News

Saudi Arabia Ramadan Travel In 2025 Surges To New Heights

Saudi Arabia Ramadan 2025 travel surges as Wego unveils soaring bookings, luxury stays, solo trips, and key trends shaping 2025 As Ramadan 2025 approaches, Saudi travelers are embracing a surge in travel—from spiritual journeys for Umrah to luxury retreats and solo adventures. Wego’s latest insights highlight key trends shaping Saudi travel behavior this season while offering early projections for 2026. Explosive Growth in Ramadan Travel Bookings The holy month has always been a peak travel period for Saudi residents, and this year is no exception. Wego data reveals a staggering 131.69% month-over-month spike in travel bookings, signaling heightened enthusiasm for both domestic and international trips. Top International Destinations: Egypt, India, and Pakistan continue to be the most sought-after locations, driven by cultural and familial connections. Top Domestic Choices: Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam dominate local travel, catering to spiritual, family, and leisure experiences. March is expected to drive peak bookings, reinforcing the significance of Ramadan as a pivotal travel season. The Rise of Mobile-First Travel Planning Technology is reshaping how Saudis plan their trips, with 62% of all Ramadan 2025 bookings made via the Wego app. The convenience of real-time booking, itinerary management, and AI-driven travel recommendations is fueling a shift toward mobile-first travel planning. As Saudi travelers gear up for Ramadan 2025 and beyond, comfort, spirituality, and flexibility define their evolving preferences. With luxury stays, solo adventures, and digital travel planning taking precedence, the landscape of Ramadan travel continues to transform.

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Karnataka Sets A New Benchmark In Tourism With Seaplanes And Revolutionary 3D Experiences

Karnataka is gearing up to enhance its tourism sector with the launch of seaplane services connecting prominent destinations such as Hampi and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS). In addition to this aviation boost, the state government is developing a multilingual tourism website and immersive 3D virtual tours of iconic heritage sites. These initiatives aim to offer global travelers a more engaging and accessible experience of Karnataka’s rich cultural and historical treasures. Karnataka is set to revolutionize its tourism sector with the introduction of seaplane services, enhancing connectivity to key destinations such as Hampi, Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), and the Almatti backwaters. By integrating this innovative mode of transport, the state aims to provide visitors with seamless access to some of its most iconic attractions, further solidifying its status as a must-visit destination. In a parallel effort to attract global visitors, the government is developing a multilingual tourism website designed to offer comprehensive information in multiple foreign languages. This platform, being created in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to streamline travel planning for international tourists, making Karnataka’s diverse offerings more accessible to a global audience. At the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outlined the state’s ambitious plans to enhance tourism infrastructure. The expo served as a platform for B2B meetings, where industry experts discussed strategies for improving travel and tourism in Karnataka. Beyond seaplane services, the government is also focusing on strengthening other transport networks, including rail and road connectivity, ensuring that visitors can explore Karnataka’s top attractions with ease. These forward-thinking initiatives underscore Karnataka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier travel destination, offering both domestic and international visitors a richer, more immersive experience of its cultural and natural wonders. In a groundbreaking step toward digital tourism, Karnataka has introduced its first-ever 3D virtual tour of heritage sites, spearheaded by Tourism Minister HK Patil. This initiative features immersive 3D films showcasing 20 to 30 temples and historical landmarks safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). By leveraging this advanced technology, people across the globe can now explore Karnataka’s rich cultural and historical heritage remotely, offering a unique way to experience its legacy without the need for physical travel. By seamlessly blending innovation with improved accessibility, Karnataka is revolutionizing the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors. The introduction of seaplane services, a multilingual tourism website, and interactive virtual tours will enhance connectivity and engagement, drawing a larger global audience to the state’s attractions. These efforts not only aim to boost tourism but also to spotlight Karnataka’s breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted cultural heritage, reinforcing its position as a premier travel destination.

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Kolkata Metro Rolls Out High-Tech Multi-Ticket QR Revolution for Faster Travel

In a bid to enhance passenger convenience, Kolkata Metro is set to upgrade its ticketing system starting February 28. The new system will allow commuters to purchase up to seven QR-based paper tickets in a single transaction, a significant improvement from the existing rule that permitted only one ticket per purchase. This upgrade aims to streamline the ticketing process, reducing congestion at counters and minimizing wait times, particularly during peak hours. The previous limitation often led to long queues, causing delays for travelers. With the new system in place, passengers can buy multiple tickets in one go, making it especially beneficial for groups and frequent commuters. Enhanced Ticketing System Coverage The multi-ticket purchase option will be rolled out across most metro lines, excluding the Purple Line (Joka-Majerhat). The updated system will be applicable on the following routes: Blue Line (Dakshineswar to New Garia) Orange Line (New Garia to Ruby Crossing) Green Line (Howrah Maidan to Esplanade) Passengers using the Purple Line will continue with the existing single-ticket transaction method until further updates. A Step Towards Smarter Urban Transit The introduction of this improved ticketing system is part of Kolkata Metro’s continuous modernization efforts to enhance commuter experience. By facilitating bulk ticket purchases, the metro service aims to reduce transaction times and decongest ticket counters, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey for passengers. Kolkata Metro: Pioneering Urban Transit As India’s first metro system, operational since 1984, Kolkata Metro has played a crucial role in transforming urban transportation. Serving as a lifeline for millions, it continues to expand and adopt modern technologies to improve efficiency and accessibility. This latest ticketing upgrade represents yet another step towards making metro travel faster, more convenient, and commuter-friendly in one of India’s busiest metropolitan cities.

