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Meghalaya announces Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 featuring Jason Derulo and The Script

Commemorating World Music Day, the Government of Meghalaya has announced the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, headlined by global music icons Jason Derulo and The Script, while also unveiling a visionary push for a sustainable Concert Economy that is transforming Meghalaya’s cultural landscape and economic trajectory. Returning on November 14 and 15, 2025, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to turn Shillong into an immersive citywide celebration, stretching from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Ward’s Lake, with concerts, pop-ups, and interactive experiences. Day one will see international pop-R&B sensation Jason Derulo and Ireland’s chart-topping rock band The Script co-headlining. With over 220 million records sold between them, both acts are set to deliver high-octane performances in Shillong, making it one of the biggest music nights in India. “Every concert is a celebration of who we are. We are not just hosting performances; we are building an economy of talent and identity that speaks to the world. We have seen how the concert economy is an aspect that has been worked on in Meghalaya, and how it was implemented here long before it was done in any other part of the country. We have now simply given it a better structure and expanded it into much bigger programmes. We hope that, in the coming years, it will become even bigger,” said Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. “The two artists announced are just 50 per cent of the lineup. We’re working hard to lock in the rest and hope to confirm more big names within the next month. For now, it will remain a surprise that will make this edition even more exciting,” he added. The festival is just one expression of Meghalaya’s broader vision, an ambitious Concert Economy model that is yielding unprecedented 5.7x returns on investment, generating jobs, boosting tourism, and putting Meghalaya on the global music and culture map. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya has emerged as a beacon of creative economic transformation. A public investment of Rs 23.5 crore in FY25 has already generated Rs 133.42 crore in economic impact. Over 76,000 visitors attended just 13 days of events, contributing nearly 5 per cent to the state’s annual tourist footfall. Hospitality revenues soared to Rs 33.78 crore, with hotels in Shillong and Cherrapunji fully booked and tourists extending their stay well beyond the main events. The sector created up to 5,509 daily jobs, with direct benefits flowing to youth, women-led kitchens, local artisans, and rural entrepreneurs. For every Rs 100 spent on tickets, an additional Rs 334 was spent on travel, food, and experiences, reflecting the extended impact across the value chain. From hosting global icons like Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, Akon, and Alan Walker to producing over 13,000 performances under the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP), the state is rewriting the narrative of what cultural development looks like in the Northeast. The strategy has led to over 7,750 local artists being registered, 22 million reel views, and 60,000 organic social media posts. It has also fostered global artist engagement with local culture, exemplified by Ed Sheeran’s impromptu football match with Shillong’s youth. Flagship events like Cherry Blossom and Me’Gong have grown into cultural powerhouses that continue to draw attention both nationally and internationally. Looking ahead, Meghalaya’s vision is to create a trillion-rupee creative economy with culture at its core. Plans include building a 365-day festival economy by extending concerts to all districts, enforcing zero-waste mandates, tribal sourcing for food and beverage, and a 30 per cent reservation for artisans and home kitchens. Infrastructure upgrades are underway, including development at Polo Grounds in Shillong, PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, and the creation of new cultural hubs. A cutting-edge Concert Impact Tracker is also being introduced to measure growth, job creation, and sustainability in real-time. From being the “Rock Capital of India” to becoming a blueprint for the future of creative economies, Meghalaya is harmonising culture, commerce, and community in a rhythm that resonates across the globe. Today, the launch of Season 3 of Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project featured scintillating live performances from Season 2’s top bands, the unveiling of the new MGMP Logo, a captivating MGMP Recap Video, the MGMP Awards Ceremony, and the Tourism Festival Booklet, a tribute to the vibrant culture of Meghalaya. The evening concluded on a high note with a soulful performance by popular singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, captivating the audience with his mesmerising set. Reflecting on high and energetic concert attendees, Anuv Jain stated that Shillong is one of the best places he has ever performed in the country.

