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PM Modi's State Visit To Maldives Next Year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's invitation to travel to Male on a state visit next year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Monday. The Foreign Secretary said that the dates for PM Modi's visit will be worked out through diplomatic channels. "President Muizzu expressed his gratitude for the very warm welcome that he and his delegation have received here. He extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Maldives on a State visit next year. The Prime Minister accepted the invitation and the dates for the visit will worked out through diplomatic channels," Mr Misri said at a special briefing on Monday. He said that the engagements and outcomes during Muizzu's visit will enable the ties between the two nations to scale new heights in the coming years. "Overall, I would say that the engagements and outcomes during this visit will enable the India-Maldives relationship to scale new heights in the coming years and make it more fit for purpose to handle the challenges that we see emerging in this region in the coming years," Misri said in the briefing.

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Mexico Tourism Industry is Surging with Visa Free Travel to 66 Countries

Mexico, known for its vibrant culture and deep-rooted history, offers a captivating range of experiences for travelers. From the crystal-clear beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen to the majestic ruins of Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán, the country combines natural beauty with historical significance. The lively streets of Mexico City, adorned with artistic murals and landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, contrast with the tranquil landscapes found in Oaxaca and the Yucatán Peninsula. Whether you’re exploring the cenotes in Tulum or wandering through the bustling markets of Guadalajara, Mexico enchants visitors with its friendly hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and stunning scenery. TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan commented, “The new visa-free policy, effective October 2024, opens up exciting opportunities for travelers from 66 countries eager to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. I’m thrilled to see Mexico become more accessible to international visitors, particularly for those of us keen to experience its breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. With this new policy, Mexico is at the top of my 2024 travel list. I’m looking forward to discovering the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, unwinding on Cancún’s pristine beaches, and soaking in the energetic vibe of Mexico City. This change highlights Mexico’s welcoming nature and diverse attractions, making it an ideal spot for adventurers and culture lovers ready to explore.” Best Time to Visit Mexico’s climate varies significantly by region, offering year-round destinations: Beach Resorts (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas): The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. Mexico City and Central Highlands: The cool, dry months of November to April are ideal for exploring cities like Mexico City, Puebla, and Guanajuato. Yucatán Peninsula (Tulum, Mérida): Visit from December to April for pleasant weather and minimal rain. Baja California and Northern Mexico: October to April is the most comfortable time to visit this desert region. Cuisine Highlights Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, with each region offering its own unique dishes: Tacos al Pastor: A must-try street food in Mexico City. Mole: A rich, chocolate-based sauce often served with chicken, most famous in Oaxaca. Ceviche: A refreshing seafood dish common in coastal regions like Cancún and Cabo. Tamales: Corn dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks. Churros: Fried dough pastries, often served with chocolate or caramel, popular throughout the country. Events and Festivals Mexico’s vibrant festivals are a major draw for visitors: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos): Held in early November, this iconic festival celebrates deceased loved ones with colorful altars, parades, and cultural performances, especially in cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City. Guelaguetza: This cultural festival in Oaxaca takes place in July, featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes from indigenous communities. Carnival: Mexico’s Carnival celebrations, particularly in Veracruz and Mazatlán, are lively and colorful, featuring parades, dancing, and festive events in February. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, Mexico is an exceptional destination for inbound tourism. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or savoring the delicious local cuisine, Mexico offers something for every type of traveler.

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Vietnam Tourism Leader Champions Sustainable Growth and Partnerships at WTTC Summit

Vietnam’s tourism leader joined global experts at the WTTC Summit to discuss sustainable growth, partnerships, and promote rural tourism development initiatives. From October 8 to 10, Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, participated in the 24th Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Perth, Australia. The summit drew around 1,000 delegates, including senior leaders, tourism ministers, travel authorities, associations, businesses, hotels, airlines, and international experts. The event featured the Global Leaders’ Dialogue, where ministers and CEOs engaged in moderated discussions. These leaders shared priorities and concerns, seeking opportunities for mutual support and enhancing public-private partnerships. Ms. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, delivered the opening speech, followed by the Global Summit’s five sessions: Planning for the Future, Understanding Our Customers, Facilitating Exploration, Enabling Connections, and Nurturing Our Planet. With projections that Travel & Tourism will contribute US$16 trillion and account for 11.4% of GDP by 2034, the competitiveness of the tourism industry is more critical than ever, particularly in mature markets. The first session focused on the key factors defining competitiveness in the evolving landscape and strategies to increase global market share. In the second session, Tripadvisor Group CEO Matt Goldberg discussed the future of travel, highlighting the role of AI, sustainability, and travel’s potential as a force for good. He noted that 81% of travelers consider sampling local cuisine a trip highlight, and 47% of Gen Z and Millennials have planned trips around visiting specific restaurants. During discussions on facilitating exploration, delegates emphasized that safety and security are top priorities for destinations as they welcome visitors. Simplifying border processes and managing risks are essential to allow travelers to explore new experiences. WTTC pointed out that Travel & Tourism is one of the few economic sectors that heavily depends on nature, with over 80% of its value tied to natural resources. This reliance highlights the need for the industry to act as a “Guardian of Nature,” taking steps to protect oceans, restore the environment, and ensure sustainable growth. On the sidelines of the summit, Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy met with representatives from several countries to discuss plans for hosting the First International Conference on Rural Tourism of UN Tourism in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

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Singapore Airlines and Scoot Offer Over 420,000 Discounted Tickets

