News

Vietnam Ups Tourism Game as Southeast Asian Neighbors Showcase Top Destinations"

Vietnam has emerged as a dominant force in Southeast Asia’s tourism scene, securing multiple spots on a prestigious list of the region’s top travel destinations. Alongside other tourism powerhouses like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Vietnam is captivating global travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic local experiences. This rise reflects a broader trend as Southeast Asia positions itself as a leading global tourism hub, blending adventure, history, and hospitality in ways that few regions can match. Vietnam continues to make its mark on the global tourism map, with three of its most iconic destinations—Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Sa Pa—featured among the fifteen best places to visit in Southeast Asia. This recognition comes from Gulf News, a prominent Dubai-based publication, which highlighted these locales for their cultural richness, scenic allure, and unique travel experiences. Vietnam’s Triple Triumph in Southeast Asia’s Travel Elite The feature celebrates the diverse tapestry of Southeast Asia, where natural wonders and cultural heritage intertwine. Among the fifteen destinations spotlighted, Vietnam stands out for securing not just one, but three spots—an acknowledgment of its deep-rooted charm and steadily growing appeal to international tourists. Ha Long Bay, just a short drive of approximately two hours from the capital city of Hanoi, is internationally renowned for its emerald waters, dramatic limestone karsts, and lush islands. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay captivates visitors with its serene cruises, floating villages, and mysterious caves such as Sung Sot and Thien Cung. It’s no surprise that this natural masterpiece continues to enchant both first-time explorers and seasoned travellers alike. Further south, Hoi An—an ancient riverside town in Quang Nam province—offers a different but equally compelling charm. Its well-preserved architecture, centuries-old temples, and iconic yellow-walled houses adorned with colorful lanterns paint a nostalgic picture of Vietnam’s history. The town is also known for its vibrant night markets, traditional tailoring shops, and mouthwatering street food. Once a bustling trading port, Hoi An today thrives as a living museum that seamlessly blends the past with modern-day hospitality. High in the northern mountains, Sa Pa presents a refreshing contrast to the tropical destinations typically associated with Southeast Asia. This misty highland town is a haven for trekkers, offering panoramic views of terraced rice fields, forested valleys, and the majestic Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina. Sa Pa is also home to several ethnic minority communities, whose customs and craftsmanship add depth to the region’s cultural identity. Regional Competition: Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines Vietnam’s achievements are particularly noteworthy given the fierce competition across the region. Topping the list was Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital known for its electrifying street life, ornate shrines, and dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. Singapore came in second, celebrated for its futuristic skyline, urban cleanliness, and diverse culinary scene. Bali in Indonesia and Palawan in the Philippines followed closely, both long-time favourites for their pristine beaches, natural beauty, and spiritual experiences. What united all the destinations listed was a combination of spectacular landscapes, immersive adventures, deep cultural roots, and the renowned hospitality that Southeast Asia is known for. According to Gulf News, these attributes formed the criteria for the selection process, highlighting places that promise unforgettable memories and heartfelt local encounters. Vietnam’s Rising Star in Global Tourism The inclusion of three Vietnamese destinations in such a prestigious list signals the country’s rising influence in the travel sector. Vietnam has long been a favorite among backpackers and cultural tourists, but recent developments in infrastructure, eco-tourism, and luxury hospitality have broadened its appeal. With improved air connectivity, visa waivers for select nationalities, and a renewed focus on sustainable travel, Vietnam is positioning itself as a leading tourism powerhouse in the region. Notably, the trio of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Sa Pa offers a well-rounded picture of Vietnam’s versatility. From sea to city to mountains, each location presents a unique facet of the nation’s identity. This diversity is increasingly attractive to tourists seeking more than just beaches or shopping—they want culture, authenticity, and adventure. In addition, the Vietnamese government has made strong efforts to preserve these heritage sites and natural reserves. With investments in green tourism and community-based travel experiences, places like Sa Pa and Hoi An are becoming models for how to balance tourism growth with cultural preservation. Vietnam stands out in Southeast Asia’s tourism surge, earning global acclaim alongside Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines for its stunning landscapes, cultural depth, and unforgettable travel experiences. Conclusion: A Bright Horizon for Vietnam Tourism As the tourism landscape evolves post-pandemic, travellers are showing a preference for destinations that offer not just leisure, but meaning. Vietnam’s spotlight in the Gulf News list demonstrates that it has exactly what today’s global travellers are looking for—rich storytelling, visual splendor, and heartfelt hospitality. With Ha Long Bay’s ethereal waters, Hoi An’s timeless elegance, and Sa Pa’s majestic highlands, Vietnam is not only meeting the expectations of international tourists—it is setting new standards in Southeast Asian travel.

