News

Delhi Deploys 250 DEVI Electric Buses in Green Mobility Push

Delhi is set to revolutionize last-mile connectivity with the introduction of more than 250 air-conditioned mini-electric buses, designed specifically for narrow lanes and congested areas. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will inaugurate the new fleet—officially named DEVI (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interchanges)—on Tuesday, marking a significant expansion in the capital’s eco-friendly public transport services. Advertisement Originally dubbed ‘Mohalla Buses’ under the previous administration, these compact, green-colored nine-metre vehicles will begin service after a year-long trial and a delay of six months. Each bus can carry 23 seated and 13 standing passengers, aiming to connect inner neighborhoods with Delhi’s major roads and Metro stations. Launched in conjunction with World Earth Day, the initiative underlines Delhi’s commitment to sustainability. The buses will maintain the existing fare system, and women will continue to benefit from free travel privileges. Routes will be limited to a 12-kilometre stretch, replicating the successful feeder model used by Delhi Metro. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav will officiate the launch ceremony at Kushak Nala Depot, located in Sewa Nagar near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The first routes will begin operating from depots in Ghazipur, Nangloi, and East Vinod Nagar, where each depot is equipped to accommodate up to 100 buses.

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Singapore, Australia & Turkey Target Bengaluru Travelers with Luxury Summer Getaways

Singapore, Australia and Turkey are wooing Bengaluru’s travel-hungry crowd with bold campaigns, immersive experiences, and unforgettable summer getaways. This Summer, Global Tourism Boards Set Sights on Bengaluru’s Wanderlust-Fueled Travelers Advertisement As summer holidays kick off, Bengaluru is becoming a hotspot—not for vacationers arriving, but for global tourism boards eager to woo the city’s travel-hungry residents. From Southeast Asia to Europe and beyond, international destinations are actively showcasing their best experiences in Bengaluru, hoping to inspire outbound travel among its enthusiastic jetsetters. Singapore Captivates with New Attractions and Seamless Travel Singapore remains a popular destination for travelers from Bengaluru, consistently placing among the top five Indian cities with the highest visits to the island. On average, Bengalureans spend around 6.5 days in Singapore—far exceeding the global norm of 3.5 days. Markus Tan, Regional Director for the Singapore Tourism Board across India and surrounding regions, attributes this to strong air connectivity and Singapore’s reputation as both a leisure and transit hub. Many travelers extend business trips to include leisure days, allocating a growing portion of their travel budgets—19% to accommodation and 30% to shopping. But there’s more to Singapore than retail therapy. The city-state is constantly evolving to offer fresh experiences. Universal Studios is currently undergoing a major expansion, while the new Harry Potter: Visions of Magic experience is captivating fans. The SEA Aquarium is also being transformed into the Singapore Oceanarium, set to be three times larger than its predecessor. Additionally, Singapore remains a strategic stopover for long-haul travelers heading to destinations like Australia, the United States, and Canada.

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Sharjah Waterfront City Boosts Real Estate and Tourism with New Theme Park Plans

Sharjah is seeing the emergence of a new, ambitious real estate development—Sharjah Waterfront City (SWC). With its sprawling 60 million square feet of space, the project promises to be a game-changer in the emirate’s real estate landscape. Located off the coast of Hamriyah, which is becoming an increasingly popular mixed-use location, Sharjah Waterfront City is set to include a collection of eight islands. While still in its development stages, the city has already begun welcoming residents in its initial phases, and further plans include building a theme park and water-based attractions in the future. The project’s developer, Ajmal Makan, is eager to increase its appeal, particularly among off-plan investors. The company has already planned a roadshow in Dubai to attract a wider pool of potential buyers. The developer hopes to capture the growing demand for real estate investments in the UAE, especially from those seeking to invest in the Sharjah property market. Advertisement The Vision for Sharjah Waterfront City The idea behind Sharjah Waterfront City is to create a modern, vibrant community that blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. As the project progresses, it aims to offer not only high-quality homes but also leisure activities and amenities that will enhance the overall living experience. The inclusion of a theme park and water attractions aligns with the city’s goal to attract families, tourists, and residents alike.