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IndiGo Expands Network with Direct Ahmedabad-Kishangarh Route

IndiGo launches a direct Ahmedabad-Kishangarh flight, enhancing connectivity and making travel to Rajasthan’s cultural landmark faster and more convenient. IndiGo, India’s leading airline, continues to reinforce its position as the country’s most preferred carrier by launching a new direct flight between Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Kishangarh, Rajasthan. The service, commencing on March 1, 2025, marks Kishangarh as IndiGo’s 91st domestic and 129th overall destination within the extensive 6E network. This new route not only strengthens IndiGo’s presence in Rajasthan but also caters to the increasing demand for seamless travel to Kishangarh, popularly known as the ‘Marble City of India.’ The direct connectivity offers a time-saving, comfortable, and budget-friendly option for both business and leisure travelers, enhancing access to Rajasthan’s rich cultural and commercial landscape. Seamless Connectivity for Travelers With the launch of this new route, IndiGo now operates over 550 weekly flights from Ahmedabad to 36 domestic destinations, making it a crucial hub in Western India. The airline’s commitment to expanding domestic connectivity aligns with its vision to link people, places, and cultures, making air travel more efficient, reliable, and accessible. Enhancing Air Connectivity in India’s Growing Aviation Sector The launch of IndiGo’s Ahmedabad-Kishangarh route aligns with India’s aviation expansion strategy, aiming to connect emerging travel hubs with major metropolitan centers. IndiGo’s robust domestic network ensures: Faster and more accessible air travel options for passengers. Strengthened tourism and economic opportunities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Improved connectivity between tier-2 cities and major business hubs. IndiGo’s customer-first approach, affordable fares, and expanding fleet continue to position it as India’s top airline, catering to both domestic and international travelers.

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Delhi plans river cruise on the Yamuna

The Delhi government is set to enhance tourism and sustainable water transport by launching a ferry and cruise service along a 7-8 km stretch of the Yamuna River. This initiative aims to offer a unique experience while promoting eco-friendly transport in the national capital. The service will operate between Wazirabad Barrage (Sonia Vihar) and Jagatpur (ShTemple), providing scenic river views to visitors. To bring this project to life, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select an operator for two solar-powered cruise ships. These energy-efficient vessels align with the government’s sustainability goals while offering a novel way to explore the Yamuna River. The RFP invites interested bidders to submit pre-qualification, technical, and financial proposals before the designated deadline. According to the official notice, the cruise service contract will be awarded for a period of five years. The project is expected to create employment opportunities while boosting local tourism. The inclusion of solar-powered ships underscores Delhi’s commitment to green transport solutions, reducing the environmental impact of conventional water transport. By integrating eco-tourism with modern amenities, the upcoming cruise service is poised to transform the Yamuna into a vibrant tourist attraction. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for future expansions and further innovations in sustainable urban transport.

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Shillong Now Topping the Bucket List for Indian Travelers

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, has emerged as the most popular travel destination for Indians in 2025. The city has not only outperformed international destinations like Baku and Azerbaijan but has also captured the hearts of Indian travelers seeking natural beauty, cultural diversity, and affordability. Known as the “Scotland of the East” for its stunning hills and lush landscapes, Shillong’s popularity has soared, especially among younger tourists who are seeking more immersive and meaningful travel experiences. The Shift Towards Domestic Travel As the travel landscape evolves, Shillong has become a beacon for those looking for adventure and relaxation closer to home. Indian tourists, once more inclined toward international destinations, are increasingly opting for domestic locations like Shillong, which offers a unique blend of nature and culture without the high costs often associated with foreign travel. This shift is significant as Shillong is the only Indian city to appear on a global list of popular destinations, reflecting the growing trend of domestic tourism. Affordability and Budget Travel A key factor driving this shift is affordability. According to recent reports, cost is a primary consideration for nearly two-thirds of Indian travelers when planning their trips. With rising travel expenses globally, many tourists are now focusing on budget-friendly destinations that offer good value for money. The affordability factor is a significant motivator, as more travelers are factoring in the cost of flights, hotels, and meals while choosing their travel destinations. For instance, Almaty, Kazakhstan, has emerged as a top choice due to a dramatic 44% decrease in flight prices from India, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious tourists. Similarly, cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta have become more affordable, further boosting their appeal as desirable options for Indian travelers. Demand for Experiential Travel There has also been a notable rise in demand for experiential travel, where travelers seek unique and engaging experiences rather than just sightseeing. Indian tourists are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer interactive and immersive activities. A growing trend among younger tourists, particularly those between 25 and 34, shows a strong interest in art events that involve direct participation. The rise of live sports events, such as the Formula 1 event in Abu Dhabi, has also contributed to a surge in travel interest. As a result, flight prices to destinations like Abu Dhabi have seen significant hikes, with rates increasing by 188% as people flock to these events. In addition to sports, themed vacations such as “Gami-Vacation” and “Astro-adventures” are gaining popularity. The appeal of gaming-themed destinations and stargazing experiences has captured the attention of travelers, especially younger individuals looking to blend entertainment with adventure. These unique experiences are changing how Indian tourists approach travel, prioritizing creativity and engagement rather than traditional sightseeing.

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