top 25 travel markets

• Global business travel spending 2001-2022
• G20 nations: business travel spending 2021
• Number of business travel jobs in the U.S. 2019-2021
• Readiness of U.S. travelers to take business trips 2021
• Business travel volume in the U.S. 2010-2021
• Growth rate of domestic business trips in the U.S. 2017-2026
• Inbound business tourism volume in the U.S. 2011-2021
• Main source countries for U.S. inbound business travel 2022
• Average monthly trips by U.S. business travelers 2022, by type
• U.S. inbound business travel spending 2010-2021
• U.S. inbound business travel spending 2020, by source region
• Main source markets for U.S. inbound business travel spending 2020
• U.S. outbound business travel spending 2010-2021
• Main recipient countries of U.S. outbound business travel spending 2020
• U.S. domestic business travel spending 2019-2026
• Favorite hotel brands for corporate travel during COVID-19 in the United States 2021
• Predictions on reduction of U.S. corporate travel spend due to green goals 2025
• Predictions on corporate travel spending in the United States 2022, by destination
• Adoption of digital nomads' way of living in the U.S. 2022
• Major reasons to take bleisure trips for U.S. business travelers 2022
• Favorite trip length for U.S. bleisure travelers 2022
• Favorite countries for U.S. Americans to work remotely 2021
• Most important features at accommodations for U.S. bleisure travelers 2022
• Workation destination choice of remote workers from the U.S. 2021
• Motivations of U.S. Americans who work remotely to choose workation 2021
• Duration of workations by U.S. Americans who work remotely 2021
• Main concerns of U.S. remote workers when picking workation lodging 2021
• U.S. remote workers' satisfaction with workation experience 2021

Other statistics that may interest you Business travel in the United States

• Premium Statistic Global business travel spending 2001-2022
• Basic Statistic G20 nations: business travel spending 2021
• Basic Statistic Share of tourism spending in leading global travel markets 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of business travel jobs in the U.S. 2019-2021
• Premium Statistic Readiness of U.S. travelers to take business trips 2021

Volume of business tourism

• Premium Statistic Business travel volume in the U.S. 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of domestic business trips in the U.S. 2017-2026
• Premium Statistic Inbound business tourism volume in the U.S. 2011-2021
• Premium Statistic Main source countries for U.S. inbound business travel 2022
• Premium Statistic Average monthly trips by U.S. business travelers 2022, by type

Business travel spending

• Premium Statistic U.S. inbound business travel spending 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic U.S. inbound business travel spending 2020, by source region
• Premium Statistic Main source markets for U.S. inbound business travel spending 2020
• Premium Statistic U.S. outbound business travel spending 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Main recipient countries of U.S. outbound business travel spending 2020
• Premium Statistic U.S. domestic business travel spending 2019-2026
• Premium Statistic Daily business tourism expenses in the United States 2018-2021
• Premium Statistic Highest-priced U.S. business travel destinations Q4 2022
• Premium Statistic Biggest corporate travel spenders in the U.S. 2022, by booked air volume
• Premium Statistic Top U.S. travel management partners 2020
• Premium Statistic Favorite hotel brands for corporate travel during COVID-19 in the United States 2021
• Premium Statistic Predictions on reduction of U.S. corporate travel spend due to green goals 2025
• Premium Statistic Predictions on corporate travel spending in the United States 2022, by destination

Bleisure travel

• Premium Statistic Adoption of digital nomads' way of living in the U.S. 2022
• Premium Statistic Major reasons to take bleisure trips for U.S. business travelers 2022
• Premium Statistic Favorite trip length for U.S. bleisure travelers 2022
• Premium Statistic Favorite countries for U.S. Americans to work remotely 2021
• Premium Statistic Most important features at accommodations for U.S. bleisure travelers 2022

Travel behavior of remote workers

• Premium Statistic Workation destination choice of remote workers from the U.S. 2021
• Premium Statistic Motivations of U.S. Americans who work remotely to choose workation 2021
• Premium Statistic Duration of workations by U.S. Americans who work remotely 2021
• Premium Statistic Main concerns of U.S. remote workers when picking workation lodging 2021
• Premium Statistic U.S. remote workers' satisfaction with workation experience 2021

Further related statistics

• Premium Statistic Travel spending of inbound visitors in Uruguay 2010-2020, by travel purpose
• Premium Statistic Average spend per holiday stay per person in Norway 2016, by nationality
• Premium Statistic Holiday tourist expenditure in Norway 2018, by country
• Premium Statistic UK spending on holiday travel in the EU 2011-2019
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Luxembourg 2012-2019, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Slovakia 2012-2016, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel expenditure in Great Britain 2017-2019, by month
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Estonia 2012-2018, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Finland 2012-2016, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Greece 2012-2016, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Belgium 2012-2016, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Poland 2012-2021, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Denmark 2012-2015, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Holiday and leisure travel spending in Germany 2012-2016, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Canadian consumer spending on New Year's Eve parties 2017
• Premium Statistic Ads on tourist accommodation units put up for sale in Romania 2021, by county
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism expenditure as a share of GDP Thailand 2010-2020

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Travel spending of inbound visitors in Uruguay 2010-2020, by travel purpose
• Average spend per holiday stay per person in Norway 2016, by nationality
• Holiday tourist expenditure in Norway 2018, by country
• UK spending on holiday travel in the EU 2011-2019
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Luxembourg 2012-2019, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Slovakia 2012-2016, by destination type
• Domestic business travel expenditure in Great Britain 2017-2019, by month
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Estonia 2012-2018, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Finland 2012-2016, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Greece 2012-2016, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Belgium 2012-2016, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Poland 2012-2021, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Denmark 2012-2015, by destination type
• Holiday and leisure travel spending in Germany 2012-2016, by destination type
• Canadian consumer spending on New Year's Eve parties 2017
• Ads on tourist accommodation units put up for sale in Romania 2021, by county
• Inbound tourism expenditure as a share of GDP Thailand 2010-2020

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Cabin at sunrise on the Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

New report reveals the biggest tourism markets worldwide

Travel and tourism GDP should return to 2019 levels sometime in 2023.

According to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) , the US remains the biggest tourism market worldwide, with China and Germany taking second and third places in the rankings.

The US travel and tourism sector contributed USD 1,217.2 billion to GDP (5.5 %).

These are the top ten tourism markets in terms of GDP:

1. USA             1,271.2 (contribution to GDP in USD, billion)

2. China           814.3

3. Germany     251.0

4. Japan          206.3

5. Italy             179.0

6. India            178.0

7. France         177.9

8. Mexico        168.8

9. UK               157.5

10. Spain         113.1

Loss of jobs in 2020

Before the pandemic , travel and tourism (including direct, indirect, and induced impacts) was one of the world’s largest sectors , accounting for one in four of all new jobs created in the world; 10.3% of all jobs (333 million) and 10.3% of global GDP (USD 9.6 trillion).