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Sri Lanka Convention Bureau to host two-city MICE roadshow in Hyderabad and Bangalore

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, is set to organize two impactful MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Roadshows and Evening Networking Sessions in Hyderabad and Bangalore during the first week of July 2025. This initiative is part of a focused effort to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism presence in India, one of its most significant source markets. The first roadshow will be held on July 1st, 2025, at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad, followed by the second roadshow on July 3rd, 2025, at the Taj West End in Bengaluru. India has consistently maintained its position as the top source market for Sri Lanka, contributing to 20% of total tourist arrivals. From January to 31st May 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,029,803 tourists, of which 204,060 were from India. This upward trend reflects the growing demand and connectivity between the two countries. Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings have already crossed USD 1.54 billion in the first six months of 2025. Travel between the two nations remains seamless, with Sri Lankan Airlines operating 90 flights weekly connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. Additionally, IndiGo and Air India operate daily flights to both Hyderabad and Bangalore, making travel access convenient and quick for business and leisure travellers. These upcoming roadshows will showcase Sri Lanka’s varied MICE and tourism offerings, reinforcing that the destination is fully open and ready for leisure, business, and corporate travel. The events are tailored to engage MICE tour operators, media, influencers, corporate leaders, trade associations, and prominent stakeholders from the Indian travel industry. A 20-member delegation consisting of leading tour operators and hoteliers from Sri Lanka will lead the initiative, presenting the country’s diverse attractions and renowned hospitality. The roadshows are structured to encourage meaningful B2B (Business-to-Business) engagements and open dialogue. Evening networking sessions will further strengthen these connections in a more relaxed setting. A press conference in both cities will help ensure strong media coverage and visibility for Sri Lanka as a top travel destination. A performance by a Sri Lankan cultural troupe will offer a cultural highlight, bringing attention to the country’s rich heritage. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, stated, “Sri Lanka is an excellent MICE destination due to its proximity and strong connectivity, making it a cost-effective and appealing option for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. These roadshows will showcase Sri Lanka’s growth and help strengthen ties with India.” Malkanthi Welikala, Manager – Marketing, SLCB, added, “The event highlights Sri Lanka’s growing MICE capabilities and top-class venues. It will also build momentum for the 5th Edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo, scheduled for 22–26 September 2025 in Colombo, where over 100 international buyers from 15 countries are expected.”

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VFS ETM partners with Rayad Group to provide immigration advisory services in India

VFS Global’s Education, Trade & Migration (VFS ETM), Services, a business unit of the VFS Global group, announced a partnership with Rayad Group to offer immigration advisory services in India. This collaboration allows residents in India to conveniently access a comprehensive range of immigration advisory services at VFS Global centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. VFS ETM and Rayad Group would collectively establish a Center of Excellence dedicated to delivering high-quality immigration advisory services. This center will harness the latest advancements in Generative AI technology and combine them with leading legal expertise, empowering individuals to navigate complex migration processes and stay compliant with evolving immigration regulations. As global immigration frameworks become more intricate and regulatory compliance standards rise, this partnership will provide residents in India with access to a network of experienced immigration, tax, and legal professionals. These experts will offer tailored solutions to address a wide range of immigration needs. VFS ETM provides a comprehensive suite of migration services, including skill assessments, dynamic digital verification (DDV), and streamlined pathways for employment and investment-led migration. These solutions are engineered to uphold national standards while substantially optimising administrative processes for public institutions. Founded in 1994, Rayad Group is recognized as a global leader in immigration and legal consulting, with an extensive network of associate attorneys in the U.S. and 45 countries worldwide. The group is affiliated with 25 Citizenship by Investment programs and offers pathways to permanent residency and Golden Visas, including the UAE Golden Visa by Nomination. Rayad Group also has a strong record in U.S. EB-5 visa programs and Green Card compliance, and Immigration services to 45 countries, positioning it as a trusted guide through the complexities of immigration. VFS Global is a global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens. As the trusted partner to 69 client governments, VFS Global operates over 3,800 Application Centres in 158 countries and has efficiently processed more than 461 million applications since 2001. “Our collaboration with Rayad Group reflects a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. By combining VFS Global’s extensive worldwide operations and recognized leadership in visa services with Rayad Group’s deep expertise in immigration and legal consulting, we are well-positioned to provide clients with comprehensive, up-to-date guidance on migration strategies and regulatory compliance,” said Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, said, “We recognize the strategic importance of this partnership, particularly in light of the evolving considerations for U.S. Green Card holders. The recently announced ‘Gold Card’ initiative has generated significant interest among ultra-high-net-worth individuals. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the program may offer exemptions from income tax on global earnings for eligible participants, further enhancing its appeal.” The changing immigration pattern of Indians applying for the Golden Visa for the United Arab Emirates and for other countries has made India a leading immigration market in the world.

