News

Bali Opens New Hospital to Boost Medical Tourism

Construction of a new hospital in Bali’s Sanur is now officially underway. This week, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster presided over the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics Bali in the Sanur Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism. Sanur is Bali’s original beach resort, and over the last sixty years, it has undergone transformation after transformation. The beloved coastal resort has recently entered a new era as Indonesia’s leading medical tourism destination following the opening of the new Bali International Hospital. To support the redevelopment, Sanur has also welcomed all kinds of upgrades and new businesses, including the ICON Bali Mall. It is not only the Bali International Hospital that is available for medical tourists and private Indonesian patients in Sanur, but a whole suite of medical clinics offering everything from aesthetic treatments to fertility care. Speaking to the media at the groundbreaking ceremony for the JEC Eye Hospital, Governor Koster highlighted the continued preference of many Indonesian citizens for medical treatment abroad. The vision for Sanur as a Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism was two-fold. The first was to attract international medical tourists who would otherwise travel to destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok in the region. The second was to help better serve Indonesian nationals who were also traveling to those destinations for treatments.

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The Red Sea EDITION on Shura Island Named Forbes’ Top New Hotel 2025

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a hotspot for luxury travellers, and the newly opened Red Sea Edition on Shura Island has already captured global attention. Recognised as the world’s best new hotel opening for 2025, this resort represents a bold step in the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a premier travel destination. From pristine beaches to innovative sustainable practices, the hotel offers visitors a truly extraordinary experience that blends luxury, adventure, and culture. Unveiling Shura Island: A Hidden Gem in the Red Sea Shura Island, part of the Red Sea development, is a pristine retreat surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty. Its location offers travellers a serene escape, with sweeping views of the ocean, coral reefs, and desert landscapes. The island’s careful development ensures that natural ecosystems are preserved, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious visitors. The Red Sea Edition sits at the heart of this paradise. Its architecture is minimalist yet luxurious, designed to integrate seamlessly with the environment. Guests are greeted with open spaces, panoramic views, and private beachfront access, offering a sense of tranquillity rarely found in global resorts. Exceptional Luxury Accommodation for Every Traveller The Red Sea Edition features 240 elegant rooms and 53 suites. Each space is designed with comfort and sophistication in mind, combining natural materials, muted colours, and modern amenities. Many rooms provide unobstructed views of the Red Sea, allowing guests to wake up to the sound of gentle waves.

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Germany & 27 EU Nations Extend Multi-Entry Schengen Visas

Germany joins Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, and 27 other countries in revolutionizing travel by introducing extended multiple-entry Schengen visas under a new EU policy aimed at simplifying travel for frequent visitors. This landmark change is part of the European Commission’s strategy to modernize visa regulations and enhance connectivity across Schengen member states, making it easier for tourists, business travelers, and families to visit multiple countries with fewer restrictions and hassle-free entry, benefiting from longer visa validity periods and streamlined procedures. This bold step is designed to reduce the administrative burden on both travelers and consulates, creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience. By extending the validity of multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the usual five-year limit, the new EU policy enables visitors with a history of lawful entry to enjoy easier and more flexible access to the Schengen Area. The reform aims to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, and support business exchanges, benefiting travelers from around the world. With this new move, Schengen countries are positioning themselves as more attractive destinations for global tourism and investment. The European Union (EU) has been a catalyst for travel, tourism, and economic growth across its member states for decades. In its latest effort to foster seamless movement and strengthen its global position, the EU has unveiled a transformative visa policy aimed at simplifying travel across its borders. As of 2026, Germany, in collaboration with Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, and 27 other EU countries, will roll out a groundbreaking visa reform. This new policy includes the extension of multiple-entry Schengen visas beyond the current five-year limit, making it easier for tourists, business professionals, and frequent travelers to move across Europe.

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United Arab Emirates Ramadan 2026 Travel & Visa Update for Indians

Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, promises travellers from India and beyond a distinctly different rhythm of life—calmer mornings, reflective afternoons, and vibrant nights shaped by community gatherings and festive meals. For visitors planning a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, understanding how Ramadan travel rules, dining customs, visa processing schedules, and public etiquette shift during the holy month can transform the journey into a richer cultural experience. This Dubai, United Arab Emirates And India Travel Advisory For Ramadan 2026 explains how tourism continues smoothly across the emirate while daily routines adapt to fasting hours. From Iftar feasts in Downtown Dubai to extended mall timings and adjusted government office hours, the city remains welcoming—but with meaningful changes. Travellers who prepare in advance, especially Indian passport holders applying through the fully digital UAE visa system, can enjoy a seamless and culturally immersive stay. Understanding Ramadan In The UAE: Why Timing Changes Matter For Travellers Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed across the United Arab Emirates with fasting from dawn to sunset. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around mid-February, subject to moon sighting, and will last approximately 29–30 days. For tourists, this means daytime activity in public spaces becomes more subdued. Government departments, banks, and corporate offices operate on reduced schedules in line with UAE federal labour guidelines. While tourism services continue, travellers may notice shorter working hours at official counters and certain attractions

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India Plans 50M Alternate Airport Capacity by 2030

India is on track to boost alternate airport capacity to fifty million passengers by 2030, driven by a significant increase in air travel demand fueled by the country’s booming economy and expanding middle class. As major airports in metro hubs like Delhi and Mumbai reach their operational limits, alternate airports in regions such as the Delhi NCR, Mumbai MMR, and Goa are being strategically expanded to manage the growth. This surge in capacity will not only alleviate congestion at existing airports but also ensure future-proof infrastructure, providing passengers with unparalleled connectivity and seamless travel experiences across the country. With projections showing passenger traffic will rise substantially by 2030, India’s investment in alternate airports is critical to accommodating this growth and ensuring a smooth, accessible travel future for all. India’s aviation sector is poised for a significant transformation, with alternate airports across key regions expected to accommodate a growing number of passengers in the coming years. By the end of the current fiscal year, the country’s alternate airports are projected to handle approximately 40 million passengers annually. This is the result of strategic expansions aimed at easing the strain on older metro hubs, where airports are currently operating at or near full capacity. In response to rising air travel demand and congestion at major hubs, India has turned its attention to expanding alternate airports. These include key regions such as the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and Goa. These airports will play a critical role in meeting India’s surging air traffic needs. By FY2030, combined annual capacity across these alternate airports is expected to rise to between 45 million and 50 million passengers.

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Thailand Targets 2.55M Indian Visitors in 2026

Thailand is eyeing 2.55 million tourists from India with increased air connectivity and focus on lifestyle and wellness travel, the country’s tourism authority said on Thursday. Last year, 2.48 million Indians visited Thailand, a growth of 16.8 per cent over 2024. In first two months of 2026 nearly four lakh Indians have visited Thailand — the most after China, Malaysia and Russia. Healing journeys “India remains one of Thailand’s top source markets, driven by Millennials and Gen Z travellers who increasingly seek personalised and healing journeys. Key segments include families, health and wellness travellers, weddings, golfers, female travellers, seniors, and emerging niche segments focused on rejuvenation, restoration and adventure,” Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a statement. Beyond established destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, tourism authority is also promoting lesser-known destinations to encourage repeat visitations and deeper encouragement. While 10 airlines operate flights between India and Thailand, capacity between the two countries has increased by 15 per cent over last year. More flights are expected as Thai Airways will increase frequencies to existing destinations and open new routes from Bangkok to Amritsar, Jaipur and Kochi. “We have ambitious plans to put more capacity in India,” Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri told businessline recently.

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