A tourist in Al Ula, about 1,000km north-west of Riyadh. The World Travel & Tourism Council is hosting its annual global summit in Saudi Arabia's capital. AP
A tourist in Al Ula, about 1,000km north-west of Riyadh. The World Travel & Tourism Council is hosting its annual global summit in Saudi Arabia's capital. AP
A tourist in Al Ula, about 1,000km north-west of Riyadh. The World Travel & Tourism Council is hosting its annual global summit in Saudi Arabia's capital. AP
A tourist in Al Ula, about 1,000km north-west of Riyadh. The World Travel & Tourism Council is hosting its annual global summit in Saudi Arabia's capital. AP

International travel reaches highest point since Covid-19 pandemic


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

International travel has returned to its highest point since the start of the global pandemic, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

More than 63 per cent of people plan to take an overseas leisure trip in the next 12 months, says the latest report conducted by YouGov for WTTC.

The global survey questioned about 26,000 people in 25 destinations.

It also found that the return of international travel shows no signs of slowing, with more than a quarter of consumers — 27 per cent — planning three or more trips next year.

Australians plan to spend the most on international travel in 2023. The country had some of the world's longest Covid-19 restrictions, and was closed to international visitors for two years. Photo: Qantas
Australians plan to spend the most on international travel in 2023. The country had some of the world's longest Covid-19 restrictions, and was closed to international visitors for two years. Photo: Qantas

It's Australians that plan to spend the most on travel next year, with the nation topping the survey's list of highest expenditure.

The Australian government implemented some of the longest-running restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, effectively restricting international travel for nearly two years. Holidaymakers from Canada, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines also rank among the highest spenders for 2023 travel.

Travelling more sustainably has finally made its way to the forefront of holidaymakers' concerns, with more than 61 per cent of those surveyed preferring destinations and travel brands that are more sustainable.

Almost half of the respondents said they will only book travel with brands that are socially and environmentally responsible.

“The results of this global survey also show the growing importance of sustainable travel among consumers,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive.

Travel and tourism leaders are convening in Riyadh for the WTTC's annual summit under the theme Travel for a better future. Photo: Bloomberg
Travel and tourism leaders are convening in Riyadh for the WTTC's annual summit under the theme Travel for a better future. Photo: Bloomberg

The findings were released as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the World Travel and Tourism Council in Riyadh, for its annual global summit.

Travel and tourism leaders, government representatives and international speakers will convene in the kingdom for the three-day event which is being held under the theme Travel for a better future.

The yearly event is a chance for people working in the industry to align efforts to support its recovery and to create a safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for the world of travel.

“This global survey shows that international travel is back. As we kick off our Global Summit in Riyadh bringing together global travel leaders and governments from around the world, travellers are getting ready to explore the world again” said Simpson.

Harry Potter-themed lands, parks and experiences around the world — in pictures

  • The Hogwarts Express train at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando, Florida. Reuters
    The Hogwarts Express train at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando, Florida. Reuters
  • A goblin greets guests at the entrance to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Orlando. Reuters
    A goblin greets guests at the entrance to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Orlando. Reuters
  • Hogwarts castle at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo: Universal Studios
    Hogwarts castle at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo: Universal Studios
  • Jewellery on sale at Borgin and Burkes in Orlando. Reuters
    Jewellery on sale at Borgin and Burkes in Orlando. Reuters
  • Hogsmeade Village at the Florida attraction opened in 2014. Reuters
    Hogsmeade Village at the Florida attraction opened in 2014. Reuters
  • A map highlights places where guests can cast spells with interactive magical wands in Orlando. Reuters
    A map highlights places where guests can cast spells with interactive magical wands in Orlando. Reuters
  • Hogwarts castle, with a view of Flight of the Hippogriff, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. Photo: Universal Studios
    Hogwarts castle, with a view of Flight of the Hippogriff, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. Photo: Universal Studios
  • Novelties inside Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Orlando. Reuters
    Novelties inside Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Orlando. Reuters
  • 'The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle' at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo: Universal Studios
    'The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle' at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo: Universal Studios
Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
Company%20Profile
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$1,000 award for 1,000 days on madrasa portal

Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.

School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.

“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.  

“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”

Grand Slam Los Angeles results

Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos

Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha

Updated: November 28, 2022, 7:02 AM