Latest news with #JuliaSimpson
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Business Standard
Travel industry mourns Air India plane crash, sentiment turns sombre
Travel industry sentiment turned sombre following the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which led to the death of more than 204 passengers and injured many. Travel bodies and associations expressed their deep shock and grief over the devastating incident. 'WTTC extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those on board, and with the local residents affected by this heartbreaking event,' said Julia Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the World Travel and Tourism Council. 'We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 (Ahmedabad to London) at Ahmedabad Airport, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,' said Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). 'This is an extremely painful moment for the entire travel, tourism and aviation fraternity,' he said. The association expressed solidarity with Air India management, staff and grieving families, noting that the airline has been a strong pillar of India's aviation industry, playing a crucial role in connecting India to the world and supporting the growth of Indian tourism. Travel platforms were busy addressing concerns of travellers due to the temporary closure of Ahmedabad Airport following the incident, while remaining alert for any advisories from aviation authorities. 'It's a tragic incident and deeply disturbing for travellers. While we've not got any enquiries for cancellations, we're taking care to address any concerns that they might have,' said a senior executive at a travel portal who did not want to be named. 'We're also watching out for any advisories that Ahmedabad Airport or the DGCA might issue in case of airport operations. Airlines have been asked to inform regarding flight changes or rescheduling,' the executive added.
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Azerbaijan's Travel & Tourism Sector Set for Strong Growth in 2025
London, UK - Azerbaijan's Travel & Tourism sector is set for a year of significant growth in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), forecasting a contribution of ₼10.3BN to the national economy – a 32% year-on-year rise, representing 8.2% of total GDP. This year, the sector is also expected to support 472,000 jobs, representing nearly 10% of total national employment. International visitor spending in 2025 is projected to reach ₼5.5BN, marking a full post-pandemic recovery, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach a record new milestone, at ₼3.8BN, up from ₼3.8BN in 2009. The sharp growth in both domestic and international visitor spending signals renewed strength in the country's tourism economy. Azerbaijan is turning heads in the global Travel & Tourism sector. With visitor spending rising and employment accelerating, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year. These figures reflect growing international appeal and the success of Azerbaijan's long-term focus on diversification, cultural promotion, and sustainable tourism development. WTTC is proud to support the country's journey. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Looking Back at 2024 In 2024, Azerbaijan's Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₼7.8BN to the economy, 10% behind 2019 levels, and supported 423,700 jobs. International visitor spending reached ₼3.4BN, a 29% increase year-on-year. Domestic visitor spending totalled ₼3.5BN, nearly 10% above 2023 levels. The upward trend across all indicators sets the stage for Azerbaijan to continue rising as a global tourism destination. Vision 2035: Long-Term Promise Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Azerbaijan's Travel & Tourism sector will contribute over ₼17BN to the economy, almost 11% of GDP, and support almost 670,000 jobs. This would represent the creation of nearly 200,000 new jobs over the next decade. International visitor spending is expected to hit just under ₼9.5BN, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach ₼6.3BN, reflecting balanced and sustained sector growth. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Kenya and Rwanda's travel sector shows record income in 2025
Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute KSh1.2tn in 2024, while Rwanda reaches record highs across GDP, jobs, and spending. LONDON, UK – Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute a record KSh1.2tn. to the economy this year, a record 24% above 2019 levels and equivalent to more than 7% of national GDP. Employment and domestic spending in Kenya is also expected to reach new heights. The sector is also expected to support 1.7mn. jobs in 2025 – maintaining over 8% of total national employment, playing a key role in the country's future, representing nearly one in every 12 jobs in the country. Visitor spending projections show a healthy rise across the board with domestic visitor spending set to reach a new record at just under KSh560bn. International visitor spending is forecast to hit over KSh300bn., up 31% from 2019, and edging closer to surpassing its previous peak of 2011. These record-breaking forecasts reflect a strong rebound for Travel & Tourism sector in Kenya and a growing appetite among travellers to experience the country's coastlines, safari parks, mountains, and vibrant urban centres. The growth reflects Kenya's expanding appeal on the global travel map, underpinned by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, and improving infrastructure. