News

GCC Unified Tourist Visa progressing toward 2025 rollout

Momentum continues to build around the implementation of a unified Gulf tourist visa, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) confirming steady progress on the initiative’s technical framework. Speaking to Khaleej Times during the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp press conference, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri shared encouraging updates on the project. “The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully soon. Now it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it,” the Minister stated. Earlier this month, during the 164th GCC Ministerial Council meeting held in Kuwait, senior officials discussed regional cooperation, including the visa system. Following the session, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi noted that the goal is to finalise and activate the unified visa mechanism by the end of 2025. Chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the meeting brought together representatives from member states to assess joint strategies in political and economic sectors. Al-Yahya called the discussions constructive, underscoring the shared commitment to regional integration. The GCC Unified Visa, also referred to as the “GCC Grand Tours Visa,” is expected to enable visitors to travel between all six member countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, under one visa. This model mirrors the European Schengen system, designed to facilitate ease of movement and enhance the region’s collective tourism appeal. While details are still being finalised, it is anticipated that the visa will allow for a stay of at least 30 days within the region. This is expected to not only promote multi-country travel but also increase tourist interest in destinations that currently attract fewer international visitors. At the same time, travelers will still be able to apply for a visa to enter a single GCC country, offering flexibility based on individual travel preferences. As the technical groundwork nears completion, the unified visa is seen as a landmark step toward stronger economic ties and tourism collaboration across the Gulf, signalling a new era of mobility and cooperation in the region.

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Tamara appoints Samir M.C. as CEO, Shruti Shibulal named Executive Vice Chai

Tamara Leisure Experiences has announced a significant leadership transition aligned with its long-term vision and continued expansion. Effective 16 June 2025, Samir M.C. has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Shruti Shibulal, who assumes the role of Executive Vice Chair of the Board. This advancement strengthens values-aligned stewardship of the company’s plans for robust expansion, focused continuity and amplified momentum. Samir M.C., a respected leader in the hospitality industry, holds three decades of distinguished experience in structuring operations, managing stakeholders and positioning high-value hospitality ventures for long-term market impact. Prior to this, Samir most notably held senior leadership roles at ITC Hotels and the InterContinental Hotels Group, where he was instrumental in driving profitability, internal performance and regional growth. “It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at such a ground-breaking and values-driven organization. Through its intensive and innovative commitment to responsible hospitality, Tamara has carved for itself a distinctive position in the market. I look forward to building on that foundation by working closely with Shruti and the broader team to lead the company on to its next phase of growth,” said Samir. In her new role, Shruti will continue to play a pivotal role in guiding Tamara Leisure Experiences through a crucial phase of strategic acceleration. Working closely with the CEO, she will help to steer the company’s long-term vision, shape high-impact decisions, and ensure that new property developments remain congruent with the organisation’s brand perimeters, core values, and future aspirations. Over the last decade, Shruti helmed the design and evolution of a human-centric work culture and sustainability-driven innovation. As such, Shruti will focus on preserving the company’s foundational ethos by nurturing leadership talent and strengthening institutional frameworks. Shruti will also bridge the organisation’s trajectory with the Board’s forward-thinking engagement in Tamara’s evolution. Her continued leadership in this new role, will forge a keen and thoughtful map for deep, long-term impact across the hospitality industry. “This is both an essential as well as exciting new chapter for Tamara. Samir carries into this role a wealth of industry experience, strategic insight, and an entrepreneurial spirit that deeply aligns with our culture and aspirations. I look forward to supporting him as we continue to build Tamara Leisure Experiences with integrity, insight and purpose,” said Shruti.

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Bihar to get six new airports under UDAN

Six more cities in Bihar will get air connectivity, with the state cabinet on Tuesday giving its nod for the signing of an agreement in this regard with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), officials said. The new airports will be developed in Madhubani, Birpur in Supaul, Munger, Valmiki Nagar in Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN, they said. The cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gave its go-ahead for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state’s Directorate of Aviation and the AAI for developing the airports, they added. “A total of Rs 150 crore has been allocated, with Rs 25 crore for the development of each airport,” Additional Chief Secretary S. Siddharth told reporters. The decision was taken with a few months left for the assembly elections in the state. The cabinet also gave its nod to the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA) to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Ltd for the construction of a five-star hotel near Income Tax Golumber in Patna, he said. “The hotel will be developed on the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, and the land will be given on a 90-year lease. The bidding process for the construction of two more five-star hotels, near Bankipore Bus Stand and near R. Golumber in Patna, is also being finalised,” he added. The cabinet also fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for chana at Rs 5,650, mustard at Rs 5,950, and masoor at Rs 6,700, Siddharth said. It was also decided that the contract of 1,717 retired army personnel recruited in the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) will be extended till 2025–26. The cabinet also approved guidelines for the recruitment of clerks and librarians in government schools and libraries. “Under the new rules, 50 per cent of clerical posts in the Education Department will now be filled through compassionate appointments, while the remaining 50 per cent will be filled through direct recruitment,” the officer said.

