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Record 6,500 tourists flock to Maldives in one day

Maldives Sees Record Daily Tourist Arrivals, Reaching 6,500 The Maldives is witnessing a significant surge in tourism, with daily arrivals hitting an impressive average of 6,500, according to recent data from the Tourism Ministry. This marks a 10% increase from the same period last year, underscoring the Maldives’ growing appeal as a premier travel destination. As of 2024, the Maldives has welcomed 1.2 million visitors, achieving 67% of the government’s annual target of two million tourists. With the current pace, the Ministry of Tourism remains confident in reaching this ambitious goal. August alone has seen a remarkable influx of tourists, with over 78,000 arrivals by the 12th, reflecting a robust upward trend in tourism. The average length of stay has also increased, with visitors now spending approximately 7.8 days in the Maldives, further boosting the sector. The highest daily influx was recorded in February, with an average of 7,400 tourists arriving each day, totaling 217,000 visitors for the month. August is on track to become the second-highest month for daily arrivals, closely following February. January and March also saw strong numbers, with an average of 6,200 daily arrivals. China currently leads in tourist numbers, followed by Russia and the UK. India, which topped the list last year, now ranks sixth. To enhance Indian tourist numbers, the Ministry of Tourism is intensifying its efforts through targeted campaigns and promotions.

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Brazil’s ambitious plan to boost its tourism industry by 2027

Brazil has unveiled a comprehensive plan to significantly expand its tourism industry by 2027. The ambitious strategy aims to increase domestic travel, attract international visitors and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. It was presented at the VIII Tourism Salon “Discovering Brazil” in Rio de Janeiro. According to the plan, the number of domestic trips is projected to soar from 93 million to 150 million, while international tourism revenue is expected to reach US$8.1 billion. To support this growth, the government aims to create 3 million jobs within the industry. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino attributed the sector’s recent success to factors such as the expansion of hotel chains, increased flight options, and rising incomes. He highlighted the impressive job creation, with over 50,000 new positions added since the beginning of 2023. The tourism development program incorporates sustainable development principles, innovation, and information technology. In addition, 20 targeted programs and projects have been developed to support the industry’s growth. As Brazil positions itself as a global tourism destination, this plan represents a significant step towards achieving its economic and social goals.

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Moscow and Siberia Open Doors to Indian Tourists with New Travel Program

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is dedicated to enhancing tourism and hospitality in the capital, positioning Moscow as a premier destination for international travelers, with a particular focus on attracting visitors from India. On August 31, the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in collaboration with Aeroflot, unveiled the “Russian Holidays: From the Capital of Russia to the Capital of Siberia” initiative. This project offers Indian travelers the chance to explore the stunning attractions of Moscow and the enigmatic wonders of Siberia, including the Siberian capital, Tyumen, where they can relax in thermal springs and savor local cuisine. The Indian delegation engaged in over 800 meetings with various companies, greatly increasing the potential service providers and options available to Indian tourists. Since the introduction of e-visas on August 1, 2023, over 30,000 tourists have utilized the service in its first month. The e-visa, valid for 60 days, permits stays of up to 16 days. Moscow is already taking proactive steps to accommodate foreign tourists who lack access to credit or debit cards. Currently, visitors can pay in cash or withdraw money from their cards at local banks. However, Russia’s Economic Development Ministry plans to introduce an electronic payment card for foreign tourists by the end of the year, addressing most remaining payment challenges. In the first half of the year, nearly 1 million foreign tourists visited Moscow, with an additional 600,000 arriving over the summer. Leading non-CIS countries contributing to this influx include China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. Notably, India was highlighted last year as one of the top non-CIS countries in terms of tourist numbers to Moscow, as noted by Kozlov. Moscow caters to both casual and budget-conscious tourists, offering a wealth of experiences. These include summer movie theaters and urban amphitheaters, pedestrian routes, hundreds of cafe and restaurant terraces, and leisurely strolls through beautifully renovated parks and gardens. With over 18,500 food service establishments and 3,500 summer terraces, Moscow presents a diverse range of culinary options to suit any taste and budget. The city’s food scene features restaurants serving international cuisines, unique cafes offering national dishes, and an extensive array of food markets. This culinary diversity is celebrated through popular annual food festivals such as Fish Week, RestoMarket Fest, and Tastes of Russia.

