News

Maldives Targets Key Markets with ‘SeaSational Summer’ Campaign

The Visit Maldives Corporation has launched a high-impact digital campaign across major platforms to drive last-minute summer bookings, focusing on India, China, Russia, and resilient regional markets through targeted, data-driven advertising. hat is the ‘SeaSational Summer’ campaign and why is it being launched now? The ‘SeaSational Summer’ campaign is a large-scale digital marketing initiative by the Visit Maldives Corporation. It is designed to boost visitor arrivals during the shoulder season. This period includes April, May, June, and July. These months are traditionally slower for tourism. Therefore, strategic intervention is required. The campaign aims to convert interest into bookings.

Read more

UK Tourism Set for Record Growth in 2026

The United Kingdom’s tourism sector is gearing up for a monumental rise in international visitors in 2026, driven by strategic government support, innovative global marketing campaigns, and growing demand for the nation’s rich cultural and natural offerings. With projections suggesting 45.5 million international visitors are expected to arrive, the UK is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels and set new records for inbound tourism. This marks a significant recovery and momentum for a sector that is central to the UK’s economic landscape. Government-backed campaigns, led by VisitBritain, alongside infrastructure upgrades and targeted international outreach, play a key role in this remarkable growth trajectory. As the global tourism market rebounds, the UK is firmly positioned as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in 2026. The Economic Impact of UK Tourism in 2026 Tourism remains a crucial contributor to the UK economy, with forecasts predicting that visitor spending will reach an impressive £35.7 billion in 2026. This surge in tourism revenue will be vital in boosting regional economies, supporting local businesses, and creating thousands of jobs in sectors ranging from hospitality and transport to entertainment and retail.

Read more

Pattaya Sees Tourism Shift with Rise in Family and Nature Travel

Something interesting is happening in Pattaya right now. The vibe hasn’t disappeared, but it’s definitely evolving—and Russian families Pattaya tourism trends are at the heart of this change. Within the first few days of arriving, many visitors are skipping the usual nightlife circuit and heading straight for beaches, islands, and outdoor adventures instead. This isn’t just a small shift. It’s a noticeable change in how people experience Pattaya. Families are showing up with a different mindset—one that’s less about late nights and more about making the most of the day together. For years, Pattaya had a certain reputation. But today, a growing number of travelers—especially families—are rewriting that story. Spending long, relaxed hours by the sea Taking boat rides to nearby islands Exploring marine life through snorkeling Visiting natural attractions away from crowded spots This growing interest in Thailand nature tourism shows how much priorities have shifted. People aren’t just traveling to unwind—they want experiences that feel real, refreshing, and worth sharing.

Read more

DGCA Directs Airlines to Offer 60% Seats at No Extra Charge from April 20

The regulator said airlines must ensure “at least 60% of the seats in any flight shall be offered free of charge”, as mentioned in the DGCA circular. Airlines will begin offering at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without any extra fee from April 20, according to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). They have also been directed to follow a clear and open seat allocation policy. This comes after an announcement by the civil aviation ministry on March 18 that airlines had been instructed to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on each flight are offered free of charge, to ensure fair access for passengers. The aviation regulator issued a revised Air Transport Circular on March 20. A DGCA official told news agency PTI that the circular will come into force from April 20. 60% seats in flights to be offered free of charge: What the circular says The regulator said airlines must ensure “at least 60% of the seats in any flight shall be offered free of charge”, as mentioned in the DGCA circular. "Airlines should maintain transparent seat allocation policies and clearly communicate the availability of free seats and applicable conditions on their booking interfaces," it read. The regulator also said that passengers booked under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) should, as far as possible, be seated together. This usually means seats next to each other in the same row. An official told the news agency that airlines are preparing to implement the new rule. At present, only 20 per cent of seats can be chosen without a fee, while the rest require payment.

Read more

Air France Expands Long-Haul Routes with Focus on Asia for Summer 2026

Increased capacity on long-haul routes, continued expansion of service to Asia, and a refocusing of domestic operations at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. Long-Haul Network - Capacity Growth: +2% compared to summer 2025, driven mainly by North & South America. - New Route: Paris–Charles de Gaulle → Las Vegas (3x weekly, Airbus A350-900, from April 15, 2026). - New York Expansion: Doubling of Newark flights from June 2026 → up to 11 daily flights to JFK + Newark (with Delta partnership). Asia & Middle East Adjustments - Suspensions (due to Middle East crisis): Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Riyadh remain suspended through spring 2026. - Asia Growth: Extra flights and larger aircraft to Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Tokyo, Osaka. - Other Additions: Increased service to Manila and Nairobi. Premium Experience - La Première Suite: Already on JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda routes; expanding to Abidjan and San Francisco. - Wi-Fi Rollout: Free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi on 40% of aircraft by March 2026, nearly full fleet by year-end.

Read more

Agoda Spotlights Top Asian Destinations for Work-from-Hotel Travel

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its curated list of top destinations across Asia to blend work with play. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, more than one in three (76%) of surveyed business travelers plan to combine business trips with personal leisure. Philippines (Manila): Combines a dynamic business hub with leisure options like Intramuros, Greenbelt shopping, Manila Bay sunsets, and nightlife in Bonifacio Global City. Thailand (Bangkok): A favorite for its modern infrastructure, vibrant markets, cuisine, and cultural landmarks like the Grand Palace and Chao Phraya River cruises. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): Offers a mix of French colonial charm and modern skyscrapers, with attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and a thriving street food scene. Japan (Tokyo): Seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, with efficient transport, Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya shopping, and Tsukiji Outer Market dining.

Read more