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Global Tourism Rises 4% as 2021 Records 415 million Arrivals

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Global Tourism

By Adedapo Adesanya

Global tourism experienced a 4 per cent upturn in 2021, recording 415 million arrivals compared with 400 million arrivals achieved in 2020.

This was disclosed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which noted that although the number in 2021 was impressive, it proved to be another challenging year as arrivals were still 72 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels.

This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.

The first 2022 issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer indicates that rising rates of vaccination, combined with easing of travel restrictions due to increased cross-border coordination and protocols, have all helped release pent up demand.

International tourism rebounded moderately during the second half of 2021, with international arrivals down 62 per cent in both the third and fourth quarters compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to limited data, international arrivals in December were 65 per cent below 2019 levels as the full impact of the Omicron variant and surge in COVID-19 cases is yet to be seen.

The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence.

Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (+19 per cent and +17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

By subregion, the Caribbean saw the best performance (+63 per cent above 2020, though 37 per cent below 2019), with some destinations coming close to, or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Southern Mediterranean Europe (+57 per cent) and Central America (+54 per cent) also enjoyed a significant rebound but remain 54 per cent and 56 per cent down on 2019 levels respectively.

North America (+17 per cent) and Central Eastern Europe (+18 per cent) also climbed above 2020 levels.

Meanwhile, Africa saw a 12 per cent increase in arrivals in 2021 compared to 2020, though this is still 74 per cent below 2019.

In the Middle East, arrivals declined 24 per cent compared to 2020 and 79 per cent over 2019.

In Asia and the Pacific, arrivals were still 65 per cent below 2020 levels and 94 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic values as many destinations remained closed to non-essential travel.

The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion.

Export revenues from international tourism could exceed $700 billion in 2021, a small improvement over 2020 due to higher spending per trip, but less than half the US$1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.

According to the latest UNWTO Panel of Experts, most tourism professionals (61 per cent) see better prospects for 2022. A majority of experts (64 per cent) now expect international arrivals to return to 2019 levels only in 2024 or later, up from 45 per cent in the September survey.

The UNWTO Confidence Index shows a slight decline in January-April 2022. A rapid and more widespread vaccination roll-out, followed by a major lifting of travel restrictions, and more coordination and clearer information on travel protocols, are the main factors identified by experts for the effective recovery of international tourism. UNWTO scenarios indicate that international tourist arrivals could grow by 30 per cent to 78 per cent as compared to 2021. However, this is still 50 per cent to 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant are set to disrupt the recovery and affect confidence through early 2022 as some countries reintroduce travel bans and restrictions for certain markets.

At the same time, the vaccination roll-out remains uneven and many destinations still have their borders completely closed, mostly in Asia and the Pacific.

A challenging economic environment could put additional pressure on the effective recovery of international tourism, with the surge in oil prices, increase in inflation, a potential rise in interest rates, high debt volumes and the continued disruption in supply chains.

However, the ongoing tourism recovery in many markets, mostly in Europe and the Americas, coupled with the widespread vaccination rollout and a major coordinated lifting of travel restrictions, could help to restore consumer confidence and accelerate the recovery of international tourism in 2022.

While international tourism bounces back, domestic tourism continues to drive recovery of the sector in an increasing number of destinations, particularly those with large domestic markets.

According to experts, domestic tourism and travel close to home, as well as open-air activities, nature-based products and rural tourism are among the major travel trends that will continue shaping tourism in 2022.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Spanish Withdrawal to Fuel Demand for Greek Golden Visas

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Greek Golden Visas

The latest forecast from Astons, suggests that the number of applicants looking to secure a Greek Golden Visa in 2024 is set to increase for the fourth consecutive year.

Astons has analysed data around the number of Greek Golden Visa applications submitted on an annual basis between 2019 and November 2024, before forecasting what 2024’s annual application total is set to be once December’s numbers are accounted for.

