News

TAT Launches ‘Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges’ Campaign in Hat Yai

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ Hat Yai” campaign, welcoming international visitors at key entry points in Southern Thailand with curated “Amazing Bags” as part of efforts to revitalise tourism in the region. The initiative, running from April to May 2026, includes on-ground activations at Hat Yai International Airport and Sadao Customs House, where arriving travellers are greeted and presented with Thai-inspired souvenirs. Visitors arriving by air on flights such as Scoot Airlines from Singapore, as well as those entering overland, are part of the programme. The TAT delegation, led by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, together with Nat Kruthasoot, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and Nattaphan Treedecha, Director of the Tourism Industry Investment Promotion Department, welcomed international visitors at Hat Yai International Airport and the Sadao Customs House alongside public and private sector partners. At Hat Yai International Airport, the delegation received visitors arriving on a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore, while at the Sadao Customs House, travellers entering Thailand overland were welcomed.

Read more

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Attractions

Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially unveiled its newest expansion today, introducing an unmissable collection of 11 new slides and attractions that take aquatic adventure to new heights. Building on the park’s immersive ‘Lost City’ theming, an extension of The Legend of The Lost Pearl, the new additions invite guests to dive into a world of discovery, where high-energy thrills and family-friendly experiences come together in a dynamic offering. The expansion introduces eight new slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool. From record-breaking heights to fast-paced racing slides, the latest additions deliver a diverse mix of experiences designed for every type of visitor. With the launch of these new attractions, Yas Waterworld now offers more than 70 rides, slides and attractions, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most exciting waterparks.

Read more

Phu Quoc Updates Visa-Free Entry Rules for Indian Travellers

The Embassy of India in Vietnam has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, highlighting important visa requirements and procedural guidelines in case of emergencies or loss of passports. Phu Quoc currently offers visa-free entry for certain foreign nationals, including Indians, subject to specific conditions. However, the exemption is strictly limited to travel within Phu Quoc Island and does not permit entry into mainland Vietnam. Authorities have noted that in situations such as medical emergencies or flight disruptions, travellers may be required to travel to mainland cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. In such cases, Indian nationals without a valid Vietnam visa may face challenges, including delays in accessing medical services, travel restrictions and immigration-related complications.

Read more

StarDream Cruises Introduces Bhajan Jamming Experience at Sea

Bhajan Jamming, an emerging participatory and community-led form of devotional music, is gaining traction across India for its immersive and inclusive format. Moving beyond traditional stage performances, these gatherings bring people together to sing familiar bhajans collectively, blending spiritual expression with a shared social experience. Tapping into this growing cultural trend, Dream Cruises is set to introduce what is being described as the first-ever ‘Bhajan Jamming at Sea’ aboard its vessel, Genting Dream. The concept will debut through specially curated themed sailings on 26 May and 9 June 2026, featuring three-night itineraries from Singapore to Phuket and back. Onboard, the sessions will retain the essence of Bhajan Jamming, spontaneous, participatory, and open to all. Guests will be encouraged to sing along, clap to rhythmic beats, and engage in a collective musical experience, transforming the gathering into a shared devotional moment rather than a staged performance.

Read more

Spain’s Picos de Europa Named Among World’s Most Stunning Destinations

The dramatic mountain park in northern Spain has topped Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful places. Still relatively under the radar, it’s a paradise for outdoor adventure. Tucked between Spain’s northern coast and its rugged interior, the Picos de Europa National Park has just been named the most beautiful place in the world by Time Out. The ranking, based on votes from travel experts and writers, puts this dramatic mountain range ahead of some of the world’s most photographed destinations. But for many travellers, it is still relatively under the radar. Stretching across Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and León, the park is defined by sharp limestone peaks, deep gorges and alpine lakes. Carved into three distinct massifs by rivers, it offers a landscape that feels both vast and surprisingly accessible.

Read more

Mauritius Emerges as the Ultimate Island Escape in 2026

Some places just have a way of making you exhale. Mauritius is one of them. Floating in the Indian Ocean some 2,000 kilometres off the coast of Madagascar, this sparkling jewel of an island has a way of delivering on every promise — powder-white beaches, water so clear you can see your feet from the surface, mountains covered in lush greenery. And yet, somehow, it still feels like a discovery. If you've been quietly dreaming of a trip that actually means something, right now might be the best moment to finally say Bonzour to Mauritius. Natural Wonders Around Every Corner The lagoons are genuinely as turquoise as the photographs suggest. Whether you find yourself on the calm, sheltered west coast or the more dramatic south, the beaches invite you to sit, breathe, and do absolutely nothing — and to do so gloriously well. Slip into the water and you'll find vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles drifting past with quiet indifference, and if you venture a little further out by boat, even the chance to swim alongside dolphins in open water.

Read more