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Dubai Welcomes 5M+ Visitors in 2025, Fueled by Events and Hospitality

Dubai in the UAE welcomed over five million tourists in early 2025, driven by bold strategies, luxury experiences, and unstoppable global travel momentum. Dubai Records Over 5.3 Million Visitors in Early 2025 as Global Tourism Momentum Surges Dubai’s tourism industry has kicked off 2025 with remarkable strength, registering 5.31 million international visitors between January and March, reflecting a three per cent year-on-year growth in global arrivals. The surge underscores Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top travel destinations, driven by diverse market reach, high-performing hospitality, and strategic tourism initiatives. These early figures set a strong tone for what’s expected to be another record-breaking year for Dubai tourism, building on the momentum of an already impressive 2024. Western Europe Leads Visitor Growth in Q1 2025 Among the key markets contributing to Dubai’s visitor boom, Western Europe emerged as the top source, sending 1.15 million travellers, which accounted for 22 per cent of total international arrivals in Q1. This reflects sustained interest from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France — a trend likely boosted by strong air connectivity, high-profile events, and targeted marketing campaigns in the region.

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Universal Studios May Launch Indoor Theme Park Near Delhi Airport

India may soon become home to a global entertainment icon, with Universal Studios reportedly in advanced discussions with Bharti Real Estate to set up its first indoor amusement park in the country. According to a report by The Economic Times, the park is proposed as part of a sprawling 3-million-square-foot retail development near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, expected to open by mid-2027. Universal Studios, known for its iconic theme parks in the US, Japan, Singapore, and China, has long eyed expansion into emerging markets. With India’s growing urban population and increasing appetite for experiential entertainment, the country presents a compelling opportunity for the brand’s foray into the South Asian market. The planned amusement park will be housed inside what is touted to become India’s largest mall. Bharti Real Estate, the property development arm of Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Enterprises, is reportedly set to allocate 300,000 square feet of the facility to the entertainment venture. “We have earmarked 10% of the total leasable area for a global entertainment park,” said SK Sayal, Chief Executive of Bharti Real Estate, to The Economic Times. While Sayal declined to confirm the specific partner involved, industry sources have identified Universal Studios as the frontrunner in the talks.

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Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and Cultural Icons Take Center Stage

Abu Dhabi is emerging as a multi-faceted destination that seamlessly blends luxury, heritage, and connectivity. The destination appeals to travellers seeking both indulgence and cultural experiences. A highlight and a focal point for Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy is the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port. This modern cruise facility is pivotal to Abu Dhabi’s ambitions of becoming the Arabian Gulf’s leading cruise port, and the delegates’ tour underscored its significance. A Growing Cruise Tourism Hub Zayed Port’s cruise terminal, inaugurated in late 2015, features state-of-the-art infrastructure that can accommodate three mega cruise vessels. Inside the expansive terminal, visitors find an airy, contemporary space that blends local character with modern convenience – its design incorporates traditional Arabic motifs (such as a roof lattice inspired by the UAE’s national Ghaf tree) alongside modern architecture. The facility boasts dedicated Etihad airline check-in counters, immigration facilities, duty-free shops, restaurants, and majlis-style waiting lounges, ensuring a seamless experience for cruise passengers from ship to city. It has even been recognised with global accolades – in 2023, it was named the ‘World’s Best Cruise Terminal’ at the World Cruise Awards, reflecting operational excellence on par with the finest ports globally. Abu Dhabi Cruise Abu Dhabi’s cruise terminal serves as an ideal gateway, driven by its location as it is just a 20-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and around the same distance to Saadiyat Island’s attractions, enabling shore excursion programmes that cover headline experiences with ease. The port visit highlighted how cruise passengers can disembark and explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi or marvel at the Grand Mosque’s domes shortly thereafter, a strong selling point for cruise lines and tour operators. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location opens up exciting possibilities for longer cruise itineraries linking the Gulf and South Asia. With major Indian ports just a few days’ sail across the Arabian Sea, the India–UAE cruise market is a key area of potential growth. India is already Abu Dhabi’s largest source market for visitors on land, with Indian hotel guest numbers surging 37 per cent year-on-year in early 2024, and this interest is beginning to translate into the cruise arena as well. With its world-class facilities and capacity, Abu Dhabi’s cruise terminal is poised to serve not just regional Gulf cruises but also as a home port for voyages catering to Indian travellers and other long-haul markets.