The analysis reveals that 2024 finished on a high when it comes to demand for Greek Golden Visas.

By November, the estimated total number of applications stood at 8,059, with Aston’s analysis revealing that 995 were submitted in October alone, 914 submitted in November, and a forecasted total of 778 submitted in December.

2024’s enormous demand for Greek Golden Visas was driven by investors looking to get in ahead of significant changes implemented to the scheme which increased the minimum investment threshold to €800,000 across the entire Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, and all major islands.

This isn’t the first time that changes to the Greek Golden Visa programme have resulted in surging levels of demand.

In 2023, Greece raised the threshold for real estate investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in the most attractive and developed regions of the country, including all of central Athens. However, in the Athenian Riviera, certain areas retained a threshold of €250,000, such as the Piraeus region.

As a result of this change, 2022 saw an annual increase of 118.5% in the number of Golden Visa applications, followed by a further +94.8% increase in 2023.

Who is driving demand for Greek Golden Visas?

The high demand for Greek Golden Visas over the past two years in particular is being driven by wealthy US citizens looking to spread their risks and opportunities beyond the borders of North America, with demand being particularly influenced by the increased investment thresholds implemented in 2024.

Astons estimates that Greece is the focus of at least 50% of all Golden Visa applications by US citizens, with investors drawn to the country by the lifestyle offering, not to mention the attractive minimum investment contribution – for which investors get five years of residency for the whole family with a right to renew at the end of that term.

Furthermore, Greece currently has one of Europe’s most lucrative property markets and best performing economies.

Citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert for Astons, Alena Lesina, commented:

“Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that demand for Greek golden visas will remain robust despite the recent changes made. This is because it is still possible to purchase real estate and obtain a residency permit for as little as €250,000, even in the very heart of Athens, provided that the property in question is converted from commercial use to residential. As such, we’re seeing a lot of developers now buying old hotels and office buildings and transforming them into modern residential complexes, complete with stunning swimming pools and terraces.

Another reason to expect further growth in demand for Greek visas in 2025 is the fact that Spain is about to close its own Golden Visa programme which was itself hugely popular. With Spain no longer available to expats, it’s reasonable to expect that Greece, with its similar lifestyle offering and even more affordable accessibility, will become the focus of their attention.”

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Emirates Fetes Customers With Luxury Champagne, Menu

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Emirates customers

In the heart of Emirates’ busiest lounge in Dubai – the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, sits a one-of-kind experience – the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge.

Continuing Emirates and Moët Hennessy’s longstanding partnership of 32 years, the latest collaboration features a newly designed champagne and canapés pairing menu, curated over several months by Emirates master chefs and champagne experts from the house of Moët & Chandon.

Created and constructed exclusively for Emirates, the elegant Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge features an eye-catching golden wave design adorned with 2,400 intricate gold leaves applied individually by hand.

Within the lounge, four of the finest Moët & Chandon champagnes are available, with latest collection launched last month featuring Moët & Chandon Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial and Grand Vintage 2013.

Before boarding a flight, Emirates customers are invited to relax in the lounge, and transform their waiting time into a learning experience and exploration of the pairing of iconic champagne and meticulously crafted cuisine. Customers will be able to sample and explore the pairings, which were crafted based on three principles;

Minimalist ingredients with maximum impact – Emirates chefs prioritized using high-quality, seasonal ingredients to create a symphony of flavours without overwhelming the palate.

This approach allows the natural notes of the champagne to shine through and creates a more balanced dining experience, like the signature foie gras offering which features only three components: brioche, foie gras, and fig. This allows each ingredient to play its part, highlighting the richness of the foie gras with the sweetness of the fig and the buttery base of the brioche.

Flavour harmony – Emirates and Moët & Chandon have carefully considered the flavour profiles of both the champagne and the canapés, ensuring they complement each other seamlessly, like incorporating berries or citrus that echo the fruit notes in the champagne, or balancing creamy textures with a touch of acidity.

