News

Malaysia’s Tourism Transport Gets a Boost: MATTA Backs Ministry’s Reforms to Ease PUSPAKOM Inspections

The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) has expressed strong support for the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) recent initiatives aimed at reducing long-standing congestion and inefficiencies at PUSPAKOM inspection centers. The reforms, officially in effect since 17 March 2025, are designed to ease the operational burdens faced by transportation providers in the tourism sector and enhance service delivery for travelers across Malaysia. Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke announced a series of game-changing measures, including the Self-Declaration for Non-Safety Inspection Items, which exempts minor vehicle features such as body lettering, speed limit signage, first aid kits, number plates, and seat conditions from mandatory inspection. According to MATTA, this policy closely aligns with its prior recommendations and helps ensure vehicles are not disqualified over trivial issues, allowing operators to focus on critical safety compliance. In another progressive move, the MOT has introduced a Heavy Vehicle Exemption, allowing tourism transport operators to use highways en route to PUSPAKOM centers. Previously, operators were restricted from using expressways without valid inspection approval, which disrupted scheduled tourism services and created unnecessary detours. By coordinating with the Ministry of Works and the Malaysian Highway Authority, the new exemption offers a practical solution to reduce delays and maintain seamless travel operations.

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IndiGo bridges the gap between Lucknow and Srinagar, announces direct flights

IndiGo has announced the launch of direct connectivity between Lucknow and Srinagar, starting March 30, 2025. This new route offers enhanced travel options for leisure and business travelers, significantly reducing travel time between these two culturally rich cities. The introduction of this route is expected to boost tourism and economic growth in both regions. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to introduce a direct service between Lucknow and Srinagar, two cities of immense historical and cultural significance. With the introduction of this fight, IndiGo now offers over 230 flights from Lucknow, connecting to 17 domestic destinations and 03 international destinations. This new route will offer even more opportunities, towards enhancing tourism as well as business. At IndiGo, we remain committed to offering affordable, on-time, and hassle-free travel while increasing connections that bring people and places closer together. With these new flights IndiGo will now connect Srinagar to 10 destinations in India with over 150 weekly departures.”

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Inter Airport Southeast Asia 2025 shaping the Future of Airport Innovation at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Inter Airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) stands as Asia’s premier airport exhibition, highlighting cutting-edge airport equipment, technology, design, and services. The event serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect with influential airport executives, explore development projects, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic Asian airport sector. Inter Airport Southeast Asia 2025: Unveiling the Future of Airport Innovation at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Inter Airport Southeast Asia 2025, taking place from March 25-27, 2025, at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, is a leading trade show that highlights the latest advancements in airport equipment, technology, design, and services. This event offers a unique platform for industry professionals to connect, explore cutting-edge developments, and gain insights into the future of the airport industry in Asia. It is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving airport sector.

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India’s Luxury Hospitality Industry Poised to Thrive Through Innovative Efforts by Global Hotel Alliance, The Leela, and Minor Hotels

As India’s luxury travel sector witnesses remarkable expansion, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and its prestigious hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their dedication to the market, launching innovative initiatives designed to enhance the country’s luxury hospitality scene. India has emerged as a crucial growth market for GHA, with the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme seeing a 18% rise in membership to reach 623,000 members in 2024. Both The Leela and Minor Hotels are capitalizing on this surge, introducing new high-end offerings that cater to the discerning tastes of Indian travelers. A noteworthy shift has occurred in the spending patterns of Indian GHA DISCOVERY members, with international expenditure (54%) surpassing domestic spending (46%) for the first time. Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore have become the top international destinations for Indian travelers.

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Thailand launches ‘Grand Songkran Grand Privileges’ to enhance festive travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with leading brands, introduces ‘Grand Songkran Grand Privileges,’ a key initiative under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. Designed to elevate the Songkran travel experience, the programme offers exclusive discounts, privileges, and rewards throughout April for international visitors. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, stated, “Songkran is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Through ‘Grand Songkran Grand Privileges,’ we aim to provide international visitors with memorable experiences while stimulating spending and promoting sustainable tourism. By extending benefits beyond major cities to Thailand’s hidden gems, we contribute to local economies and reinforce the country’s position as a world-class tourist destination.” As part of the 5 Grand Concepts – Grand Festivity, Grand Moment, Grand Privilege, Grand Invitation, and Grand Celebration – the initiative aligns with the 2 BY 4 Global Campaign, which introduces special offers during February, April, and August. The April edition, “Grand Songkran Grand Privileges,” is specifically designed for families and lesser-known destinations, ensuring a unique and rewarding experience during Thailand’s most festive month

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Auckland and Delhi Airports Sign MoU to Enhance Travel Options, Tourism Growth, and Freight Connectivity Between New Zealand and India

Auckland Airport has entered into a strategic partnership with Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to deepen the connection between New Zealand and India. The two airports have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to share best practices in airport operations, management, and customer experience. This collaboration aims to increase connectivity, tourism, and freight flow between the two nations. Growing Demand for Non-Stop Flights Auckland Airport CEO, Carrie Hurihanganui, emphasized the substantial potential for growth in both passenger and freight traffic between New Zealand and India. She noted that while there are currently no direct flights between Auckland and Delhi, the partnership would work toward establishing non-stop services in the future, responding to the growing demand from travelers. Travel between India and New Zealand has surged by 78% since 2015, with 351,000 people traveling in 2024. Notably, 110,000 passengers traveled between Delhi and Auckland in 2024. This growing demand highlights the increasing importance of the Indian market for New Zealand’s tourism industry. In addition, 102,000 New Zealanders visited India in 2024, while 83,000 Indians traveled to New Zealand.

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