News

Hong Kong Airlines Announces New Flight to Gold Coast, Starting January, Boosting Travel Sector

Hong Kong Airlines unveils a new flight to the Gold Coast, launching January 17, 2025, enhancing international travel and supporting tourism growth. Hong Kong Airlines is set to reinstate its non-stop flights between Hong Kong and the Gold Coast starting January 17, 2025. This seasonal service, running from January 17 to February 15, 2025, will operate four times a week for five weeks, coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. The airline will offer nearly 6,000 seats on its A330 wide-body aircraft during this period. Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Jeff Sun stated, “We are delighted to be the first Hong Kong carrier to bring back this highly anticipated Australian route for our passengers. The route launch will mark our first step back into the long-haul market as we are gradually introducing more aircraft to support the expansion of our route network. This includes actively exploring a return to the North American market, with routes to Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles and Seattle under consideration, to provide passengers with more international and diverse travel options.” “We expect Gold Coast to become a popular destination for our travellers, not only from Hong Kong but also from our extensive network in Greater China. They will be able to enjoy the beautiful weather, stunning coastline and exciting activities that Queensland hasto offer, further strengthening the cultural, tourism and business ties between these regions.” Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans said, “China has always been a critical visitor market for the Gold Coast and Queensland more broadly, so reconnecting to Hong Kong marks a positive step forward in our international recovery journey.” Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy MP said, “Gold Coast Airport’s first connection with Hong Kong in six years opens up South-East Queensland to even more Asian visitors, who we know love Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class holiday experiences.” City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said, “Tourism is in our city’s DNA so we look forward to welcoming visitors via Hong Kong Airlines back to the Gold Coast to experience everything we have to offer.” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the new service would help bolster international visitation as the city continues to rebuild its visitation and spend out of key and emerging international markets like Greater China.

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Portland New Terminal Combines Nature And Comfort For A Unique Travel Experience

Portland new terminal blends nature and comfort, offering travelers a serene, forest-inspired experience that brings the essence of Oregon’s outdoors inside. Air travel can often be overwhelming, but Portland’s newly renovated international terminal offers a refreshing change with its forest-inspired design. At Portland International Airport (PDX), significant investment has been made to bring the essence of Oregon’s outdoors inside. The updated terminal features a lush environment with dozens of trees, various plants, streams of natural light, and a wooden ceiling. Additionally, travelers may occasionally encounter “therapy” llamas and alpacas as part of unique experiences. The terminal’s roof, crafted from timber, pays homage to the Pacific Northwest’s dense forests. A total of 49 skylights illuminate 72 trees and 5,000 plants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Local shops and eateries, such as Portland Coffee Roasters, Powell’s Books, Blue Star Donuts, and Pendleton, offer travelers a true taste of Northwest culture. This renovation is more than just about aesthetics. In 2023, PDX served 16.5 million passengers, and in June 2024 alone, it saw a 9% increase in traffic compared to the previous year, with over 1.6 million travelers passing through. During the peak summer season, the airport manages approximately 450 flights daily. Travel Portland President and CEO Jeff Miller emphasized that PDX serves as both the first and last impression for many visitors, and the terminal’s renovation ensures that this impression is a positive one. He noted, “PDX is a shining star in our city’s tourism assets, and we often refer to it as one of the city’s best neighborhoods.”

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Sri Lanka Introduces Visa Free Travel for Tourists from Thirty Five Countries

Sri Lanka launches visa free travel for tourists from 35 countries, including China, India, Russia, the UK, and Germany, aiming to boost its tourism sector and revive the economy. In a bold and strategic initiative, Sri Lanka has announced the approval of free tourist visas for visitors from 35 countries, including significant markets like China, India, and Russia. This move is part of the island nation’s comprehensive plan to rejuvenate its tourism industry, which has been severely impacted in recent years, and to invigorate its ailing economy. The decision was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Cabinet and announced by Cabinet spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana during a weekly briefing on Thursday. A Six-Month Pilot Program to Attract Global Tourists Starting from October 1, 2024, tourists from the designated 35 countries will be eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry into Sri Lanka. This initiative will run as a six-month pilot program, during which the government will assess its impact on tourism and the broader economy. The move is seen as a crucial step in positioning Sri Lanka as a more accessible and attractive destination for international tourists. “The aim of the government is to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing tourism industry,” Gunawardana stated. This vision underscores Sri Lanka’s ambition to join the ranks of other prominent tourist destinations in the region that have successfully implemented visa-free entry policies to boost tourism. Countries Included in the Free Visa Initiative The extensive list of countries eligible for the free tourist visa program reflects Sri Lanka’s focus on both traditional and emerging tourist markets. Among the countries included are major tourism sources like India, China, and Russia, as well as nations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The full list of countries is as follows: India, China, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and France, among others. This diverse selection highlights Sri Lanka’s strategy to attract tourists from a wide range of regions, ensuring a steady influx of visitors throughout the year. By targeting both high-volume tourist markets like India and China and key European nations, Sri Lanka aims to diversify its tourist base and reduce its dependence on any single market. Reviving a Crisis-Hit Tourism Industry Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, once a thriving sector that contributed significantly to the country’s GDP, has faced severe challenges over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to global travel, leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. This was followed by a financial crisis in 2022, which saw widespread protests, political instability, and severe shortages of essentials like fuel, further discouraging international tourists. However, the situation began to improve in 2023, with the tourism industry showing signs of recovery. Sri Lanka recorded nearly 2 million tourist arrivals by mid-August 2024, marking a significant milestone as the country reached this figure for the first time since 2019. The government now expects to close the year with a total of 2.3 million arrivals, signaling a robust recovery trajectory. Sri Lanka’s decision to offer free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries marks a significant milestone in its efforts to revive its tourism industry and boost its economy. By making the country more accessible to international tourists, Sri Lanka is poised to attract more visitors, generate higher tourism revenues, and strengthen its position as a leading travel destination in the Asia-Pacific region. As the six-month pilot program unfolds, the government will be closely monitoring its impact on tourist arrivals and the broader economy. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for Sri Lanka to become a permanent “free visa” destination, attracting millions of tourists each year and driving long-term economic growth. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, and the free visa initiative is a crucial step in that journey. With the right policies and investments, Sri Lanka can look forward to a bright future as a thriving, world-class tourist destination.

