasure for tourists and locals, both day and night.

    3. Taipei 101 (Taiwan), more than 816,000 mentions. In the capital of Taiwan you’ll find this tower that resembles a bamboo stem, a symbol of strength in Eastern culture. This innovative building has the world’s largest wind damper and anti-earthquake system consisting of a 728 short ton steel ball. In addition to its elegant design and cutting-edge technology, Taipei 101 is famous for its indoor and outdoor observation decks located on the 88th, 89th and 91st floors. For those who want to make their experience even more memorable, the skyscraper has a Taiwanese cuisine restaurant on the 86th floor, the perfect place to admire sweeping views in a glamorous atmosphere.

    4. One World Trade Center (New York), more than 797,000 mentions. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It’s part of the World Trade Center, the new complex built after the tragic attacks of September 11. Its height of 1,776ft (547m) is a nod to the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. Visitors can ride the Skypod elevators to the observation deck between floors 100 and 102 in just 47 seconds. Once there, in addition to enjoying the views, the interactive exhibitions allow you to delve both into the history of the building and the city itself.

    5. Willis Tower (Chicago), more than 561,000 mentions. Located in the heart of Chicago, after its completion in 1973, the Willis Tower held the title of tallest building in the world for 25 years. Its enormous success on social media is due in large part to its Skydeck, the observation deck on the 103rd floor, which attracts more than 1.7 million visitors a year. And as if this weren’t impressive enough, in 2009 The Ledge was unveiled. This glass balcony offers a unique perspective of the Windy City at more than 1,300ft high. On a clear day it’s possible to see up to four different states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

    6. Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur), more than 221,000 mentions. The famous twin towers are one of the most recognizable symbols of Kuala Lumpur. Designed by the architect César Pelli, they combine traditional Islamic art motifs with innovative technology. Both towers stand 1,483ft high and are connected by the 192ft long Skybridge. The jewel in the crown is, without a doubt, the viewpoint on the 86th floor. Here you can admire the urban landscape of the city from around 1,213ft high, as well as learn about the history of the towers through exhibits and digital displays.

    7. Lotte World Tower (Seoul), more than 110,000 mentions. The capital of South Korea is home to this skyscraper that has LEED gold certification for being one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings. Its modern aesthetic is inspired by Korean porcelain and calligraphy. Inside it houses residences, offices, a seven-star hotel and an aquarium, among many other facilities. One of the most popular attractions of the Lotte World Tower is the Seoul Sky, which at more than 1,500ft is the highest glass-floored observation deck in the world (so far).

    8. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai), more than 104,000 mentions. At 2,073ft high, this building located in the Pudong district is the tallest in China. Its glass facade with a twisted design, which rotates progressively as it rises, is a hit on social media. Another of its drawcards is, without a doubt, the Top of Shanghai Observatory, a spectacular viewpoint located on the 118th floor, with 360-degree views. Riding up to the observation deck in one of the world’s fastest elevators is also an experience in itself.

    9. 30 Hudson Yards (New York), more than 74,000 mentions. The popularity of this building located at number 30 in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, west of Midtown Manhattan, is due in large part to the Edge, the incredible outdoor deck opened in March 2020. At 1,100ft high, it’s the highest viewing platform of its kind in the western hemisphere. From here, visitors can admire some of the Big Apple’s most iconic attractions, including Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The brave will get a thrill from seeing the city far below them, as they walk on the glass-bottomed area of the observation deck.

    10. One Vanderbilt (New York), more than 59,000 mentions. Although it opened only two years ago, One Vanderbilt has already carved out a deserved place in our top 10 ranking. At 1,401ft tall, it’s one of the newest skyscrapers in the ever-changing New York skyline, and the observatory between the floors 91 and 93 has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. The transparent glass cubes jutting out 1066ft above Madison Avenue, also offer a rare thrill for those unafraid of heights. In addition to the dreamy views, the combination of art and technology explains its success and the installation by Kenzo Digital offers visitors a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience.

    To carry out the study, the 100 tallest skyscrapers in the world have been taken into consideration and the number of mentions on Instagram of the two most popular hashtags of each building has been analyzed.

