News

Singapore Tourism Board Advances Sustainability Initiatives for Attractions and Event Venues

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced two innovative initiatives aimed at driving sustainable tourism and supporting the nation’s Green Plan 2030. The first is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Attraction Criteria, the world’s first global standard created specifically for attractions. The second is the MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to promote green practices within the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. These initiatives were unveiled by Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, at the GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference. This marks the first time Singapore has hosted the conference, a key platform where global leaders, organizations, and individuals passionate about sustainable travel and tourism come together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and form partnerships. In a statement, STB’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ms. Ong Huey Hong, emphasized the significance of these initiatives: “These efforts are crucial in positioning Singapore as a leader in sustainable urban tourism. By developing world-class standards and equipping the industry with practical tools, we are not only advancing our local tourism sector but also contributing to global sustainability goals in the tourism industry.” The GSTC Attraction Criteria is a groundbreaking global standard for sustainability in the tourism sector. It aims to raise awareness, support policy development, and provide a foundation for certification processes. Developed with the support of STB, the new criteria will help attractions worldwide implement sustainable practices that align with global sustainability goals. This is the first-ever global standard tailored specifically for attractions, filling a critical gap in the sustainable tourism landscape. Attractions will be able to apply for certification starting in early 2026, following the onboarding and accreditation of certification bodies by the GSTC in 2025.

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SpiceJet Resolves Rs 763-Crore Liability, Fully Acquires 13 Aircrafts

SpiceJet has announced that it has paid off a long-standing financial dispute with Export Development Canada, settling a $90.8 million (approximately Rs 763 crore) liability for $22.5 million, saving $68.3 million (Rs 574 crore) for the airline. This is one of the largest settlements in SpiceJet's history and strengthens its fiscal position by removing a substantial liability from its balance sheet, according to a press release. “This resolution allows us to move forward with a strengthened balance sheet and focus on getting our Q400 aircraft back into service, as quickly as possible. We are excited to expand our regional operations and enhance connectivity across key routes, including those under the UDAN scheme, with our revitalised fleet," said Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director of SpiceJet. As part of the agreement, SpiceJet has gained ownership of 13 Q400 aircraft, that were previously financed by EDC. The airline anticipates that owning these planes will lead to substantial reductions in operational costs by eliminating monthly rental expenses, which will further stabilise the airline’s financial footing.

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Indian Travel Expo 2024 in Bengaluru to Feature 800+ Exhibitors, Nov 25-27

Each year, countless travel professionals flock to ITE for its invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to forge meaningful connections. With over 800 exhibitors from across India, the expo is a platform to strengthen existing business relationships and initiate new partnerships. Attendees gain insights into travel trends, participate in workshops, and engage in discussions on the latest developments in the industry—all to give their businesses the competitive edge they seek. Indian Travel Expo 2024 brings over 800 exhibitors and vibrant cultural experiences to deliver a remarkable tourism boost in Bengaluru from November 25-27, 2024. The Indian Travel Expo (ITE) is preparing to unveil its highly awaited 2024 edition in Bengaluru, a city known for its dynamic energy and vibrant culture. Organized by the respected Asian Arab Trade Chamber of Commerce, ITE is not just an event—it’s a celebration of travel, a cultural exploration, and an immersive experience of India’s vast tourism landscape. Set for November 25-27, 2024, ITE promises a grand convergence of cultures, commerce, and the spirit of global travel, sparking anticipation for an unparalleled experience in the heart of Bengaluru. Each year, countless travel professionals flock to ITE for its invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to forge meaningful connections. With over 800 exhibitors from across India, the expo is a platform to strengthen existing business relationships and initiate new partnerships. Attendees gain insights into travel trends, participate in workshops, and engage in discussions on the latest developments in the industry—all to give their businesses the competitive edge they seek. ITE is also home to India’s most extensive organized buyer program, attracting hundreds of qualified buyers annually. This year, ITE expects even more hosted buyers, welcoming thousands of sellers from around the globe to connect with buyers and visitors alike. It stands as India’s largest marketplace for the travel sector, providing a thriving environment for business growth and collaboration.