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Asia’s cruise-first OTA Int2Cruises launches in India

In a move set to reshape the way Indian travellers discover and book cruise vacations, Int2Cruises, Asia’s cruise-first Online Travel Agency (OTA), has officially marked its entry into the Indian market. Built by cruise industry veterans with over 50 years of combined global experience, the platform aims to bring convenience, transparency, and affordability to a category often perceived as complex and inaccessible. Cruise vacations are fast gaining momentum among Indian families, young explorers, and multi-generational travellers, yet planning remains highly fragmented, often requiring separate bookings for the cruise, flights, hotels, visas, and excursions. Int2Cruises solves this problem with an all-in-one digital platform that lets users compare ships, itineraries, and real-time pricing across global cruise lines, while also offering full-service support for every element of the vacation. Akansha Agarwal, CMO at Int2Cruises Akansha Agarwal, CMO at Int2Cruises said, “Indian travellers today are confident, digitally savvy, and looking for memorable experiences. But cruise booking remains fragmented and often overwhelming. With Int2Cruises, we have built a seamless, end-to-end platform that removes the stress and adds joy to the planning process. It’s a cruise booking, the way it should be, simple, transparent, and expert-backed.” The platform aggregates live inventory from all major cruise lines. To name a few, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, MSC Cruises, Costa, Ama Waterways and Viking River Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, allowing users to compare cabin types, fares, and departure dates in real time. With just three clicks, travellers can secure bookings with no hidden fees, zero service charges, and multiple secure payment options. Cabins can also be held for free, with the flexibility to pay later, offering convenience and control throughout the planning process. What sets Int2Cruises apart is its tech-led, service-first philosophy. AI and machine learning power personalised cruise recommendations based on individual travel preferences and history, while a dedicated cruise expert is always available via chat or call for real-time support. The platform goes far beyond simple bookings, offering end-to-end holiday planning that includes visa and insurance assistance, curated pre- and post-cruise stays, destination-specific shore excursions, and smooth airport transfers, all backed by best-price guarantees. With short-haul cruises from Mumbai, Singapore, Dubai, and Japan gaining momentum, and younger Indian travellers prioritising experiences over logistics, cruise tourism is at a tipping point. Trends like multigenerational travel, immersive itineraries, and adventure-led voyages are redefining how Indians engage with holidays at sea. Positioned at the centre of this shift, Int2Cruises is building the go-to platform for India’s new wave of cruise travellers, offering depth, flexibility, and trusted expertise under one digital roof.

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Meyyafushi Maldives set to welcome guests from October 2025

Meyyafushi Maldives, a brand-new five-star premium all-inclusive boutique resort, is preparing to open its doors on October 1, 2025, promising a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and sustainability in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll. Just 35 minutes from Velana International Airport by seaplane, the resort is designed to offer a transformative escape on a pristine natural island, combining eco-conscious hospitality with unforgettable experiences. The resort will operate on a 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive plan, covering every aspect of a guest’s journey, from fine dining and wellness to adventure and recreation. Meyyafushi will house 95 villas and suites, each with a private pool and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, including the opulent four-bedroom Presidential Overwater Suite, complete with an infinity pool, cinema, private spa room, and sweeping ocean views. With ten dining and beverage outlets, including five restaurants, three bars, a wine cellar, and a 24-hour café, the culinary experience at Meyyafushi is as diverse as it is exceptional. Guests can indulge in ‘Bubble,’ the exclusive underwater restaurant, savour gourmet teppanyaki at ‘Sukun,’ or enjoy fine vintages at ‘Raa,’ the resort’s overwater wine cellar. The adults-only rooftop Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge, complete with a glass-bottom pool, adds to the allure of the island’s dining scene.

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Ethiopian Airlines commences flights on Addis Ababa-Hyderabad route

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, has officially launched a new direct passenger service connecting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Hyderabad, India. The inaugural flight took off on June 16, 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing air connectivity between Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The new route was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, aviation leaders, and distinguished guests. This development reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to deepening ties between the two regions while providing more convenient travel options for passengers. The airline will operate the service three times a week, with flights from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and return flights from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Commenting on the launch, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said, “We are pleased to commence this new passenger service to Hyderabad, the fifth destination Ethiopian operates in India. We believe that beyond providing air transportation service, this new flight will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two regions.” He further stated, “This route offers convenient passenger transport services, and Ethiopian will continue exploring new opportunities to expand its network in India and the region. As the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service, we remain dedicated to meeting the growing demand and fostering stronger partnerships across borders.” Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 50 weekly passenger and cargo flight services to five Indian cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. With the addition of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India to serve growing travel demand. It also provides more choice and seamless connections to passengers to and through India and the region at large.

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