Visual appeal – The pairing experts from Emirates and Moët & Chandon believe food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds and took pride in crafting visually stunning canapés that are meticulously arranged and plated, adding to the immersive experience.

The first Champagne guests are invited to sample is Moët Impérial Brut. With a striking nose of green apple and citrus, followed by mineral freshness and white flowers – this champagne is cellared for 24 months. It offers the blonde nuances of brioche, grains and fresh nuts, and its fine bubbles and subtle palate lends itself perfectly to seafood and pronounced acidity tempered by fat.

Emirates has paired Moët Impérial Brut with four individual dishes, which are served throughout the month; Salmon tiradito on calamansi leche de tigre, Grilled Obsiblue shrimps, watermelon and feta salad, Tuna tartare with fresh orange segment, or Scallop tataki.

The second Champagne featured is Moët Rosé Impérial, cellared for 21 months and offering an intense bouquet of red fruits, rose petals and florals, underscored by a hint of pepper. This cuvée pairs perfectly with colourful summer vegetables and fresh green herbs.

Emirates recommends trying Moët Impérial Rosé with four paired dishes, served throughout the month; Beetroot moutabel with akawi cheese and pine seeds, Fennel infused spinach and asparagus dip with grilled asparagus and yuzu pearls, Beetroot tartare with sesame seeds and dill or Bocconcini cheese with basil infused green melon and pine seeds.

The third recommended Champagne is the memorable Moët Grand Vintage 2013. Grand Vintage 2013 is a unique cuvée, benefitting from 7 years in the cellar and presenting soft autumnal notes, followed by a palate of ripe pear, grapefruit and toasted nuts. To enhance the delicacy of the Champagne, Emirates master chefs have paired Moët Grand Vintage 2013 with four bespoke dishes, served throughout the month; Foie gras on toasted brioche with fresh fig and Maldon salt, Duck rillette with chive mayonnaise, Foie gras on toasted brioche with quince and Maldon salt and Foie gras on toasted brioche with passionfruit, mango and Maldon salt.

The final Champagne featured in the pairing menu is the unique Moët Nectar Impérial, cellared for 18 months and featuring flavours of pineapple, mango, plum and apricot with a dash of vanilla. Ideally served with a sweet and fruity dessert, Emirates is serving Nectar Impérial with four dessert canapés, served throughout the month; Tropical crème, Mango trifle, Lemon cream pannacotta, and Blueberry cheesecake.

Access to the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge and new pairing menu is complimentary for all guests of the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport.

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Landmark Group to Operate Nike Lake Resort Enugu for 35 Years

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Nike Lake Resort Hotel

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A deal has been sealed between the Enugu State government and the Landmark Group for the transformation of the Nike Lake Resort Hotel.

The company, owned by serial investor, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, will revamp the facility and operate for 35 years on lease.

The Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, expressed optimism that Landmark Group would use the hotel to boost tourism sector of the state.

He explained that his administration decided to work with Mr Onwuanibe’s organisation as part of his commitment to transforming Enugu into a global destination for investment and tourism, noting that Nike Lake Resort remains a key government asset that need efficient management to flourish.

“Nike Lake Resort is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of Enugu’s hospitality and tourism potential.

“This partnership reflects our vision to create an environment that fosters investment, job creation, and economic growth,” Mr Mbah remarked.

The Governor said Nike Lake Resort Hotel could position Enugu as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors while boosting the state’s economic development.

On his part, Mr Onwuanibe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage the iconic hotel and assured the government of delivering world-class services.

He also emphasized the potential of the hotel to serve as a major tourism hub, creating employment opportunities for the youth and revitalizing Enugu’s tourism sector.

While signing the deal with the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Adaora Chukwu, the Landmark Group boss said the initiative should boost the local economy and attract approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Recall that in 2024, the popular beach resort operated by Landmark Group in Lagos was demolished by the federal government to make way for the controversial Lagos to Calabar Coastal Road.

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