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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.

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Emirates Boosts International Travel Experience with New Barcelona Flight Enhancing Premium Access to Maldives, Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore

Emirates is significantly enhancing its global travel network with the launch of a third daily flight to Barcelona, starting 26 October 2025. This move is designed to unlock premium, seamless connectivity to top-tier destinations, including the Maldives, Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This strategic expansion responds to surging passenger demand. It strengthens Emirates’ position as a global connector through Dubai, offering travellers faster, more convenient access to some of the world’s most sought-after leisure and business hubs, all while enjoying award-winning onboard service and world-class amenities. In a strategic move to bolster its European presence, Emirates will introduce a third daily flight to Barcelona starting 26 October 2025. This expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to meeting rising travel demand between the UAE and Spain while enhancing global connectivity through its Dubai hub. More Flights, Greater Flexibility The launch of a third daily service to Barcelona is aimed at providing enhanced flexibility and convenience for both leisure and business travellers. The added frequency is expected to support the growing number of passengers flying between Barcelona and key destinations across Asia and the Indian Ocean, including Maldives, Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This new flight will complement Emirates’ already robust Spanish operations, making a total of 21 weekly flights to Barcelona and 14 weekly flights to Madrid. The airline currently operates a combination of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft on these routes, offering customers a range of choices in both scheduling and onboard experience. Enhanced Travel Experience Across All Cabins Passengers on the new Barcelona service can expect Emirates’ signature inflight experience, which has earned the airline numerous global awards. From regionally inspired gourmet cuisine and premium beverage selections to an extensive library of over 6,500 entertainment channels on Emirates’ renowned ICE inflight entertainment system, travellers across all classes will enjoy a world-class journey. The service is designed to cater to a wide range of travellers — from holidaymakers venturing to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, to business passengers connecting through Dubai to the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia. Boost to Spain’s International Connectivity By increasing frequency on the Barcelona route, Emirates is not only responding to strong passenger demand but also contributing to Spain’s tourism and business sectors. Barcelona, known for its architecture, gastronomy, and Mediterranean charm, continues to draw international visitors year-round. The added flight will improve access for inbound tourists and support export and import activities for local businesses through Emirates’ cargo operations. Additionally, Emirates’ continued partnership with local and regional tourism boards will help drive traffic to Spain, reinforcing the country’s status as one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Seamless Bookings and Travel Options Travellers can book tickets on the Emirates website, the Emirates mobile app, via online travel agencies, traditional brick-and-mortar travel agents, or at Emirates retail offices worldwide. With flexible options for managing itineraries and award-winning customer service, Emirates ensures a smooth booking and travel experience. Strengthening Global Reach Through Dubai As the airline continues to rebuild and grow its network post-pandemic, the addition of new frequencies on key routes remains central to its strategy. By expanding services to Barcelona, Emirates strengthens its position as a leading connector between Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania through Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest and most efficient global transit hubs. Passengers flying from Barcelona will benefit from minimal connection times in Dubai, making it easier to reach long-haul destinations efficiently. This includes not only tourism hotspots like the Maldives and Bali, but also vital business hubs in India, China, and Southeast Asia. Emirates is launching a third daily flight to Barcelona from 26 October 2025 to boost global access to top destinations like the Maldives, Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, offering travellers greater connectivity and premium inflight experiences. Emirates’ third daily flight to Barcelona, effective from late October 2025, is a timely response to increasing passenger demand and a reflection of the airline’s strategy to expand premium travel options worldwide. With unmatched onboard service, convenient scheduling, and seamless global connections, the enhanced service will solidify Barcelona’s role as a key gateway in Emirates’ expanding international network.

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Jamaica Cruise Sector Hits New Milestones with High-Profile Vessels Like Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent Making Inaugural Visits, Boosting the Island’s Global Appeal as a Leading Cruise Hub in th

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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