Due to COVID-19 , 62 million jobs were lost in 2020, leaving just 271 million employed across the sector globally. This 18.6% decrease was felt across the entire industry, which suffered losses of almost USD 4.9 trillion. Its global contribution to GDP declined by 50.4% year-on-year, compared to a 3.3% global economic decline.

Tourism sector on the rise

In 2021 we saw the beginning of the recovery for the global tourism sector: the contribution to GDP increased by USD 1 trillion (+21.7% rise) in 2021 to reach USD 5.8 trillion, while the sector’s share of the whole economy grew from 5.3% in 2020 to 6.1% in 2021. Additionally, the industry recovered 18.2 million jobs, representing an increase of 6.7%.

Travel and tourism GDP is set to grow by 5.8% annually between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the overall economy’s growth (2.7% per year). WTTC data shows that this sector´s GDP could return to 2019 levels by the end of 2023.

Related Travel Research

U.s. travel market report 2020-2024.

Free for Open Access Subscribers

After recording modest growth in 2019, the U.S. travel industry enjoyed a largely normal first quarter of 2020, even though cases of the novel coronavirus had already been detected in the country in January. Throughout the rest of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated U.S. travel, with no segment spared from major losses. This report provides comprehensive market sizing and projections for the U.S. travel industry from 2018-2024, including analysis of the key segments, trends and distribution dynamics that are shaping the market.

Your purchase of this report (U.S. Travel Market Report 2020-2024) includes access to the segment reports:

• U.S. Airline Market Report 2020-2024
• U.S. Hotel & Lodging Market Report 2020-2024
• U.S. Online Travel Agency Market Report 2020-2024
• U.S. Car Rental Market Report 2020-2024
• U.S. Cruise Market Report 2020-2024
• U.S. Packaged Travel Market Report 2020-2024

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U.S. hotel commentary - December/Full-year 2023

Note: All financial figures presented in $.

Top-Line Metrics (December 2023, percentage change from December 2022):  

• Occupancy: 52.6% (-1.8%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): $151.13 (+2.1%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): $79.42 (+0.3%)

Bottom-Line Metrics (December 2023, percentage change from December 2022):   

• TRevPAR: $181.65 (+1.4%)
• GOPPAR: $52.75 (+3.1%)
• EBITDA PAR: $33.09 (+13.4%)
• LPAR: $70.15 (+3.4%)

Top-Line Metrics (2023, percentage change from 2022):  

• Occupancy: 63.0% (+0.6%)
• ADR: $155.62 (+4.3%)
• RevPAR: $97.97 (+4.9%)

Key points  

• RevPAR softened each quarter after Q1 due to declining occupancy and moderating ADR.
• Quarterly ADR was up throughout the year, but inflation-adjusted ADR fell from Q2 onwards.
• The Top 25 Markets outperformed all others in aggregate.
• Group demand was stronger than transient each month but still below 2019.
• Upper Upscale and Upscale chains led industry performance, boosted by recovering weekdays and group demand.
• December results were impacted by the New Year’s Eve calendar shift.
• Annual total revenues and profits were up from 2022, slightly below 2019.
• F&B revenues aligned with improvements in group demand, especially for Upper Upscale and Upscale chains.

December produced the lowest monthly RevPAR gain of 2023 (+0.3%). Remember, the year started with easy comparables due to the Omicron impact in Q1 2022, but performance growth softened as 2023 progressed due to calendar shifts, increased outbound travel, and other factors revealing the beginning of a return to normal industry patterns.

December’s year-over-year RevPAR growth was also the lowest of the past 33 months. The month was impacted by a weaker holiday season and the shift of New Year’s Eve from Saturday last year to Sunday this year. Excluding the last day of the year, December RevPAR was up 1%.

The impact of calendar shifts became more evident as the year progressed. Full-year RevPAR increased 4.9% primarily due to the strong first quarter and 10.6% growth in average daily rate (ADR). That ADR growth moderated significantly throughout the year with December’s increase (+2.1%) lower than the average of +2.8% seen over the previous nine months.

Since April, occupancy growth has fallen, and demand has shifted by day type. For the latter, leisure days softened, while business travel days strengthened. Weekday (Monday-Wednesday) RevPAR increased 3.9% from April to December with shoulder days (Sunday & Thursday) up 1.8% and weekends (Friday & Saturday) barely increasing (+0.2%).

Chain Scales

The top three chain scales (Luxury through Upscale) saw demand growth in every month of 2023, increasing 5.5% for the year. Demand declined throughout the last three quarters of 2023 in Midscale and Economy with the latter registering declines ranging from -4.7% to -6.9%. Over the past five years, there appears to be a structural shift in the Economy segment with a significant number of properties closing and/or moving out of the segment.

After seeing record-breaking ADR in 2022, Luxury hotels reported a slight decline as ADR dropped from $428 to $424. The next three chain scales (Upper Upscale, Upscale, Upper Midscale) recorded ADR growth in every month of the year. Midscale and Economy saw mixed ADR performance with the measure generally down in the last half of the year.

December RevPAR percentage changes ranged from +2.8% in Upper Upscale to -6.9% in Economy. For most chain scales, full-year RevPAR growth was strong due to gains posted in Q1 against easy Omicron comparisons. Midscale and Economy were the only exception, which registered declines of -0.2% and -3.4%, respectively.

Segmentation

Group demand improved throughout 2023, exceeding 2022 levels in every month except December. Weekdays and shoulders drove the group gains while weekends declined. The weekend decline is likely due to the loss of pent-up leisure group demand (weddings and other family/friend gatherings) and the return to normal business patterns. Notable was the strong group shoulder occupancy in December, likely impacted by the NYE calendar shift.

Transient demand exceeded 2022 every month and was just shy of 2019 levels. All day types increased transient occupancy throughout the year with December transient shoulder periods seeing a NYE boost.

While occupancy strengthened for both segments, ADR revealed a different story. Group ADR continued to recover throughout the year, while transient ADR growth stalled, declining in seven of the last nine months.

The Top 25 Markets saw growing room demand in every month of the year, which was consistently stronger compared to all other markets. Weekdays produced the strongest gains for the Top 25 Markets with occupancy up 0.9ppts on average from April through December. Shoulder days were up 0.1ppts, while weekends declined 0.4ppts. In all other markets, occupancy was down, however, the pattern matched the Top 25 with weekdays showing the smallest decrease (-0.3ppts) followed by shoulder days (-0.8ppts) and weekends (-1.5ppts).

ADR growth in the Top 25 Markets was stronger than the rest of the country with every month since July producing a month-over-month increase. December ADR increased 2.6%, partially impacted by the NYE calendar shift. All but two of the Top 25 Markets—New Orleans and Miami—saw year-over-year ADR growth in 2023. Across the rest of the country, ADR growth continues at a slower pace than the Top 25 Markets.

