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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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Marriott to Open First Autograph Safari Camp in Serengeti

Marriott International has signed an agreement to open the first Autograph Collection safari camp globally. Expected to debut in Q3 2025, Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection will deliver a distinctive and immersive safari experience in Tanzania’s world-renowned Serengeti wilderness, marking a milestone expansion for the brand into experiential, nature-based travel. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is set in the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park. Positioned between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly along the Great Migration route, where vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope pass through between May and July each year. The surrounding area teems with wildlife year-round, including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and giraffe, offering remarkable encounters in every season. “Mapito Safari Camp will mark a defining moment for Autograph Collection as we introduce the brand’s first safari experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “The Serengeti’s scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for.”

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Emirates to Receive Boeing 777X by 2026, Expands Long-Haul Fleet

Emirates Airlines is preparing for the much-anticipated arrival of the Boeing 777X by the end of 2026, a move set to significantly enhance its fleet. As the largest customer of the Boeing 777X with an order of 205 aircraft, Emirates has long awaited the next-generation widebody, which promises improved fuel efficiency, greater range, and a more comfortable passenger experience. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2020, the aircraft has faced multiple delays due to manufacturing challenges and a complex certification process. Despite these setbacks, Emirates remains optimistic about integrating the 777X into its fleet, confident that it will bolster the airline’s competitive edge in global aviation. The 777X is designed to be the most advanced iteration of the iconic Boeing 777 family. With its state-of-the-art engines, enhanced aerodynamics, and more spacious cabins, the aircraft is expected to revolutionize long-haul travel, making it a key asset for Emirates’ expansive international network. However, the aircraft’s delivery has been postponed multiple times, primarily due to production issues and heightened safety scrutiny following earlier concerns with the 737 MAX. This has led to delays in its certification by aviation authorities, pushing the expected delivery timeline further into the future.

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Nepal to Tighten Everest Climbing Rules

In the heart of the Himalayas, where dreams soar as high as the mountains themselves, Nepal is drawing a new line in the snow. No longer will just any climber with ambition and a permit be able to attempt the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. A new draft law says: Prove yourself first. The 8,848.86-metre Everest is about to get a stricter gatekeeper. According to the Integrated Tourism Bill registered in Nepal’s upper house of Parliament on April 18, any climber wishing to set foot on Everest must first have conquered a mountain over 7,000 metres. This isn’t the first time Nepal has tried to raise the bar. Back in 1995-96, the government had made it compulsory for potential climbers to summit a 6,000-metre peak before tackling Everest. But that rule didn’t last. As the number of climbers plummeted, pressure from expedition operators and foreign mountaineers forced the government to back down. The bill is still in draft form and must pass through debates in both houses of Parliament. Officials at the Ministry of Tourism say changes are likely before the final law is signed off. Still, what’s already outlined in the bill paints a clear picture: the government is trying to bring order, accountability, and safety to the mountains.

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