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) popular Time To Fly travel fair returns in October 2024, offering discounts on more than 200,000 Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class round-trip tickets from Singapore to 78 global destinations. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also offer discounts on 220,000 ScootPlus and Economy Class one-way tickets to 57 destinations across its network during the fair. Promotions include discounted flights to SIA’s new destinations Brussels and London Gatwick, as well as upcoming services to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport. Scoot’s discounts cover flights across the Asia Pacific region and Europe, and include new destinations Kertajati (Greater Bandung), Koh Samui, and Malacca. Discounts apply to eligible SIA flights for travel from January to September 2025, and Scoot flights from November 2024 to October 2025. Online sales will run from 25 October to 7 November 2024 on SIA and Scoot’s websites and mobile applications, and through their appointed travel agents. A physical three-day Time To Fly travel fair will also be held from 25 to 27 October 2024 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre’s halls 401 and 402, featuring discounted tickets and exclusive travel deals from participating travel agents and partners. Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our annual Time To Fly travel fair has become a highlight for Singapore-based customers. This year’s edition is our largest yet, offering discounts on over 200,000 round-trip Singapore Airlines tickets and 220,000 one-way Scoot tickets. This underscores our firm commitment to providing customers with attractive flight options and exceptional value as they plan their 2025 travels.” The physical fair will feature activities and exclusive giveaways, including a grand lucky draw prize of three pairs of SIA Business Class round-trip tickets with hotel accommodation to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Istanbul. Other prizes include round-trip SIA Business Class tickets with hotel stays to Bangkok, Male, and Phuket, as well as Scoot vouchers worth up to $5,000.

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Västra Götaland County’s tourism surges with 3 million foreign visitors contributing to economic growth

Västra Götaland County, located in the western part of Sweden, is one of the country’s most diverse and dynamic regions, both in terms of natural beauty and economic activity. Its capital, Gothenburg, is a thriving cultural and economic hub, attracting visitors from all over the world. With a stunning coastline, charming islands, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities, Västra Götaland offers a plethora of attractions for tourists. This comprehensive guide delves into the region’s inbound tourism, exploring its airports, airlines, city guides, economic contributions, and more. Sweden’s Tourism Rebounds with 3 Million Visitors in May 2024 In 2024, Sweden experienced a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with approximately 3 million visitors reported in May alone at accommodation establishments, reflecting a strong recovery in the tourism sector following the pandemic. This growth builds on the 7.31 million international tourist arrivals recorded in 2023, a figure just shy of the pre-pandemic peak of 7.41 million in 2019. The upward trend highlights a positive outlook for Sweden’s tourism industry as it continues to rebound. Must-See Attractions: Textile Museum of Sweden: A unique museum dedicated to the history of textile production in the region. Borås Zoo: One of Sweden’s largest zoos, featuring over 600 animals and a strong focus on conservation. Abecita Art Museum: An art museum with a focus on photography and contemporary art. Skövde: A Gateway to Nature Skövde is located between Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Billingen Nature Reserve: A beautiful area for hiking, cycling, and skiing, offering stunning views over Lake Vänern. Skara Sommarland: A large amusement park and water park that is particularly popular with families. Trollhättan: The City of Waterfalls Trollhättan is a city built around its dramatic waterfalls and locks, which have played a significant role in Sweden’s industrial history. Economic Contribution of Tourism to Västra Götaland’s GDP Tourism is an important sector for Västra Götaland, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. The county is known for its manufacturing, trade, and service sectors, and tourism plays a key role in supporting these industries. GDP Contribution The tourism industry in Västra Götaland contributes a substantial portion to the region’s GDP, with Gothenburg being the focal point. According to recent estimates, tourism accounts for approximately 3% of the region’s total GDP. This figure encompasses spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment by both domestic and international visitors. Employment Tourism also supports a large number of jobs in the region, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. Gothenburg alone sees over 5 million overnight stays annually, generating income for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

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Heritage Walk Festival kicks off: 80 days of exploring Delhi’s historical treasures

Delhi’s centuries-old heritage is getting a spotlight like never before. In an exciting move to promote the city's rich history, the Delhi Tourism Department has kicked off the Heritage Walk Festival, a massive event aimed at exploring the hidden and lesser-known historical sites scattered across the capital. The ongoing festival will run until December 31, 2024. The festival began on October 10 at the Mutiny Memorial in Kamla Nehru Ridge, Civil Lines, a site deeply tied to India’s struggle for independence. This year’s Heritage Walk Festival is set to be the largest yet. Festival goers have the chance to explore 100 different historical sites spread across the city. This is the perfect time to get to know Delhi's lesser-known heritage sites. The festival is dedicated to highlight the lesser-known sites that often get overshadowed by more popular tourist attractions like Red Fort or Qutub Minar. The Heritage Walk Festival is designed for everyone, not just historians or tourists. To be a part of the festival, you will need to purchase a ticket available at a nominal fee. There are guided walks that will let the festival goers explore Delhi's rich history. If you are visiting Delhi for the first time, this is a great opportunity to understand what the city is all about. And if you are from Delhi itself, this is a great chance to learn more about your home city. You will be surprised to find that many of these locations are often missed by locals and travellers alike. The next 80 days in Delhi, till December 31, visitors can experience Delhi's rich and diverse history in a more intimate and engaging way. The Heritage Walk Festival covers monuments from the Mughal era, colonial-era buildings, and forgotten battlefields. It's an ideal opportunity for those who haven't yet delved deeper into Delhi's historical landscape to discover its hidden gems. As the festival runs through to the end of December, now is the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and join in on this historical journey. Whether you're a local or a tourist visiting Delhi, this is your chance to step back in time and experience the city’s heritage like never before.

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