News

India Embraces The Future Of Global Travel As Goa Demonstrates Its Commitment To Sustainable Tourism At The South Asia’s Travel And Tourism Exchange, SATTE 2025

India’s Goa captivates SATTE 2025 with a revolutionary sustainable tourism vision at the Goa Pavilion in New Delhi, showcasing eco-friendly innovations & legacy At SATTE 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made a resounding impact by unveiling the Goa Pavilion at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. The event was spearheaded by Goa’s Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who led the state’s delegation. He was joined by prominent officials including Secretary of Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Tourism Minister; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) at GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism; and Smt. Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer. Over the next two days, until 21st February 2025, Goa Tourism showcased an impressive range of offerings. During the event, Minister Khaunte took part in a dynamic panel discussion alongside notable dignitaries such as Uzbekistan’s Tourism Minister, Shri Umid Shadiev; Thailand’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, Shri Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham; Nagaland’s Tourism Minister, Shri Temjen Imna Along; and industry leaders like Shri Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets India; Smt. Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director of Informa Markets & Publisher of Travel Trends Today; Shri Peter Hall, President of IMEA at Informa Markets; and Chairman of STIC Group, Shri Subhash Goyal. The conversation delved into emerging trends and opportunities that are reshaping the global tourism landscape.

Read more

Air India and the Philippines Collaborate on Direct Flights to Strengthen Travel Connections, Boost Tourism, and Deepen Economic and Cultural Ties

Air India and the Philippines launch direct flights, enhancing travel, tourism, and economic ties between the two nations. In a strategic move to enhance air travel between India and the Philippines, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) recently engaged in discussions with senior officials from Air India. The focus of the meeting was to explore the feasibility of establishing direct flight routes between the two nations, a development poised to significantly improve travel convenience, boost tourism, and promote cultural and business exchanges. Direct Flights Between India and the Philippines Under Consideration The discussions about direct flights between India and the Philippines took place on February 18, 2025. During the meeting, CAAP provided Air India with crucial insights into the regulatory framework required to obtain flight approvals in the Philippines.

Read more

Thailand’s Koh Mak: A Model for Sustainable Island Tourism

As Thailand’s popular islands brace for a surge in visitors due to The White Lotus Season 3, a quieter revolution is unfolding across the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Mak, a 16 sq km island, has positioned itself as a low-carbon tourism pioneer, offering a sustainable alternative to mass tourism destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui. A Vision for Responsible Tourism Recognized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as the country’s first low-carbon island, Koh Mak thrives under a unique ownership structure. Unlike many Thai islands governed by state authorities, Koh Mak remains privately owned by five families, descendants of Luang Prompakdee, who purchased the land in the early 20th century. This local governance has helped enforce strict sustainability measures, including: No vehicle ferries to limit traffic Motorbike rentals capped at 70% of accommodation capacity Ban on loud music and water sports like jet skis Prohibition of plastic and foam containers These measures were formalized in the Koh Mak Charter (2018), ensuring the island’s preservation while promoting responsible tourism. Eco-Friendly Initiatives & Local Conservation Efforts Koh Mak integrates renewable energy and community-driven conservation projects, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. Initiatives include: Koh Mak Coral Conservation Group – Visitors participate in coral propagation using recycled PVC pipes. Trash Hero Beach Cleanups – A weekly event where tourists and locals remove plastic waste from the island’s shores. Eco-Tourism Experiences – Coconut harvesting, cold-pressed coconut oil workshops, and traditional tie-dyeing classes using natural pigments. According to TAT and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Koh Mak exemplifies Thailand’s sustainable tourism goals under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model, supporting the National Low-Carbon Strategy. A Paradise for Slow Travel & Digital Nomads With just 750 rooms available, Koh Mak ensures that tourism remains low-impact. The island’s car-free roads and bike-friendly paths encourage slow travel, making it a haven for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Read more

Emirates Skywards Rewards UAE Shoppers This Ramadan With Exclusive Miles And Big Wins

Emirates Skywards Unveils Exciting Ways to Earn More Miles in the UAE This Ramadan Emirates Skywards is spreading the joy of giving this month by offering over 2.3 million members in the UAE even more ways to earn Skywards Miles through Skywards Everyday and Skywards Miles Mall. From today until 31 March, members can shop, dine, and enjoy leisure activities throughout Ramadan, accumulating Miles while also having the opportunity to win a share of 4 million Skywards Miles. With over 34 million members worldwide, Emirates Skywards continues to redefine loyalty programs with unparalleled rewards and benefits. Recently crowned as the ‘World’s Leading Airline – Rewards Programme’ at the World Travel Awards 2024, Emirates Skywards is celebrated for its extensive brand partnerships and innovative offers that enable members to earn and spend better. Emirates Skywards offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each providing unique privileges. Members can accumulate Skywards Miles with Emirates, flydubai, and various airline partners, as well as through an extensive network of hotel, car rental, retail, and lifestyle partners worldwide.

Read more

Navi Mumbai Soon To Get World-Class Theme Park Inspired By Disneyland

Navi Mumbai is gearing up to welcome a Disneyland-inspired amusement park, a project spearheaded by the Maharashtra government and Niti Aayog. The ambitious theme park, spanning 200 hectares, aims to become a major entertainment hub attracting both domestic and international tourists.Projected to cost between USD 6-7 billion, the park promises a complete entertainment experience with attractions such as entertainment zones, water parks, resorts, and animation studios. The Maharashtra government is actively inviting private investors and offering attractive financial incentives. Experts believe the theme park will be an economic boon for the region, creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, construction, and entertainment. Mumbai’s tourism sector is predicted to benefit significantly, potentially quadrupling tourism revenue by 2030.

Read more

Maharashtra to acquire land in Agra for Shivaji Memorial

CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced plans to construct a grand Memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra where the Maratha king was once held captive by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Fadnavis, at an event marking Shivaji's 395th birth anniversary at Agra Fort on Wednesday, said he would talk to UP CM Yogi Adityanath about acquiring land near Meena Bazar for the memorial. "Agra Fort stands as a symbol of Shivaji's courage and strategy. Held captive by Aurangzeb at Rang Mahal,he defied imprisonment with a daring escape, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Swarajya.

Read more