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The Cocoon Collection Maldives strengthens trade outreach in Central India with roadshow in Raipur and Indore

The Cocoon Collection Maldives successfully concluded its first signature roadshow of the season with trade engagements in Raipur and Indore, reinforcing its commitment to expanding outreach in emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets across India. Spearheaded by Thoha Ali, Director of Sales & Marketing, and Aishath Maisha, Sales & Marketing Assistant Manager, the showcase brought a touch of tropical elegance to Central India. The event was co-hosted by their dynamic India representatives, Simmi Pai and Satyeash Pai, Co-Founders and Managing Directors of TAWI Facilities, the official face of The Cocoon Collection in India. Adding to the tropical narrative, Yorker DMC-Maldives destination specialists joined the event, represented by Sanjiv Gosain (CEO) and Ashish Lamba (Product Manager), offering in-depth insights and expertise that enriched the overall experience. The event spotlighted the resorts and also offered travel partners a deeper look into the inspiring journey of The Cocoon Collection Maldives. The group has a strong-rooted legacy in the Maldives and Indian Ocean, and is known for its authentic connection to the region. What truly resonated with the audience was the entrepreneurial story behind the brand, a transformation from successful tour operators to passionate hoteliers. This unique background allows the owners to truly understand the nuances of the travel industry and relate deeply with travel trade professionals, making them trusted and admired regional partners. The immersive sessions gave attendees a personalized glimpse into the signature offerings of Cocoon Maldives, You & Me Maldives, and the newly launched Joy Island: You & Me Maldives emerged as the ultimate romantic escape, featuring the world’s only Michelin-star underwater dining experience, sleek slide villas and rustic chic pool villas, and a serene, adults-only atmosphere, making it an unforgettable destination for honeymooners and couples seeking refined luxury. Cocoon Maldives captivated with its blend of contemporary design by Italy’s finest designer, LAGO, concept and natural beauty, ideal for both families and couples. From white-sand beaches and lush orchid gardens to open-air gyms and a Kids’ Village, it’s a multigenerational paradise. Joy Island lit the room with its vibrant energy, catering to families, groups, and MICE travelers. Think paddle tennis, snorkeling, daily entertainment, and an infectious, playful atmosphere. Speaking at the event, Thoha Ali emphasised that The Cocoon Collection Maldives is expanding its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. He highlighted that these emerging markets hold tremendous potential, with a growing population of travellers seeking high-quality, personalized vacation experiences. He noted that Central India, in particular, is showing a strong appetite for luxury travel to destinations like the Maldives, making it a key focus area for the brand’s outreach strategy.

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Bethelhem Dibaba appointed Regional Director – Indian Subcontinent at Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the appointment of Bethelhem Dibaba as its new Regional Director for the Indian Subcontinent. She will be based in Mumbai and will oversee the airline’s operations across one of its key international markets. Bethelhem brings over a decade of experience with Ethiopian Airlines, having joined the carrier on January 16, 2012. She has held several key positions within the organisation, including roles at the Global Customer Interaction Centre (GCIC) and, most recently, as Station Manager in Chennai (MAA). Her rich, varied and long-standing experience will be an opportunity towards elevating ET’s operation in the Indian Sub-Continent. “We are delighted to welcome another woman leader to India and are proud of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to empowering women in its future objectives,” the airline said in an official statement. Ethiopian Airlines has witnessed rapid growth, network extension, upgrading level of services rendered to its valued customers, introduction of the New Generation Boeings and use of the state of art technology and programs that cope with the successive advancements in the airline industry. Currently, Ethiopian is the largest and fastest-growing and most profitable Airline in Africa, and one of the few such airlines in the world. Ethiopian is also the winner of many prestigious awards. “Ethiopian Airlines will continue to strive to live up to its motto of being ‘The New Spirit of Africa’ in India with Bethelhem at the helm,” the statement concluded.