Top 25 RevPAR was up 8.3% for the year as compared to 2.2% for all other markets. Excluding Q1, Top 25 RevPAR advanced 3.7% versus 0.4% elsewhere.

Profitability 

Total industry revenues and profits for the year were well beyond 2022 levels as pricing power continued to outweigh the impact of weakening demand. Improvements were especially notable in the Top 25 Markets and Upper Upscale chains because of demand growth.

While labor costs continue to grow, the monthly growth rate in LPAR was only 0.4%, which paired with healthy levels of revenue, led to GOPPAR growth.

Rising group demand pushed F&B revenues well past 2022, but when adjusting for inflation, F&B revenues were down 26.1% compared to 2019.

The number of rooms under construction decreased YoY in December following an almost 7% increase in October which held through November. Looking back the last five-plus years, December construction activity has always been lower than November. That is because projects in construction finish up, while new projects don’t break ground until after the holidays. For most of 2023, the number of rooms under construction continued to trail 2022.

Pipeline leaders—Upscale and Upper Midscale—continue to dominate the construction phase, however, the pace for these hotel classes has declined compared to 2022. Rooms under construction in these two classes have also slowed compared to last year, while Midscale and Economy rooms under construction increased.

Projects in planning, however, continue to grow with rooms in final planning up 19.7% and planning increasing 32.7%. Overall, more than 726,000 rooms (6,152 hotels) sit in the pipeline with rooms up 18.5% from last year.

Latest Weekly Data

U.S. hotel occupancy (52.2%) dipped slightly during the week ending 20 January as a result of the MLK holiday and severe winter weather. However, events like the NFL Playoffs and 2024 Election primaries drove growth in certain markets. Read more here .

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The Moodie Davitt Magazine: The world’s Top 25 Travel Retailers revealed

INTERNATIONAL. Welcome to the July/August 2020 edition of The Moodie Davitt Magazine. In this issue we bring you our unique annual guide to the world’s Top 25 Travel Retailers, measured by their 2019 sales.

Clearly 2020 will tell a very different story but as the channel begins a slow and painful recovery, the 2019 numbers serve an important purpose in outlining the key players.

The list confirms the market leadership of Dufry Group, it sees Korean heavyweights Lotte Duty Free and The Shilla Duty Free cementing their high rankings, and China Duty Free Group closing in on its international rivals after another year of surging sales.

The growth among the top players in 2019 was driven by a combination of organic sales increases, new openings, M&A activity and concession gains, with currency also playing its usual influential part.

There’s plenty more content in this month’s Magazine too.

We review a critical ten-point paper about the impact of crisis on North America’s airport concessionaires. Also from that region, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Executive Vice President Revenue Management Ken Buchanan talks about partnership, planning and preparations for recovery as travel returns to the Texan hub.

We feature interviews with OTG CEO Rick Blatstein about his company’s latest tech-driven innovations, and with TFWA President Alain Maingreaud about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the supplier association, and how the industry should adapt to a fast-changing world.

Please enjoy this edition of The Moodie Davitt Magazine with our compliments.

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The Diesel Jewelry collection can be found at the Watch Gallery Zone on the ninthth floor of Shinsegae Duty Free’s Myeong-dong branch and within the retailer’s fashion and accessories shops at Incheon International Airport terminals 1 and 2.

The Doha gateway is the sole airport globally to feature a dedicated in-house Chef (courtesy of Qatar Duty Free), serving Iftar to all passengers free of charge, regardless of their backgrounds.

“Against the backdrop of uncertainty, the travel & tourism sector remains a global economic powerhouse,” says World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO Julia Simpson.

The Best Markets For Browsing In Moscow

Quirky curiosities, Soviet memorabilia, artisan crafts and gourmet street food; just a few of the things to buy at Moscow ‘s markets. A legacy of the Soviet era, they are a fantastic snapshot of Russian life and history and spill over with local color. We pick the best for browsing.

Izmailovsky Market

This cornucopia of curiosities brims with fascinating objects and exquisite local craftsmanship. Samovars, gramophones, fur hats, ancient coins, and even a bust of Stalin: the treasure trove that is Izmailovsky Vernisage knows no bounds. The hand-crafted products here are enchanting in the skill and beauty they display. Avoid the hiked-up prices for factory-made products at Moscow’s central souvenir shops and come to Izmailovsky for exquisite creations to meet the masters behind these objects. Venture out of the main Vernisage enclosure to explore the local art and hand-woven carpets on the second-floor wooden balcony. The nearby Izmailovo Kremlin is fascinating in its own right, with its fairground-style imitation of the Kremlin and museums of bread, vodka, and toys.

This farmers’ market is famed for being the place to find organic foodstuffs in Moscow . Danilovsky Market aims to provide the best of Russia’s farm-to-table produce. The meat, cheese, and jams here all hail from the local region, and the wafting scent of freshly baked bread is sure to set your stomach rumbling. Piles of fresh, exotic fruits teeter alongside dried fruits and nuts in rainbow towers. The witty and friendly traders from Russia and central Asia will entertain you with their tricks and dazzle you with their recommendations. The market occurs daily from around 8am to 8pm at 74 Muytnaya Street.

Novopodrezkovo Flea Market

On a busy day, this immense flea market hosts around 4,000 to 6,000 traders. Less well-known than its smaller brother, Izmailovsky, it has remained very much a typically Muscovite haunt and a local favorite. This means that Novopodrezkovo is virtually untainted by hiked-up tourist prices or manufactured souvenirs. For those lucky few foreigners in on the secret of Novopodrezkovo, there are bargains aplenty to be found. However, a visit to Novopodrezkovo is always a gamble: offerings can range from moth-eaten clothes and rusty tools to haute-couture and fabulous antiques. Fight through the hundreds of babushka laying out their Soviet-era wares to find some real treasures. Formerly located in the city center, the market has been moved a little further from the city and is open on weekends. Hop on the train to Novopodrezkovo at Moscow’s Leningradsky railway station or catch bus 370 from the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station to find the market by Novopodrezkovo station.

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Bloshiny Rynok

For antique fanatics visiting Russia , Bloshiny Rynok is the place to come. Nowhere else in Moscow are there so many pre-Revolutionary items all jumbled together in one fascinating place. Shoes, clothes, and many household items, are gathered here, many of which date back to the early 20th century. Gramophones pump out vintage music to create an authentic atmosphere which makes for a perfect accompaniment to this time traveling expedition that’ll transport you back in history to a world of palaces, balls, carriages, and tsars. Check out the market’s facebook page to find out when the next market will be.