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: 'Kenya is on track for an exceptional year in Travel & Tourism. This projected growth in GDP, jobs, and visitor spending is a testament to the country's enduring appeal and to the work done by both government and private sector partners. Kenya has everything today's traveller is looking for. Nature, culture, authenticity, and hospitality, and WTTC sees it playing a key leadership role in Africa's tourism future.' WTTC projects that by 2035, Travel & Tourism will contribute KSh1.8tn. to the economy, supporting over 2.2mn. jobs. That's 500,000 new jobs expected over the next decade – reinforcing the sector's role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. International visitor spending is forecast to reach KSh409bn., with domestic visitor spending expected to reach KSh821bn. Reflecting on 2024 In 2024, Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector contributed KSh1.2tn. to the national economy, a 10% year-on-year increase, and supported 1.7mn. jobs across the country. nInternational visitor spending reached KSh288bn., while domestic visitor spending totalled KSh528bn., reflecting a strong rebound in both international arrivals and local travel demand. Rwanda's Travel & Tourism Sector Broke all Records in 2024 Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector broke all records in 2024, with its contribution to the economy, employment and domestic and international visitor spend all reaching record levels. In 2024, Rwanda's Travel & Tourism sector contributed a record breaking Fr1.9tn. to the economy, representing 9.8% of the total economy and 17.7% above the previous peak in 2019. Despite lagging in 2023, job numbers and international visitor spend both reached record levels last year. According to the research from the global tourism body, Travel & Tourism supported just under 386,000 jobs last year, whilst international visitors spent a record Fr1tn. – representing an increase of Fr169bn. on 2019. Domestic spending was above pre-pandemic levels by almost one third (32.2%) to reach more than Fr773bn. This growth reflects the Rwandan government's strategic investment in tourism as a pillar of economic diversification. Infrastructure projects such as the new Bugesera International Airport, which when completed will be able to handle 14 million passengers a year, will further boost long-term connectivity, international visitor numbers and spending. In 2025, Travel & Tourism in Rwanda is poised for another year of robust growth, with WTTC forecasting a 13% year on year increase in economic contribution to reach Fr2.1tn. – 10.3% of national GDP. The sector is set to support more than 402,000 jobs, accounting for over 8% of total employment. Growth is expected to be driven by both international and domestic spending worth Fr1.2τν. and Fr822bn. respectively. Rwanda continues to champion a high-value, low-volume tourism model that prioritises sustainability, conservation, and community benefit, particularly through flagship experiences like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and eco-tourism expansion across Akagera and Nyungwe. Julia Simpson said 'Rwanda is a standout example of how tourism, when supported by clear vision and partnership, can deliver real economic impact and long-term opportunity. The President's focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversification is setting a benchmark not only for Africa, but globally. From gorilla trekking to high-level business events and major sporting competitions, Rwanda is showing what's possible when a country invests in its tourism future.' Looking to 2035 WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute Fr3.1TN to the economy, a 10% share of GDP, and support more than 545,000 jobs across the country. Over 140,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the next decade.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How Britain's 'tourist tax' is keeping visitors away: Experts say No11's 'layer on layer of costs' is making holidaymakers swerve the UK
High taxes and travel fees are putting tourists off visiting Britain, an industry expert has warned. The UK is 'taking travel and tourism for granted' but will miss out on visitors due to the extra levies being charged, according to Julia Simpson. The chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council added that the abolition of duty-free shopping for visitors – the so-called tourist tax – means travellers are flocking to rival destinations. An increase in air passenger duty, new visa fees and the National Insurance hike for employers also threatened to undermine the sector, Ms Simpson warned. She said: 'The UK is absolutely taking travel and tourism for granted. The Treasury is imposing layer upon layer of taxes on a sector that is bringing money into the UK and is not at all a burden. 'We're definitely going to miss out. It's not just about money, it's about sending a signal that the UK is really a great place to visit. 'If the Chancellor is looking for growth, and growth that isn't in the public sector and is outside London, you've got to sell the UK.' Britain axed VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors following Brexit – hammering demand for expensive goods among affluent tourists. Britain axed VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors following Brexit - and Chancellor Rachel Reeves has upheld the decision Chancellor Rachel Reeves has upheld the decision and argued that reinstating duty-free shopping would cost £2billion. But analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that it could be costing the public finances £11billion a year as it deters two million tourists a year from choosing to visit the UK. Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Heathrow are among more than 400 businesses to back the Mail's campaign calling for the Government to Scrap The Tourist Tax. According to The Daily Telegraph, Ms Simpson told a tourism event in New Delhi: 'If it is so bad, why does France, which receives more visitors than anywhere else, have tax-free shopping?'
