News

Carnival unveils bold expansion with new ships, destinations, and fleet upgrades

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic vision under the banner of “Innovation Itinerary,” focused on enhancing its fleet, experiences, and guest loyalty. At a recent media briefing held aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami, President Christine Duffy outlined the company’s expansion plans, including new ship launches, destination enhancements, and upgrades to its guest experience and loyalty program. Christine Duffy unveils Sunsation Point on Carnival Festivale At the event, Duffy announced that the fourth ship in Carnival’s award-winning Excel class will be named Carnival Festivale, paying tribute to the early Carnival ships that helped popularize cruising in the U.S. Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, with reservations opening this summer. Carnival Festivale will introduce three new themed zones, two of which will celebrate music through immersive, sound-rich environments spanning Decks 6 to 8. “Carnival Festivale will keep in the Carnival tradition of bringing innovation and fun with each new ship,” said Duffy. The ship will also feature a new outdoor space called Sunsation Point, a family-focused area with the most expansive Carnival Waterworks Ultra park yet, replacing the BOLT rollercoaster from previous Excel ships. Designed for families, Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms—nearly 70% more than on its predecessors, and introduce a dedicated area for the Turtles program (ages six months to two years). Youth programming spaces will also be expanded.

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Top Hotels Like Radisson, Hyatt, Leela Launch Summer Deals Amid Tourism Surge

Oman Air, in collaboration with Visit Oman, has unveiled a powerful new Stopover Programme that is set to transform Muscat into a must-visit destination for international travelers. Designed to enhance global connectivity and enrich layover experiences, the programme offers customisable travel packages through Muscat International Airport, allowing visitors to explore Oman’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and luxurious hospitality—whether they stay for a few hours or up to four days. This initiative not only elevates Oman’s position on the world tourism map but also redefines how stopovers can become immersive travel experiences. Oman Air, the flagship airline of the Sultanate, has teamed up with Visit Oman, the nation’s digital travel gateway, to launch an innovative Stopover Programme designed to elevate Oman’s status as a top-tier destination for international travellers. The initiative opens up new doors for international travellers passing through Muscat International Airport, inviting them to pause and explore the rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that define Oman. Announced at the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2024, this innovative collaboration marks the Sultanate’s first digital stopover solution and underscores its ambition to attract millions of tourists in 2025 and beyond. Now live on the official Oman Air website, the programme offers customisable stay options that range from short four-hour layovers to immersive four-day itineraries, bundled with flexible hotel stays, transportation, guided tours, and cultural experiences. A Strategic Leap for Oman’s Tourism Vision The Oman Stopover Programme is not just a travel perk—it’s a powerful strategic initiative that aligns closely with Oman’s Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy through tourism, hospitality, and cultural investment. By capitalising on Oman Air’s extensive international route network and Visit Oman’s digital booking capabilities, this collaboration aims to turn every transit passenger at Muscat International Airport into a potential visitor and advocate for the country.

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Top Hotels Like Radisson, Hyatt, Leela Launch Summer Deals Amid Tourism Surge

India’s top luxury hotels, including Radisson, Hyatt, and Leela, are rolling out exclusive summer deals in response to the growing demand for domestic tourism. With the early onset of summer heat and the school holiday period, these prestigious hotel chains are strategically launching attractive offers to capitalize on a shift in travel behavior. As more Indian travelers opt for local getaways, seeking cooler climates in hill stations or heritage destinations, these deals aim to capture a larger share of the market. By offering discounts, special packages, and personalized experiences, these hotels are positioning themselves as the go-to destinations for those looking to escape the city heat and indulge in a luxury vacation. With the arrival of soaring temperatures and school vacations, luxury hotels across India are preparing for a notable increase in domestic tourism. From the grand Leela Palace in Udaipur to Hyatt’s iconic properties across the country and Radisson’s expanding network of leisure-focused hotels, the hospitality sector is preparing to make the most of an early seasonal shift. In a bid to offer travelers more value during typically off-peak months, these prestigious hotels have launched a range of exclusive summer packages designed to attract domestic tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. The Early Summer Surge The summer season in India is traditionally a slower period for the tourism industry, with many travelers opting to stay indoors due to the intense heat. However, this year, with the onset of early summer and the absence of large-scale international events that typically attract foreign tourists, India’s luxury hotels are seeing a window of opportunity. The combination of soaring temperatures and the school holiday period is driving an exodus from cities, with families and leisure travelers seeking cooler climes in hill stations and heritage cities. This shift is prompting some of the country’s leading hospitality brands to launch attractive offers to draw in visitors before the busy tourist season begins in earnest.

