Tourism is blossoming around the world, with nations embracing innovative strategies to develop their industries. The focus on sustainable practices is drawing attention, and it seems to be working wonders.
Egypt's North Coast is on track to become a central player in sustainable tourism, particularly with the emergence of New Alamein City. Mohamed Kaoud, the former chair of the Tourism and Aviation Committee at the Egyptian Junior Business Association, sees this coastal city attracting significant investment both from local sources and international stakeholders.
Kaoud explained how the region's tourism model currently relies heavily on beach vacations, which account for 85% of the total tourist traffic. He emphasizes the need to diversify offerings beyond sun and sand to fully utilize the area's potential.
Part of this strategy involves enhancing the yacht tourism segment through public-private partnerships, making the North Coast more attractive for upscale maritime recreation. New marinas, already under construction, promise to accommodate large yachts, bringing in affluent tourists.
Meanwhile, the situation is revitalizing border cities like Heihe, located on the China-Russia border. Thanks to streamlined travel policies, this city is experiencing cross-border tourism growth, attracting many Russians to enjoy its markets and restaurants.
With visa-free group tours reintroduced between the two countries, Heihe's economy has seen a surge, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of visits from Blagoveshchensk. The morning and night markets are popular spots for those seeking fresh local produce at affordable prices.
Local businesses are thriving due to the influx of tourists. These markets cater to Russian speakers, easing communication barriers, and enhancing the visitor experience.
Health services are also part of the tourism draw, as Russians are increasingly seeking medical treatment and traditional Chinese medicine, making Heihe's healthcare facilities popular among foreign patients. Local hospitals have noted significant increases in outpatient and emergency visits from visitors from across the border.
Moving over to Brazil, the government has unveiled ambitious plans aimed at boosting its tourism sector dramatically. Presented during the VIII Tourism Salon “Discovering Brazil” held in Rio de Janeiro, the strategy aims for vast increases both in domestic travel and international tourism.
Brazil aims to increase domestic tourism from 93 million trips to 150 million by 2027, with expected international tourism revenues reaching $8.1 billion. Such growth targets come with plans to create up to 3 million jobs within the tourism industry.
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino credited this forward momentum to the growth of hotel chains and the increasing accessibility of flights, alongside rising income levels. Since the beginning of 2023, over 50,000 new job positions have been created within the sector.
The strategic plan involves 20 targeted programs focusing on sustainable development, innovation, and technology, positioning Brazil as a prime global tourism destination. It aims not just to bring more tourists but to implement practices enhancing environmental sustainability.
Both Egypt and Brazil showcase how countries are strategizing to develop tourism not merely as economic engines but as holistic systems benefiting both travelers and local communities. These efforts align with global trends favoring experiences and conscious choices during travel.
The investing of resources to diversify tourism offerings empowers regions like Egypt’s North Coast and Brazil to cater to modern travelers' interests. Travelers now seek unique and enriching experiences, which sustainable tourism can provide.
The synergy between local economies and tourism sectors will likely push faced constraints by the pandemic aside. Instead, these nations are ready to embrace opportunities, enhancing both accessibility and sustainability.
To sum it up, as the world gradually recovers from the impacts of global lockdowns, countries like Egypt and Brazil are setting the pace for tourism's future. Their ambitions are clear: to cultivate industries attracting visitors and contributing to environmental stewardship, thriving businesses, and vibrant community life.