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Carnival unveils bold expansion with new ships, destinations, and fleet upgrades

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic vision under the banner of “Innovation Itinerary,” focused on enhancing its fleet, experiences, and guest loyalty. At a recent media briefing held aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami, President Christine Duffy outlined the company’s expansion plans, including new ship launches, destination enhancements, and upgrades to its guest experience and loyalty program. Christine Duffy unveils Sunsation Point on Carnival Festivale At the event, Duffy announced that the fourth ship in Carnival’s award-winning Excel class will be named Carnival Festivale, paying tribute to the early Carnival ships that helped popularize cruising in the U.S. Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, with reservations opening this summer. Carnival Festivale will introduce three new themed zones, two of which will celebrate music through immersive, sound-rich environments spanning Decks 6 to 8. “Carnival Festivale will keep in the Carnival tradition of bringing innovation and fun with each new ship,” said Duffy. The ship will also feature a new outdoor space called Sunsation Point, a family-focused area with the most expansive Carnival Waterworks Ultra park yet, replacing the BOLT rollercoaster from previous Excel ships. Designed for families, Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms—nearly 70% more than on its predecessors, and introduce a dedicated area for the Turtles program (ages six months to two years). Youth programming spaces will also be expanded.

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Top Hotels Like Radisson, Hyatt, Leela Launch Summer Deals Amid Tourism Surge

Oman Air, in collaboration with Visit Oman, has unveiled a powerful new Stopover Programme that is set to transform Muscat into a must-visit destination for international travelers. Designed to enhance global connectivity and enrich layover experiences, the programme offers customisable travel packages through Muscat International Airport, allowing visitors to explore Oman’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and luxurious hospitality—whether they stay for a few hours or up to four days. This initiative not only elevates Oman’s position on the world tourism map but also redefines how stopovers can become immersive travel experiences. Oman Air, the flagship airline of the Sultanate, has teamed up with Visit Oman, the nation’s digital travel gateway, to launch an innovative Stopover Programme designed to elevate Oman’s status as a top-tier destination for international travellers. The initiative opens up new doors for international travellers passing through Muscat International Airport, inviting them to pause and explore the rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that define Oman. Announced at the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2024, this innovative collaboration marks the Sultanate’s first digital stopover solution and underscores its ambition to attract millions of tourists in 2025 and beyond. Now live on the official Oman Air website, the programme offers customisable stay options that range from short four-hour layovers to immersive four-day itineraries, bundled with flexible hotel stays, transportation, guided tours, and cultural experiences. A Strategic Leap for Oman’s Tourism Vision The Oman Stopover Programme is not just a travel perk—it’s a powerful strategic initiative that aligns closely with Oman’s Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy through tourism, hospitality, and cultural investment. By capitalising on Oman Air’s extensive international route network and Visit Oman’s digital booking capabilities, this collaboration aims to turn every transit passenger at Muscat International Airport into a potential visitor and advocate for the country.

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Top Hotels Like Radisson, Hyatt, Leela Launch Summer Deals Amid Tourism Surge

India’s top luxury hotels, including Radisson, Hyatt, and Leela, are rolling out exclusive summer deals in response to the growing demand for domestic tourism. With the early onset of summer heat and the school holiday period, these prestigious hotel chains are strategically launching attractive offers to capitalize on a shift in travel behavior. As more Indian travelers opt for local getaways, seeking cooler climates in hill stations or heritage destinations, these deals aim to capture a larger share of the market. By offering discounts, special packages, and personalized experiences, these hotels are positioning themselves as the go-to destinations for those looking to escape the city heat and indulge in a luxury vacation. With the arrival of soaring temperatures and school vacations, luxury hotels across India are preparing for a notable increase in domestic tourism. From the grand Leela Palace in Udaipur to Hyatt’s iconic properties across the country and Radisson’s expanding network of leisure-focused hotels, the hospitality sector is preparing to make the most of an early seasonal shift. In a bid to offer travelers more value during typically off-peak months, these prestigious hotels have launched a range of exclusive summer packages designed to attract domestic tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. The Early Summer Surge The summer season in India is traditionally a slower period for the tourism industry, with many travelers opting to stay indoors due to the intense heat. However, this year, with the onset of early summer and the absence of large-scale international events that typically attract foreign tourists, India’s luxury hotels are seeing a window of opportunity. The combination of soaring temperatures and the school holiday period is driving an exodus from cities, with families and leisure travelers seeking cooler climes in hill stations and heritage cities. This shift is prompting some of the country’s leading hospitality brands to launch attractive offers to draw in visitors before the busy tourist season begins in earnest.

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