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Sri Lanka Promotes Ramayana Trail to Indian TAFI MP Travel Agents

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a familiarization (FAM) trip for 17 travel agents from the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) – Madhya Pradesh Chapter, from April 28 to May 3, 2025. The FAM trip was strategically designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail, a key spiritual and cultural tourism product for Indian travellers. The itinerary included visits to legendary sites connected to the epic, such as Sigiriya, believed to be linked with Ravana’s kingdom; Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya, home to Ashok Vatika, where Sita Devi was said to have been held captive; and Seetha Amman Temple, a major spiritual destination for Indian pilgrims. Participants also experienced Sri Lanka’s leisure offerings, including the golden beaches of Bentota and the cosmopolitan energy of Colombo. In addition to the Ramayana circuit, the agents also experienced Sri Lanka’s leisure offerings, including the scenic beaches of Bentota and the vibrant capital city of Colombo. TAFI MP Chapter Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail FAMTAFI MP Chapter Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail FAM On the final day, SLTPB facilitated an interactive session where over 50 key stakeholders, including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, and tour operators, engaged with the Indian agents. This provided an excellent platform for business discussions and fostering long-term partnerships. TAFI MP Chapter Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail FAM Sharing his insights on the FAM trip, Amol Kataria, Secretary, TAFI MP Chapter, said, “This FAM trip was meticulously curated to highlight the Ramayana Trail, which holds immense appeal for Indian travelers. The agents were highly impressed by the spiritual and cultural connections, along with Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings. Such initiatives will undoubtedly boost inbound tourism from India.” Sri Lanka remains one of the preferred destinations for Indian travellers, and FAM trips like these play a crucial role in enhancing trade relations. The SLTPB’s efforts to promote niche segments such as religious, cultural, and leisure tourism are expected to result in increased tourist arrivals from India, particularly from Madhya Pradesh, a key market with strong cultural ties to the Ramayana. With the success of this FAM trip, the SLTPB aims to continue such engagements, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers.

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Air India Adds Daily Delhi-Gaya Flights from Sept 1, Linking Southeast Asia to Buddhist Circuit

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Gaya, effective 1 September 2025. Operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft, the new route offers the only full-service flight experience to and from Gaya, enhancing connectivity to one of India’s most revered religious destinations. With the introduction of this service, Gaya becomes the 46th domestic destination in Air India’s expanding network. The new connection is set to play a vital role in boosting religious and spiritual tourism, providing seamless access to Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage hub for Buddhists across the globe. Air India’s new schedule is designed to provide optimal connectivity to and from international destinations across Asia. The flight timings facilitate convenient one-stop connections for passengers travelling to or from Kathmandu, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Phuket, Singapore, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo-Haneda. Flight AI429 will depart from Delhi at 14:30 hrs and arrive in Gaya at 16:05 hrs, while the return flight, AI430, will leave Gaya at 16:40 hrs and land in Delhi at 18:00 hrs. This schedule is designed to ensure seamless connectivity for both domestic and international travellers.

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Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Bengaluru–Hanoi Flights

Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, operated its inaugural direct flight from Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, to Hanoi today. The airline will operate four weekly flights from Bengaluru to Hanoi using the modern Airbus A321 aircraft, offering passengers a premium flying experience with comfortable seating, curated Indian meal options, modern cabin interiors, and world-renowned Vietnamese hospitality. This launch makes Vietnam Airlines operational in three major metros in India – Delhi, Mumbai, and now Bengaluru, further enhancing its presence in the fast-growing South Indian market and marking a significant milestone in its India expansion strategy. The inaugural ceremony at Kempegowda International Airport witnessed a lively celebration with a ceremonial cake cutting, attended by airport dignitaries, Vietnam Airlines representatives, and Aeroprime Group officials. Passengers also had the opportunity to engage in various activities at the airport, including capturing memorable moments at designated photo spots and exploring the art installations that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.

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