With a record 467 million tourists traveling in the first half of 2012, international tourism remains firmly on track to reach one billion tourists by the end of the year. Despite concerns over the global economy, international tourism demand continues to show resilience. The number of international tourists worldwide grew by 5% between January and June 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 (22 million more).

Food plays a crucial and growing role in tourism development and can be a pillar for growth for the countries of the Silk Road, said experts meeting at the Flavours of the Silk Road: International Conference on Food, Culture and Tourism Conference in Baku, Aserbaijan.

Hilton Worldwide Signs Agreement To Open Hilton Istanbul Kozyataği Conference Center & Spa
Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Emaytaş Turizm Gayrimenkul Yönetim Hizmetleri Sanayi ve Tic A.Ş. to open Hilton Worldwide’s first Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded property on the Asian side of Istanbul. Hilton Istanbul Kozyataği Conference Center & Spa joins a fast growing portfolio of 40 hotels across Turkey that are either currently trading or under development.

The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), in collaboration with Tourism Victoria (TVIC), will bring 70 Asian buyers to Melbourne this week for the 2012 Asia Mega Famil and Workshop.
Combining the sixth annual MCVB Asia Roadshow and ninth Tourism Victoria Roadshow to China, the Mega Famil and Workshop will take the form of a four-night familiarisation program for 20-25 leisure agents and 30-35 MICE agents, representing eight countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China.

2,200 distributors from Perfect China Co Ltd (Perfect China), a China-based health and wellness company ranked the 10th direct sales company globally, stand to attention at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) Plenary Hall during the Perfect China Convention 2012 held at the Centre recently.

AirAsia Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Andrew Littledale recently abseiled from London’s new iconic landmark and the tallest building in Western Europe, The Shard. Along with 39 other intrepid fundraisers led by The Duke of York, the Descent of The Shard aimed to raise funds for The Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Funds.