News

Kampong Thom floating village positions itself as Kingdom’s latest attraction

Kampong Thom province is fast overcoming its reputation as a province that holiday makers pass through on their way to a more established destination. Near enough to the capital for a viable day trip, one village in particular is enjoying a tourism resurgence. Situated on the waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, the Phat Sanday Ecotourism Community covers an area of approximately 23,000 hectares.The community is located in the Phat Sanday commune of Kampong Svay District, less than a half day’s drive from Phnom Penh.Established in 2019, it offers domestic and international tourists unique new experiences in the community forest and flooded forest, with services such as lodging, camping, food and boat trips.

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Vietnam breaks records in international tourism

Vietnam aims to draw as many as 23 million international tourists this year, a goal that would surpass pre-pandemic levels, according to a statement on the government website.BMI Research expects the country’s tourism industry to fully recover in 2025, it said in a report.Vietnam is targeting a 31% jump in foreign travellers this year from 2024, and about 5 million more than the 18 million arrivals in 2019. Visitors from India reached 501,000 in 2024. In the last two years, Indian tourists to Vietnam rose 2.6 times, making it “one of the most impressive growth markets” for Vietnam, according to the government statement. The number of international visitors to Vietnam reached 17.5 million last year, up 39.5% from 2023, according to the statement. Visitors from within Asia accounted for about 80% of international travelers.

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St. Louis Lambert International Airport partners with HOK to design its new terminal

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) has selected HOK, a globally recognized architecture and engineering firm, to design its new terminal as part of the Consolidated Terminal Program (CTP).This initiative aims to modernize and streamline the airport’s facilities to better serve passengers and accommodate future growth. The CTP is a comprehensive plan to merge STL’s existing terminals into a single, state-of-the-art facility.The program includes the construction of a new concourse with up to 62 gates, a consolidated security checkpoint, enhanced baggage handling systems, and improved passenger amenities. The design also retains the airport’s iconic domes, integrating them into the new terminal layout. HOK was chosen for its extensive experience in airport design and its commitment to sustainable and resilient architecture.The firm is expected to bring innovative solutions that enhance passenger experience, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.

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Thailand and Singapore See Travel Surge with Paytm's 10% Flight Discount and Free Cancellation

Thailand and Singapore see a boost in travel as Paytm launches a 10% flight discount and Free Cancellation offer, making international trips more accessible. One97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm and a leader in India’s payments and financial services sector, has unveiled exciting travel deals for adventurers planning trips to Southeast Asia’s top destinations—Singapore and Thailand. Travelers can enjoy an instant 10% discount on flights to Thailand with the promo code “FLYTHAI” and to Singapore using “FLYSIN.” These discounts apply to major airlines like Singapore Airlines, Vietjet Air, Thai Vietjet Air, Bangkok Airways, Scoot Air, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Lion Air, making trips to these vibrant locales more affordable. From Bangkok’s stunning cultural sites and Phuket’s pristine beaches to Thailand’s ancient temples and Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, these offers make exploring these destinations more accessible.

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Rajasthan To Guwahati Made Enriching With Bharat Gaurav Special Train

Discover India’s rich heritage as the Bharat Gaurav Special Train connects Rajasthan to Guwahati, offering a unique cultural and scenic travel experience.Indian Railways Launches Bharat Gaurav Special Train to Connect Rajasthan and Assam. Indian Railways has introduced the Bharat Gaurav Special Train, a unique initiative to boost tourism by connecting the cultural landscapes of Rajasthan and Assam. The train operates between Rana Pratap Nagar in Rajasthan and Kamakhya in Guwahati, offering travelers an enriching experience of India’s diverse heritage. The seven-day tour commenced on January 3 and will conclude on January 9. Starting its journey from Rana Pratap Nagar, the train is scheduled to arrive at Kamakhya on January 5, where it will halt for two days to allow tourists to explore local attractions. On January 7, the train will embark on its return journey, reaching Rana Pratap Nagar on January 9. The train’s route covers several key railway stations, including Berach Junction Cabin, Ajmer Junction, Jaipur Junction, Agra Cantonment, Prayagraj Junction, Varanasi Junction, Pt. DD Upadhyaya Junction, Patliputra, Barauni Junction, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, New Cooch Behar, and New Bongaigaon. These stops make it an exciting journey for enthusiasts eager to explore India’s rich cultural and geographical diversity.

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Southampton Emerges as a New Leading Cruise Hub in UK with Record Passenger Numbers in 2025

Southampton has firmly established itself as the leading departure hub for cruise passengers in the UK, with forecasts suggesting that its previous milestone of 2.7 million travelers will be surpassed in 2025. This steady growth underscores the port’s increasing prominence in the global cruise industry. Its appeal is attributed to strategic advantages and changing traveler preferences that continue to shape the cruise market. Iglu Cruise, a major cruise booking platform, named Southampton the UK’s most popular departure port, citing its accessibility, diverse itineraries, and well-rounded support services. This recognition highlights Southampton’s reputation and positions it as a pivotal player in the cruise industry’s future. Southampton’s popularity among cruise passengers stems from the simplicity and convenience it offers. Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, observed that first-time passengers from Southampton often become repeat customers due to the straightforward and enjoyable experience. Mills pointed to features like organized facilities, ample parking, and excellent disability assistance as reasons for the port’s widespread appeal.

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