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The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) proudly announces the addition of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to its prestigious Membership, aligning it with the world’s most influential hotel groups. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, a collection of 12 opulent properties in India’s most iconic locations, has redefined luxury since its inception in Mumbai in 1986. Renowned for delivering unparalleled experiences, it was named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years, and continues to rank among the top three globally, continuing its legacy of excellence. WTTC represents the global Travel & Tourism industry, uniting its top business leaders. It drives sustainable growth, offers data-driven insights, and partners with governments and businesses to shape policies that boost Travel & Tourism’s economic impact worldwide. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Welcoming The Leela into the WTTC family underscores their unwavering commitment to luxury and sustainable practices. The Leela’s dedication sets a high bar in the hospitality industry. “It is the embodiment of Indian hospitality and offers a fresh and invaluable perspective to our global community and enriches the sector. We are excited to work together to push the boundaries of Travel & Tourism.” Anuraag Bhatnagar, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts CEO, said “We are elated to join the World Travel & Tourism Council, an organisation esteemed for its visionary leadership and advocacy within the global Travel & Tourism industry. “At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences and fostering sustainable growth. This membership aligns perfectly with our vision, and we eagerly anticipate contributing to the industry’s future alongside esteemed peers.” Under Bhatnagar’s visionary leadership, The Leela has expanded with five new hotels and introduced pioneering initiatives such as The Leela Palace Services, Ceremonial Rituals, Tishya by The Leela, Aujasya by The Leela, and Icons of India by The Leela, further solidifying its position as the pinnacle of Indian luxury. With an extensive background in leading luxury hotel brands, Bhatnagar continues to drive The Leela’s growth and commitment to excellence.

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Vista Dome trains to soon run on Kalka-Shimla route

In a move set to boost tourism in the Shimla, Indian Railways successfully tested the vista dome train on the historic Kalka-Shimla route recently. The train's introduction is seen as a significant development for local businesses and the tourism industry, with many anticipating a substantial increase in tourist numbers to the area. The vista dome features a seven-coach configuration, each equipped with panoramic windows to offer passengers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and lush landscapes. This immersive experience is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, drawn by the promise of a scenic journey through one of India’s most picturesque regions. The unique design of the coaches allows for an unparalleled view, which will make the journey in itself a key part of the tourist experience. Local travel businesses and taxi drivers in Shimla have expressed enthusiasm about the potential boost the new train could bring to tourism. Locals are optimistic about this and are of the view that this initiative will be a game-changer for them. The vista dome will be a major draw, and they expect to increase their business significantly. This train is expected to run at a high speed. Locals further added that they urge Indian Railways to also start special night trains, which will attract even more tourists and boost our economy. The vista dome coach was first introduced on a trial basis in December 2018 and quickly gained popularity. By 2020, a full vista dome train was operational, and it rapidly became a major tourist attraction. The success of this train highlights the growing demand for unique and visually appealing travel experiences, particularly in regions known for their natural beauty. The Kalka-Shimla railway line, which began operations with steam engines in 1903 and transitioned to diesel engines after 1970, holds a special place in Indian railway history. In 2008, the railway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination for travelers. The introduction of the vista dome train adds a new dimension to this historic route, offering tourists a fresh way to experience the scenic beauty that has long drawn visitors to the region. As the vista dome train will begin regular operations, it is expected to play a crucial role in boosting tourism in Shimla and the surrounding areas. Local businesses are hopeful that the increased tourist influx will lead to more economic opportunities, with the train serving as a catalyst for growth in the region's hospitality and transportation sectors.

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Ashok Travels Named Official Travel Partner for Paralympic Team India

Ashok Travels & Tours Named Official Travel Partner for Team India’s Paralympic Athletes at Paris 2024 Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), a division of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), has been appointed as the official travel partner for Team India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. To mark this significant partnership, a grand send-off event was held at The Ashok, New Delhi, where the nation’s Paralympic heroes were honored and celebrated. As the official travel partner, ATT is tasked with ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for the entire Indian Paralympic contingent, including athletes, coaches, and support staff. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to supporting the team’s success on the global stage. M.R. Synrem, IAS, Managing Director of ITDC, expressed his pride in the collaboration, stating, “This partnership goes beyond managing travel logistics; it’s about ensuring our athletes receive pleasant and secure services, allowing them to focus entirely on their sport. We are proud to support our Paralympic team in their pursuit of excellence at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.” Sanjay Singh, General Manager of Ashok Travels & Tours, echoed these sentiments, adding, “It is an honor for us to support our Paralympic athletes as they represent India on the world stage. At Ashok Travels & Tours, we understand the unifying and inspiring power of sports, and our team is fully committed to making the journey to Paris 2024 seamless and comfortable for the entire contingent.” The send-off event at The Ashok was a poignant moment, symbolizing the nation’s collective pride and optimism as India’s Paralympic athletes embark on their journey to the Paris 2024 Games.

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