SBWire

Japan's dynamic tourism sector reported healthy growth in 2014, with a sharp increase in arrivals attributed to a range of factors including the country's increased affordability, a wider range of international flight routes and a relaxation of foreign visa requirements from major source markets. This growth is set to continue in 2015 and throughout the remainder of the forecast period, with Japan set to capitalise upon its rising global profile in the run-up to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

Tourist attractions continue to be actively developed in the country. The number of people visiting tourist attractions increased by 4% in 2013, whilst value sales increased by 7% at current 2013 prices during the year. Russia has always been famous for its rich culture and interesting history; it now has 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The country's number of arrivals is growing and domestic tourism is also expanding. Both these factors are having a positive impact on tourist attractions in...

Health and wellness tourism in Austria was influenced by two distinctive factors over the course of 2013. On the one hand, as a country with a high proportion of elderly citizens, Austria is seeing an increase in demand for medical tourism and destination spas. As elderly Austrians tend to have higher levels of disposable income, whether retired or still working, they generally opt for holidays which include relaxation and health treatments. On the other hand, an increasing number of middle-aged and young working Austrians are displaying a similar tendency, looking for offers which include holidays in wellness hotel/resort spas.

We are forecasting very healthy growth across a range of key indicators for Singapore's well - established tourism market. Building upon its reputation as a well- connected regional travel hub, Singapore is increasingly targeting longer - term holiday makers through far- reaching marketing campaigns and extensive tourist infrastructure investment. The tourism market benefits from a well - developed transport and accommodation network, as well as a highly supportive government.

The number of outbound departures in Morocco increased by 3% in 2013, rising to 1.9 million. The numbers of outbound departures rose steadily in Morocco over the review period as more Moroccans opted to travel to other countries in North Africa and Western Europe.

The number of domestic tourism trips taken by Moroccans increased by 3% in 2013, rising to 8.5 million.

Negative developments in the Russian tourism market, starting in 2014, are likely t o continue into 2015 and beyond . The Ukraine crisis in particular has damaged Russia's reputation amongst key tourist source markets in the EU and North America and the exchange of sanctions between Russia and the EU in particular is likely to inflict further damage on tourist arrivals to Russia if sustained. The FIFA World Cup in 2018 will provide an opportunity for the country to regain ground lost since 2014. The associated investment is sorely needed in a country with an outdated accommodation sector and aging transport infrastructure.

A leading French Real Estate agency, Boutemy Immobilier, is offering Indiegogo backers a rare opportunity to experience Port Grimaud, a lakeside village in France, commonly known as French Venice.

With a few days left for the 20th anniversary of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) that had begun on January 1, 2015 and will end in February 1, 2015, shoppers and tourists have still a lot to see and to shop as DSF exhibits thrilling music shows, offer great discounts and showcase best buys that make Dubai's annual retail bonanza a shopping experience that should never be missed.

Turkey's tourism market shows signs of healthy growth, with robust increases in arrivals forecast for the 2015-2018 period. This is likely to lead to a range of other positive developments for key market indicators, particularly hotel numbers. Alongside this investment, the government and private sector are investing heavily in transport infrastructure.

Health and wellness saw a 9% increase in current value sales in 2013. Health and wellness tourism outlets are still more of Soviet Era vintage. "Other" spas accounted for 82% of total health and wellness tourism sales in 2013. This category mainly includes sanatoriums - generally old renovated sanatoriums from the Soviet era. These sanatoriums are not considered to be spa tourism as they are not perceived as meeting modern standards, lacking both relevant professional staff and equipment.

While the Swiss are generally fond of travelling abroad, at the same time there is a high number of more traditional Swiss people, mainly among the middle-aged and elderly population, who prefer to remain within the country when taking leisure holidays. As one of the Alpine countries and a country in which there are many beautiful lakes, Switzerland office domestic tourists a wide range of attractions for both summer and winter holidays.

Health and wellness tourism in Morocco increased in current value by 6% to reach MAD7.8 billion in 2013. Morocco is a major destination for health and wellness tourism, with both spa tourism and medical tourism very popular in the country. Although Morocco attracts inbound tourists of all ages, an increasing number of elderly people are opting to travel to Morocco for medical tourism as the country offers a very favourable climate for recuperation and high-quality medical insurance at competitive prices.

