Category: News

Emirates is set for its largest participation yet at the 2018 edition of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIA) taking place from 14-16 November. This is the first time the airline will showcase its 100th A380, which is emblazoned with the HH Sheikh Zayed decal as a tribute to the late founding father of the UAE. The aircraft on display will allow both trade visitors and the general public to explore all the features on this latest generation double-decker, including Emirates’ refreshed OnBoard Lounge. The Emirates Flight Training Academy, which was inaugurated one year ago at the Dubai Airshow, will also ... Read more

The 66th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) took place at the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha on 10th November 2018. Around 81 boats, including 25 snakeboats, made a splash on Punnamada Lake. The event gave the much-needed impetus to the flood-ravaged backwater tourism sector. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam has inaugurated the event in the presence of Kerala ministers and other dignitaries. South Indian young star Allu Arjun flagged of the race. Kerala Blasters foot ball team was also present at the venue to cheer up the oarsmen. Payippadan has become the fastest snake boat (Chundan vallam) and winner ... Read more

The stage is set for the 66th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) at the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha. Around 81 boats, including 25 snakeboats, will make a splash on Punnamada Lake today. The event is expected to give the much-needed impetus to the flood-ravaged backwater tourism sector. The 66th edition of the race, slated to be held on August 11, was postponed due to flood. After the preliminary selection rounds, the final race will begin at 2.30 pm and end at 5.30 pm. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam will be the chief guest, and Union Minister for Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam, ... Read more

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has officially opened the first phase of the new Istanbul Airport on 29 October – Turkish National Day. The aircraft of Turk Hava Yolları company operating the first flight from the new Istanbul airport has landed at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The airport which spans around 823 million square feet in size, is poised to become the world’s largest airport when completed in 2028. Having departed from Istanbul at 09:30, the aircraft landed in Baku at 13:25. Starting from November 8, one flight from Istanbul Airport to Baku will be carried out daily. The Ataturk Airport in ... Read more

The Trivandrum International Airport in Kerala, along with five other airports, is to be developed in the lines of the Delhi and Mumbai airports model. The Union Cabinet on Thursday gave an “in principle” approval for operating, managing and developing six non-metro airports — Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru — under Public Private Partnership (PPP). This is expected to enhance the revenue to Airports Authority of India (AAI) and increased economic development in these areas in terms of job creation and related infrastructure. “The PPP in airport infrastructure projects has brought World class infrastructure at airports, delivery of efficient and timely ... Read more

Miami Beach is calling all travellers to embrace culture and the most wonderful time of the year this holiday season. From global dining experiences at luxury resorts and restaurants inspired by the season to worldly and artistic performances filled with holiday spirit and unparalleled shopping options to discover unique gifts from around the globe, Miami Beach is like no other place in the world, especially during the holidays. “Miami Beach is home to a number of holiday-inspired events, shows and experiences, all showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Visitors will find days filled with sun, surf and sand, all while ... Read more

Emirates is firing up its ovens for Thanksgiving celebrations on board and on the ground. The airline will offer customers special holiday menus across all classes on flights between Dubai and the US and in the respective airport lounges. The Thanksgiving menu will be available to customers travelling between Dubai and the US from November 22 to 25. First and Business Class passengers can choose from appetisers including: a smoked duck salad, served with poached fig, pickled beetroot, green beans, plum chutney and hazelnuts; a creamy cauliflower soup; a pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkins seeds and chives; or a smoked ... Read more

British best-selling author Victoria Hislop said she is interested to work with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) to transform some of her short stories into films that will “introduce people to a different side of Greece”. Hislop has written several books based in Greece including the best-selling novel ‘The Island’. She expressed her interest addressing a press conference held by the GNTO at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018. After expressing her admiration for Greece and describing her visit to Serifos, Hislop revealed that she is discussing the possibility of the GNTO sponsoring short films based on her short ... Read more

In an effort to boost tourism in the country, Vietnam plans to host a Formula One race in 2020 in Hanoi. The race will be 5.565-kilometer street circuit and the event is expected to be in April 2020. It was announced by Vingroup JSC, who signed a multi-year deal to host the Grand Prix. With the event, Vietnam government envisions to woo more foreign tourists to the country to reduce its dependency on export to strengthen the economy. It is expected that the number of tourists to increase by 30 per cent by the end of 2018, counting around 16 million ... Read more

The 16th edition of Shanghai World Travel Fair (SWTF), organized by Europe Asia Global Link Exhibitions & Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Corp., Ltd and supported by VNU Exhibitions Asia, will be held from April 18 to 21, 2019 at Shanghai Exhibition Center. SWTF is one of the most well-known and influential annual travel exhibitions in China that provides a comprehensive platform for both professional operators and final consumers. In 2018, 750 exhibitors and co-exhibitors from 53 different countries exhibited at the show their attractions, resources and travel services to over 43,000 buyers, trade visitors and final consumers. The volume of travel ... Read more

Actress Maggie Q, Good Will Ambassador for Kageno, received the 2018 World Tourism Humanitarian Award on November 5, 2018, the opening day of World Travel Market at the Excel London. World Tourism Humanitarian Award was presented to Maggie Q in recognition of her humanitarian efforts by raising funds in support of Kageno, an organization that transforms impoverished communities, specifically in Kenya and Rwanda, by focusing on programs for clean water, health care, conservation and education. Margaret Denise Quigley, professionally known as Maggie Q, is an American actress, model and animal rights activist. She is known for starring in the action ... Read more

Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally  Surendran and Tourism Secretary Rani George receives the Gold Award Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has bagged Gold Award for Best in Responsible Tourism in the world. The award was received by Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally  Surendran and Tourism Secretary Rani George at the venue of World Travel Market, London on 6th October 2018. Launched in October 2017, the RT Mission is envisaged with a ‘triple-bottom-line’ mission, which comprises economic, social and environmental responsibilities. Making tourism a tool for the development of village and local communities, eradicating poverty and giving emphasis to women empowerment are the main ... Read more

Cocoon Maldives has won the leading designer hotel for the second consecutive year, among a number of prestigious hotels and resorts of South Asia region in the third edition of SATA Awards. SATA awards presents the principle of travel and tourism achievements, celebrating the best in the fields in the South Asian region, with endorsements from key affiliations based in the partner countries of SATA. Selected among 13 nominees from Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Bhutan, Cocoon adds this esteemed award into their collection consecutively for the second time. “Being a young and newly established resort in the South Asian ... Read more

The team of students and professionals that brought solar power to the village of Seyul International School of Zug and Luzern Global Himalayan Expedition was honoured in recognition of their commitment toward sustainable development of remote communities situated at an average altitude of 12,000 feet through impact tourism, providing access to clean energy, digital education and livelihood creation opportunities for over 30,500 people across 71 off-grid Himalayan villages to date.The award was accepted by Paras Loomba, Founder & CEO, GHE. The award was presented on November 5, 2018, the opening day of WTM London (World Travel Market) at the Excel London. ... Read more

Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, Vaikom embraces travellers with its beautiful water bodies and serene village life. Exploring the backwaters, narrow canals and life of the small villages of Vaikom is best possible through canoe cruises which are close to the hearts of nature lovers since it is eco-friendly. A laid-back cruise in a canoe soaks one in the rich natural beauty of the surrounding greenery. The pottery village of Vaikom grants travellers a chance to watch the enthralling process of rendering life to clay and mud. Visitors can experience the village life on the way. traditional coir making, pottery, ... Read more