News

Green SM & Taksi Komotra Launch Electric Taxis in Bali

Green SM has officially started its operations in Bali in partnership with Taksi Komotra in an effort to introduce an all-electric taxi service in the island. The partnership is a strategic move towards enhancing Bali’s transport infrastructure and the island’s green tourism ambitions. The partnership is a move towards enhancing Bali’s transport infrastructure and the island’s green tourism ambitions. To celebrate the 238th anniversary of Denpasar City, Green SM is providing a 25% discount on its fare, which translates into a discount of up to IDR 238,000 on a single trip. The move is a testament to the company’s commitment towards providing an affordable and sustainable transport alternative for the community and the island’s tourism ambitions. Sustainable Travel Growth: Green SM’s Role in Bali’s Tourism Future The introduction of electric taxis in Bali is not just a new service—it’s a major step towards sustainable travel growth in Indonesia’s premier tourist destination. Bali has long been a leader in eco-tourism, and the launch of Green SM’s electric mobility service adds a new dimension to the island’s green tourism offerings. As tourism demand rises globally, sustainable travel is becoming a key factor in destination competitiveness, and Bali’s commitment to sustainability places it at the forefront of this trend.

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India Partners with Japan for 16 New Bullet Trains

India is set to revolutionize rail travel with the introduction of sixteen new bullet trains, a significant leap toward modernizing its transport infrastructure. This ambitious project will be powered by a key partnership with Japan, bringing in advanced Shinkansen technology to enhance the country’s high-speed rail capabilities. The new bullet trains will primarily serve the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, drastically reducing travel times and offering passengers an upgraded, efficient travel experience. With Japan’s expertise and financial support, this collaboration positions India at the forefront of high-speed rail innovation, marking a bold step in the nation’s commitment to transforming its transportation landscape. India is accelerating its move towards high-speed rail travel with the announcement of plans to acquire 16 domestically produced bullet trains. These trains will serve the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, a landmark 508-kilometre project, further enhancing the nation’s railway infrastructure. The project will also be complemented by two E-5 Shinkansen trains from Japan, expected to arrive between 2029 and 2030. India’s Vision for High-Speed Rail: Transforming Travel The MAHSR corridor, which will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad, is set to transform travel in India. With speeds exceeding 250 km/h, these trains will align with global standards like the French TGV and the Japanese Shinkansen. The corridor will provide passengers with a faster, more comfortable, and reliable mode of transport between two major economic hubs, significantly reducing travel time.

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Europe Unveils Data-Driven Sustainable Tourism Strategy

The tourism industry needs to prepare for the future because Europe currently exists at a crucial moment, which will determine its upcoming period through two main factors which require international recognition. EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Travalyst Coalition CEO Julie Cheetham reviewed the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which promotes environmental protection and economic growth for European tourism during their recent strategic dialogue in Brussels. Through its data-driven and trust-building approach, this strategy will help the tourism industry establish more sustainable and environmentally beneficial operations, which produce enduring advantages for consumers and nature. The Vision for Sustainable Tourism in Europe Commissioner Tzitzikostas shared his vision for a future where Europe’s tourism industry thrives through sustainable practices that are grounded in data and built upon robust partnerships. The challenge, however, lies in turning this ambition into action. The EU’s strategy seeks to support tourism operators in adopting sustainable practices, present consumers with trustworthy data on emissions impacts, and implement balanced destination strategies that will help distribute the benefits of tourism more equitably. A key component of the strategy is breaking down silos and offering support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure they too can transition toward sustainability. By enhancing consumer trust through reliable sustainability claims, the EU aims to empower travellers to make more informed decisions, ultimately driving demand for sustainable travel options. Data at the Core of Sustainable Tourism The growing demand for sustainable travel experiences is evident, yet there remains a significant gap between awareness and action. While most travellers express interest in sustainable options, far fewer actually book them. The EU’s incoming legislative initiatives, such as the Refuel EU/Flight Emissions Label, Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT), and CountEmissionsEU, aim to address this gap by ensuring that sustainability information is consistent, clear, and trustworthy.

