Oman is intensifying efforts to draw more global travellers, including Indian travellers as part of its long-term sustainable tourism initiative aimed at reaching approximately 11.7 million visitors annually by 2040, according to Mohamed bin Mahmoud al Zadjali, Adviser to the Minister of Heritage and Tourism for Engineering Affairs, Oman.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a series of strategic partnerships at Arabian Travel Market 2025, targeted to drive tourism growth and enhance visitor experiences across key international markets. The new initiatives span collaborations with leading travel operators, hotel groups and destination management companies and will focus on attracting visitors from Europe, Saudi Arabia, India and other key markets, while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s diverse offerings and year-round appeal. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said, “The strategic partnerships signed at Arabian Travel Market 2025 represent a significant step forward in our efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class tourism destination. Targeted collaborations across Europe, Saudi Arabia, India and other key markets, enable us to enhance Abu Dhabi’s international profile and reinforcing its appeal as a dynamic, year-round destination. Globally and locally, these partnerships underline our commitment to sustainable growth, offering unique, tailored experiences that resonate with diverse global audiences, while ensuring the long-term resilience and innovation of the sector.” Strengthening European Connections DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to strengthening its connections with European markets, recognising the region’s importance as a key source of international visitors. Loop Leisure Autumn 2025 : An agreement has been signed with Loop Leisure to host Loop Leisure Autumn 2025 from 12 – 16 October at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes after Abu Dhabi hosted Loop Beyond Borders event which hosted travel agents from across Central and Eastern Europe in 2024. The Autumn edition will welcome 130 high-end travel agents, tour operators, and media from largely German-speaking markets with participants hailing from Germany, Switzerland, …

According to CAPA insights, as global concerns over sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply persist, Asia is emerging as a key player with new SAF production projects. Energy giants are investing in facilities to meet growing demand. Airlines and governments in the region are setting SAF usage targets, positioning Asia to become a major supplier of aviation fuel globally.

“India doesn’t need to build artificial attractions—we already have 43 UNESCO sites and unmatched natural beauty,” said Mugdha Sinha, former DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI. She urged tourism players to repackage existing heritage with modern amenities and narratives. “Take them back to the Taj Mahal—but with better logistics, better storytelling,” she added.

Aditya Ghosh, Co-founder, Akasa Air, highlighted the environmental impact of India’s fast-growing aviation sector, stating, “Aviation is a part of transportation, and transportation is a part of the overall emissions we see in the country. We are the 3rd largest aviation market and also the 3rd largest emitter.” He added, “Today, aviation contributes to 1 per cent of emissions in India, which is less than the global average but with the rapid development of the sector, it does not take rocket science—no pun intended—to realise emissions will also grow at a faster pace.”

Uttar Pradesh government has approved 13 projects worth ₹118 crore for tourism development in Agra, including the construction of a memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Additionally, Varanasi will also see development with 14 projects worth ₹74.31 crore. Projects include enhancements to Kailash Temple, Dariyanath Temple, Balkeshwar Temple and various other temples.

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, invites travel partners to an exclusive webinar on 23 April 2025 at 3pm. Learn how to sell this captivating destination more effectively and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Gain insights from Oman Air, Kempinski Hotels Muscat and Magic Travels. Enhance your destination knowledge, gather insider tips and elevate your client offerings. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 96501 96532.

The Government plans to take up 50 airport development projects, including new airports, in the next 5 years to boost the country’s aviation ecosystem. Currently, there are 159 operational airports in the country and the number has doubled compared from 74 in 2014.  “Civil aviation industry plays pivotal role in unlocking India’s economic potential,” said Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), GoI.

“India’s regional airports can unlock new destinations and democratise travel. If we connect them with well-crafted, thematic tourism circuits, we can drive demand beyond the usual hotspots,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. He urged closer alignment between the UDAN scheme and tourism promotion strategies. “Every small airport should become a launchpad for a unique Indian experience,” he added.

C.B. Ramkumar, Vice Chairman, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), stressed on the need for an updated national framework for sustainable tourism in India. He said, “Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI), launched over a decade ago, is now outdated and no longer reflects the current global standards. The STCI document exists, but it is redundant. It is not applicable in the world we live in today.”