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Houston Airports Unveils Chihuly’s Coastal Prairie Fiori at George Bush Intercontinental

Houston Airports is proud to announce the completion of Coastal Prairie Fiori, a breathtaking, site-specific glass installation by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly. This monumental artwork, now displayed inside the newly constructed International Central Processor (ICP) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), marks the artist’s largest airport commission to date. Spanning an impressive 80 feet in length, 20 feet in width, and 20 feet in depth, Coastal Prairie Fiori is a centerpiece of the Houston Airport’s Public Art Program. Inspired by the rich diversity of native plants found in the Gulf Coast’s coastal prairie, the installation features 537 one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass elements. These intricate pieces are meticulously arranged on five custom-designed armatures, suspended above the busy 17-lane TSA screening area in the ICP. This dynamic installation is designed to captivate and engage travelers, offering a stunning visual experience from multiple viewpoints. Each glass piece, ranging from 14 to 28 inches in diameter, showcases a vibrant interplay of colors and translucence, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the artistry. The piece’s ethereal beauty is especially striking against the backdrop of the terminal’s architecture, making it a must-see for anyone passing through. The TSA checkpoint housing Coastal Prairie Fiori is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 2025, providing travelers departing from Terminals D and E with an inspiring start to their journeys. This remarkable addition further solidifies Houston Airports’ commitment to integrating art into the travel experience, transforming the airport environment into a space that both delights and enriches the traveler’s experience.

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World Travel Market London Adds 500 Buyers, Setting New Benchmark

This year’s World Travel Market London saw an impressive 11% surge in pre-qualified buyers, with a total of 5,049 top-tier buyers participating over the three-day event. Organizers of the renowned travel and tourism gathering expressed their excitement at the notable increase, which brought in nearly 500 more buyers compared to the 4,560 attendees in 2023. Held from November 5 to 7, 2024, at Excel London, the 44th edition of the event marked a significant leap in scale and engagement. Attendance overall climbed by 6%, reaching a remarkable 46,316 visitors. Many industry professionals stayed for two or three days to maximize their experience. To accommodate the growing numbers, the event expanded its footprint by 8%, incorporating additional halls on Level-0 of Excel London. These new spaces featured larger conference stages and enhanced hospitality zones. The expansion also attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors from the private sector. Exhibitor participation grew to 4,047, an 8% rise compared to 2023. The event’s enhanced scale was complemented by a significant boost in pre-scheduled business meetings, which jumped by 17%. A total of 34,082 meetings were facilitated this year, a sharp increase from last year’s 29,075, showcasing the event’s continued commitment to delivering measurable value for its attendees. Driving pivotal discussions that will shape the travel and tourism landscape in 2025, WTM London placed a spotlight on the theme of ‘Travelpower.’ The event encouraged attendees—including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport providers, technology innovators, associations, and experience creators—to leverage their influence for meaningful change. Reinforcing this vision, the event’s dynamic conference program featured over 200 expert speakers delivering 70+ thought-provoking sessions on critical topics such as Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI), Geo-Economics, Marketing, Sustainability, Travel Trends, and Technology. Highlighting the industry’s resilience and commitment to progress, WTM London 2024 welcomed over 80 first-time exhibitors. Among these were prominent names like KOS Island, Nimax Theatres, Latvia Travel, Riyadh Air, Grand Prix Grand Tours, Barclaycard Payments, and Regnum Hotels. Their participation underscored the sector’s collective drive to lead transformative initiatives.

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Rahul Gandhi Takes Wayanad’s Longest Zipline to Boost Tourism

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a ride on Kerala's longest zipline in Wayanad, promoting tourism in the landslide-affected region. The visit came ahead of Wednesday's bypolls in Wayanad, where his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting for the Lok Sabha seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha shared a video of himself trying the zipline on his Youtube channel. “On Priyanka’s campaign trail in Wayanad yesterday, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring locals. Despite the recent challenges, they’re not giving up. They’ve built incredible attractions here—the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and a thrilling zipline—all to show visitors that Wayanad is as stunning and safe as ever. I even tried the zipline myself, and I loved every second of it,” the Congress leader said. Heavy rains starting from July 30 this year triggered multiple landslides across Wayanad, claiming hundreds of lives across Kerala. Gandhi said that the recent landslide has left tourism hanging by a thread, and livelihoods are really suffering—from shopkeepers to homestay owners and the adventure park team, everyone is working hard just to keep things going.

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