According to the latest report from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the average price of a plane ticket departing from France between March 2022 and March 2023 has increased by an average of 24%, much more than inflation.
Despite this dizzying increase, the French do not intend to draw a line under the summer holidays. According to a survey carried out by the comparator Liligo for Le Parisien and RTL, 62% of French people intend to leave for the summer months.
To be invited by a country?
While some destinations will be taken by storm and the Fodor’s Travel guide strongly advises against certain countries, others are struggling to attract tourists. Some countries even have to resolve to financially motivate travelers to discover their region. If your budget is limited for your summer vacation, then you might be able to indulge in one of these options.
Hong Kong has suffered from the pandemic with a strict diet for the past three years. Since then, the city has wanted to establish itself as a tourist destination by subsidizing flights. These are 500,000 plane tickets for The Pearl of the Orient which will be offered free of charge, starting in March. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines are the three airlines that will deliver the precious sesame.
Hong Kong is giving away 500,000 free plane tickets to foreign visitors to boost the local economy.
The city widely adopted mainland China’s “zero-COVID” strategy during the pandemic, and even after reopening its border, tourism recovery was sluggish. pic.twitter.com/PFZJd8tFRl
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 3, 2023
If you are looking for a more exotic destination, Taiwan opens the doors wide to you. In 2023, the island wants to attract no less than 6 million visitors. In February, the country’s Tourism Board approved a proposal to offer 150 euros to 500,000 individual visitors and 615 euros to 90,000 group visitors. This money will have to be collected at the airport on a card that will serve as a means of payment on the island to pay for food, accommodation or miscellaneous expenses.
Saudi Arabia is also making great efforts to attract tourism over the coming months. National carrier Saudi Airlines (along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) has announced a new measure that will allow travelers passing through any international airport in the country to spend 96 hours traveling around the kingdom, without a Visa.
Dubai lifts compulsory liquor license
The capital of influencers also wants to develop tourism in the coming years with a relaxation of local rules. There is no free plane ticket here. On the other hand, the emirate lifted the 30% tax on alcohol sales – and above all the end to the compulsory license to obtain it. Tourists will be able to continue to consume alcohol in hotels but they will only be taxed at 5%.
Are you ready for some serious bucket list inspiration? The magnificent Burj Khalifa in Dubai has just been crowned the ultimate travel destination, and it’s time to add it to your list! ? #Visitdubai #BurjKhalifa pic.twitter.com/1JtfXk7AXJ
— Visit Dubai (@visitdubai) March 15, 2023
Last country that could catch your eye this summer: the Philippines. If you want to protect beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, the state wants to do a favor for future tourists: the president wants to introduce a VAT refund program to boost the influx of tourists from abroad. Unfortunately, it will be necessary to wait until 2024 to see this measure come into force. See you next February?