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Bali Opens New Hospital to Boost Medical Tourism

Construction of a new hospital in Bali’s Sanur is now officially underway. This week, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster presided over the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics Bali in the Sanur Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism. Sanur is Bali’s original beach resort, and over the last sixty years, it has undergone transformation after transformation. The beloved coastal resort has recently entered a new era as Indonesia’s leading medical tourism destination following the opening of the new Bali International Hospital. To support the redevelopment, Sanur has also welcomed all kinds of upgrades and new businesses, including the ICON Bali Mall. It is not only the Bali International Hospital that is available for medical tourists and private Indonesian patients in Sanur, but a whole suite of medical clinics offering everything from aesthetic treatments to fertility care. Speaking to the media at the groundbreaking ceremony for the JEC Eye Hospital, Governor Koster highlighted the continued preference of many Indonesian citizens for medical treatment abroad. The vision for Sanur as a Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism was two-fold. The first was to attract international medical tourists who would otherwise travel to destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok in the region. The second was to help better serve Indonesian nationals who were also traveling to those destinations for treatments.

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The Red Sea EDITION on Shura Island Named Forbes’ Top New Hotel 2025

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a hotspot for luxury travellers, and the newly opened Red Sea Edition on Shura Island has already captured global attention. Recognised as the world’s best new hotel opening for 2025, this resort represents a bold step in the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a premier travel destination. From pristine beaches to innovative sustainable practices, the hotel offers visitors a truly extraordinary experience that blends luxury, adventure, and culture. Unveiling Shura Island: A Hidden Gem in the Red Sea Shura Island, part of the Red Sea development, is a pristine retreat surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty. Its location offers travellers a serene escape, with sweeping views of the ocean, coral reefs, and desert landscapes. The island’s careful development ensures that natural ecosystems are preserved, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious visitors. The Red Sea Edition sits at the heart of this paradise. Its architecture is minimalist yet luxurious, designed to integrate seamlessly with the environment. Guests are greeted with open spaces, panoramic views, and private beachfront access, offering a sense of tranquillity rarely found in global resorts. Exceptional Luxury Accommodation for Every Traveller The Red Sea Edition features 240 elegant rooms and 53 suites. Each space is designed with comfort and sophistication in mind, combining natural materials, muted colours, and modern amenities. Many rooms provide unobstructed views of the Red Sea, allowing guests to wake up to the sound of gentle waves.

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Germany & 27 EU Nations Extend Multi-Entry Schengen Visas

Germany joins Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, and 27 other countries in revolutionizing travel by introducing extended multiple-entry Schengen visas under a new EU policy aimed at simplifying travel for frequent visitors. This landmark change is part of the European Commission’s strategy to modernize visa regulations and enhance connectivity across Schengen member states, making it easier for tourists, business travelers, and families to visit multiple countries with fewer restrictions and hassle-free entry, benefiting from longer visa validity periods and streamlined procedures. This bold step is designed to reduce the administrative burden on both travelers and consulates, creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience. By extending the validity of multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the usual five-year limit, the new EU policy enables visitors with a history of lawful entry to enjoy easier and more flexible access to the Schengen Area. The reform aims to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, and support business exchanges, benefiting travelers from around the world. With this new move, Schengen countries are positioning themselves as more attractive destinations for global tourism and investment. The European Union (EU) has been a catalyst for travel, tourism, and economic growth across its member states for decades. In its latest effort to foster seamless movement and strengthen its global position, the EU has unveiled a transformative visa policy aimed at simplifying travel across its borders. As of 2026, Germany, in collaboration with Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, and 27 other EU countries, will roll out a groundbreaking visa reform. This new policy includes the extension of multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the current five-year limit, making it easier for tourists, business professionals, and frequent travelers to move across Europe.

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