Tourists spending on Independence Day

As the Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan weekend approaches, Mumbaikars are planning getaways, with resorts and homestays preparing for a surge in visitors. Kamlesh Barot, director of Vie Hospitality, highlights the reopening of his environmentally sustainable Shubhdev Revival Resort & Waterworld, which caters to diverse dietary needs and is pet-friendly. Meanwhile, U.S. tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, with small businesses reporting a significant uptick in visitors, especially at attractions like the SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach. Tourists are increasingly purchasing tickets online and opting for enhanced experiences, as domestic travel spending is projected to reach 98% of 2019 levels in 2024. Despite the overall recovery, lower-income vacationers are being more budget-conscious compared to affluent travelers. The U.S. Travel Association forecasts a total of 2.45 billion trips in 2024, indicating a strong recovery trajectory for the tourism sector.