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Moscow Rises to Sixth Globally with Boost From Indian Business Travelers

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, has highlighted India’s growing importance as a key tourism market for Moscow. India currently ranks as the sixth-largest source of tourists to the city, with an increasing number of Indian business professionals choosing Moscow as their preferred destination for business events. Business tourism now accounts for one-fifth of Moscow’s total tourist traffic. Kozlov’s recent visit to India aimed to strengthen ties with local tourism stakeholders and participate in a significant trade event. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is keen on deepening its engagement with Indian travelers, recognizing their growing significance in the Russian tourism landscape. Kozlov noted that before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel, tourist traffic from India to Moscow was growing steadily at an annual rate of 12-15 percent. A notable trend Kozlov emphasized is the preference of Indian business professionals for Moscow as a prime location for business events. Not only do business tourists make up a substantial portion of Moscow’s visitors, but around 40 percent of these travelers return to the city later with family or friends, underscoring Moscow’s appeal beyond business. In 2022, the Moscow City Tourism Committee reported that China, Turkey, and India were the leading sources of business visitors to Moscow from non-CIS countries. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, saw a significant 14 percent increase in business visits to the city. Currently, there are 10 direct flights daily between Moscow and India, with seven connecting Moscow to New Delhi and three connecting Moscow to Goa, facilitating increased travel between the two countries. To further promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, Moscow is set to host the first-ever Meet Global MICE Congress on October 6. The event is expected to attract 250 representatives from the business tourism industry across 14 countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. India and China will have the largest delegations at this international gathering, highlighting their pivotal role in Moscow’s business tourism sector.

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“Welcome to MonGOlia”: A lesser-explored Asian gem reemerging on the global tourism stage

Mongolia, a lesser-explored gem in Asia, is a stunning nation brimming with rich cultural past. Of late, the nation is making a strong push to attract international tourists with its unique landscapes. The country, noted for its reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing, and expansive wilderness, the country is aiming to attract those seeking a genuine escape from the everyday. About “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign The “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign marks Mongolia’s enthusiastic return to the global tourism stage, following a challenging period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic had a severe negative impact on Mongolia's tourism industry, but the country is now working to recover. As part of its recovery efforts, the Mongolian government has introduced new flights and streamlined the visa process, including visa-free travel for many nationalities. These measures have already shown results. In the first seven months of this year, Mongolia welcomed approximately 437,000 foreign visitors, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. This uptick includes rising numbers from Europe, the US, and Japan. South Korean visitors, in particular, have nearly doubled, thanks to the under-four-hour flight from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar. Despite these positive trends, Mongolia is still striving to reach its target of 1 million visitors annually from 2023 to 2025. The nation, historically renowned for the vast empire of Genghis Khan, is currently a landlocked country situated between Russia and China. With a population of about 3.3 million, half of whom reside in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia offers ample open spaces ideal for adventure tourism. Customized itineraries include horseback riding trips and camping excursions with the option of staying in traditional gers—felt-covered dwellings still used by Mongolian herders. This authentic experience draws visitors who wish to immerse themselves in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Before the pandemic, tourism contributed 7.2% to Mongolia’s GDP and employed 7.6% of its workforce, according to the World Bank. Although the industry faced significant setbacks, the World Bank has identified substantial growth potential for Mongolia. The country's diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, and opportunities for sports and adventure tourism present a promising future for its tourism sector. Mongolia’s unique attractions and recent improvements in travel infrastructure make it an appealing destination for those looking to explore unspoiled natural beauty and cultural traditions. With continued efforts to boost tourism, Mongolia is well-positioned to welcome even more visitors in the coming years.

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Discover Mount Mary’s immersive Biblical experience

Mount Mary’s Basilica in Bandra has long been more than just a historic landmark; it’s a revered sanctuary and a gathering place for people of all faiths. Now, directly across from this iconic site, nestled beneath the Mount Mary Steps, a new cultural attraction has emerged: ‘Pranam Maria’. This immersive experience takes visitors on a journey through the life of Jesus Christ and His mother Mary via 252 life-sized statues set within a meticulously recreated historical environment. The project’s roots trace back to 2008 was inspired by a similar exhibition he encountered at a Varanasi cathedral. Joaquim dos Reis, a member of the Archdiocese’s finance committee, notes, “The foundation stone was laid with the vision of creating a space for the thousands who visit the Basilica.” The experience is expected to open to the public in September, pending the final occupancy certificate. The façade of ‘Pranam Maria’ features a striking sculpture of The Holy Family—Joseph, Mary, and Jesus—set against a backdrop of seven boats and a towering Cross. This artwork, crafted to resemble intricately carved wood, symbolises Jesus’s past as a carpenter and his future on the cross, while the seven boats represent Mumbai’s seven islands and its fishing heritage. Entering the experience involves ascending a gentle slope to a concave building designed to evoke a mother’s womb. Adorned with tiny mosaic tiles and an abstract depiction of ‘The Woman and the Dragon,’ this entryway invites visitors into a sacred space. The main doors, painted with Alpha and Omega symbols, open outward, symbolizing an open invitation to all. Covering 10,000 square feet across two levels, it offers a 50-minute multimedia journey through 2,000 years of history. Visitors are enveloped in a custom musical score and dramatic storytelling as they move through scenes of lush landscapes, sunsets over the Sea of Galilee, and key Biblical moments. The statues and sculptures are brought to life with theatrical lighting, music, and narration. The creation of the 252 life-sized statues began in 2018, with traditional artisans from VV Patkar’s studio sculpting the figures. The faces were painted by Rishikesh Deshmane, an alumnus of JJ School of Arts.

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