Gorbushka Electronics Market

Towering piles of bargain electronic goods fill this former television factory. An excellent spot to pick up second hand CDs, DVDs, video games, the Gorbushka market also sells electronic goods and household appliances, all at astonishingly low prices. The mind-boggling range of films, albums, and vintage vinyls means that, no matter your taste, you’ll be sure to find something at Gorbushka. The market’s origins lie in the park near the Gorbunov Palace of Culture. The park acted as a meeting ground for film and music enthusiasts who would come and swap records, but its immense popularity and rapid growth meant that the market had to move, eventually settling in a spacious warehouse by Bagrationovskaya metro station.

Sevastopol Hotel

An ethnic paradise, the exotic wares at this market inside the Sevastopol Hotel hail from India , Pakistan , and Afghanistan to name but a few. The wafting aroma of incense will draw you in, while the gleaming objects on show are sure to make you stay. The sorts of treasures available range from Middle Eastern jewelry, to silky hand-woven Oriental materials and expertly crafted toys. The master craftsmanship exhibited in each item is a sight to behold, and at eye-poppingly low prices. The market is best visited during the day-time on weekdays.

A showcase of the best of Moscow’s up-and-coming designers , Lambada bursts with creative talent. This artisan market is held at either Tsvetnoy Central Market or Strelka Art Institute around eight times a year and is a favorite with the city’s fashionable crowds who come here to keep ahead of the trend. Check out the best new designers as well as the most delicious gourmet street food here, which can range from crispy Lebanese falafel to exquisitely presented sushi.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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The 25 best shopping streets and areas in Moscow

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Danilovsky Market

Danilovsky Market, located in a flat, circular Soviet modernist building, which looks like a kind of retro spaceship, is still a trendsetter. Come here for the best Vietnamese pho soup in Moscow and the famous “rat” burger (which is, in fact, made from nutria meat), as well as fresh produce from Russia’s southern provinces and a small vintage market in one of the annexes.     

Bricket Market

Bricket Market, located on the top floor of the trendy shopping mall Tsvetnoy opened in September 2019. Head to Testa for Neapolitan pizza, Inzhir for innovative desserts and coffee and Ostorozhno, Slon! (Look Out, Elephant!), where an Indian chef cooks traditional thali set meals. There’s an open space in the middle of the market, which is used for public talks. 

Central Market

Central Market is located right across from the station exit at Trubnaya Metro. The sign at the entrance says “1840”, but the building is actually brand new – that date refers to when Muscovites started trading in Trubnaya square. There’s a small delicatessen and fruit and veg market, a couple of coffee shops, and a cider bar. Around 40 different stalls serve dishes from round the world. The market also houses a restaurant, Gorynych , which is devoted to “new Russian” cuisine – traditional food prepared with a modern twist.

Vokrug Sveta

Vokrug Sveta (Around the World) on Nikolskaya St became party central during the FIFA World Cup 2018 as most of the football fans gathered there. As the name suggests, there are stalls with cuisine from all over the world. Head here for Pakistani food, or Canadian poutine – fries with gravy and cheese. This is also a great place to try poke, the Hawaiian seafood and rice dish, which is popular all over Moscow. 

Another food market that is a must-see on any foodie’s tour of Moscow is Depo , so far the largest one in Moscow , hosted in a former tram depot. Depo has a smallish farmers market and more than 70 stalls, where one can sample food from around the world. 

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Why The World’s Top Travel Brands Are Betting Big On Indian Tourists

India’s surging middle class is projected to spend as much as $144 billion a year on international travel by 2030. and hotels, airlines and cities are spending millions to land them., by suzanne rowan kelleher , forbes staff.

L ast week, hundreds of global travel professionals gathered in Delhi for the inaugural Skift India Summit and the opportunity to glean valuable insights from the CEOs of major travel brands, including The Oberoi Group, OYO, Agoda and the country’s flag carrier, Air India. “India is having a moment,” explains Brian Quinn, head of event programming at Skift, “with the India outbound traveler poised to become the biggest global force in coming years.”

A decade ago, you could have said the same about Chinese tourists. Back in 2014, some 117 million Chinese tourists traveled internationally, which was a 20% increase from the previous year. But 10 years and one pandemic later, Chinese outbound travel still hasn’t rebounded to its pre-Covid heights, while the energy and focus of the global tourism machine has shifted southeast—to India.

With more than 1.4 billion people, India now has the world’s largest population and the fifth-largest economy . Outbound travel from India is growing much faster than from any other country, which has led to a flurry of predictions that have travel brands salivating.

“There’s such huge potential,” says Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research at Euromonitor International , which projects 47 million Indian outbound travelers by 2030. “That’s more than doubling from 2019. And then on the spending side, it’s even better, going from $35 billion in 2019 to $84 billion in 2030,” she says. “Essentially, India is jumping up the ranks and will be the sixth-largest outbound source market globally by 2030, after China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany and France.”

A 2023 report by Nangia Andersen , the Indian arm of Andersen Global, forecasts that Indian outbound travel will grow at an 11.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between now and 2032—which roughly aligns with Euromonitor’s prediction for tourist volume. If these projections bear out, then another, wilder prediction may not be so implausible after all: organizers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), an industry conference to be held in Dubai in May, have touted that India’s outbound market will be worth $144 billion a year by the end of this decade.

And a recent report from McKinsey is similarly bullish on the longer-term prospects for Indian tourism. “India’s outbound travel has the potential to grow from 13 million trips in 2022 to over 80 million in 2040,” the authors write. “If India follows China’s outbound travel trajectory (which it could, due to similarity in population size and per capita income trajectory), then Indian tourists could make 80 million to 90 million trips a year by 2040.”

Given all the hype, travel brands have, naturally, begun heavily courting Indian tourists, often by tapping celebrities as influencers. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan promotes Dubai and Katrina Kaif, a British actress who makes Hindi-language films, professes her loyalty to Accor. Actor Ranveer Singh appears in ads for Abu Dhabi , while his wife, Deepika Padukone, is the global brand ambassador of Qatar Airways . Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion in javelin, has been enlisted to promote Switzerland’s spectacular alpine landscapes.

Yet before India’s outbound travel can reach its full potential, industry experts say, the volume of flights in and out of the country—a number mutually decided by the two respective governments—must increase dramatically. There were roughly 14% more flight routes by city pairs to and from India last year compared to 2019, according to data from FlightAware . Right now, airlines are operating just 18 scheduled passenger flights each week from India to the United States—up from 14 in 2019.

Some destinations have made policy tweaks to boost capacity. In late 2022, Canada lifted the cap on the number of flights from India from 35 per week to “unlimited” and gave Indian airlines access to six hubs, including Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver. South Africa Tourism, meanwhile, has teamed up with Ethiopian Airlines to provide faster links between India and Africa. Even Bhutan’s prime minister has emphasized the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and the tiny Buddhist kingdom.

