News

Australia’s Thriving Tourism Sector Sets New Record With Surge In International Spending From India And China In 2024

Victoria has shattered its previous tourism records with international visitors spending a massive $9 billion in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the state’s travel economy. This surge is largely fueled by strong growth from China and India, which have emerged as the top-performing markets driving overseas travel to Victoria. As global travel rebounds, these two nations have not only led in visitor numbers but also in per capita spending, reinforcing Victoria’s appeal as a premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey for the year ending December 2024 have revealed that Victoria’s visitor economy, valued at $40 billion, is being propelled by international spending. Overseas visitors contributed a record $9 billion, marking a 41% year-on-year increase. China remains Victoria’s largest international market in terms of total spend, amounting to $2.7 billion, while India continues to be a top source of visitors, with Indian travelers spending $714 million in 2024. Visit Victoria’s dedicated efforts to target international markets, particularly India, have paid off, with the state witnessing record spending from Indian visitors. In addition, international tourism spending in regional Victoria reached an all-time high of $645 million in 2024, reflecting a 36% increase.

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Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al-Fitr 2025 Dates and Travel Guidelines for Visitors

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr 2025 will commence on Sunday, March 30, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This declaration follows the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon by the Kingdom’s Moon-sighting committee, a group comprising astronomers, judicial officials, and advisors from the Saudi Islamic authority. The committee convened to observe the lunar event that signifies the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.​ Public Holidays and Observances In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi government has declared public holidays for both public and private sector employees. The exact duration of the holiday period varies between sectors and is typically announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia during this time should consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information on public holidays and operational hours of businesses and government offices.​ Eid Al-Fitr: Significance and Traditions Eid Al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. The celebration begins with a special morning prayer, followed by communal gatherings where families and friends share festive meals, exchange gifts, and extend charitable donations to those in need. It is a time of gratitude, unity, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide.

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New IndiGo Flight Route To Connect Nashik, Goa, And Coimbatore Across India

IndiGo is enhancing domestic air connectivity in India by introducing a new flight route linking Nashik to Coimbatore, with a convenient stopover in Goa. This new service will not only simplify travel to popular South Indian destinations like Ooty but also strengthen regional connectivity within India. It is expected to improve business and industrial exchanges between Nashik and Coimbatore—two key cities in India’s manufacturing and innovation landscape. Currently, passengers from Nashik can fly directly to Goa. Beginning April 2, however, the same service will be extended onward to Coimbatore. According to the schedule, the flight will depart from Coimbatore at 10:40 AM, arriving in Goa at 12:35 PM. It will then continue from Goa at 12:55 PM, landing in Nashik by 2:40 PM. Flight Timing and Weekly Operations Travel between Nashik, Goa, and Coimbatore is set to become more convenient with IndiGo’s new multi-city route. The flight will depart from Nashik at 3:50 PM and land in Goa by 5:50 PM. After a short layover, it will take off from Goa at 6:15 PM and reach Coimbatore at 8:10 PM. This route will be available four times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

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Mauritius: The Ultimate Safe and Luxurious Spring Destination for Solo Travelers and Families

Mauritius tops Africa in safety and beats Spain in the 2024 Peace Index, offering a dreamy spring escape with sun, beaches, waterfalls, and luxury retreats. A stunning island paradise in the Indian Ocean has been crowned the safest destination in Africa—and it even ranked higher than Spain in the 2024 Global Peace Index. With its warm April temperatures hovering around 26°C, Mauritius has become a dream spring getaway for travellers seeking both serenity and sunshine. According to the latest Global Peace Index, which evaluates 163 nations based on 23 indicators including crime levels, political stability, and violent conflict, Mauritius scored an impressive 1.546. This placed the island nation in 22nd position globally—one place above Spain, which came in at 23rd. Mauritius’s safety, coupled with its exotic beauty and minimal time difference from the UK (just three hours ahead), makes it a highly accessible and desirable destination. With no real jet lag to contend with, visitors can jump straight into holiday mode and enjoy everything this tropical haven has to offer.

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Indonesia: Eid Travel On Peak as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Sees Million Passenger Surge, Fueling Aviation and Tourism Recovery

As the holy celebration of Eid al-Fitr approaches, Indonesia’s busiest aviation hub, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, is experiencing a remarkable surge in passenger traffic. The latest projections show a nearly 5% increase in traveler volume compared to last year—clear evidence that the nation’s aviation industry is not only stabilizing but rapidly recovering from the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the 2025 Eid transportation period in full swing, the airport—located near Jakarta—is preparing to handle an impressive 3.5 million passengers, a number that surpasses both 2024’s performance by 12% and pre-pandemic levels in 2019 by 17%. This uptick is more than just a seasonal spike; it’s a strong indicator of the resilience and growth of Indonesia’s air travel sector, especially during culturally significant holidays like Eid. Soekarno-Hatta at the Heart of Holiday Movement The rise in foot traffic at Soekarno-Hatta underscores the airport’s pivotal role as a gateway for domestic and international travelers alike. As the main artery for movement across the archipelago during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, it reflects national momentum, where demand for air travel is booming not only for family reunions but also for leisure and tourism. Airport officials have responded by expanding operational capacity and enhancing crowd management strategies. Temporary service enhancements have been introduced, including more frequent ground handling rotations, increased personnel for security screening, and express lanes for family travelers, especially those with elderly or young children.

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Bangladesh, China Launch Direct Flight Service To Kunming From Chittagong, boosting medical tourism

Bangladesh and China have officially launched a direct flight service between Chittagong and Kunming, marking a significant milestone in bilateral connectivity and medical tourism. This new air route is expected to ease travel for Bangladeshi patients seeking advanced medical treatment in China, particularly in Kunming, which is known for its modern healthcare facilities. The direct flights not only reduce travel time and logistical barriers but also reflect growing cooperation between the two nations in healthcare, tourism, and regional mobility. China has made a significant commitment by designating four hospitals in Kunming specifically for the treatment of patients from Bangladesh. These hospitals are equipped to offer advanced medical care to Bangladeshi patients, further strengthening the healthcare ties between the two nations. However, despite this generous gesture, the high cost of airfare has emerged as a major challenge for many patients and their families, making travel to Kunming difficult and expensive. The financial burden of flights has become a barrier to accessing the healthcare services provided by these hospitals, which are regarded as some of the best in the region. In response to this concern, the civil aviation authorities in Dhaka have taken proactive steps to address the issue by working to lower the airfare for flights between Dhaka and Kunming. These efforts aim to reduce the cost of travel and make it more accessible for those who need medical treatment in China. The move is seen as a critical step to facilitating the smooth and affordable transportation of patients who are in urgent need of healthcare services that may not be readily available in Bangladesh. The reduction in airfares is expected to make it easier for individuals to travel to Kunming for medical procedures, ensuring that more people can benefit from the high-quality healthcare available at the designated hospitals.

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