News

Air Canada Expands New Iceland Service for Summer 2025

Air Canada had reportedly adjusted its schedule for the Northern Summer 2025 (NS25) season concerning its Iceland service. These modifications, which were said to have been officially filed recently, included frequency increases on routes connecting Montreal and Toronto to Reykjavik Keflavik. Montreal to Reykjavik Keflavik: From June 18, 2025, to August 27, 2025, the frequency was expected to increase from three to four weekly flights. The route would continue to be operated using the Boeing 737 MAX 8, though it had previously been served up to five times per week during the NS24 season. Toronto to Reykjavik Keflavik: From June 19, 2025, to August 28, 2025, the frequency was projected to rise from four to five weekly flights, aligning with the peak-season frequency of NS24. This route would also utilize the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Significance for the Travel Industry The expansion in flight frequency was believed to reflect growing demand for travel between Canada and Iceland. This adjustment was anticipated to impact various sectors within the travel industry, from airlines and airports to tourism operators and hospitality providers in both countries.

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Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar Strengthens MICE Tourism as Discover Saudi Joins ICCA: Surging Tourism

Travelers and business professionals looking to attend conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale business events in Saudi Arabia may soon find the Kingdom emerging as a premier global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. With Discover Saudi, the Kingdom’s leading Destination Management Company (DMC), joining the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps toward strengthening its presence in the global meetings and events industry. The announcement is expected to bring new opportunities for international event organizers to host their congresses, conventions, and business gatherings in Saudi Arabia (Middle East), leveraging its expanding infrastructure, strategic location, and commitment to business tourism under Saudi Vision 2030. This move marks a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s business tourism industry, as Discover Saudi has become the first-ever DMC from the Kingdom to be inducted into ICCA, the world’s leading association for international association and government meetings.

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Hong Kong Embraces Culture and Music with its First Colour and Music Fest in March 2025

Hong Kong’s first-ever Colour and Music Fest arrives in March 2025, blending Holi’s vibrant spirit with music, dance, and celebrations at Whitehead Barbecue. Hong Kong Colour & Music Fest 2025: A Celebration of Holi and Women’s Day Get ready for a vibrant fusion of colours, music, and cultural celebration as Hong Kong hosts its first-ever Colour and Music Fest 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitehead Barbecue in Ma On Shan, this grand festival will take place on March eight, bringing together the joyous spirit of Holi and the empowering essence of Women’s Day. A Day of Music, Dance, and Festivities With non-stop DJ performances, featuring electronic dance music, Bollywood hits, Afro beats, and popular chart-toppers, the festival guarantees an unforgettable experience. Attendees will be provided with unlimited eco-friendly and skin-friendly colours, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant tradition of Holi.

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India Embraces The Future Of Global Travel As Goa Demonstrates Its Commitment To Sustainable Tourism At The South Asia’s Travel And Tourism Exchange, SATTE 2025

India’s Goa captivates SATTE 2025 with a revolutionary sustainable tourism vision at the Goa Pavilion in New Delhi, showcasing eco-friendly innovations & legacy At SATTE 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made a resounding impact by unveiling the Goa Pavilion at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. The event was spearheaded by Goa’s Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who led the state’s delegation. He was joined by prominent officials including Secretary of Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Tourism Minister; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) at GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism; and Smt. Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer. Over the next two days, until 21st February 2025, Goa Tourism showcased an impressive range of offerings. During the event, Minister Khaunte took part in a dynamic panel discussion alongside notable dignitaries such as Uzbekistan’s Tourism Minister, Shri Umid Shadiev; Thailand’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, Shri Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham; Nagaland’s Tourism Minister, Shri Temjen Imna Along; and industry leaders like Shri Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets India; Smt. Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director of Informa Markets & Publisher of Travel Trends Today; Shri Peter Hall, President of IMEA at Informa Markets; and Chairman of STIC Group, Shri Subhash Goyal. The conversation delved into emerging trends and opportunities that are reshaping the global tourism landscape.

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Air India and the Philippines Collaborate on Direct Flights to Strengthen Travel Connections, Boost Tourism, and Deepen Economic and Cultural Ties

Air India and the Philippines launch direct flights, enhancing travel, tourism, and economic ties between the two nations. In a strategic move to enhance air travel between India and the Philippines, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) recently engaged in discussions with senior officials from Air India. The focus of the meeting was to explore the feasibility of establishing direct flight routes between the two nations, a development poised to significantly improve travel convenience, boost tourism, and promote cultural and business exchanges. Direct Flights Between India and the Philippines Under Consideration The discussions about direct flights between India and the Philippines took place on February 18, 2025. During the meeting, CAAP provided Air India with crucial insights into the regulatory framework required to obtain flight approvals in the Philippines.

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Thailand’s Koh Mak: A Model for Sustainable Island Tourism

As Thailand’s popular islands brace for a surge in visitors due to The White Lotus Season 3, a quieter revolution is unfolding across the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Mak, a 16 sq km island, has positioned itself as a low-carbon tourism pioneer, offering a sustainable alternative to mass tourism destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui. A Vision for Responsible Tourism Recognized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as the country’s first low-carbon island, Koh Mak thrives under a unique ownership structure. Unlike many Thai islands governed by state authorities, Koh Mak remains privately owned by five families, descendants of Luang Prompakdee, who purchased the land in the early 20th century. This local governance has helped enforce strict sustainability measures, including: No vehicle ferries to limit traffic Motorbike rentals capped at 70% of accommodation capacity Ban on loud music and water sports like jet skis Prohibition of plastic and foam containers These measures were formalized in the Koh Mak Charter (2018), ensuring the island’s preservation while promoting responsible tourism. Eco-Friendly Initiatives & Local Conservation Efforts Koh Mak integrates renewable energy and community-driven conservation projects, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. Initiatives include: Koh Mak Coral Conservation Group – Visitors participate in coral propagation using recycled PVC pipes. Trash Hero Beach Cleanups – A weekly event where tourists and locals remove plastic waste from the island’s shores. Eco-Tourism Experiences – Coconut harvesting, cold-pressed coconut oil workshops, and traditional tie-dyeing classes using natural pigments. According to TAT and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Koh Mak exemplifies Thailand’s sustainable tourism goals under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model, supporting the National Low-Carbon Strategy. A Paradise for Slow Travel & Digital Nomads With just 750 rooms available, Koh Mak ensures that tourism remains low-impact. The island’s car-free roads and bike-friendly paths encourage slow travel, making it a haven for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

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