Continuing its commitment to sustainable tourism, Tourism Fiji has launched the “Bin it or Bag it” campaign to advocate a litter-free Fiji. The initiative, borne from the 2023 Fiji Tourism Convention, marks a small but critical step towards enhancing sustainability efforts, in partnership with leading private sector companies and local collaborators. At the 2023 Fiji Tourism Convention, stakeholders highlighted litter reduction as a crucial sustainability goal, prompting a coalition of dedicated private sector entities led by the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel, The Holiday Inn, Rosie Holidays and Ahura Resorts. To date, almost 15 partners across…
Author: Disha Ghosh
At a time when outbound travel is seeing a surge a fact well supplemented by the growth in visas, Yummi Talwar, COO – South Asia, VFS Global spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about this trend, and the segments that are driving traffic abroad. Q. What is your overview of the outbound travel market considering your half yearly performance of 2024? In recent years, the Indian outbound market has experienced remarkable growth, and its upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. According to a joint study by FICCI and Nangia NXT, this market is poised to grow at a Compound…
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is set to make a significant return to ITB Asia in Singapore this year, marking its first participation in the event in 16 years. This move underscores IMOT’s growing focus on the Asian market, especially India, which has emerged as a vital player in Israel’s tourism landscape. IMOT’s presence at ITB Asia, from October 23 to 25, will highlight Israel’s commitment to building strong partnerships in the region, with a specific emphasis on India and Philippines. This year, IMOT’s booth will introduce the theme for the 2025 Jubilee Year, an important event in the…
SpiceJet is set to expand its fleet by the end of November with the induction of ten aircraft, marking a major step in the airline’s growth plans. Seven of these aircraft will be acquired on lease, while three previously grounded SpiceJet planes are being reintroduced into service. The airline has already signed agreements for the leased aircraft, with the full induction of all seven planes expected by November 15. Two of these leased aircraft have already arrived in India and are scheduled for immediate induction. SpiceJet will also operationalise its grounded planes in phases, with the first three set to…
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has inaugurated Asia’s longest double-decker flyover in Nagpur, marking a major milestone in India’s urban infrastructure development. The 5.6-kilometer-long flyover, a part of Nagpur’s urban transformation project, is set to ease traffic congestion and boost economic growth in the region. Designed with a four-tier structure, the flyover features a Metro line on the top, a flyover beneath it, followed by a railway track, and a road at the base. This ambitious project aims to improve traffic flow on Nagpur’s busy Kamptee and Chhindwara roads, allowing motorists to travel from Kamptee to…
The highly anticipated World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list was recently unveiled, showcasing the pinnacle in luxury and hospitality worldwide. Heavens Portfolio India’s several clients have earned a coveted spot on this list, recognised by discerning travellers for their exceptional service, unique offerings and unforgettable experiences. Capella Bangkok, which opened in 2020 along the scenic Chao Phraya River, has been honoured as The World’s Best Hotel 2024. Celebrated for its stunning suites and distinctive local excursions, all complemented by the warm embrace of Thai hospitality, the 101-key property has climbed an impressive ten places from last year’s rankings to claim…
Asiana Airlines Inc. will increase fees for excess baggage on its international flights starting from January 2, 2025. Those fees apply to baggage in excess of the airline’s free allowance. Fees for baggage exceeding the quantity limit will go up by as much as KRW 40,000 (USD 29.66) depending on routes, Asiana said. For short-haul routes within 90 minutes from Korea, the excess baggage fee will rise from KRW 60,000 per piece to KRW 90,000. For flights to Europe, Africa and Oceania, the fee will go from 140,000 won to 180,000 won per piece. Every extra piece of baggage on…
Manohar International Airport (GOX), also known as MOPA Airport, has launched the GOX Pass, a unique passenger privilege programme aimed at enhancing the tourism experience in Goa. This initiative is India’s first airport-developed passenger program, targeting both domestic and international travellers, as well as passengers on charter flights. Key Benefits of the GOX Pass: • Discounts up to 50% on a wide range of services, including leisure activities, shopping, dining, and wellness experiences. • The GOX Pass is valid at over 34 participating outlets across Goa. • To avail these discounts, travelers simply need to present their GOX boarding pass…
Rajasthan has launched India’s first luxury electric cruise on Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer, marking a significant move towards eco-friendly and sustainable tourism in the region. This new initiative offers tourists a premium experience while minimising environmental impact. Owned by JP Dadhich and developed by Goa-based Board Craft Private Limited, the project involved a total investment of INR 5 crore. Features and Design The luxury e-cruise, made from lightweight fiber, is designed to operate even in shallow waters, requiring a depth of only four feet. At 22 meters long, the double-decker vessel includes an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air…
Bangladesh yesterday imposed a travel ban on three southeastern hill districts amid sectarian tensions between local ethnic minority communities and Bengali settlers in the region, which has left five people dead and several injured. The deputy commissioners or administrative chiefs of the three districts, bordering India and Myanmar, in separate but similar statements, requested tourists not to visit the region, called Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), from Oct 8-31. The deputy commissioners of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban hill districts issued the statements, citing “unavoidable grounds”, without providing further details. Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan said the instruction applied to…
