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'Lambi hai gham ki shaam': Omar Abdullah turns to Faiz’s iconic Urdu verse of hope to draw tourists back to Kashmir

In Gulmarg, Abdullah quoted a couplet of Pakistani Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, ‘Dil na umeed to nahi, nakaam hi to hai, lambi hai gham ki shaam, magar shaam hi to hai,’ as he tried to explain why optimism is pivotal in adversity. For the last few days Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken on himself to lead a campaign for revival of tourism in the Valley, which was hit by the unprecedented terror attack in Pahalgam last month. On 28 May, Abdullah chaired a meeting of administrative secretaries and other top officials in Gulmarg health resort as part of his governmentís efforts to draw tourists back to Kashmir. A day before, he held a symbolic cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, the site of the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The chief minister's visits have infused a new hope among stakeholders and increased the chances of a turnaround after the tourist season this year was washed out due to the terror attack. “Dil Na Umeed to Nahi” In Gulmarg, speaking with media on Wednesday, Abdullah quoted a couplet of Pakistani Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, “Dil na umeed to nahi, nakaam hi to hai, lambi hai gham ki shaam, magar shaam hi to hai,” as he tried to explain why optimism is pivotal in adversity. “These lines, which I also quoted at the recent NITI Aayog meeting, serve as a reminder that even in dark times, hope must prevail. What happened recently marks one of the most difficult phases in recent years, but we have endured worse over the past four decades and always found a way to bounce back,” Abdullah was quoted as saying by local newspaper Greater Kashmir.

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International tourist arrivals grew 5% in Q1 2025

According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.” Africa shows solid results, while Asia Pacific rebounds strongly The World Tourism Barometer breaks down the data for the first quarter of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key highlights show: Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic. In Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+8% over 2024), especially Baltic destinations, though visitor numbers in the subregion remain below 2019 levels. Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%. The Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels.

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India proposes new FASTag toll system with Rs 3,000 annual pass: What it is, pricing options and all you need to know

In a bid to modernize India's toll collection system and enhance the convenience of travelling along highways, the central government is said to be contemplating a fresh tolling regime. According to the reports, the proposal seeks to institute an annual pass system with unlimited travel on national highways for a single payment of Rs 3,000. This program is one of a series of plans aimed at streamlining road travel, making it less expensive and more efficient, and digitally integrated, avoiding the hassle of repeated recharges on FASTags, along with new models of pricing and improved infrastructure. This move would make long-distance travel more predictable and financially manageable for vehicle owners. It reflects India's broader commitment to digitizing road infrastructure for national growth. What is FASTag annual toll pass proposed in India The Indian government is set to introduce a new FASTag Annual Toll Pass, aimed at revolutionizing toll collection on national highways and expressways. Under this proposal, private vehicle owners can opt for an annual pass by paying Rs 3,000, allowing unlimited travel without recurring toll deductions. This initiative seeks to replace the current per-journey toll system, reduce traffic congestion at toll booths, and promote seamless digital payments. A distance-based pricing alternative is also being considered. By leveraging GPS and automated tracking, the policy aims to offer a hassle-free travel experience while ensuring efficient evenue collection and compensation for toll operators.

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OTM Ranked as the Leading Travel Trade Show in India and Asia for the Second Consecutive Year: What NielsenIQ Study Says You Need To Know

