News

Far East Hospitality Opens 2 New Hotels in Osaka

Far East Hospitality, among the top hotel operators in Asia, has strengthened further its presence in Japan with two new launches in Osaka recently. This is in accordance with the company’s ambitious five-year plan of doubling its room inventory in key cities of Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka to 2,000 rooms. The launch of Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South, as well as Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi, reflects Far East Hospitality’s continuous rate of growth. Since entering Japan with Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Ariake in July 2020, the brand expanded rapidly in spite of worries over the pandemic. Following initial success in Tokyo, Far East Hospitality launched operations in Yokohama in June 2021 before it opened another hotel in Tokyo’s vibrant Asakusa precinct in 2023. With these two new Osaka hotels, Far East Hospitality now has five hotels in Japan just five years since it initially entered the market. Such frenetic growth is a testimony of the resilience of the brand in navigating complex market trends, in an age of unprecedented disruptions in the world.

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North Carolina Launches Bold New Tourism Campaign

Western North Carolina, with its picturesque natural beauty, charm-filled small towns, and rich culture, is emerging as an ever-increasing heavyweight in the travel world. Leading this charge is North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, whose recent visit to Asheville was further testament to the region’s growing potential as a vacation spot. This push is as much about recovery as it is about restarting economic momentum with a thoughtfully contemplated tourism push designed to showcase the absolute best of what the region has in store. With rebuilding and recovery at the forefront of concerns, this new promotional effort, “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” seeks to beckon increased numbers of tourists into the region. It is among several efforts conducted in the state as it seeks tourism growth and economic boosts in light of the effects of recent events. By spotlighting Western North Carolina’s incomparable attractions, the state is seeking to capitalize on this region’s natural beauty, historic towns, and outdoor attractions in a manner in which it can evoke its distinct charm. Governor Josh Stein’s visit to the Asheville Regional Airport marked a significant moment in the state’s tourism push. It was here that he met with leaders from 15 counties affected by the aftermath of Helene, a natural disaster that disrupted communities across the region. This meeting was an important step in not only discussing recovery efforts but also outlining the region’s bright future.

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Thailand Delays Tourist Entry Fee – What to Know

One of the world’s most visited countries, Thailand, has chosen to delay – yet again – plans for a controversial tourism entry fee, officially called the “Kha Yeap Pan Din (stepping onto Thai soil fee)”. Originally planned for introduction in 2025, this charge is now likely in the second or third quarter of 2026. The move seeks to further assist Thailand as it continues to recover from the worldwide tourism slump due to the COVID-19 crisis. This provision gives international tourists the opportunity to visit Thailand without paying anything additional on top of existing visa and immigration fees, a small financial respite for the time being as the country works to pick up on lost ground in international tourism. Thailand’s proposed tourism arrival fee, enacted in principle by the Thai Cabinet in early 2023, was used as a tool to upgrade the nation’s tourism infrastructure and provide basic insurance to tourists. Under the plan, international tourists would be required to pay 300 baht (approximately $9.25 USD) for those who fly in – and for those who enter the country through any land or sea border, they would be charged 150 baht (about $4.60 USD). The scale of fees is according to the different levels of administration and infrastructure costs for various regimes.

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Etihad Adds 7 New Destinations for 2025

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently revealed a significant increase in the number of people who will be able to enjoy the airline’s renowned in-flight experience, with the addition of seven new destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub. These new destinations – Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Yerevan (Armenia) make the Capital the vibrant gateway to even more of the world. Abu Dhabi the Capital: Where commerce and culture meet. The routes will create the first direct links between the UAE & Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East with easy connections for both business and leisure travellers. The statement, issued earlier this week, highlights Etihad’s strategy of expanding its reach and delivering convenient and efficient travel services to developing economies. Etihad’s strategy of providing its passengers with a global network of destinations is being reinforced such news furthering the recognition of Abu Dhabi as a major aviation hub. The seven additional network destinations will provide significant connection opportunities for Etihad, allowing travellers to connect through key markets in the Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Middle East regions. The increasing connectivity provided by the airline is connecting these destinations to Abu Dhabi and beyond, and ultimately developing the UAE as a hub for business, tourism, and the arts.

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Discover Algarve: Luxe Stays & Authentic Portuguese Flavours

Portugal’s southern gem, The Algarve has people hooked with its beautiful coastline, historical allure and upscale cuisine. Whether you come in search of a summer getaway or a visit in the cooler months, the Algarve has a lot to offer. Offering an expanding diversity of places to stay—from cool contemporary hotels to cosy country retreats—, and a varied culinary scene steeped in both tradition and modernity, it ensures a getaway filled with relaxation and discovery. Arriving in 2025, the Algarve is experiencing a surge of new and refurbished upscale hotels and a dynamic food scene that respects the area’s age-old customs and traditions. From the much-awaited Hotel Indigo Albufeira to the stylish opening of Palácio de Tavira, visitors to the region can look forward to these new offerings enhancing the hospitality experience in the destination. At the same time, the food scene is morphing, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and age-old recipes handed down through the generations.

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Indian Railways to Install CCTVs in 74,000 Train Coaches

Railways will now install cameras in all train compartments for safety of passengers In a major decision to increase the security of passengers, Indian Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all its train coaches. This approach, which is to be applied network-wide, will increase surveillance on both suburban and intercity trains, to better protect users throughout their journeys. The decision acknowledges the Infrastructure favorable modernization undertaken by RENFE and the increasing passenger requirement for security. Indian Railways’ move to install CCTV cameras across its entire fleet of train coaches is one of the largest such initiatives undertaken by a national railway network. This project aims to equip every train coach, including those on electric multiple units (EMUs), with advanced surveillance systems. The new security measure is part of a broader plan to improve safety and tackle issues related to crime and misconduct on trains. The initiative is set to include both short-distance trains that carry commuters as well as long-distance trains that transport passengers across the country. The cameras will be strategically installed in both the interior and exterior areas of coaches to capture a wide range of activities. This allows for continuous monitoring of passenger behavior, enabling quick responses to any incidents that may arise. The initiative is particularly timely as the demand for train travel in India has surged, and the need for effective security measures has become more critical.

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