The Place Brand Observer’s Post

Signing of Project Implementation Agreement between Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Helvetas Nepal The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, and Helvetas Nepal have signed a project implementation agreement to launch the Trail Based Tourism Project (TTDP) in Nepal. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, and Dr. Prabin Manandhar, Country Director of Helvetas Nepal. The TTDP project aims to rehabilitate 400 kilometers of trails, fostering community collaboration and enhancing economic development. By streamlining policies and boosting government cooperation, the project seeks to attract both domestic and regional tourists, celebrating local culture and natural beauty. This initiative is not only focused on promoting tourism but also on creating jobs, stimulating local enterprises, and spreading economic benefits. TTDP is set to be a lifeline for the community, improving lives, preserving traditions, and securing a brighter future. #Helvetasnepal #Helvetas #BetterCommunity #tourism #trailbasedtourism #swissembassyinnepal

Northern Pakistan, nestled amidst the Karakoram and Himalayas, is a paradise on earth. With its crystal-clear rivers, lush valleys, and promise of adventure, places like Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit attract tourists seeking solace and thrill. The travel and tourism sector contributes significantly to Pakistan's GDP, with 4.2 million jobs and $16 billion in visitor spending in 2022. However, Pakistan ranks 101st out of 119 countries on the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024. While tourism brings economic benefits, it also poses environmental challenges. The influx of visitors leaves behind a trail of waste, compromising the natural beauty that draws people to the region. Local businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, thrive due to tourism. However, the industry's growth must balance economic development with environmental conservation. Initiatives like the Waste-Free Gilgit-Baltistan Program and partnerships between the government and private companies aim to promote sustainable tourism. Public-private partnerships can ensure businesses contribute to environmental well-being and community development. Achieving this delicate balance is crucial for Northern Pakistan's ecosystem and economy. . . . #SustainableTourism #NorthernPakistan #EcologicalBalance #EnvironmentalConservation #ResponsibleTravel #PakistanTourism #TravelAndTourism #WasteManagement #GilgitBaltistan #tribunetrends

It was an incredible opportunity to participate in the seminar on 'Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh' organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). After hearing all the discussions and logical arguments I will state a single line; there are a lot of opportunities and obstacles in the tourism sector of Bangladesh, luckily the stakeholders know how to address both but the fact is they are not promised. #worldtourismday #biiss #tourismstudies #tourbangladesh #tourismseminar #touristdevelopment #tourismstrategy

IN THE NEWS: Looks like 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 is in the headlines again! The focus in this article is on the African continent and the Serengeti specifically. "With East African countries now surpassing pre-COVID tourism activity, the spotlight has again turned on the need to carefully weigh economic benefits against the ongoing risks that overtourism and major infrastructure development could pose to the crucial Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. Tanzania and Kenya, home to the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve respectively, have both rapidly reached 2019 international arrival levels. Tanzania hit 1.8 million tourists in 2023, a 17% leap from the 1.5 million 2019 arrivals – making the country Africa’s second best-performing destination in terms of recovery. Kenya’s 1.95 million arrivals were at 97% of 2019. With the July to September high season approaching – when thousands of tourists flock to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration – concerns have resurfaced over the impact that an unprecedented number of visitors could have on the famed wilderness areas’ natural environment." This is a fascinating article! Well worth the read. Click below: https://lnkd.in/dmTgzH39 #WFTGA #Africa #touristguides #Overtourism

𝗣𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗵 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 Delphos advises the Phnom Penh Airport project in Cambodia, which is crucial to the surge in Cambodia's tourism sector and sustainable economy's growth. With 1.51 million foreign tourists entering Cambodia via airports (a 26.2% increase year-on-year), the performance in H1 2024 promises further sustainable growth. Despite a 9.7% decline in visitors from Thailand, the overall number of tourists from Vietnam and China has increased by 38% and 45.2%, respectively. Domestic tourism also remains robust, with 7.8 million Cambodians exploring their country's attractions. In 2023, Cambodia welcomed 5.45 million foreign visitors, generating US$3.08B in revenue. This year's strong half-year performance suggests continued growth in both the tourism sector and the broader economy. Explore how Delphos is driving impactful infrastructure projects worldwide: delphos.co/our-heritage. #Infrastructure #Airport #Delphos #Cambodia