Airlines are taking note of India’s growing importance as well. Most notably, Singapore Airlines inked a deal in late 2022 with Tata Group, paying a reported $250 million for a 25% stake in Air India. Last November, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong told Forbes Asia of his plans to make India a new hub. “You can just tell how much potential there is,” Goh said. “India is growing but it’s significantly underserved.”

Hotel CEOs are also being seduced by the dizzying economic forecasts. “We just are blessed by the increase of demography in the world and blessed by the increase of households that want to travel,” Sébastien Bazin, CEO of the French hospitality giant Accor, told investors on the company’s most recent earnings call in February. He offered a short lesson on global economics, noting that the world’s emerging middle-class population exploded by one billion over the last 10 years. “Half of those are from India,” he emphasized. “We probably can wisely say that for the next 10 years, demand will no longer grow 3% to 5%, but probably 4% to 6%. You very well could be looking at a 3x demand over supply. And a lot of it, again, has to do with India alone, which is [expected to add] 500 million [to its] emerging middle class.”

“India is definitely an economic bright light,” echoes Bremner, noting that the country’s current 8% economic growth rate is stronger than China’s. Moreover, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Last year, 1.7 million Indian tourists visited the United States, making India the country’s fourth-largest travel source after Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The average Indian tourist also spends money when traveling internationally—roughly $5,252 per trip, according to the last six months of data collected by the National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO), the agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that tracks tourism statistics. Comparatively, the typical visitor from the United Kingdom and Brazil spends $2,656 and $3,344, respectively, while the average Japanese tourist spends $3,672. In other words, it takes two British tourists to spend as much as one Indian traveler.

If the United States wants to attract more Indian tourists in the future, experts say it needs to make entering the country much easier. “I am a firm believer that less friction will lead to more travel,” says Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, the largest online travel agency in Asia. “Friction can be removed by adding direct flights, as well as by the introduction of visa waivers or by being able to book accommodation, flights and activities on one app.”

Currently, 62 countries permit Indian travelers to visit without first obtaining a visa—that’s 10 more than in 2016, the year that the Henley & Partners Passport Index launched. But the United States neither grants visa-free entry to Indian tourists nor does it make procuring a visa fast and easy.

While the U.S. is approving more visas for Indians today than in pre-pandemic years, the average visa wait time is still about 10 months, according to the U.S. State Department website . Before a leisure trip to America, an Indian citizen must wait for a visa interview, which can take anywhere from 197 days at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to 423 days at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. In comparison, Indian tourists can get a visa for Canada in just 23 days or the United Kingdom in roughly three weeks.

U.S. officials readily acknowledge that visa wait times are a big problem. Speaking at the Skift India Summit on Tuesday, Eric Garcetti, the U.S. Ambassador to India, told conference-goers that President Joe Biden specifically asked him to tackle the backlog. “I bet it’s the only time the United States president has told the ambassador, ‘Please work on visa issues,’” Garcetti said.

Visa waivers have a proven track record and give nations a competitive edge, insists Agoda CEO Morgenstern. After Azerbaijan introduced the ASAN system, which processes electronic visas within three working days of submitting an application, interest from Indian tourists skyrocketed and arrivals increased fivefold in two years. “Thailand and Malaysia both introduced visa waivers for tourists from India late last year, and that led to an immediate increase in searches from India to both markets,” Morgenshtern says, noting that searches for Thailand grow by 46% even though Thailand was already the top searched destination by Indians. “In the two months after the visa waiver came into effect, Bangkok overtook Dubai as the most-booked city destinations for Indians.” Yet the emirate was not to be outmaneuvered. In February, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for inbound Indian travelers.

Another reason why India is such an attractive source market is its youthful population. Only 7% of India’s population is 65 years and older, compared with 14% in China and 18% in the U.S., according to data from a recent report from the Pew Research Center. People under the age of 25 account for more than 40% of India’s population . “ In fact, there are so many Indians in this age group that roughly one-in-five people globally who are under the age of 25 live in India,” notes the Pew report. “Looking at India’s age distribution another way, the country’s median age is 28. By comparison, the median age is 38 in the United States and 39 in China.”

“It’s an extremely well-educated populace, very digitally savvy,” says Bremner, adding that more than 75% of Indian millennials and Gen Xers traveled in 2023, according to Euromonitor data.

“Indian travelers are more engaged with ecotourism and sustainability than their global counterparts. They are open to all kinds of experiences, from luxury to eco-adventure,” Bremner continues. “And, of course, they are high spending. I’m not at all surprised that destinations from Asia to the Middle East and Europe and U.S. are chasing them.”

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Vote for your favorite public market!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A visit to a public market often offers insight into a community through its foods and artisan goods. Many of these 20 public markets — nominated as the best in the U.S. by a panel of experts — occupy historic landmark buildings as well. Which is your favorite for getting the flavor of a city? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, April 15 at noon ET. The winning markets, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 24. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

A visit to a public market often offers insight into a community through its foods and artisan goods. Many of these 20 public markets — nominated as the best in the U.S. by a panel of experts — occupy historic...   Read More

Best Public Market Nominees

Photo courtesy of Bearwalk Cinema

Boston Public Market

Boston, Massachusetts

This year-round, indoor market features around 30 New England food producers and artisans selling fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts, and other specialty items. Everything sold comes from New England, with a focus on seasonality.

Photo courtesy of Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago French Market was founded in 2009 as a way to bring a European-inspired market to the city while supporting the local food movement. The market features a collection of more than 30 vendors selling fresh ingredients, grab-and-go meals, and artisan foods from around the globe.

Photo courtesy of Paolo Paradiso // Getty Images

Eastern Market DC

Washington, D.C.

Since 1873, Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market has been Washington D.C.’s destination for local farm-fresh goods and handmade arts and crafts. Indoor merchants offer flowers, baked items, meats and cheeses, and in the outdoor open-air venue, local farmers sell their produce year-round. 

Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Partnership

Eastern Market Detroit

Detroit, Michigan

Thousands of locals and visitors head to Detroit's Eastern Market each week, where they find more than 225 independent merchants and vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to antiques and home goods.

Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon

Easton Public Market

Easton, Pennsylvania

This public market is an outgrowth of Easton Farmers' Market, the oldest, continuous open-air market in the United States. The Public Market enhances that experience with a demonstration kitchen and community room, along with artisanal food vendors. So, you can take a class on how to use those gorgeous mushrooms, strawberries, and hand-carved meats you just picked up.

Photo courtesy of The Ferry Building

Ferry Building Marketplace

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building Marketplace, located along the Embarcadero, showcases small regional producers and celebrates the diversity of the Bay Area. Merchants sell a bit of everything — produce, baked goods, coffee, tea, prepared foods, artisan cheese, and imported products — all within the 1898 landmark building.