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Penang Launches “Not The Penang You Know” Campaign in Southern Thailand to Boost Tourism

Penang in Malaysia launches the “Not the Penang You Know” campaign in Southern Thailand, aiming to boost tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and enhance connectivity. The Penang government has unveiled the “Not the Penang You Know” campaign in Southern Thailand to strengthen tourism and cultural connections while positioning Penang as a top destination. The initiative was introduced during the Experience Penang Networking Session in Hatyai, organized by Penang Global Tourism, which gathered tourism professionals from both Thailand and Malaysia. Wong Hon Wai, Chairman of the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, emphasized the significance of the new MySawasdee train service connecting Hatyai and Penang, viewing it as a key move to reconnect with traditional markets. Advertisement The campaign encourages travelers to venture beyond George Town’s famous heritage sites and street food, promoting attractions such as art spaces, wellness retreats, cycling holidays, and traditional crafts. New attractions include the Bertam Resort and Water Park, the Design Village shopping outlet, and the Penang History Gallery. The networking event featured 24 tourism companies from Penang, fostering cross-border partnerships. Wong underscored Penang’s deep cultural and historical ties with Southern Thailand, mentioning landmarks like Wat Chaiyamangkalaram and historical figures like Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong. He also pointed to a 41% rise in Thai arrivals at Penang International Airport last year, thanks to improved air, rail, and road connections. With 1.6 million Thai tourists visiting Malaysia in the past year, 80% of whom traveled by land or train, Penang aims to attract even more visitors through enhanced connectivity and its expanding recognition as a hub for education and corporate events.

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Singapore Teams Up with AirAsia MOVE for Seamless, Affordable Weekend Escapes

In a major move to attract more Southeast Asian tourists and enhance the visitor experience, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and AirAsia MOVE have officially signed a Letter of Cooperation (LOC) on 17 April 2025, marking the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at reshaping how regional travellers explore Singapore. This dynamic collaboration places a strong emphasis on markets like Malaysia and Thailand, where demand for short-haul, experience-rich vacations is steadily increasing. The partnership seeks to simplify the travel planning process and offer Malaysian and Thai visitors exciting weekend getaways that are both affordable and memorable. Advertisement Personalised Weekend Getaways Powered by AirAsia MOVE One of the most exciting elements of the collaboration is the introduction of exclusive travel packages curated especially for Malaysian and Thai travellers. These will include seamless combinations of flight bookings, hotel stays, and access to top attractions and events, all easily bookable through the AirAsia MOVE app. Whether it’s a couple searching for a romantic weekend escape or a group of friends eager to explore Singapore’s food scene, culture, and nightlife, these travel bundles will help tourists build personalised itineraries that are both efficient and enjoyable.

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New Expressway via Bandikui Cuts Delhi-Jaipur Travel Time: What to Know

In recent developments, a significant infrastructure project has been underway to enhance connectivity between Bandikui and the Jaipur Ring Road. This new 67-kilometer express highway aims to reduce the travel distance by 20 kilometers, thereby facilitating smoother and more efficient travel between the two regions. Previously, travelers had to exit at Dausa and navigate the slower NH-21 route, which passed through towns and villages. With the completion of this expressway, drivers can now enjoy a more direct and expedited journey.​ Impact on Travel Time Advertisement The introduction of this expressway is set to significantly decrease travel time. Motorists can now expect a non-stop journey from Delhi to Jaipur within two-and-a-half hours, a notable improvement over the previous travel times. This advancement is part of a broader initiative to streamline road travel and enhance safety between Delhi and Jaipur.​ Traffic Flow Improvements Prior to the expressway’s completion, vehicles traveling from Delhi, Gurgaon, and Faridabad were required to exit the expressway at Dausa and switch to the NH-21, a route characterized by lower speed limits and frequent congestion due to its passage through various towns and villages. The new expressway eliminates this need for detours, allowing for a smoother and more direct route. Once fully operational, the journey from Delhi (DND Flyway) to Jaipur is expected to be seamless and efficient.​ Ongoing Construction and Detours While most sections of the highway are completed, a minor portion remains under construction. Specifically, a rail overbridge (ROB) on the Delhi-Ahmedabad railway line is still being built. An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) mentioned that the road is complete except for one side of the ROB, which is anticipated to be finished by the end of May. Until then, a temporary detour may be established to accommodate traffic flow.​

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