Tag Archives: Tourism News

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has launched the Beyond Tourism initiative — a global, multi-sector effort aimed at shaping the future of travel and tourism. Developed around ten core principles, the initiative underscores tourism’s vital role as a bridge between cultures, a driver of community empowerment, and a source of opportunity for future generations. Beyond Tourism seeks to establish a new framework for the industry, encouraging collaboration across governments, private sectors, and civil society to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Positioned as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to contribute to global tourism leadership, the Beyond Tourism initiative aligns with broader goals to strengthen cross-cultural connections and ensure the long-term resilience of the sector.

VFS Global Academy, the education and skilling arm of VFS Global, has launched a community upskilling initiative to empower local staff at the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. The programme aims to enrich eco-tourism experiences while creating sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to skill development within India’s travel and tourism sector. The initiative follows a detailed assessment by VFS Global Academy that identified the need for structured training to improve service quality and visitor engagement. It seeks to position Debrigarh as a model for community-driven sustainable tourism, where conservation and livelihood creation go hand in hand. According to Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, “Our partnership with VFS Global Academy focuses on enhancing community participation in eco-tourism by upgrading skills in hospitality, language, etiquette, teamwork, and naturalist training for educational tours. Over 70 community members, including facility managers, safari drivers, eco-guides, boatmen, and naturalists, will benefit from this programme.” The training combines technical learning with grooming, communication, and customer service excellence, aligning participants with industry standards and eco-tourism values. S M Bondar, District Magistrate and Collector, Sambalpur, said, “This tie-up with VFS Global Academy gives sanctuary staff the opportunity to upskill, adopt best practices, and raise service standards at Debrigarh. It will enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the sanctuary’s reputation as a leading eco-tourism destination.” The programme will include peer feedback, supervisor evaluations, and recap sessions. Top performers from each department will earn internships at a luxury hotel in Bhubaneswar, gaining first-hand exposure to five-star hospitality and future career pathways. Delighted with the collaboration, Amit Saincher, Head, VFS Global Academy, said, “By training the local community in hospitality, we aim to enhance visitor experiences and create …

The Project Sunrise, touted as the groundbreaking first step in non-stop flights between Australia and London and New York, has reached its first production milestone. Qantas is set to take a major step in transforming long-haul travel with its Sunrise Project. The recently released first images of the A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft, developed with Airbus, mark the completion of its initial production phase — bringing non-stop flights between Australia, London, and New York closer to reality. The Sunrise Project takes its name from the historic “Double Sunrise” endurance flights operated during the Second World War. The aircraft will be moved to a new hangar this week, where engines and flight test instruments will be installed ahead of a comprehensive test flight programme in 2026. These A350-1000ULRs have been specially configured for the world’s longest commercial flights, connecting Australia’s east coast non-stop with London and New York — a new milestone in air travel. The aircraft features an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank with advanced systems, making the non-stop 22-hour flight possible. Every element has been specifically designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind — a non-negotiable for long-haul journeys. The project will also cut up to four hours from travel time on one of the longest air routes in operation. Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the progress brings Project Sunrise one step closer to reality. “Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” said Ms Hudson. She added, “These flights will cut up to four hours …