OTM (Outbound Travel Mart), India’s premier travel trade show, has once again been named the leading travel trade exhibition in both India and Asia, according to a comprehensive custom market research study conducted by NielsenIQ, a global leader in consumer intelligence. Commissioned by Fairfest Media, the study affirms OTM’s ongoing dominance in the region’s travel exhibition landscape for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its critical role in advancing India’s tourism industry and positioning the country as a hub for global travel trade. Overview of the NielsenIQ Study and Its Industry Significance The 2025 customized survey encompassed evaluations from travel industry professionals who attended multiple trade shows across India and Asia throughout the year. NielsenIQ, known for its rigorous research methodologies and partnership with government bodies such as the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, meticulously analyzed responses to identify key trends, satisfaction metrics, and growth opportunities within the sector. Travel professionals surveyed hailed from diverse regions including India, Singapore, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Maldives, Tanzania, Greece, the Philippines, Russia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea, providing a comprehensive regional perspective. Key findings indicate that OTM decisively outperformed other major regional exhibitions, including ITB Asia and SATTE, affirming its status as the preferred platform for travel trade networking and business development. Strong Industry Endorsement: Quantitative and Qualitative Insights The study highlights remarkable recognition among travel professionals: 55% of respondents who attended two or more travel shows in India identified OTM as the leading national travel trade event. 52% of attendees participating in multiple Asian trade shows ranked OTM as the foremost travel exhibition across Asia. These figures underscore the show’s widespread appeal and robust reputation among stakeholders in government tourism departments, travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality sectors, and international exhibitors. The findings resonate with the objectives outlined by the Ministry of Tourism, India, which actively promotes inbound and outbound tourism through collaborative platforms like OTM to enhance India’s visibility on the global tourism map. The Ministry’s initiatives encourage trade shows that generate tangible business outcomes and promote sustainable tourism growth, both of which OTM consistently delivers. OTM’s Impact on Business Transactions and Tourism Growth Attendees emphasized OTM’s instrumental role in facilitating major business transactions. Most visitors reported making purchase decisions within three months of participating in the event, showcasing OTM’s efficiency as a trade platform. This aligns with government reports on trade facilitation and tourism promotion, which prioritize timely business engagements and partnerships to stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities in travel-related sectors. Fairfest Media Chairman & CEO, Mr. Sanjiv Agarwal, commented, “At Fairfest Media, we’re deeply committed to delivering measurable ROI for our exhibitors and visitors, which is why we commissioned this comprehensive custom study conducted by NielsenIQ. The consecutive recognition of OTM in the study confirms that OTM continues to set the standard for the industry, in India and globally. As we prepare for OTM 2026, we remain focused on further enhancing the experience and business outcomes for all participants.” Expansion and Future Development: Opportunities Highlighted by the Study The NielsenIQ study also provided valuable insights into potential avenues for OTM’s future growth, which are in alignment with global tourism development frameworks advocated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and supported by India’s Ministry of Tourism. Travel professionals expressed interest in greater participation from the Americas, with notable demand for representation from the United States and Brazil, Europe—particularly Switzerland and the Nordic countries—and Asia, with Singapore and Turkey mentioned as priority markets for increased involvement. The study identified enhanced conference programming as another opportunity to deepen engagement, reflecting a growing trend towards knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-focused discussions within trade shows. Methodology and Scope of the Research The customized survey involved a sizable and representative sample of the travel trade sector, with over 32,000 visitors and 2,832 exhibitors’ data shared by Fairfest Media with NielsenIQ. The specific survey sample included 211 respondents (56 exhibitors and 155 visitors), collected through online purposive sampling to ensure insights from active trade show participants. This rigorous methodology supports the credibility of the findings and their applicability to strategic planning for tourism promotion and trade event organization. OTM 2026: Anticipated Growth and Continuing Leadership The next edition of OTM is scheduled for February 5-7, 2026, at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Based on the strong satisfaction metrics and positive feedback from the 2025 event, projections indicate OTM 2026 will further solidify its leadership position in India and the wider Asian region. India’s Ministry of Tourism has recognized the role of trade exhibitions like OTM in achieving the government’s targets under the National Tourism Policy and the India Tourism Vision 2025, which emphasize innovation, sustainability, and increasing international arrivals. As a platform fostering B2B connections, product launches, and market diversification, OTM is expected to align closely with government objectives, facilitating partnerships that enhance inbound and outbound tourism flows

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AsiaWorld-Expo Unveils Record-Breaking Summer Lineup in Hong Kong

AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Asia’s top venues for world-class exhibitions and events. Guided by its mission to “Explore All in AWE,” the venue offers an exciting variety of EXPOtainment experiences crafted to engage audiences from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Recently, AWE hosted the much-anticipated Hong Kong debut of Korean girl group BABYMONSTER, whose electrifying performance thrilled fans and set a lively tone for a vibrant summer ahead. From June through September, AWE will present 60 diverse events covering music, sports, technology, and education, taking advantage of its prime location near Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This accessibility attracts visitors from mainland China and overseas, contributing significantly to the growth of Hong Kong’s tourism, hospitality, retail, and dining sectors. AWE’s summer music lineup features an impressive 35 concerts showcasing top artists from Asia and the West, with some nights even offering multiple simultaneous performances. This rich schedule promises something for every music lover, from devoted fans to trendsetters eager to explore a variety of genres. June marks the return of Japanese pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki, who performs her first solo concert in Hong Kong at AWE since 2008. Her enduring connection with the venue and timeless appeal guarantee a memorable evening. July heats up with the “McDonald’s Hong Kong 50th Anniversary I’m Lovin’ It Music Concert,” a star-studded celebration featuring leading artists like Eason Chan, Nicholas Tse, Joey Yung, Hins Cheung, Softhard, and MIRROR. In August, the city will be captivated by BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, who concludes the first leg of his highly anticipated “Übermensch World Tour” with a spectacular Hong Kong performance. Other notable acts include Korean stars Taeyeon, LE SSERAFIM, STAYC, RIIZE, and &TEAM; Japanese-Korean group NiziU; British electronic duo HONNE; Chinese performers WeiBird and Zhang Bichen; and homegrown talents such as Juno Mak and MIRROR members Alton, Anson Kong, Frankie, Lokman, along with Jeremy Lee. This diverse lineup brings together the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, the dynamic Korean wave, Japanese artistry, and British sophistication, offering fans a global music experience right at their doorstep.

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IndiGo to be the first airline to operate from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)

IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), the largest operator of PPP airports in India, mark another industry-first milestone with the announcement of the commencement of commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This partnership will fuel aviation growth in the country, making it a key driver for India to become the third-largest aviation market by 2030. IndiGo will operate 18 daily departure flights from NMIA, making it the first airline to commit to operating from NMIA at the start of commercial operations. With 18 daily departures (36 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) to over 15 cities from day one, with an increase to 79 daily departures (158 ATMs), including 14 international departures by November ’25. This will build up to over 100 daily departures (200 daily ATMs) by March ’26. IndiGo would further scale up operations to 140 daily departures (280 ATMs), including 30 international departures, by November ’26. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo will be the inaugural airline to operate from NMIA and we couldn’t be more pleased to announce this. Our alliance signals towards the achievement of complete operational readiness on both sides to take next steps. This expansion underscores our dedication to catering to the evolving needs of our aspirational travellers and further contributing to the growth of India’s booming aviation sector. The new flights from the brand-new NMIA will elevate the travel experience of our customers while enjoying affordable, on-time, hassle-free services on our unparalleled network.”

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