Photo courtesy of Erin Matulis, Corporation for Findlay Market

Findlay Market

Cincinnati, Ohio

This public market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and a Cincinnati institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the market features more than 50 full-time merchants selling a range of ingredients and prepared foods.

Photo courtesy of MesquitaFMS / E+ Getty Images

Grand Central Market

Los Angeles, California

A fixture and beloved landmark on the Los Angeles landscape, Grand Central Market has been in operation since 1917 in its handsome, sturdy Beaux-Arts-style building. Through the generations, the 30,000-square-foot market has steadily featured the best of California ingredients, as well as top chefs and entrepreneurs.

Photo courtesy of bowie15 // Getty Images

Indianapolis City Market

Indianapolis, Indiana

This historic gathering place houses eateries, artisans, local farmers' stalls, and even a barbershop. For a real peek into the beginnings of the Indianapolis City Market, sign up for a tour of the Romanesque catacombs, long hidden beneath the market floor.

Photo courtesy of Laura Bly / USA TODAY

Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating indoor public market in the country, and it offers the best of bucolic Pennsylvania Dutch Country under one historic roof. Locals love that its open three days per week, allowing visitors to snag fresh fixings to cook at home or a yummy bite to eat from more than 65 local vendors.

Photo courtesy of @Lexington Market

Lexington Market

Baltimore, Maryland

Opened in 1782, Lexington Market got spiffy new digs in 2023. It's been a vital part of this diverse neighborhood west of downtown for centuries, and more than 50% of market businesses are Black-owned. It's open six days a week for mac and cheese delights, baseball-sized crab cakes, and made-to-order doughnuts, along with plenty of fresh produce, meats, and seafood to cook at home.

Photo courtesy of Matt Tell

Midtown Global Market

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Midtown Global Market, part of a mixed-use development in the former Sears building, is a vibrant cultural hub that offers a unique blend of global cuisine, local arts, and lively community events. Visitors can explore an array of international food stalls serving up authentic dishes, shop for handmade crafts and gifts, and participate in cultural celebrations that showcase the diverse heritage of the community. 

Photo courtesy of Christopher Zaborsky

Milwaukee Public Market

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly. 

Photo courtesy of North Market

North Market Downtown

Columbus, Ohio

Open since 1876, this historic public market has everything to make a foodie smile. Made up of local merchants and farmers, featuring such delectable treats as fresh pierogies and vegan soul food, North Market Downtown includes spaces for eating and has a satellite location 15 miles north in the town of Dublin.

Photo courtesy of The Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market

What began as a collection of farm stands in the hinterlands west of downtown LA in the 1930s has grown to become an epicurean paradise. More than 100 specialty shops, gourmet grocers, and eateries from many cultures tempt your taste buds. Some, like Du-par's Pie Shop, have been around almost 90 years! 

Photo courtesy of Ryan Lahiff

Oxbow Public Market

Napa, California

The 40,000-square-foot Oxbow Public Market in Napa serves as a community gathering place for good food and wine. The merchant lineup includes local food vendors, regional farmers, and artisan cafes. Guests can enjoy their purchases on the outdoor deck with views of the Napa River.

Photo courtesy of Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

Seattle, Washington

Pike Place Market often appears on must-see lists for Seattle visitors, and it's worth the hype. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates visitors with sights, sounds, smells, delicious food, and the best people-watching in town. 

Photo courtesy of Gab Bonghi

Reading Terminal Market

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The historic Reading Terminal Market has been sustaining Philadelphians since 1893. Naturally, you can grab a cheesesteak, but sushi, crepes, and Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels are also in the mix, along with a host of butchers, bakers, and local makers. Finish it all off with a scoop from Bassetts Ice Cream, the market's first tenant still going strong 130 years on.

Photo courtesy of Nicole Franzen

Tin Building by Jean-Georges

New York City, New York

This marriage between a world-renowned chef and a public market has created one swanky spot for food lovers. The Tin Building houses a collection of curated groceries, fine dining, and fast casual and drinking spots, all by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Whether you're craving an egg sandwich for breakfast, steak frites, plant-based gourmet, or even Chinese-inspired fare, you can find it — in style.

Photo courtesy of Destination Cleveland

West Side Market

Cleveland, Ohio

West Side Market has been feeding hungry Clevelanders for over 100 years. Nibble on a from-scratch doughnut or pastry while you shop for fine meats and fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, and even fresh flowers. There are also booths that sell ready-to-eat foods, herbs, and nuts. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison levine.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,...   Read More

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world.  She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is  www.pleasethepalate.com   and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate .

Lori Sorrentino

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer...   Read More

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog  Travlinmad  with a mission to  Eat Local, Travel Slow . She also publishes  Italy Foodies , about food travel in Italy, and the  Naples Florida Travel Guide  an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."

Nicholas Dekker

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and...   Read More

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and travel writer based in central Ohio, writing his award-winning blog  Breakfast With Nick  since 2007, where he and his family document their journeys exploring restaurants, coffee, donuts, beer, the arts, family travel, and much more. Nick writes for  Columbus Monthly ,  Ohio Magazine , TourismOhio, Experience Columbus, The Kitchn, Great Lakes Publishing, Experience Worthington, Cubby at Home,  Worthington Spotlight ,  Proof Magazine,  and other publications.  He can be found on Facebook , Instagram and TikTok.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Kearney sees Romania among the best 25 FDI Emerging Markets destinations

Iulian Ernst

Like this article? Share it with your friends!

Romania is 17th in the ranking of destinations for foreign direct investments (FDI) in developing markets, according to the Direct Investment Confidence Index report. From the region, Poland is ranked as the seventh-best destination, and Hungary is ranked 22nd. 

The document analyzes confidence regarding future foreign direct investment flows and was published on April 4 by the Global Business Policy Council, the strategic service of the Kearney management consulting company.

The authors of the report emphasize that although Romania is not among the top 25 destinations for foreign direct investment in the world ranking, it is the tenth-largest EU economy in terms of nominal GDP. Foreign direct investments in Romania increased from USD 10.6 billion in 2021 to USD 11.3 billion in 2022.

Foreign direct investment opportunities in Romania include projects in IT, automotive, telecommunications, energy, services, manufacturing, consumer products, banking, and insurance. 

According to the report, legislative instability and corruption affect investor confidence, but the well-trained workforce, natural resources, and efforts to reduce administrative obligations encourage foreign investment.

[email protected]

(Photo source: Ruletkka/Dreamstime.com )

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Top 20 inbound markets (2019).

FACT SHEET March 25, 2020

A current and historic look at the top 20 inbound markets to the U.S.