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Magnicity hosts Indian travel delegates at 360 Chicago during IPW 2025

Indian travel trade delegates, who were in Chicago, USA, to attend IPW, were recently hosted for an exclusive evening at 360 Chicago, where panoramic skyline views met curated hospitality in a personalized showcase by Magnicity. From handcrafted cocktails at CloudBar to a chef-curated menu served high above Lake Michigan, the experience underscored the strengthening ties between the Indian and U.S. travel industries. Held alongside IPW 2025 in Chicago, the evening brought the city’s elevated appeal to life for key trade partners from India. Located on the 94th floor (formerly the John Hancock Center), 360 Chicago offers sweeping views of the skyline and lakefront, and is home to TILT, Chicago’s only outward-tilting thrill ride, and CloudWalk, the city’s highest open-air deck featuring local art. CloudBar, its cocktail lounge, draws inspiration from Chicago’s neighbourhoods, blending elevated views with a distinctly local flavour. The 17,000-square-foot space also hosts seasonal programming and offers front-row access to major events, from fireworks to the Air & Water Show. In June 2024, Magnicity acquired the 95th and 96th floors of the tower, marking a bold next chapter for its flagship property. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the new levels will open in 2027, joined to the 94th floor by a grand staircase and expanded visitor experience. Over the past decade, the company has invested nearly $20 million into 360 Chicago, resulting in a 60% rise in visitation and reinforcing its place as a cornerstone of immersive city exploration. “At Magnicity, we believe cities have stories to tell, and the best way to hear them is from above. Welcoming our Indian partners to 360 Chicago was a celebration of connection, culture, and shared ambition. As we expand globally, we remain rooted in creating meaningful, localised experiences that resonate across borders,” said Alexia Vettier, CEO of Magnicity. Jim Vozzella, Senior Sales Manager at 360 Chicago, added, “It was an absolute pleasure hosting our Indian trade guests for an evening that blended skyline views with authentic hospitality. The energy, engagement, and feedback we received reinforce how vital this market is, and how excited we are for what’s next.” The event also paved the way for confirming the active development of the Magnicity group, currently in negotiations for new observation platforms in Asia, the Americas or Europe, as well as a potential launch of its Spiral Tower concept, a sustainable structure built from spiral modules. As Magnicity enters its next chapter of expansion, the vision remains focused: redefine urban exploration by delivering world-class, story-driven experiences across continents, one skyline at a time.

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Jamaica’s Cruise Sector Surges with Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent Inaugural Visits"

