News

Penang Launches “Not The Penang You Know” Campaign in Southern Thailand to Boost Tourism

Penang in Malaysia launches the “Not the Penang You Know” campaign in Southern Thailand, aiming to boost tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and enhance connectivity. The Penang government has unveiled the “Not the Penang You Know” campaign in Southern Thailand to strengthen tourism and cultural connections while positioning Penang as a top destination. The initiative was introduced during the Experience Penang Networking Session in Hatyai, organized by Penang Global Tourism, which gathered tourism professionals from both Thailand and Malaysia. Wong Hon Wai, Chairman of the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, emphasized the significance of the new MySawasdee train service connecting Hatyai and Penang, viewing it as a key move to reconnect with traditional markets. Advertisement The campaign encourages travelers to venture beyond George Town’s famous heritage sites and street food, promoting attractions such as art spaces, wellness retreats, cycling holidays, and traditional crafts. New attractions include the Bertam Resort and Water Park, the Design Village shopping outlet, and the Penang History Gallery. The networking event featured 24 tourism companies from Penang, fostering cross-border partnerships. Wong underscored Penang’s deep cultural and historical ties with Southern Thailand, mentioning landmarks like Wat Chaiyamangkalaram and historical figures like Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong. He also pointed to a 41% rise in Thai arrivals at Penang International Airport last year, thanks to improved air, rail, and road connections. With 1.6 million Thai tourists visiting Malaysia in the past year, 80% of whom traveled by land or train, Penang aims to attract even more visitors through enhanced connectivity and its expanding recognition as a hub for education and corporate events.

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Singapore Teams Up with AirAsia MOVE for Seamless, Affordable Weekend Escapes

In a major move to attract more Southeast Asian tourists and enhance the visitor experience, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and AirAsia MOVE have officially signed a Letter of Cooperation (LOC) on 17 April 2025, marking the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at reshaping how regional travellers explore Singapore. This dynamic collaboration places a strong emphasis on markets like Malaysia and Thailand, where demand for short-haul, experience-rich vacations is steadily increasing. The partnership seeks to simplify the travel planning process and offer Malaysian and Thai visitors exciting weekend getaways that are both affordable and memorable. Advertisement Personalised Weekend Getaways Powered by AirAsia MOVE One of the most exciting elements of the collaboration is the introduction of exclusive travel packages curated especially for Malaysian and Thai travellers. These will include seamless combinations of flight bookings, hotel stays, and access to top attractions and events, all easily bookable through the AirAsia MOVE app. Whether it’s a couple searching for a romantic weekend escape or a group of friends eager to explore Singapore’s food scene, culture, and nightlife, these travel bundles will help tourists build personalised itineraries that are both efficient and enjoyable.

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New Expressway via Bandikui Cuts Delhi-Jaipur Travel Time: What to Know

In recent developments, a significant infrastructure project has been underway to enhance connectivity between Bandikui and the Jaipur Ring Road. This new 67-kilometer express highway aims to reduce the travel distance by 20 kilometers, thereby facilitating smoother and more efficient travel between the two regions. Previously, travelers had to exit at Dausa and navigate the slower NH-21 route, which passed through towns and villages. With the completion of this expressway, drivers can now enjoy a more direct and expedited journey.​ Impact on Travel Time Advertisement The introduction of this expressway is set to significantly decrease travel time. Motorists can now expect a non-stop journey from Delhi to Jaipur within two-and-a-half hours, a notable improvement over the previous travel times. This advancement is part of a broader initiative to streamline road travel and enhance safety between Delhi and Jaipur.​ Traffic Flow Improvements Prior to the expressway’s completion, vehicles traveling from Delhi, Gurgaon, and Faridabad were required to exit the expressway at Dausa and switch to the NH-21, a route characterized by lower speed limits and frequent congestion due to its passage through various towns and villages. The new expressway eliminates this need for detours, allowing for a smoother and more direct route. Once fully operational, the journey from Delhi (DND Flyway) to Jaipur is expected to be seamless and efficient.​ Ongoing Construction and Detours While most sections of the highway are completed, a minor portion remains under construction. Specifically, a rail overbridge (ROB) on the Delhi-Ahmedabad railway line is still being built. An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) mentioned that the road is complete except for one side of the ROB, which is anticipated to be finished by the end of May. Until then, a temporary detour may be established to accommodate traffic flow.​

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Indians Flock to Visa-Free Destinations Amid Heatwave and Rising Airfares

India experiences a surge in outbound travel as tourists seek visa-free destinations to escape rising temperatures, high airfares, and enjoy luxurious, short-haul getaways. As temperatures across India soar and the India Meteorological Department issues red alerts for extreme heat, many Indians are seeking refuge by planning international vacations. Despite challenges posed by heatwaves and rising airfares, outbound travel is experiencing a noticeable surge, especially to destinations that don’t require a visa. Advertisement According to recent data, Indians’ spending on international travel has surged significantly. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Indians spent nearly $17 billion (INR 1,41,800 crore) on international travel, marking a 24.4% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This reflects the growing affluence of India’s middle class, which now has the disposable income to indulge in foreign experiences. Preference for Visa-Free and Short-Haul Destinations To simplify travel, an increasing number of Indian tourists are opting for visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives have become top choices due to their affordability and exotic appeal. Indian travelers typically budget between INR 30,000 to INR 70,000 per person for a week-long trip, seeking value-for-money experiences. Tourism Industry Responds to Surge in Demand Tourism businesses, including airlines and tour providers, are reporting a spike in bookings, signaling a boom in the travel industry. School holidays and the lure of cooler climates abroad continue to drive strong demand for international trips, even amidst rising airfares. In response, travel platforms are curating special packages that feature accessible and unique destinations.

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Oman Air and Visit Oman Launch Stopover Program to Make Muscat a Key Travel Hub

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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Radisson Launches Revitalise Rooms with Biow Tech for Better Sleep

Radisson Hotel Group has revolutionized the sleep experience with the launch of Revitalise Rooms, an innovative initiative designed to transform the way guests rest during their stay. In partnership with Biow, a leader in advanced sleep science technology, this new offering aims to help guests experience deeper, more restorative sleep, so they wake up energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the day. At Radisson, the focus on exceptional guest experiences has always centered around the essentials that matter most. Recognizing that a restful night’s sleep is a critical component of a memorable stay, Radisson has already perfected the basics—premium mattresses, plush duvets, and carefully selected pillows. But with the introduction of Revitalise Rooms, the Group has taken its commitment to sleep quality to an entirely new level, integrating Biow’s E-OX device for next-generation sleep enhancement.

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