News

Arab Nations Lead Green Push on World Tourism Day

The significance of World Tourism Day is being recognized globally as a pivotal moment for the industry to reflect on its environmental and social impact. This year, the focus has been placed heavily on the theme of Tourism and Green Investments, a concept that encourages a shift away from traditional profit models toward a more holistic approach. It is understood that the prosperity of the sector is now inextricably linked to the preservation of natural resources and the support of local communities. By international observers, the occasion is viewed as a call to action for governments and private entities to prioritize sustainable development over short-term gains. In the heart of the Middle East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been positioned as a central hub for these discussions. The capital city of Riyadh was chosen to host the official proceedings, bringing together more than 500 government officials, industry leaders, and experts from over 120 countries. Through this massive gathering, the message is being conveyed that the Arab world is not merely a participant in global tourism but a leading architect of its future. The narrative of the event is centered on the idea that for travel to remain a viable economic engine, it must be protected by robust environmental safeguards and innovative financial strategies. Strategic Investments in a Greener Future During the events held in Riyadh, a profound emphasis was placed on the necessity of financing the transition to a greener economy. It was noted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that the industry requires a new type of investment strategy. Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure that facilitates high-volume travel, the focus is being redirected toward projects that reduce carbon footprints and promote biodiversity. By the Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, it was emphasized that tourism is a powerful tool for global unity, provided it is managed with a conscience.

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Sri Lanka Offers Visa-Free Ease for Indian Travelers

Sri Lanka has now joined the ranks of breathtaking destinations like Indonesia, South Korea, Nepal, and Thailand, offering effortless visa-free access for Indian travelers. This move allows Indian nationals to explore some of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries without the hassle of obtaining a visa, making travel easier and more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, vibrant cities, or lush landscapes, these countries provide a seamless entry experience, ensuring a stress-free journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure to these incredible visa-free destinations. In late December of last year, Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife arrived in Jeju Island, South Korea, expecting a festive holiday. Jeju, renowned for its stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, allows Indian nationals to enter without a visa for short-term tourism. However, their plans were disrupted when they were stopped at immigration. After being questioned, detained overnight, and ultimately deported back to India, their experience sparked a broader conversation about visa-free travel.

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Malaysia Economy Set to Surge on Tourism & Tech Boom

As Malaysia enters the second quarter of 2026, the nation’s economy is projected to maintain its resilience, supported by a variety of positive indicators. According to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s Leading Index (LI) showed a slight increase of 0.1 percent in December 2025, suggesting steady growth and economic stability. This performance, alongside other key metrics, indicates that the country is well-positioned to weather global economic challenges while benefiting from the continued growth of its emerging sectors, particularly tourism and technology. Positive Trends in the Leading Index The Leading Index (LI), which provides early signs of turning points in the business cycle, recorded a small increase to 114.0 points in December 2025, up from 113.9 points in the same month the previous year. This subtle yet positive shift in the LI highlights the country’s ongoing economic progress. The LI’s growth was primarily driven by two key factors: the rise in the real money supply M1, which increased by 7.3 percent, and the higher demand for semiconductors, reflected by a 4.8 percent growth in the real imports of these essential electronic components. From a monthly perspective, the LI grew by 0.5 percent, further demonstrating the steady improvement in economic conditions. Growth in the real money supply M1 (0.5 percent) and expected sales value in manufacturing (0.4 percent) played pivotal roles in this increase, signaling a positive outlook for the coming months. Despite these positive trends, the LI remains below the critical 100-point mark when examined from a longer-term trend perspective. However, this data does not detract from the overall promising economic outlook for Malaysia, as the country continues to show strong foundations in its financial and industrial sectors.

