News

Sri Lanka Celebrates Two Millionth Tourist in 2024

Sri Lanka marks a record-breaking year in 2024, celebrating the arrival of its two millionth tourist, showcasing its appeal as a vibrant tropical destination. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism announced today (December 26) its readiness to celebrate the arrival of the two millionth foreign tourist for the year 2024. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, shared that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has planned a special ceremony at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning to commemorate the milestone. By December 22, Sri Lanka had welcomed 1,966,256 international visitors since the start of the year. December alone saw 161,383 foreign tourists, with India contributing the highest number at 35,131 arrivals. In addition, Sri Lanka received 22,637 tourists from Russia, 12,822 from the United Kingdom, 9,998 from Germany, and 8,646 from Australia during December.

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ITC Hotels Sets New Benchmark With Welcomhotel Jabalpur In Central India

ITC Hotels strengthens its footprint in central India with the debut of Welcomhotel Jabalpur, honoring the rich heritage of the Bundelkhand region. This launch marks a strategic milestone in expanding the Welcomhotel brand, focusing on tier 2 and tier 3 citis to deliver distinctive and memorable experiences. Boasting over 15,000 sq. ft. of versatile banquet spaces, including indoor and outdoor options, the property is an ideal venue for destination weddings, corporate events, and both grand and intimate celebrations. The hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional architectural elements. With 122 thoughtfully crafted rooms and suites, Welcomhotel Jabalpur offers a perfect harmony of modern comforts, timeless elegance, and breathtaking views of the city’s natural splendor. Sharing his thoughts on the opening, Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said, “Welcomhotel brand trajectory is growing fast across both business and leisure locations. The launch of Welcomhotel Jabalpur marks a significant milestone in the continued asset right growth and expansion strategy of ITC Hotels. This property aligns with the spirit of brand Welcomhotel- each designed to reflect the essence of its region, ensuring that guests enjoy an authentic and enriching stay. Rajesh Jain, Director ARV Hotels said,“ARV Hotels Pvt Limited is excited to announce the grand opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jabalpur. It is a stunning addition to the city skyline. From state-of-the-art rooms, banqueting facilities which caters to social and MICE segments, gourmet dining experiences at our All-Day Dining restaurant Welcomcafe Reva, modern fitness centre, rooftop pool, every detail has been thoughtfully designed. Welcomhotel Jabalpur is ideally situated in Bargi Hills which makes it a perfect bleisure destination.” Conveniently located near Jabalpur’s prominent attractions, the hotel provides easy access to landmarks like Madan Mahal Fort, Bhedaghat, and the Rana Durgawati Museum. Guests can embark on guided tours to explore the stunning marble cliffs of Bhedaghat, the breathtaking Dhuandhar waterfalls, and the historic Chausath Yogini Temple. The serene Narmada Aarti, an evening ceremony on the river’s banks, offers a spiritual experience with glowing lamps and soothing chants reflecting over the water.

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Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG Redefine Global Hospitality

The global hospitality industry is witnessing a transformative era, with major hotel brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG Hotels & Resorts at the forefront of innovation. These leading brands are redefining the travel experience by focusing on expansion, sustainability, technology integration, and personalized guest experiences. As global travel demand rebounds post-pandemic, these hospitality giants are not only meeting but exceeding expectations by adapting to emerging trends, catering to evolving traveler preferences, and driving economic growth in key markets worldwide. Hyatt has aggressively expanded its portfolio to solidify its position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. With a focus on high-end accommodations, Hyatt has added properties under its Park Hyatt, Andaz, and Thompson Hotels brands. Its acquisition of Dream Hotel Group further boosts its presence in urban hotspots and trendy destinations. Key initiatives by Hyatt include: - Global Expansion: Hyatt recently opened properties in key markets like Tokyo, London, and Dubai, catering to both leisure and business travelers. - Lifestyle-Centric Offerings: Brands like Thompson and Alila focus on immersive guest experiences, blending luxury with local culture. - Sustainability Efforts: Hyatt is advancing its environmental goals by integrating eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption and offering sustainable dining options.

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Singapore Welcomes 15.13 Million Visitors in 2024

Singapore has celebrated a major achievement by welcoming 15.13 million international tourists by November 2024, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous year. This impressive growth underscores the city-state’s position as a leading global travel destination, with China emerging as its largest source of visitors in 2024. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Singapore reached 2.88 million, a significant 34% rise from the previous year. This surge can be attributed to the visa waiver introduced for Chinese travelers in February, a policy that has driven a substantial increase in arrivals. Indonesia, last year’s top contributor to Singapore’s tourism numbers, ranked second in 2024 with 2.2 million visitors. Other major markets included India with 1.09 million tourists, Malaysia with 1.08 million, and Australia with 1.05 million arrivals. Across Southeast Asia, Thailand reported an impressive 33 million international tourists as of November, while Malaysia surpassed 20 million visitors by October. Vietnam also recorded nearly 16 million arrivals by November, showcasing the region’s growing importance in the global tourism landscape. Singapore’s remarkable performance reflects its commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings. From hosting world-class events to introducing innovative attractions and ensuring a seamless travel experience, the city-state continues to evolve as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers alike. These efforts solidify its reputation as a dynamic and competitive player in the global tourism market.

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Vande Bharat Express: India’s First Engine-Less Train Sets Speed Record

New Delhi: Have you ever heard of a train that runs without an engine? It’s hard to imagine, right? For most of us, a train is synonymous with the sound of a chugging engine and the occasional puff of smoke. But yes, there is a train in India that runs without an engine. This train is not only fast but also incredibly popular. The popularity is such that it has outpaced many others in demand. As India’s first engine-less train, its immense appeal has led to nearly every state vying for its service. During its trial runs, the train clocked a speed of 183 km/h, but due to track limitations, it currently runs at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, making it the fastest train in the country. Many would think that a train without engine might operate slowly. But no, in fact, this engine-less train is faster than even the Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains. This high-speed, engine-less train is the Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18. Initially named Train 18, it gained popularity as the Vande Bharat Express. This semi-high-speed train has become a favorite among travelers, and you might have already traveled on it without realizing that it has no engine.

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India, Japan Set to Finalise Bullet Train Design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail

India and Japan are nearing the finalisation of the bullet train design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor, with tender awards expected soon. A senior official confirmed that the design is set to be formally approved. The Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified to suit Indian conditions, with changes including increased luggage capacity, the ability to operate in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and modifications to addres.. Over 50% of civil work for the MAHSR corridor has been completed across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Rail welding on the MAHSR viaducts in Gujarat commenced earlier this month. The rails for the project are being sourced from Japan, and over 60 km of track has been laid. In addition to importing bullet trains from Japan, India is preparing to indigenise the production of bullet trains and signalling systems for high-speed corridors. The Railway Board has tasked the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with manufacturing bullet trains capable of reaching speeds of 280 km/h. ..

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