    Musement is the digital platform that allows the people to book more than 55,000 travel experiences in over 140 countries around the world. The service was created to help travelers discover and book things to do –from museum visits to city tours, food and wine tastings, sports events and wellness activities –wherever they go, with the goal of enriching their every trip.

    Musement is headquartered in Milan and has offices in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubai, London, Munich, New York, Orlando and Paris. Musement became part of TUI Group, the world’s leading tourism group, joining its Tours & Activities division known as TUI Musement in September 2018.

    September 3 , 2022

    Photo: A view of Burj Khalifa (Dubaitourism)

    • Connecting you with the world of travel and tourism

      An Opportunity to enter South-East Asian market in 2023

      KAZAKHSTAN International Exhibition “Tourism & Travel” Almaty, Kazakhstan

      CHINA- Beyond your imagination

      UNWTO becomes “UN Tourism” 

      The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era  with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

      UN Tourism: Transforming tourism for a better worldTo achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

      This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

      Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

      By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

      With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability . – UN Tourism Jan. 2024

      TAT launches

      “Thais Always Care” Campaign 

      “The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign in collaboration with other organizations to ensure tourists’ safety and enhance positive image.”

      The “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign was officially launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN) to ensure the safety and welcome of tourists from around the world. The campaign aims to provide seamless travel experiences for visitors to Thailand while also reinforcing the positive image of the country as a safe destination.

      The campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors, showcasing the country as a desirable destination for tourists. “CARE” stands for Compassion, Assistant, Relief, and Elevate, encompassing the generosity of the Thai people and their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for tourists.

      Partners involved in the campaign have strengthened their safety measures and are utilizing technology to ensure the safety of tourists in Thailand. This includes installing CCTV cameras, implementing strict security checks at department stores, and utilizing technology like the “POLICE I LERT U” application to offer emergency assistance to international visitors. The campaign will also involve working with international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and reinforce the country’s reputation as a safe destination. -Tourism Authority of Thailand

      China’s resort island receives

      90 m tourists in 2023

      More than 90 million domestic and overseas tourists visited south China’s tropical island province of Hainan in 2023, up 49.9 percent year on year, local authorities said .

      Hainan’s total tourism revenue surged 71.9 percent year on year to about 181.3 billion yuan (about 25.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

      Last year, Hainan experienced rapid development in cruise tourism. Cruises to the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea saw 400 trips, up 277.8 percent year on year, and received 149,400 domestic tourists, up 405.33 percent.

      This year, Hainan aims to receive 99 million tourists and its tourism revenue is expected to reach 207 billion yuan. The province aims to receive more than 1 million inbound tourists in 2024.

      China aims to build Hainan into an international tourism and consumption center by 2025 and a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. – Xinhua

      Vietnam  to welcome 17-18

      million tourists  this year

      Việt Nam’s tourism industry has set a target to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors in 2024, approaching the pre-pandemic record in 2019 when COVID-19 had yet to disrupt global travel.

      In 2023, the figure hit 12.6 million, surpassing the initial target set earlier in the year (before China, which accounted for a third of foreign arrivals to Việt Nam pre-pandemic, announced reopening plans) by 57 per cent and achieving the adjusted goal of 12-13 million.

      The number of domestic travellers, meanwhile, stood at 108 million, up 6 per cent compared to the set target. Tourism activities generated about VNĐ678 trillion (US$27.85 billion) in revenue, 4.3 per cent higher than the yearly plan.

      Despite substantial recovery in 2023, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the domestic tourism recovery will still face challenges in the year ahead. This is particularly true in the context of the unpredictable global developments stemming from economic uncertainties, regional conflicts and climate change.

      Việt Nam’s socio-economic conditions remain stable; the economy continues to grow and inflation has been kept in check. But the persistent threat of disease and natural disasters are likely to create uncertainty affecting production, business activities and the daily lives of citizens.

      According to forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel activities may fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching the levels achieved in 2019. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across different regions.

      The ever-changing demands of international tourists require higher standards in product quality, diversity and unique experiences. The trends of integrating information technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are envisioned to drive the emergence of new forms of tourism.

      Based on these analyses and projections, Việt Nam aims to serve 17-18 million foreign and 110 million domestic visitors this year, with an expected total revenue from tourism nearing VNĐ840 trillion.

