Traversing the desert may soon become a more glamorous experience. The state-owned railway company, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), has recently entered into a 200 million Saudi riyals (USD 53.33 million) agreement with the Italian hospitality firm Arsenale Group to introduce the inaugural luxury train in the Middle Eastern kingdom. Since officially welcoming international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has actively pursued initiatives to attract visitors. Described as a historic moment, the Middle Eastern kingdom has continued its efforts to entice tourists. Among the notable tourism investments, a USD 500 billion model city in the northwest desert of Saudi Arabia…
Author: Nishtha Ganesh
FlixBus, the largest long-distance bus network in Europe, has expanded its services to India. Making an entrance into the Indian market, FlixBus now operates in its 43rd country globally. The company is set to launch intercity passenger transportation services across India, covering a vast network that includes Delhi, Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. FlixBus aims to connect 46 cities in these regions, offering bus travel options to passengers. The company pledges to revolutionise intercity passenger transportation in the country by providing convenient travel at competitive prices and adhering to the highest safety standards. As FlixBus…
The Israel Ministry of Tourism is upbeat about its participation in OTM. During the event, Israel Tourism will be accompanied by 5 DMCs to engage with industry leaders, stakeholders, and delegates from around the globe. Amruta Bangera – Director of Marketing, India, said, “Participation in OTM is significant for Israel for several reasons. It provides us with a platform to showcase the diverse and rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty that our destination has to offer. In light of the ongoing challenges, our primary goals at OTM are to strengthen existing partnerships, forge new collaborations, and increase awareness about…
Goa’s tourism sector has embraced the Union Budget, asserting that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recognized tourism as a primary growth engine of the economy. In response to the budget on Thursday, Nilesh Shah, Chief of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, stated to reporters in Panaji that the government has acknowledged the pivotal role of tourism, contributing to the circular economy and serving as a key driver of economic growth. “The government’s focus on railway safety and the upgrade of bogies is expected to positively impact tourism,” stated Nilesh Shah, Chief of the Travel and Tourism Association…
In 2023, Singapore experienced 115% surge in visitor numbers, reaching 13.6 million compared to the pandemic-impacted 6.3 million in 2022. This figure aligns with the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) projection of 12 to 14 million visitors. Although representing 71% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels, this growth showcases a significant recovery in international travel, as reported by Channel News Asia citing STB data. A substantial portion of the visitors hailed from Singapore’s neighboring and traditional source markets, with Indonesia leading at 2.3 million, followed by China at 1.4 million, and Malaysia at 1.1 million. Australia emerged as the fourth prominent…
SpiceJet announces the acquisition of flight rights for Haj operations from seven Indian cities, namely Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. Haj operations have proven to be a revenue source for SpiceJet, underscoring its dedication to serving diverse passenger segments. In the current fiscal year, SpiceJet generated INR 337 crore in revenue from Haj operations, operating flights from five Indian cities. The airline anticipates an even higher revenue projection for the ongoing fiscal year. The first phase of Haj operations is set to commence on May 9, with flights to Medina. SpiceJet is preparing to ensure a…
Visitors to the Eiffel Tower in Paris can now book their trips using India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI), as announced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Friday. NPCI International Payments (NIPL) has collaborated with the French e-commerce and proximity payments provider Lyra to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments in Europe, beginning with the Eiffel Tower. An official statement reveals that Indian tourists can now conveniently secure their Eiffel Tower visit by purchasing tickets online through UPI (Unified Payment Interface), streamlining the transaction process. The announcement was made during an event organised by the Indian Embassy…
In the Narmada district, tribal youth are set to receive training in the hospitality sector as the India Hotels Company Ltd of the Tata Group establishes a hospitality skill center near the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar. The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, inaugurated the center, which is expected to train 120 youngsters annually. Acknowledging the Statue of Unity as a prominent tourist destination, Jaishankar emphasized the need for facilities and local benefits. The training programme includes 12 weeks of classroom instruction and four weeks of field training, culminating in job placements. With the rising number of hotels in…
Clarks Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its second property, Celestial Hills, in Sri Lanka, strategically positioning the chain to enter the luxury leisure sector and broaden its global footprint. Nestled in Kandy, this boutique luxury resort features 11 private villas with individual plunge pools, outdoor showers, and spacious balconies overlooking Hatana and Knuckle mountain ranges. The resort includes a local cuisine restaurant with panoramic views, a spa with two treatment rooms offering various therapies, and a pool nestled amid trees for afternoon relaxation. Guests can explore the cultural treasures of Kandy, with UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant markets, and serene lakes,…
Starting February 9, Vizag Airport will introduce a new service to Hyderabad by Air India Express. Additionally, AirAsia will commence a direct weekly thrice flight to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) from April 26, and a direct flight to Thailand (Bangkok) by the same airline is scheduled to start from April 9. During a joint media conference held on Thursday evening, representatives from the A.P. Air Travellers Association (APATA) and Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA) revealed that post-COVID-19, the city’s only international flight was Scoot Airlines, operating four times a week. With the introduction of two new international flights,…