As of 18th November, visitors to the UAE will be able to claim tax back on purchases made in the country.The world’s first 100% digital VAT refund system is being managed by Planet, who have secured an exclusive three-year contract with the UAE Federal Tax Authority.The move is part of a wider push to promote the UAE’s tourism and retail offering to global audiences

International trips by Muslims have experienced high growth rates over the last decade – City breaks and shopping are especially popular – Holiday offers must conform to religion. Muslims are the world’s fastest-growing religious group and by 2030 (Source) will make up an estimated 25 per cent of the world’s population. Furthermore, in some Muslim-dominated markets there is a thriving middle class with growing buying power and a new consumer behavior. One effect has been an increase of international trips undertaken by Muslims. To analyse their travel behavior more detailed ITB Berlin commissioned IPK International to conduct a special evaluation of the World Travel Monitor®. In some aspects, Muslim travel behavior differs significantly from other groups. City breaks are more popular than Sun & Beach holidays for instance, and shopping is more important than visiting museums.

International visitors spent more money in Thailand than in any other Asian country in 2017, according to a UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) report.The report said that Thailand recorded a total tourism expenditure of USD57 billion in 2017, ahead of Japan (USD34 billion), Hong Kong (USD33 billion), China (USD33 billion) and Taiwan (USD12 billion).
The figures are based on surveys tabulated from credit card spending data and the cash receipts in different countries around the world.
The survey also indicated that Thailand has everything for everyone, ranging from luxury villas on private islands to affordable street food, which is why tourists can always find good valuable experiences in Thailand.

Thai government approves visa-on-arrival fee waiver for 20 countries including India- 15th November 2018 – 13th January 2019.The Thai government recently approved the exemption of the visa-on-arrival fee for citizens of 20 countries.

The world’s best tourism film and commercial are from Spain and Macau
On November 13th the Grand Prix CIFFT was already held for the 30th time. From over more than 3,500 entries, a People’s Choice Award, thirteen nominees and two Grand Prix winners for film and commercial have been determined and awarded at the Ceremony at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna. Among them were films from Austria, Denmark, Ecuador, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Macau, Pakistan, Peru and Spain. The audience, consisting of experts from the tourism and film industry, ambassadors and press representatives, was impressed by the quality of the films.

International experts will discuss market developments, new marketing strategies and the economic prospects for the LGBT travel segment – The Malta Tourism Authority is collaborating with ITB Berlin, the host of the first LGBT+ Tourism Summit from 22 to 23 November 2018 The first LGBT+ Tourism Summit will discuss the opportunities and challenges offered by gay and lesbian travel. International experts will present the latest survey findings, information on current LGBT online marketing trends, illustrate how prospects for business in LGBT+ tourism are developing, and highlight examples of best practices.