      To achieve the stated objectives, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng has instructed the VNAT to continue focusing on advising and improving the institutional framework, policies, reviewing identified deficiencies for adjustment, and international commitments in the field of tourism. Collaboration with other ministries and sectors is emphasised to formulate policies for developing various types of products such as agricultural tourism and digital transformation in tourism. He also noted the need for attention on strengthening tourism statistics and digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness of data collection, providing reliable figures to efficiently support tourism policy planning.

      The ministry also calls for enhanced training for tourism officials and workers to meet requirements of new situations, especially in terms of language proficiency and technology expertise. — VNS

      Global Medical Tourism market 

      USD 136.93 billion in 10 years

      Newark, Jan. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 20.07 billion in 2022 global Medical Tourism market will reach USD 136.93 billion by 2032. There is a growing trend towards health and wellness tourism, with individuals seeking medical treatments, preventive care, wellness programs, and holistic health experiences. Medical tourism destinations can capitalize on this trend by offering comprehensive health and wellness packages.

      Furthermore, integrating digital health technologies, including telemedicine, virtual consultations, and electronic health records, can enhance the accessibility and coordination of medical tourism services. Digital platforms can streamline pre-travel consultations, post-treatment follow-ups, and information exchange between healthcare providers and patients. Introducing new and advanced medical treatments, therapies, and procedures can attract medical tourists seeking cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Countries and healthcare providers that stay at the forefront of medical innovation can position themselves as leaders in the industry.

      In addition, customized and personalized medical tourism packages catering to individual patient’s unique needs and preferences present an opportunity for service providers. Tailoring experiences that include cultural activities, recovery retreats, and concierge services can set providers apart in a competitive market.

      Besides, wellness tourism, including genetic testing and personalized health assessments, is gaining traction. Medical tourism destinations can offer specialized wellness packages, including genetic evaluations and preventive health screenings, to attract individuals interested in proactive healthcare.

      China eases visa application for US tourists

      BEIJING: China will simplify visa applications for tourists from the United States from Jan 1, cutting the documents required, according to a notice on Friday (Dec 29) on the website of the Chinese embassy in Washington.

      The move is the latest by China to revive tourism and boost the world’s second-largest economy following a slump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      Tourist visa applicants in the US will no longer need to submit air ticket bookings, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, the embassy’s notice said.

      Beijing earlier cleared the way for passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to visit the country without visas from Dec 1.Visa-free treatment will run for 12 months, during which tourists from those six countries can visit China for up to 15 days. China also expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries in November.

      The number of inbound tourists to the country plummeted during the pandemic due to the country’s strict COVID-19 control policies.

      China’s visa-free policy facilitates

      travels from 6 countries

      Around 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia entered China in December 2023, an increase of 28.5 percent compared with November, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

      China’s unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from these countries took effect on December 1, facilitating inbound travels from there.

      Of these inbound trips, 118,000 were made by ordinary passport holders without a visa, accounting for 55.1 percent of all inbound trips from the six countries during this period. Around 91,000 visa-free entries were made for travel and business.

      Thanks to the visa-free policy, ports in the southern Chinese city of Nanning welcomed many inbound travelers. Data showed that 121 inbound travel groups of nearly 2,800 people entered China through ports in Nanning in December.

      Since the inception of the visa-free policy, ports in Beijing had, by December 31, witnessed more than 12,000 visa-free entries from the relevant countries.

      The NIA pledged more optimized entry-exit management policies for foreigners to facilitate their business, study, work, and life in China.

      International flights to China have picked up since Beijing dropped COVID-19 restrictions a year ago but are still only at 60 per cent of 2019 levels. – Xinhua

      FACTS —

      Tourism helps in:

      👉Reducing poverty

      👉Reducing Inequalities

      👉Promoting gender equality

      👉Fostering decent work and economic growth

      World Tourism Day 2021: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

      In 2019, Travel & Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced impact accounted for:
      -US$8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP
      -10.3% of global GDP
      -330 million jobs, 1 in 10 jobs around the world
      -US$1.7 trillion visitor exports (6.8% of total exports,
      28.3% of global services exports)
      -US$948 billion capital investment (4.3% of total
      investment)