Jamaica’s cruise tourism sector has reached exciting new heights as world-renowned ships like Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent make their inaugural calls to the island, underscoring its rising prominence as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. These landmark visits reflect Jamaica’s growing appeal on the global stage, driven by enhanced port infrastructure, strong tourism partnerships, and the island’s unmatched cultural and natural attractions. The Ministry of Tourism is actively working to expand the cruise tourism sector, acknowledging its significant role in Jamaica’s growing number of international visitors. Cruise tourism has proven to be an invaluable part of Jamaica’s tourism industry, bringing thousands of tourists to the island each year. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Edmund Bartlett, is focusing on capitalizing on the increasing popularity of cruise travel. Minister Bartlett emphasized the vital contribution of renowned cruise lines to Jamaica’s tourism, particularly highlighting recent inaugural calls to the island from esteemed vessels such as Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent. The arrival of these high-profile ships underscores Jamaica’s rising stature as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise destinations. These developments in cruise tourism are a key component of Minister Bartlett’s broader strategy for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. During his address to Parliament on June 17, 2025, Minister Bartlett outlined fifteen strategic priorities aimed at improving the tourism sector’s contribution to Jamaica’s economic prosperity. Cruise tourism is a major focus within this framework, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the sector’s overall impact. One of the standout initiatives in this plan is the “Local First” initiative, which seeks to increase local involvement in the tourism value chain. Minister Bartlett introduced this initiative as a way to ensure that a greater portion of tourism-generated income remains within Jamaica. The core idea is to create a tourism model where local businesses—especially farmers, artisans, and professionals—play a more prominent role in serving the needs of the sector. The Minister has also announced plans for new legislation and incentive programs designed to promote the participation of Jamaican producers in the tourism industry, encouraging domestic growth and sustainability. The “Local First” initiative is crucial for ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are more widely distributed among the Jamaican population. By ensuring that tourism dollars flow back into local communities, the government aims to foster more equitable economic growth and enhance the resilience of local economies. Minister Bartlett stressed that this initiative will be key to preserving the long-term success of the industry, creating a positive cycle where local businesses continue to thrive alongside the influx of international tourists. In supporting this vision, the Ministry of Tourism is also looking to expand upon the success of the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform. This digital tool has played an important role in connecting local farmers directly with hotel purchasing managers, creating a more efficient and direct supply chain. By cutting out intermediaries, the platform has allowed farmers to secure better prices for their goods, resulting in better returns for local producers. ALEX has demonstrated the effectiveness of localized collaboration, and the Ministry aims to extend this model across other sectors of Jamaica’s tourism industry. Minister Bartlett has highlighted that tourism dollar retention—the proportion of money spent by tourists that stays within the country—is a key indicator of the success of these initiatives. Jamaica’s tourism sector has already achieved an impressive retention rate of 40.8 percent, one of the highest in the Caribbean. The government intends to increase this figure through the ongoing “Local First” initiative, with the goal of ensuring that a larger percentage of tourism revenue benefits local communities directly. Building on these efforts, the government also plans to focus on other aspects of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, including enhancing the island’s port facilities and strengthening connections between international cruise lines and local businesses. A key part of the strategy is to provide Jamaican businesses with the tools, resources, and incentives they need to meet the demands of the growing cruise tourism market. This includes expanding the range of local products and services available to cruise passengers, ensuring that more revenue from tourism stays within the country. In addition to expanding cruise tourism, Minister Bartlett also emphasized the importance of improving Jamaica’s overall tourism offering. This involves not only upgrading facilities but also promoting sustainable tourism practices that will benefit both visitors and local communities. Through this comprehensive approach, the Ministry of Tourism aims to position Jamaica as a global leader in sustainable tourism while ensuring that the local population benefits from the expanding tourism sector. Minister Bartlett concluded by reaffirming his commitment to making Jamaica’s tourism industry more inclusive, sustainable, and economically resilient. By strengthening local participation and continuing to attract high-quality cruise tourism, the Ministry aims to build a more balanced and prosperous future for the country. As the tourism sector grows, the focus will be on ensuring that its benefits are felt by a wider cross-section of the Jamaican population, ensuring that all Jamaicans are able to share in the success of this vital industry. In summary, the Ministry of Tourism’s strategies for expanding cruise tourism and strengthening local supply chains are designed to create a more sustainable and inclusive model for the future. With the “Local First” initiative at the forefront of the plan, Jamaica is positioning itself to capitalize on its growing cruise industry while ensuring that more of the economic benefits stay within the country. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a competitive, resilient, and equitable tourism sector that will continue to benefit Jamaica for years to come.

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Serena Hotels targets pan-African growth while expanding brand presence in India

Serena Hotels, one of the leading brands in Africa’s hospitality sector, is entering a new phase of strategic growth, driven by innovation and commitment to sustainability. Ashish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Serena Hotels Africa, is focused on strengthening brand visibility in emerging markets such as India to support this long-term growth. Serena Hotels currently operates with a portfolio of 22 properties in six countries of East and Southern Africa, spanning Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hotel chain features an extensive portfolio thoughtfully balanced across city hotels, safari lodges, beach resorts, and wilderness camps, each offering a unique window into the landscapes, cultures, and histories of the destinations. From gorilla trekking Rwanda to circuit safaris across Kenya and Tanzania, to heritage stays in coastal destinations like Zanzibar, the Serena properties are designed to deliver immersive, seamless, and unforgettable journeys. Serena Hotels, one of the leading brands in Africa’s hospitality sector, is entering a new phase of strategic growth, driven by innovation and commitment to sustainability. Ashish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Serena Hotels Africa, is focused on strengthening brand visibility in emerging markets such as India to support this long-term growth. Serena Hotels currently operates with a portfolio of 22 properties in six countries of East and Southern Africa, spanning Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hotel chain features an extensive portfolio thoughtfully balanced across city hotels, safari lodges, beach resorts, and wilderness camps, each offering a unique window into the landscapes, cultures, and histories of the destinations. From gorilla trekking Rwanda to circuit safaris across Kenya and Tanzania, to heritage stays in coastal destinations like Zanzibar, the Serena properties are designed to deliver immersive, seamless, and unforgettable journeys.

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