Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed an MoU to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalise on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary. This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travellers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 has opened today in Dubai. A huge Indian delegation is there, comprising senior officials from MOT, states and stakeholders. TravTalk has launched its first Carbon Neutral Edition while pledging to make its operations carbon neutral.

Abid Rashid Shah, Tourism Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir has shared that the Union Territory received 1.88 crore tourists in 2022. However, the industry is now expecting that they will cross the two crore-mark for tourist arrivals in 2023.

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, believes that to attract medical tourists, maintaining global standards is a primary requisite. “Thematic creatives on niche tourism products like medical tourism are being used in government campaigns to cater to diverse consumer interests,” he adds.

World Travel and Tourism Council says that by 2033, tourism sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5 trillion, i.e. 11.6% of the global economy, and will employ 430mn people around the world, with almost 12% of working population in the sector.

Travel Professionals attending GTFF 2023 may register for a free Familiarization tour of North Bay, Ontario. The full day program that will include lunch, will provide an opportunity to discover the charms of the city and get a taste of Ontario’s magnificent Northern region. Featured in the itinerary are museum visits, including the North Bay Museum, Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace which provides understanding and connection to Canada’s historical and current contributions to air defence, and a visit of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company; to experience the magic of a restored Heritage Carousel and nostalgic Heritage Railway. Participants will continue the day with a tour of the city and tour a local North Ontario Brewery with a delicious selection of local craft beers; enjoying a flight or pint. Participants may also have the opportunity to visit a Maple Syrup Farm (subject to time availability), to indulge in savouring Canada’s iconic sweet delicacies from a region well known for maple syrup production.

From 1 May to 30 September 2023, visitors to Mount Faber Peak, Harbourfront and Sentosa will catch a glimpse of a rare sight – an eye-catching line of 67 Poké Ball cabins soaring 100 metres above sea level. The exteriors of cable car cabins on the Mount Faber Line will be wrapped in the recognisable red and white colours of Poké Balls. Much like the inspiration behind their outward appearance, inside each cabin awaits a surprise — five different interior designs, each themed around first-generation Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, as well as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the latest Pokémon video games. Families and fans of Pokémon will experience something new each time they ride on the Singapore Cable Car, marvelling at a vibrant assemblage of newly-installed beautiful, multicoloured lights at Mount Faber Station, Harbourfront Station and Sentosa Station. Mr Buhdy Bok, Managing Director, Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG), said, “Even as we look back on our past with immense pride and reminisce the many beautiful memories that led us to this historic milestone of the Singapore Cable Car’s Golden Jubilee, we must look to the future. Beyond celebrating the momentous birthday of a national icon, we are also welcoming a time when the global appetite for travel is stronger than ever. Through our exciting year-long line-up of activities, we hope guests will rediscover the Singapore Cable Car while recreating newer and even more beautiful memories that they can cherish for many years to come.” Atop the verdant hilltop destination of Mount Faber Peak, visitors will also be able to snap pictures at various photo points – including vintage cable car cabins – with a variety of Pokémon like …

The Global Tourism Film Festival shorts and feature film roster conjures up a thrilling journey of worldwide discovery. From the multicultural and majestic geographic diversity of Canada; to trekking lush forests of Brazil and breathtaking Himalayan mountains; to seeking the ancient Pyramids of Egypt and uncovering the lands of Vikings; to sub-marine worlds of the Australian great barrier reef; to unearthing cosmopolitan gems of Singapore; to expeditions through the plains of Africa and the stark polar wilderness of the Arctic, GTFF brings the world to North Bay. Enhanced by presentations from the National and Regional Tourism Boards of Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, the one-of-a-kind film festival allows participants to get inspired to see the world and get the absolute insiders’ perspective of the destinations, including upcoming attractions, to get out and explore. For Filmmakers, GTFF 2023 and its presentation partners, consisting of Canadian and Ontario Film Boards, open the door to discovering the multifaceted filmmaking opportunities provided by the province for filming in Northern Ontario. Independent features screened and highlighted during the festival include ‘Superheroes’. directed by Paolo Genovese, ‘Kumari’ directed by Nimal Sahadev, ‘Monkey Beach’ directed by L. Sarah Todd, ‘Blueback’ directed by Robert Connolly, ‘Tears of Persephone’ directed by Teppei Isobe, Yasuaki Genda, and the Northern Ontario filmed feature; ‘The Protector’, directed by Lenin M. Sivam, amongst festival selections. GTFF 2023 is held in association with the City of North Bay, Ontario with activities at Canadore College. Nestled between two of Northeastern Ontario’s most stunning lakes and surrounded by forests, North Bay, the ‘Gateway to the North’, is surrounded by the beauty of nature, art, and culture. Visitors for GTFF 2023 receive a taste …

The first truly authentic Italian luxury resort in the Maldives, Baglioni Resort is an enchanting 5-star hideaway on the island of Maagau in the stunning Dhaalu Atoll. Baglioni Resort Maldives pairs Italian elegance with the tropical natural beauty, turquoise waters, and velvet-smooth white sands of the Indian Ocean and boasts 85 villas and a 360-degree house reef filled with magnificent marine life. The Green Globe-certified Baglioni Resort Maldives best exemplifies tropical elegance. The elegant One and Two-Bedroom Beach Villas are exceptionally spacious, with direct beach access and private pools, and exquisitely designed to accommodate families of four or six with children up to the age of eighteen. A world of games and adventures is curated for our little guests at the Baglioni Kids Club, allowing them to have a lot of fun while discovering the wonders of the island. The range of Water Villas is ideal for couples in search of a romantic stay. Baglioni Resort Maldives has recently transitioned to a luxury ‘All-Inclusive’ resort, offering guests the opportunity to discover the wonders of their palate in the stunning restaurants and bars. One of the many benefits of the new Luxury All-Inclusive status is the availability of a variety of premium beverages and the option to dine around, à la carte or buffet-style at three magnificent restaurants and the elegant Pool Bar. “All-Inclusive is not a new concept but we have seen an upward trend in the recent past due to the extra regulations, additional expenses, and ever-increasing airline costs that have highlighted the benefits of a hassle-free trip. The customer is really looking for no surprises when it comes to what’s included. They want to just pay once so …

Marriott will open 15 hotels this year in South Asia across its luxury, premium and select brand segments. It also plans the brand debut of Moxy in India with the anticipated openings of Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud and Moxy Mumbai Andheri West in 2024.