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
High-tax Britain ‘is driving away tourists'
Tourists are increasingly avoiding Britain because of high taxes and travel fees imposed by Rachel Reeves, an industry chief has warned. Julia Simpson, the chief executive of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said an increase in air passenger duty (APD), new visa fees, high VAT and the National Insurance raid on employers were undermining the sector, which contributes 10pc of GDP. Chinese and Indian tourists are 'massively on the move' and will drive the industry in coming decades, but are being put off visiting the UK because of the so-called tourist tax, she added. Ms Simpson, who is a former British Airways executive, said: 'The UK is absolutely taking travel and tourism for granted. The Treasury is imposing layer upon layer of taxes on a sector that is bringing money into the UK and is not at all a burden. 'We're definitely going to miss out. It's not just about money, it's about sending a signal that the UK is really a great place to visit and that they welcome visitors. 'If the Chancellor is looking for growth, and growth that isn't in the public sector and is outside London, you've got to sell the UK.' Ms Reeves retained increases in APD – a tax unique to Britain – imposed by the Conservatives while announcing a further escalation that will apply from next year, lifting the duty to as much as £253 per person. That is on top of airport fees at Heathrow that rank as the world's most expensive. They are charged to airlines and passed on to customers while being regulated by the Government. Ms Simpson also questioned the wisdom of including Americans in the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) visa scheme, introduced to strengthen border security, the charge for which was raised to £16 last month. She said: 'Americans bring their dollars into the UK and love coming here. You've got to be smart. Just because someone puts something on you doesn't mean you've got to reciprocate.' Ms Simpson said the tourist tax, a decision to scrap tax-free shopping for international visitors taken by Rishi Sunak when he was chancellor, is proving a serious drag on visitor numbers from some countries. The Treasury has claimed that scrapping the exemption, which exposes visitors to a 20pc VAT rate that is itself higher than in most countries with which Britain competes for tourists, would cost £2bn. But campaigners have argued it may be losing the exchequer £11bn annually as it deters 2m tourists from visiting, according to research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research. Ms Simpson, who spoke at a tourism event in New Delhi, India, said the joint industry-government Visitor Economy Advisory Council, on which she sits, is making the case to the Treasury for a rethink. She said that Chinese tourists in particular will choose travel destinations based on shopping opportunities and that 'tax-free shopping is a big, big draw'. She said: 'I really hope they will bring it back. If it is so bad, why does France, which receives more visitors than anywhere else in the world, have tax-free shopping? Why does Italy?' Ms Simpson accused the Treasury of using narrow definitions when assessing the benefits and costs of the situation, adding: 'I'm very sorry to say, but the UK Government is currently being run by Treasury officials instead of politicians who we've elected.' A cut of about 50pc in funding for Visit Britain, the national tourism agency, will compound the situation, she said. Ms Simpson warned that the Government is putting up barriers to foreign visitors at a time when domestic tourism is struggling to recover to pre-Covid levels. She said that boycotts of the US by Canadians and Mexicans amid Donald Trump's trade wars are likely to see China overtake America as the world's biggest tourism market earlier than expected.