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SriLankan Airlines Adds Ahmedabad as 10th Indian Hub

SriLankan Airlines is set to ignite its India-Sri Lanka air ties with the launch of Ahmedabad as its 10th Indian hub, joining cities like Mumbai and Delhi in the airline’s expansive network. This strategic move aims to generate a massive 12% passenger surge in 2026, driven by the deep cultural bonds between the two nations and the growing popularity of Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail—a captivating journey through the island’s rich heritage that continues to fuel an unprecedented travel boom. In an exciting move that promises to redefine the air travel landscape between India and Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines has launched Ahmedabad as its 10th Indian hub. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to capitalize on the growing travel demand between the two nations, with the addition of Ahmedabad joining other key Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. The airline is projecting a remarkable 12% increase in passenger traffic by 2026, driven by deep cultural bonds and Sri Lanka’s rising appeal as a destination—especially through the Ramayana Trail, a captivating journey that explores the island’s rich heritage and legendary sites. SriLankan Airlines’ decision to introduce Ahmedabad as its newest Indian destination marks a monumental step in strengthening the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Ahmedabad is a bustling cultural and economic hub in Gujarat, a region that has seen a surge in travel demand. With this new addition, SriLankan Airlines will be offering more frequent and direct flights to this vital market, expanding its network across India’s most prominent cities.

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Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link to Cut Commute to 5 Minutes

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to revolutionize cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore, offering a quick, efficient 5-minute journey that aims to alleviate the congestion at the Causeway. This long-awaited project promises to ease travel between the two countries by replacing the current KTM Shuttle Tebrau service and introducing a cutting-edge transportation system designed for the future. The RTS Link, which will link Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru with Woodlands North MRT Station in Singapore, is expected to carry over 40,000 passengers daily. Set to be fully operational by late 2026 or early 2027, the RTS Link will dramatically improve the current travel experience for commuters between Malaysia and Singapore. Fare Structure and Pricing Information While the official fare structure for the RTS Link is yet to be confirmed, tentative reports suggest that ticket prices will range between SGD 5 (approximately INR 358.75) and SGD 7 (approximately INR 502.25) for a one-way trip. These fares are likely to be finalized closer to the start of operations, expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has indicated that the final fare details will be made available in the second half of 2026, giving commuters time to prepare for the new pricing system. The pricing mechanism will be set by RTS Operations, a joint venture between Malaysia’s Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Singapore’s SMRT Corporation, ensuring that the project remains sustainable while maintaining affordability for travelers. The RTS Link is a crucial infrastructure project that promises to address long-standing traffic congestion at the Causeway, with the added benefit of reducing total travel time to just five minutes. The rail link will cover a 4-kilometer distance, offering commuters an ultra-efficient cross-border service that will replace the existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau. This will significantly ease the strain on the existing rail service, which operates between Woodlands Checkpoint and JB Sentral.

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Shanghai Breaks Tourism Records with 9M+ Global Visitors

In 2025, Shanghai witnessed an extraordinary surge in inbound tourism, with over 9.36 million international visitors flocking to the city, marking an unparalleled achievement in its tourism history. This remarkable growth was driven by a diverse mix of key international markets, including Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Italy, Malaysia, and many others, all contributing to the city’s rise as a top global travel destination. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, world-class attractions, and strategic efforts to attract visitors played a crucial role in this surge, cementing Shanghai’s status as a premier hub for international travelers in Asia and beyond. Shanghai, one of China’s most iconic and vibrant cities, has experienced an extraordinary surge in international tourism in 2025, cementing its position as a top destination for global travelers. With a striking 39.6% increase in inbound visitors, the city welcomed a record 9.36 million international travelers this year. The city’s tourism sector has shown immense resilience and appeal, with figures reflecting strong growth across key international markets and an ever-growing demand for Shanghai’s urban attractions. Shanghai’s tourism landscape has seen an unprecedented upswing, with the number of inbound visitors reaching 9.36 million in 2025. This 39.6% year-on-year growth highlights Shanghai’s strong allure as a key gateway into China. The end of the year saw an even more impressive surge, with December alone seeing 1.07 million arrivals—marking a remarkable 45% increase from the same month in 2024.

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