This one-page table ranks the United States' top 20 international inbound markets in 2019 as well as in 2010 and 2000 to show how different countries changed their places in the rankings. All data is from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Leadership in Data-Driven Travel Insights: Deciphering 12Go's Top 2024 New Year Destinations in Asia

In a sector as dynamic as travel, leadership is often demonstrated not through sheer market presence but through the strategic use of data to guide decision-making and customer experience. This form of leadership is vividly exemplified in 12Go 's recent revelation of the top travel destinations for the 2024 New Year in Asia , a list meticulously compiled through a thorough analysis of their extensive travel data. 

12Go, known for its focus on leveraging travel statistics and data, has taken a leadership stance in the industry by utilizing this data to uncover patterns and preferences in travel. Their approach goes beyond traditional travel metrics, delving into the nuances of traveler behavior and destination popularity. This level of detail provides an invaluable resource for understanding current trends in the travel market. 

Unveiling the Top Destinations  

The insights derived from 12Go’s data paint a vivid picture of the diverse travel preferences across Asia. The range of destinations and the specific attractions they offer reflect the varied interests of modern travelers. 

Thailand: Topping the list, Thailand offers a plethora of experiences. The historical and cultural allure of Chiang Mai, the bustling city life of Bangkok, and the tropical paradises of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui cater to different groups. Chiang Mai, with its cultural festivals and beautiful temples, is a hit among those seeking a cultural immersion, while Bangkok’s shopping, cuisine, and nightlife appeal to a wide range of travelers. For those seeking a more laid-back beach experience, Koh Samui's family-friendly resorts and Koh Phangan's vibrant party scene are unmatched. 

Vietnam: In second place, Vietnam's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a top choice. Da Nang with its scenic beaches and bridges, Hanoi's rich history, and the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City offer varied experiences. Sapa, with its mountainous landscape, provides a serene retreat, especially for families seeking a quiet holiday. 

The Philippines: Ranking third, the Philippines promises a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Manila's cityscape, El Nido’s pristine beaches, Legazpi's adventurous offerings for solo travelers, Coron’s romantic settings for couples, and El Baguio's family-friendly appeal make it a destination with something for everyone. 

India: Taking the fourth spot, India’s diversity shines through in its popular New Year destinations. Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s royal heritage, Delhi’s historical landmarks, and Goa’s festive beaches present a spectrum of choices for travelers. 

Cambodia: At number five, Cambodia offers a mix of urban and historical attractions. Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap each offer unique experiences, from urban explorations to ancient temple visits. 

Other notable destinations in the list include Indonesia, renowned for Bali’s cultural landscape and the Gili Islands’ serene beaches; Sri Lanka, with its charming towns like Ella and Kandy; Laos, offering the tranquility of Vang Vieng and the cultural richness of Luang Prabang; Malaysia, known for the diverse experiences of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi; and Japan, where Osaka’s vibrant streets, Tokyo’s modernity, and Kyoto’s historical charm provide a captivating New Year getaway. 

Leadership in Navigating and Influencing Travel Choices  

12Go’s findings reflect a leadership quality in providing tailored travel experiences. By identifying particular destinations that resonate with various traveler groups - solo adventurers, families, or couples - 12Go demonstrates a deep understanding of their customer base. This level of customization in travel recommendations is a prime example of leadership through customer-centricity. 

The leadership shown by 12Go extends to influencing and navigating travel choices during significant global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to provide relevant and timely travel insights despite these challenges underscores a commitment to reliable and adaptive leadership in the travel domain. 

The 2024 New Year travel data analysis by 12Go is a clear indication of leadership through data utilization in the travel industry. It highlights how an in-depth understanding of travel trends and customer preferences, underpinned by solid data, can lead to informed and customer-focused travel solutions. This approach not only sets a precedent for others in the industry but also enhances the overall travel experience for consumers looking for their next destination. 

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

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By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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• International

Devastation in Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas

By Heather Chen , Sophie Tanno, Adrienne Vogt , Tori B. Powell and Matt Meyer , CNN

Anti-government protesters in Israel call for Netanyahu's resignation and early elections

From CNN's Lauren Izso, Eugenia Yosef and Mohammed Tawfeeq

Protesters once again took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Caesarea and Haifa on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and early elections.

Demonstrators also called for the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza ahead of the six-month mark of hostilities. 

Many people waved Israeli flags and held up signs with images of hostages, calling on the government to bring them home alive.

In Tel Aviv, protesters were heard chanting:

"We are not afraid; you destroyed the country, and we will fix it. We want them (hostages) back alive and not in coffins."

Other protesters were seen by a CNN team on the ground holding flags and banners, with one reading, "The government that destroyed the country and tore the nation apart."

Another banner called for the "division of religion and state," and one stated that "Netanyahu is dangerous to Israel."

Protesters in Haifa called the government a failure, saying Netanyahu is "guilty, guilty, guilty."

"Elections now!" read one banner held by a protester.

Analysis: Israel has no exit strategy and no clear plan for the future after 6 months of war in Gaza

Analysis by CNN's Ivana Kottasová

The war in Gaza has been raging for six months and the  patience of Israel’s allies is running out . As the death toll in the enclave continues to climb, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Israel has no viable plan for how to end the war or what comes next.

The determination to continue pursuing Hamas in Gaza despite the horrific humanitarian consequences is leaving Israel increasingly isolated on the global stage, with its government facing pressure from all sides.

Multiple international organizations have warned Israel may be committing genocide, and even the country’s closest allies are now openly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin   Netanyahu. Calls to halt arms shipments to Israel are growing in the United States and the United Kingdom.

At the same time, Netanyahu and his government are under mounting pressure at home, with  protesters back on the streets  in large numbers calling for his resignation.

Israel launched the war immediately after the deadly October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. At that time, the Israeli government said the operation had two goals: eliminating Hamas and bringing back the hostages taken by the militants to Gaza.

Six months into the conflict, neither goal has been reached.

What to know about the Israeli strike on Iran's embassy in Syria, as top general vows revenge

From CNN staff

Speaking from a funeral procession Saturday for a slain military officer, Iran's highest-ranking commander vowed that an Israeli strike on its embassy complex in Damascus will not go unanswered.

The remarks come as the US braces for a significant Iranian attack on US or Israeli assets in the Middle East, according to a senior administration official.

The situation once again underlines fears that the war in Gaza could spread into a broader regional conflict.

