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Malaysia Woos Canada With 36 Wild Escapes & Healing Retreats

Malaysia Tourism is rapidly establishing itself as a leading destination for Canadian travellers looking to combine relaxation with adventure. With the rollout of thirty-six newly curated eco-adventure and wellness packages, valid through the end of 2026, the country is offering a refreshed, immersive way to explore its natural and cultural riches. Crafted by Tourism Malaysia and now available online, these itineraries merge traditional wellness practices with outdoor exploration. Travellers can participate in ancient healing therapies while journeying through rainforests, mountains, and marine reserves, creating a balanced escape that nurtures both body and soul. Advertisement A Wellness Tradition Like No Other Malaysia’s wellness scene is rooted in centuries-old traditions, shaped by the country’s multicultural heritage. With influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian healing systems, Malaysia offers treatments that are both distinctive and deeply restorative. Visitors can experience therapies such as herbal postnatal care, reflexology, Ayurvedic rituals, and Qi Gong sessions—each designed to promote holistic health in serene surroundings. One of the standout wellness experiences is the newly upgraded Eastern & Oriental Express train, now featuring a Dior-branded onboard spa—the first of its kind. This unique fusion of luxury rail travel and premium wellness brings a new dimension to experiential tourism, offering travelers spa treatments while gliding through scenic landscapes. Malaysia’s Natural Wonders Await Exploration But Malaysia is not just a destination for self-care—it is also a land of exhilarating discovery. As one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, Malaysia invites eco-minded travelers to venture into its pristine wilderness. In the lush regions of Sabah and Sarawak, thrill-seekers can trek into the Maliau Basin, known as the ‘Lost World of Borneo,’ or explore UNESCO-listed Mulu National Park, home to some of the world’s most impressive cave systems. Wildlife lovers are drawn to Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre for up-close encounters with orangutans, while the nearby jungles offer glimpses of pygmy elephants, sun bears, and other rare species in their natural habitats. Over in Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest national park, travellers can wander through ancient rainforest ecosystems that are over 130 million years old, experiencing canopy walks, river cruises, and jungle treks that immerse them in nature. Family-Friendly and Soft Adventure Options For families and more relaxed adventurers, Malaysia’s coastal and highland regions offer plenty of accessible thrills. The waters around Sipadan Island are a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, featuring vibrant coral reefs, green turtles, and even hammerhead sharks. Meanwhile, the cooler climate of the Cameron Highlands provides a tranquil escape where visitors can tour scenic tea plantations, pick strawberries, and explore mist-covered mossy forests. Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its support for community-based accommodations, conservation initiatives, and eco-conscious travel programs. These efforts not only protect natural resources but also allow travelers to engage with local communities in a meaningful way.

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Trump Eyes $1,000 Fast-Track Fee for US Visa Interviews

The Trump administration is reportedly considering introducing a $1,000 premium fee for expedited visa interview appointments, according to an internal State Department memo and a U.S. official familiar with the plan, as reported by Reuters. This proposed fee, which has not been disclosed, would allow non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, to jump to the front line for visa interviews. Individuals entering the U.S. on tourist and other short-term visas pay a $185 processing fee. The new $1,000 option would provide a premium service to certain applicants, enabling them to bypass the usual wait for visa interviews. A pilot programme for this initiative could be launched as early as December, the memo reviewed by Reuters indicated. The proposed visa appointment fee, which has not been reported before, comes alongside Donald Trump’s gold card plan. This plan would offer US citizenship for $5 million, granting faster access to those willing to pay. However, the State Department’s legal team has raised serious concerns about the plan, warning of a “high risk” that it could be rejected by the White House budget office or challenged in U.S. courts. The memo argued that setting a fee above the actual cost of providing the service would conflict with established Supreme Court precedent, as reported by Reuters.

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Air India announces non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 2025

Air India has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, the capital of the Philippines, beginning October 1, 2025. This new route makes Air India the only airline to offer direct flights between India and the Philippines, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The new service will operate five times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using the Airbus A321neo aircraft. Travellers will have the choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins. The launch follows the Philippines’ recent introduction of visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, making destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu more accessible to Indian travellers. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said, “The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is a yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines. We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world.” Air India’s flight schedule also ensures seamless, one-stop connectivity from Europe via Delhi to Manila.

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Virgin Atlantic launches Sky High Club, a rewards programme for Indian travel agents

Virgin Atlantic has launched Sky High Club, an exclusive new rewards programme for travel agents across India. This initiative marks a first for Virgin Atlantic in the country and reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with India’s travel trade community. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme, it’s a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences. Shivani Singh Deo, Virgin Atlantic’s India Country manager commented, “At Virgin Atlantic, we’ve always believed in the power of partnerships and Sky High Club is our way of recognising the travel agents who make incredible journeys possible every single day, and we’re here to champion, celebrate and reward them like never before.” As agents progress through the programme, they will get access to even more valuable benefits, reflecting Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to those who consistently go the extra mile.

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NBA and Budweiser launch BUDX NBA House in India, with Brand USA and Visit California as partner

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Budweiser have announced that the first-ever BUDX NBA House in India will be held on June 7 and 8 at the DOME, SVP Stadium in Mumbai. This interactive fan event promises to celebrate the fusion of basketball, music, and culture during the excitement of the 2025 NBA Finals. The two-day event will feature basketball-themed activities, live musical performances, and opportunities to meet five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton. Fans will also enjoy photo opportunities with the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy and performances by Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the Kings’ dunk team. BUDX NBA House in India follows previous editions of NBA House held in Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the U.S., and the UK. Rajah Chaudhry, NBA Asia Head of Strategy and NBA India Country Head, said, “The first BUDX NBA House will be a must-visit destination for India’s passionate NBA fans to come together and share their love of the game. We’re excited to bring this unique blend of basketball, music, and culture to India at a time of incredible momentum for the sport in the country.” Vineet Sharma, Vice President of Marketing and Trade Marketing at AB InBev India, added, “Budweiser has always been at the forefront of cultural and entertainment experiences, and we are proud to associate with the NBA to bring the first-ever BUDX NBA House to India. This collaboration reflects our commitment to creating unforgettable moments for fans who celebrate the game of basketball and push boundaries in offering immersive experiences in music, sports, and culture. We have been pioneers in shaping music culture in India, and this experience will further our mission of bringing alive never-before-seen trendsetting experiences for Indian youth.”

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AVIAREPS appoints Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise to lead global expansion

AVIAREPS, the world’s leading international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage brands, today announced the appointment of Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise to grow its cruise division. Tom will oversee the cruise line department of AVIAREPS and will be responsible for expanding the company’s service portfolio for cruise lines worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in the travel and cruise industry, Tom Fecke brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic development. He previously held sales and leadership roles at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre and RCL Cruises and was Secretary General of the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA in Brussels to lobby the interests of the European cruise industry. Tom joins AVIAREPS with a strong network and a proven track record of helping cruise lines grow their passenger numbers and boost sales. Under the management of Tom Fecke, AVIAREPS will grow its cruise representation department, offering market research, travel trade development and PR, sales and marketing activities. From organizing trade shows and agent training to managing media relations and call centre support, AVIAREPS helps cruise operators strengthen their presence, grow their passenger numbers and expand to new markets. AVIAREPS global coordination and strategy, paired with the extensive experience and local expertise of AVIAREPS regional cruise line experts, ensures the successful growth of cruise brands worldwide.

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