News

India Emerges As Priority For Riyadh Air With New Expansion Plans And Distribution Partner

India becomes a key focus for Riyadh Air as it explores strategic partnerships, strengthens aviation ties, and appoints an exclusive distribution partner. Riyadh Air is making a decisive move to strengthen its presence in India as CEO Tony Douglas leads a high-level delegation on a crucial visit from March 12 to 14, 2025. This visit is designed to establish strategic partnerships, expand business opportunities, and solidify the airline’s position in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. The delegation’s itinerary includes high-stakes meetings with Air India and IndiGo, the country’s two largest airlines, as well as discussions with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to explore regulatory frameworks and collaboration opportunities that will facilitate Riyadh Air’s entry into the Indian market. As Riyadh Air prepares for its official commercial launch later this year, India has been identified as a critical element in its global expansion strategy. Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious goal to make India its largest tourism source market by 2030, aligning with the nation’s broader Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. The Saudi Tourism Authority has outlined plans to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by the end of the decade, recognizing the immense potential of India’s growing outbound travel sector. The surge in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia in recent years further underscores this potential, with visitor numbers soaring by 50 percent in 2023 to exceed 1.5 million. This growth reflects the impact of strategic initiatives between the two nations, including increased flight connectivity, simplified visa procedures, and strengthened diplomatic and economic ties.

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Italy’s Enchanting Siculiana Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime £0.83 Dream Getaway to Boost Tourism and Unlock Stunning Mediterranean Treasures

iculiana, Italy, offers a once-in-a-lifetime £0.83 getaway, including accommodation, meals, and tours, to help boost off-season tourism and showcase Sicily’s beauty.Sicilian Seaside Town Offers Dream Getaway for Just £0.83 to Boost Off-Season Tourism If you’ve been fantasizing about a Mediterranean escape, the charming seaside town of Siculiana in Sicily is offering a three-night stay for an unbelievable £0.83. In a bid to encourage tourism during the off-peak months, Siculiana, a hidden gem nestled on the southern coast, is welcoming visitors with an amazing deal. This picturesque town, known for its stunning beaches and 14th-century castle, invites travelers to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean’s largest island. Located just eight miles from the bustling provincial capital of Agrigento, Siculiana offers a serene alternative to more tourist-heavy destinations. The town is renowned for its cobblestone streets, white sand beaches at the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, and proximity to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, home to remarkable ancient Greek ruins like the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved monuments in the world.

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Uttarakhand’s Corbett To Shine As India’s Astro-Tourism Destination With Dark Sky Conclave

Uttarakhand’s Corbett will host the Astro-Tourism and Dark Sky Conclave from March 21-23, 2025, uniting experts to promote dark sky conservation and sustainable astro-tourism. Uttarakhand Hosts Astro-Tourism and Dark Sky Conclave in 2025 The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), in collaboration with Starscapes, is set to organize the Astro-Tourism and Dark Sky Conclave at Corbett, Ramnagar, from March 21-23, 2025. This three-day event is a key component of the Nakshatra Sabha astro-tourism campaign, designed to gather astronomers, astrophotographers, researchers, industry professionals, and night sky enthusiasts to emphasize dark sky preservation and promote sustainable astro-tourism practices. Expert-Led Sessions and Workshops Participants can expect an enriching program of expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and technical training sessions. The event will provide valuable knowledge on topics such as night sky conservation, telescope usage, astrophotography, and strategies for developing astro-tourism as a sustainable industry. Additionally, there will be policy deliberations focused on the future of astro-tourism in India.

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InterGlobe Aviation Makes USD 45 Million Strategic Investment to Boost IndiGo’s Aircraft Leasing and Financial Services

Riyadh Air, launching in 2025, is forging powerful partnerships with India’s top carriers to drive remarkable growth and reshape global aviation. Riyadh Air, the soon-to-launch Saudi Arabian airline scheduled to begin operations in 2025, is actively seeking to forge strategic alliances with major Indian carriers such as Air India (AI) and IndiGo Airlines (6E). Both airlines hold the title of the largest carriers in India, with a combined fleet exceeding 700 aircraft. A partnership with one or both of these industry giants would significantly bolster Riyadh Air’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, highlighted on Wednesday the immense importance of the Indian market for the airline’s growth plans. He also confirmed that ongoing negotiations are taking place with both Boeing and Airbus to secure additional wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-1000 models.

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Kashmir Attracts 13% Of India’s Tourists In J&K Between 2021-2024, Jammu Leads With 86%

Kashmir accounted for 13% of total tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir from 2021 to 2024, with Jammu receiving the majority share, official data shows. Kashmir’s Tourism Share and Growth in the Last Four Years Kashmir has captured nearly 13% of the total tourist arrivals in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the past four years. The bulk of the tourist traffic, however, has been directed toward the Jammu region, as indicated by official statistics. Total Tourist Arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir (2021-2024) The Economic Survey for 2024-25, presented by the Jammu and Kashmir government, revealed that from 2021 to 2024, the UT attracted a total of 74,970,943 tourists. This figure includes both religious visitors to significant sites such as the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir.

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Rome’s Hospitality Landscape Evolves With The Opening Of Art’otel’s First Italian Property

PPHE’s art’otel opens its first Italian property in Rome, offering a blend of contemporary design, art, and luxury in the heart of the Eternal City. art’otel, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brand owned by PPHE Hotel Group, has officially made its debut in Italy with the grand opening of art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio. Positioned in the heart of Rome, the five-star boutique property arrives just in time for the Eternal City’s Jubilee celebrations, offering an immersive luxury experience that blends modern design with the city’s historic charm. Nestled near the historic Horti Sallustiani, the hotel presents a striking fusion of bold aesthetics, interactive art installations, and an innovative culinary destination. Its prime location, just steps away from the iconic Via Veneto and Spanish Steps, ensures that guests can seamlessly explore the cultural richness of Rome while indulging in a dynamic and contemporary hospitality experience. With a focus on art, culture, and gastronomy, the hotel is set to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

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