It has been said that everyone needs to tour the Holy Land at least once in their life. Until one has visited the land of the Old Testament or walked on the paths that Jesus himself walked, they can not truly appreciate Judeo-Christian religion and culture. In addition to learning about the ancient past, a trip to Israel gives tourists a chance to experience the thrill of modern cities like Tel Aviv and enjoy the beautiful coastline and landscape of Israel.

While Romania boasts a wide array of tourist attractions, its tourism market is underdeveloped and facing significant challenges (such as poor infrastructure and political tens ions in neighbouring countries). In addition, Romania has been overly reliant on attracting visitors of neighbouring countries and has struggled to attract visitors from more prosperous countries. However, if it can convince countries such as Germany and the Netherlands that it can function in the Schengen Area, inbound and outbound travel are likely to increase substantially.

While Austrians are generally fond of travelling abroad for holidays, towards the end of the review period increasing numbers of Austrian people displayed a strong preference for travelling within their own country. While travel to destinations abroad is generally planned months in advance and often includes trips in excess of two weeks in duration, domestic destinations are more popular for shorter leisure holidays of up to seven days. Many Austrians have discovered that domestic travel is a more favourable option for short trips as there is no need to prepare for the trip several months in advance as it is possible to decide upon a 3-day or 4-day domestic trip reasonably spontaneously.

Even though there was a strong trend towards health and wellness tourism observable in travel and tourism in Austria towards the end of the review period, tourist attractions still manage to record positive growth in value terms and in the number of visitors during 2013. As Austria is a country with a wealth of tradition, history and culture, it is able to offer many attractions to both inbound and domestic tourists, especially in historic buildings/sites, art galleries, museums and theatres. In addition, Austria is also well-known for preserving its heritage and paying very high attention to its national parks and areas of natural beauty. Among other important tourist attractions categories in the country are theme/amusement parks, zoos/aquariums, circuses and casinos.

Cyclomundo's latest promotions make cycling in France an affordable reality for would-beholiday-goers in 2015.

Reporting for the online travel magazine "TravelandLeisure.com" feature writer Bruce Schoenfeld recommends that everyone visit the rich wine regions of Australia. In his article "Travel and Leisure uncovers Australia's hidden wine regions" Mr. Schoenfeld writes, "Australia is home to a diverse collection of wineries which are incredibly fertile and produce vastly difference products. This makes perfect sense, when you consider the size of Australia compared to European nations and even other larger size countries."

Every winter season, humpback whales make their way to the Pacific Ocean to birth their babies in the warm water before heading back to the Arctic. As a prominent deep sea fishing charter on the Hawaii Island of Kauai, Ohana Fishing Charters is announcing the opportunity for their guests to whale watch as they climb aboard for their fishing excursion. The whales are extremely active in the New Year, swimming side by side the 30 x 10 foot Ho'o MaiKa'i.

Two planned condominium towers more than 400-feet are creating a Bustle in Orange Beach, however they aren't the only beachfront developments in construction. Two additional condominium developments within a mile of the planned 450-foot Ascension and 435-foot Grace Location had already obtained the city's approval for construction.

New York may be cold and icy during the cold wintry months but when it comes to paranormal activity the city is definitely heating up, so says NYC's own Ghost Doctors.

Sprawled across a hallway within NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art are ancient Egyptian parchments called the "Book of the Dead." These mystical scrolls detailed this ancient civilization's all consuming obsession with the afterlife. Could their beliefs be more than just elaborate superstition? They just might be, says New York's Ghost Doctors.

Panama is a beautiful country, and those thinking of moving there will find that touring can make all the difference in their relocation decision.  Panama Relocation Tours, a company that focuses on showing visitors the wonders of Panama and helping them decide to relocate now offers a wonderful six-day all inclusive package that includes many helpful tips on moving to Panama as well as an enjoyable tour of the country.

Folks who are searching for a peaceful place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city finally have a good place to go. Roosters Rest, one of the favorites among Mentone AL tours, is a place where people who need respite from their busy lives can enjoy peace and quiet amidst the beauty of nature.