Here's what to know:

• The strike killed at least seven Iranian officials in Syria on Monday: Among them were Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, whose funeral was held today. The airstrike  destroyed the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus and also killed at least six Syrian citizens, according to Iranian state TV. An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told CNN this week that intelligence showed the building was not a consulate but “a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building.”
• The attack dealt a significant blow to Iran's military: Zahedi — a former commander of the IRGC’s ground forces and air force, and the deputy commander of its operations — is the most high-profile Iranian target killed since the US assassination of IRGC Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020. At least one other senior commander was among those killed, according to Iran's foreign ministry.
• Tehran has vowed to respond: Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's military, said Saturday that the Damascus strike "won’t remain unanswered,” according to Iran's semi-official news outlet Tasnim. His remarks follow similar vows by Iran's supreme leader and its president.
• The US says it was uninvolved: The US was quick to tell Iran that the Biden administration was not involved and had no advance knowledge of Monday’s strike on the embassy. It has warned Iran against coming after American assets. Nonetheless, Bagheri said Saturday that Washington bears the "main responsibility" for the Damascus attack. He has previously said the US supply of weapons to Israel makes it complicit in its ally's attacks.
• Washington is bracing for retaliation: The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran that could come as soon as the coming week, targeting Israeli or American assets in the region, a senior administration official tells CNN. Senior US officials believe an attack by Iran is “inevitable,” the source said.
• How this ties back to the war in Gaza: Israel's ongoing conflicts with Iran and its proxy groups — like the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon — have intensified since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which is also backed by Tehran. Israel has carried out numerous strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria, but the targeting of the embassy itself marks a significant escalation. Iran's response could further escalate the already tumultuous situation in the Middle East.

Israeli opposition leader will meet with senior US government officials during Washington visit

From CNN's Eugenia Yosef

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid will meet with top US government officials in the White House and State Department, as well as senior Democratic and Republican senators, during his visit to Washington.

Lapid will leave for the US tonight, according to a Telegram post from his office on Saturday.

According to the post, Lapid will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, as well as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Sen. Ben Cardin, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

On Wednesday, Lapid called for Israel's current government to resign , after Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz — also a main political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — urged for parliamentary elections in September.

US House to vote next week on pro-Israel resolution opposing calls for a ceasefire

From CNN’s Melanie Zanona

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on a pro-Israel resolution opposing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Republicans step up their attacks on President Joe Biden over his posture toward Israel — and as Democrats grow increasingly critical of Israel’s military strategy. 

The symbolic resolution expresses support for Israel’s “right to self-defense” in its bloody war against Hamas and opposes efforts to “place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza, including calls for an immediate cease-fire, such as the recent statement by President Biden and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, which was adopted due to the Biden administration’s decision not to exercise the United States veto.“

The vote on the resolution — which could jam some Democrats — will come the week after World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed by Israeli airstrikes, prompting outcry and ratcheting up Democratic criticism of the Israeli government. 

In a letter to Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and dozens of other congressional Democrats expressed their "shared concern and outrage" over the strike. They urged the leaders to withhold arms packages to Israel until a full investigation is finished.

UN humanitarian chief calls war in Gaza "betrayal of humanity" as conflict nears 6-month mark

From CNN’s Caitlin Danaher

The United Nations humanitarian aid chief called the war in Gaza a “betrayal of humanity” as the conflict between Israel and Hamas is reaching its six-month mark.

UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths marked the “terrible milestone” in a statement on X Saturday.

“Rarely has there been such global outrage at the toll of conflict, with seemingly so little done to end it and instead so much impunity,” he said.

The aid chief said a moment of remembrance and mourning is “not enough,” and instead urged for a “reckoning” as the people of Gaza face “death, devastation and now the immediate prospect of a shameful man-made famine.”

The aid chief also reiterated grave concerns for the “already fragile” aid operation in Gaza, which is continually undermined by bombardments, insecurity and lack of access.

The statement comes after a week that saw the death toll in Gaza surpass 33,000 and an Israeli strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid workers, an incident the IDF said was a "grave mistake."

“On this day, my heart goes out to the families of those killed, injured or taken hostage, and to those who face the particular suffering of not knowing the plight of their loved ones,” Griffiths said.

Hamas delegation will travel to Cairo Sunday to reinforce previous demands in hostage-ceasefire talks

From CNN's Sarah El Sirgany and Niamh Kennedy

A Hamas delegation said it will reiterate its previous demands when it travels to Cairo on Sunday for further negotiations on the release of hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The delegation, headed by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya, will "stick to the stance presented on March 14," the group said in a statement published Saturday. 

These demands include, according to the statement:

• a call for a permanent ceasefire
• a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
• the return of internally displaced Palestinians to their homes
• the free movement of people throughout the enclave
• a "proper" prisoner-hostage swap deal

Hamas turned down Israel’s latest counterproposal from earlier this week, a diplomat familiar with the discussions said Friday.

Israel’s top political and military officials have previously called Hamas’ demands “delusional” and stated that the elimination of the group remains the permanent goal of the Gaza offensive.

It comes as two sources told CNN Friday that the CIA director and the heads of Israel's intelligence agencies will also head to Egypt this weekend for talks. CIA Director Bill Burns, Israel’s Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar all attended the previous round of talks with mediators in Doha, Qatar, which failed to yield a significant breakthrough. 

CNN’s Michael Callahan, Eugenia Ugrinovich, Mostafa Salem and Becky Anderson contributed previous reporting to this post.

Top Iranian general vows Israeli strike "won't remain unanswered" as he attends funeral for commander

From CNN's Niamh Kennedy

The top Iranian general attended the funeral procession of military officer Mohammed Reza Zahedi on Saturday, vowing Iran will respond to the strike on its embassy consulate in Damascus that killed killed top figures from its Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran has pinned the blame for the attack on Israel, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri said Saturday that it "won’t remain unanswered” by Iran, according to Iran's semi-official news outlet Tasnim.

Bagheri, who is the country's highest ranking military commander, said it will be up to Iran to decide how and when to respond to attack, according to the Tasnim report. 

He also issued a warning to the US, saying the "main responsibility" for the Damascus attack lies with the US, according to Tasnim.

Bagheri's remarks on Saturday were heard by a huge crowd gathered in the western city of Isfahan for Zahedi's funeral procession. Video from news agencies and state media shows mourners thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the officer's coffin, which travelled in a highly-decorated open cortege. 

Many mourners could be seen waving Iranian and Palestinian flags.

Some context: Israel has intensified its military campaign against both Iran and its proxy groups in the region  since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which is backed by Tehran, and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in retaliation for the Damascus strike, a senior administration official told CNN on Friday.

Gunfire and explosions heard near the Erez crossing ahead of anticipated reopening

The sound of fighting can be heard near the Erez land crossing on Saturday, according to a CNN team on the ground, as Israel prepares to reopen the crossing for the first time since Hamas' October 7 attacks.

CNN's Nic Robertson reported near the border between Israel and northern Gaza, saying Israel Defense Forces troops had moved the team from another location, where they said CNN could not broadcast.

"It's still a tense situation around here," Robertson said. "We can hear gunfire from the other side of the border." "That's Gaza on the hilltop behind me there," he continued. "You can hear explosions still."

Israel's decision to allow aid deliveries through the Erez crossing came shortly after US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to address the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

But Robertson said it remains difficult to imagine aid trucks rolling safely through Erez while the sounds of fighting remain so close by.

Watch Robertson's report below:

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