News

Thailand to Launch Mandatory Digital Arrival Card for Tourists from May 1

Starting May 1, Thailand will require all non-Thai nationals entering the country by land, air, or sea to submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before their arrival. This new regulation aims to streamline the entry process, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for both tourists and residents. By collecting essential travel and health information in advance, Thailand seeks to reduce delays at immigration points, ensuring a more efficient and seamless journey for visitors. The TDAC will help modernize the country’s travel infrastructure and support a smoother, safer arrival for millions of tourists flocking to its iconic destinations. Thailand, renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, vibrant cities, and awe-inspiring temples, continues to be one of Asia’s most desirable tourist destinations. As the summer season approaches, the country is preparing to welcome a larger influx of travelers, eager to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. To further enhance the entry process for both residents and tourists, the Thai authorities have announced a new travel regulation. Beginning May 1, all non-Thai nationals entering the country, whether by land, air, or sea, will be required to complete and submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before their arrival.

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Cruise Ship Tips Why These Four Guest Requests to Cabin Attendants Can Transform Your Entire Sailing Experience

Embarking on a family cruise offers a unique opportunity to bond, explore new destinations, and enjoy quality time together. However, ensuring a pleasant experience goes beyond selecting the right itinerary or packing essentials. Understanding and practicing proper cruise etiquette, especially concerning stateroom attendants and room preferences, can significantly enhance your onboard experience.​ Communicating with Your Stateroom Attendant Advertisement Upon boarding, families are encouraged to introduce themselves to their stateroom attendant. This initial interaction sets a positive tone for the voyage. It’s advisable to ask how to pronounce their name correctly to foster a respectful relationship. Establishing clear communication about preferences, such as room cleaning times and additional amenities, ensures that the family’s needs are met efficiently.​ Managing Room Preferences Families often have specific requirements to make their stateroom comfortable. Requesting extra towels, arranging for evening room cleaning, or unlocking connecting doors between cabins are common adjustments. It’s important to communicate these needs promptly to the stateroom attendant to facilitate smooth accommodations.​

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India, United States, China: Air India’s Acquisition of Boeing 737 MAX Jets Could Provide New Travel Opportunities for Tourists Traveling Between India, China, and the U.S.

In a strategic move, Air India has initiated preliminary talks with Boeing to acquire approximately 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that were originally intended for Chinese airlines. Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Air India’s budget subsidiary, Air India Express, is keen on adding these jets to its growing fleet as part of its rapid capacity expansion. The situation arose from the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, which have led to Chinese carriers refusing to accept aircraft deliveries. These tensions, fueled by tariffs exceeding 100% on various goods exchanged between the two largest economies, have disrupted Boeing’s delivery schedules, especially for the 737 MAX aircraft initially earmarked for Chinese airlines. Boeing CEO’s Statement on Delivery Delays Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, acknowledged the challenge in a recent statement, noting that many Chinese customers have indicated their unwillingness to accept deliveries of the aircraft due to the economic pressures stemming from the trade conflict. Ortberg emphasized that Boeing is now working to redirect these aircraft to other customers with immediate needs, making these jets available to airlines like Air India Express, which is rapidly expanding its fleet. The trade dispute, which has seen both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods, has become a key factor in the shifting landscape of global aircraft sales. The tariffs, which are unprecedented in scale, directly impact commercial aircraft transactions, complicating Boeing’s operations in China—a market once considered one of its largest.

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DGCA advises airlines to avoid fare surge, increase Srinagar flights

In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent advisory on April 23, calling on airlines to increase flight frequencies from Srinagar to help evacuate stranded tourists. The directive comes amid a sudden surge in passenger traffic, as travellers rushed to Srinagar Airport seeking to return to their respective hometowns. “In the aftermath of the incident in Pahalgam, there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes,” stated the DGCA in its advisory. “In this regard, the airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists.” The advisory further urged airlines to show compassion and flexibility by waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees. “The airlines are also requested to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time,” it added. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu also shared updates through a post on X (formerly Twitter), affirming the government’s commitment to supporting affected tourists. “In the wake of the tragic terror attack, we are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar,” he said. “Strict instructions were given to airline companies to avoid any fare surges. Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels.”

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Thailand and Italy Partner to Showcase Cultural Richness at Exclusive Events

Tourism Authority of Thailand strengthens ties between Thailand and Italy through a cultural exchange event, promoting tourism growth, sustainable travel, and long-term bilateral relations. At the event, a central highlight of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, Deputy Governor for International Marketing across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, emphasized the vital role of tourism and cultural exchange in fostering global understanding. fostering long-term bilateral relations. Advertisement The event, hosted on April 21 at the Siri Sala Private Thai Villa in Bangkok, showcased live music, traditional performances, Italian business exhibitions, and a panel discussion titled “Bridging Cultures.” Through Tourism: Focus on Thailand and Italy.” The evening concluded with a networking dinner aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between Thai and Italian partners.

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Saudi Arabia to Localise 41 Key Hospitality Roles by 2028 in Major Workforce Push

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to localise forty-one key roles within the hospitality and tourism sectors by 2028, marking a bold step in strengthening its national workforce. This ambitious plan, part of the country’s Vision Two Thousand Thirty strategy, will empower Saudi nationals by filling vital positions in tourism, ranging from leadership to specialist roles. The phased implementation will not only help reduce unemployment but also pave the way for a future-ready economy by tapping into the local talent pool, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to long-term employment growth and sustainability in the tourism industry. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, has unveiled a phased strategy to localise 41 positions within the tourism industry. This initiative, set to affect all private tourism-related businesses, will unfold in three stages, beginning on April 22, 2026.

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