News

Thailand Plans Tourist Entry Fee for Air Travellers

Thailand's incoming government is to introduce a 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air, with the proposal to be tabled at its first Cabinet meeting, according to a report by Nation Thailand. The fee aims to fast-track a long-pending plan to generate revenue from international tourism while addressing concerns around implementation. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that the revised policy will apply only to air travellers. As per Nation Thailand report, earlier plans to charge a 150-baht fee for tourists entering via land and sea have been put on hold for now.

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VFS Global Opens Visa Application Centre in Bhubaneswar

VFS Global has inaugurated a new visa application centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking its second facility in eastern India. The move is aimed at improving accessibility for visa applicants in the state and reducing the need to travel to Kolkata for submission and processing. The centre was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, in the presence of representatives from diplomatic missions and government authorities, including delegates from Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

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ITC Hotels Expands Boutique Portfolio with Storii Jawai in Rajasthan

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Storii Jawai in Rajasthan, expanding its experiential boutique portfolio under the Storii brand. The property marks the 11th Storii hotel and reinforces the group’s focus on nature-led and culturally immersive destinations within India’s leisure travel landscape. Located in the Jawai region, known for its leopard population, granite formations and the Jawai River ecosystem, the property is positioned to cater to travellers seeking wildlife, landscape-driven and experiential stays. The destination also supports diverse flora and fauna, including migratory bird species, making it a niche offering within India’s wildlife tourism segment.

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Disneyland Paris Launches Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen

Disneyland Paris has entered a new phase of expansion with the opening of World of Frozen and the unveiling of its reimagined second park, now named Disney Adventure World. The development marks one of the most significant transformations in the resort’s history, aimed at enhancing immersive storytelling and guest experiences. At the centre of the expansion is Adventure Way, a newly developed promenade featuring landscaped gardens, entertainment spaces and dining options. The area also includes a family-friendly attraction inspired by the animated film Tangled. The promenade connects to Adventure Bay, a central lake designed to host large-scale entertainment, including a new nighttime show.

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Club Mahindra Expands with 159 Keys Across New Resorts

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) has announced the launch of two new resorts under its Club Mahindra brand in Amba Ghat, Maharashtra, and Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh, adding a total of 159 keys to its portfolio. The development strengthens the company’s footprint across western and central India while aligning with its long-term expansion strategy. The new additions form part of MHRIL’s stated goal of scaling its inventory to 12,000 keys by FY30, supported by an interim target of adding 1,000 rooms in FY26. The company continues to expand through a capital-efficient, asset-light model, leveraging a mix of greenfield developments, management contracts, and flexible operating structures.

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Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down

Multiple reports on Tuesday said that Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson has resigned before his term ends. The airline was yet to issue an official statement on this development. The Tata Group started looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to head Air India as the airline is going through a turbulent phase following the Ahmedabad plane crash and has not been able make a financial turnaround at the required pace after it was taken over from the government as part of the privatisation process. Multiple reports on Tuesday said that Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson has resigned before his term ends. The airline was yet to issue an official statement on this development. Wilson is currently serving his notice period, according to reports. The Tata Group airline has not made any public statement yet. A query sent to airlines was not immediately answered.

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