DT Global Europe recently hosted a session led by David Michelmore (Conservation and Development consultant) about the powerful intersection of #CulturalHeritage and #Tourism in promoting #sustainable development, with a focus on Ethiopia's efforts to leverage heritage for socio-economic growth. David highlighted some key takeaways from when he was the Team Leader of “Promoting Heritage for Ethiopian Development (PROHEDEV)” implemented by DT Global and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This program emphasizes local ownership, with the motivation to adress regional needs, and includes a combination of conservation, tourism infrastructure development, and capacity building. 💡 Key insights from the session included: 🔑 The importance of World Heritage status as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. 🏛️ Tourism diversification projects that build capacity in local communities while preserving traditional crafts and urban heritage. ⚖️ The need to balance new tourism ventures with the protection of local culture and businesses, ensuring long-term sustainability. 😊 The significance of creating a positive visitor experience, focusing on key attractions and hassle-free visits. During his visit, David explained the potential of heritage sites to generate local income and provide livelihoods for communities, while also highlighting the challenges. He explained that successful tourism isn't accidental but requires careful planning and community involvement. In international development, heritage preservation is not just about monuments—it's about people, culture, and economic empowerment. 💪🌎 #IWork4DTGlobal #WeAreDTGlobal #CulturalHeritage #SustainableTourism #InternationalDevelopment #Ethiopia

In a remarkable comeback, Kenya's tourism revenue surged by 31.5% in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Traditionally renowned for its wildlife parks and stunning beaches, Kenya has reclaimed its position as a major tourist destination in East Africa. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, per capita spending in US dollars saw a decline, attributed to the sustained depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against major currencies. Nevertheless, the sector's resurgence signifies a strong rebound for Kenya's economy. The report reveals that Americans constituted the largest group of arrivals in 2023, followed by visitors from neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania, as well as tourists from the United Kingdom. This diverse influx of tourists underscores Kenya's global appeal and highlights the importance of tourism to the country's economy. With ambitions set high, the Ministry aims to welcome 2.4 million tourists in the current year, signalling confidence in the sector's continued growth trajectory. Kenya's innovative visa-free entry system is among the initiatives designed to attract more visitors, promising further opportunities for economic revitalization through tourism. Kenya Tourism Board Kenya Wildlife Service #Kenya #Tourism #EconomicRevival #TravelIndustry #TouristDestination #GlobalAppeal #Resurgence #Growth #VisaFreeEntry #EconomicRecovery #EastAfricaTourism #hakunamatatamedia

As people and businesses across the globe become more aware of the importance of sustainability, the interest in sustainable tourism is rising. Pakistan can take advantage of this opportunity by facilitating investment in the tourism sector and promoting eco-tourism. Places of natural beauty like the Hunza valley, Skardu and Kaghan ; historical attractions like the Badshahi Mosque, Moenj o Dharo, and Taxila; the lofty peaks and the intriguing deserts—there is so much to explore. Developing the tourism industry in Pakistan could be a game-changer. Not only could it bring in valuable foreign exchange, it could also help raise awareness in local communities about environment conservation through education and skill development. The eco-tourism industry can trigger investments in eco-friendly accommodation and transportation and provide the foundation for revitalizing local culture and handicrafts . Providing an enabling environment through simplified regulations, security measures, and supportive policies, is of course, the responsibility of the government. #ecotourism #pakistantourism #sustainabledevelopment #impactinvestment

Another low hanging fruit that can significantly help in growing the Tourism numbers is #SportsTourism THE FOURTH MEDIUM TERM PLAN PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS under the Kenya Vision 2030 includes Sports and arts infrastructure development as well as Promoting tourism through sports and arts (sports tourism): as one of the best ways to achieve this.