Thursday, September 26, 2024 Inbound tourism in the country is gradually recovering but still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, as foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) from January to June this year reached 4.78 million. This figure represents roughly 90 percent of the first half of 2019, signaling a near-return to previous numbers but still short of full recovery.
The resurgence of tourism is promising but tempered by ongoing global uncertainties that continue to affect travel behavior and international movement. Despite the lower FTAs compared to pre-pandemic statistics, there is a positive trend in foreign exchange (forex) earnings. According to the report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics, the earnings from tourism have risen, indicating a significant shift in traveler behavior.
Tourists are spending more per visit, reflecting an increase in per capita expenditure even with fewer overall visitors. This growth in spending is helping to boost the tourism economy, compensating for the slight dip in overall arrivals. The report suggests that higher spending by foreign tourists could be attributed to changes in travel preferences and patterns.
Post-pandemic travelers may be opting for longer stays, luxury accommodations, or more personalized experiences, which drive up average spending. These shifts are proving beneficial for high-end tourism sectors and are contributing to a steady recovery in foreign exchange earnings. Moreover, the tourism industry has been resilient, w.
