News

Thailand announces Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with over 100 events nationwide

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially launched the ‘Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025,’ a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year taking place from early to mid-April across every region of the country. As a key feature of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 and the Thailand Summer Festivals, this year’s edition of ‘Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival’—recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—will be the most expansive and dynamic yet. The recognition affirms Songkran’s cultural importance on the global stage and reinforces Thailand’s growing reputation as a destination for meaningful and memorable festival experiences. More than 100 events will take place across Bangkok and throughout the Central, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Eastern regions. Each location brings its own blend of tradition and celebration, from sacred rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and lively water fights. Festival Highlights Include: Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (11–15 April) S20 Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (12–14 April) Chiang Mai’s legendary Songkran traditions (7–16 April) Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (8–15 April) Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

Read more

Air India Express Unveils ‘Payday Sale’ with Unbeatable Fares Starting from One Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Nine and Exclusive Deals for Members

Air India Express has introduced its much-awaited ‘Payday Sale,’ offering travelers unbeatable Xpress Value fares starting at just ₹1,499 and ‘Xpress Lite’ fares with zero check-in baggage from ₹1,429. These attractive deals are available exclusively to logged-in members booking through the airline’s official website, the official Air India Express website This special sale is open for bookings from March 28 to March 31, 2025, with travel available between April 1, 2025, and September 20, 2025. Incredible Offers on Air India Express’ Website By booking directly through the airline’s website, passengers can benefit from zero convenience fees. Xpress Lite fares come with added perks, such as the ability to pre-book an extra 3 kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost. The airline also offers highly discounted check-in baggage rates, with 15 kg available for ₹1,000 on domestic routes and 20 kg for ₹1,300 on international flights. Special Deals for Loyalty Members Loyalty members can enjoy even greater savings, with access to exclusive discounts on upgrades to Xpress Biz, the airline’s business class equivalent. Passengers can experience the luxurious Xpress Biz seats, available on 36 newly inducted Boeing 737-8 aircraft, offering an industry-leading seat pitch of up to 58 inches. Additionally, loyalty members can take advantage of special deals, including 25% off ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, priority seat selection, and Xpress Ahead priority services. They can also enjoy 10 kg of Xcess Check-In Baggage and 3 kg of Xtra Carry-On Baggage, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience.

Read more

London Gatwick Airport Revolutionizes the Travel Experience with Advanced Security Technology

London Gatwick Airport has unveiled a game-changing upgrade to its security procedures, allowing passengers to keep their electronics and liquids in their bags. This major development is part of a multi-million-pound effort to enhance the airport’s security screening experience. The upgrade incorporates state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners, powered by advanced 3D technology, to improve the precision of security checks. These new scanners, supplied by Smiths Detection and introduced under a government initiative, streamline the security process, making it faster and more efficient without compromising safety. This technological advancement not only boosts operational effectiveness but also supports sustainability by eliminating the need for plastic bags, offering an environmentally friendly solution to security procedures. Cyrus Dana, Head of Security at London Gatwick, said: “More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.” “As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers.

Read more

Australia’s Thriving Tourism Sector Sets New Record With Surge In International Spending From India And China In 2024

Victoria has shattered its previous tourism records with international visitors spending a massive $9 billion in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the state’s travel economy. This surge is largely fueled by strong growth from China and India, which have emerged as the top-performing markets driving overseas travel to Victoria. As global travel rebounds, these two nations have not only led in visitor numbers but also in per capita spending, reinforcing Victoria’s appeal as a premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey for the year ending December 2024 have revealed that Victoria’s visitor economy, valued at $40 billion, is being propelled by international spending. Overseas visitors contributed a record $9 billion, marking a 41% year-on-year increase. China remains Victoria’s largest international market in terms of total spend, amounting to $2.7 billion, while India continues to be a top source of visitors, with Indian travelers spending $714 million in 2024. Visit Victoria’s dedicated efforts to target international markets, particularly India, have paid off, with the state witnessing record spending from Indian visitors. In addition, international tourism spending in regional Victoria reached an all-time high of $645 million in 2024, reflecting a 36% increase.

Read more

Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al-Fitr 2025 Dates and Travel Guidelines for Visitors

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr 2025 will commence on Sunday, March 30, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This declaration follows the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon by the Kingdom’s Moon-sighting committee, a group comprising astronomers, judicial officials, and advisors from the Saudi Islamic authority. The committee convened to observe the lunar event that signifies the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.​ Public Holidays and Observances In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi government has declared public holidays for both public and private sector employees. The exact duration of the holiday period varies between sectors and is typically announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia during this time should consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information on public holidays and operational hours of businesses and government offices.​ Eid Al-Fitr: Significance and Traditions Eid Al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. The celebration begins with a special morning prayer, followed by communal gatherings where families and friends share festive meals, exchange gifts, and extend charitable donations to those in need. It is a time of gratitude, unity, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide.

Read more

New IndiGo Flight Route To Connect Nashik, Goa, And Coimbatore Across India

IndiGo is enhancing domestic air connectivity in India by introducing a new flight route linking Nashik to Coimbatore, with a convenient stopover in Goa. This new service will not only simplify travel to popular South Indian destinations like Ooty but also strengthen regional connectivity within India. It is expected to improve business and industrial exchanges between Nashik and Coimbatore—two key cities in India’s manufacturing and innovation landscape. Currently, passengers from Nashik can fly directly to Goa. Beginning April 2, however, the same service will be extended onward to Coimbatore. According to the schedule, the flight will depart from Coimbatore at 10:40 AM, arriving in Goa at 12:35 PM. It will then continue from Goa at 12:55 PM, landing in Nashik by 2:40 PM. Flight Timing and Weekly Operations Travel between Nashik, Goa, and Coimbatore is set to become more convenient with IndiGo’s new multi-city route. The flight will depart from Nashik at 3:50 PM and land in Goa by 5:50 PM. After a short layover, it will take off from Goa at 6:15 PM and reach Coimbatore at 8:10 PM. This route will be available four times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Read more