Outbound travel from India remained strong, with visa application volumes increasing by 11% Year over Year in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 4%. This increase indicates a recovery and a rise in the number of Indian travellers visiting international destinations. Yummi Talwar, COO—South Asia, VFS Global, said, “India continues to show a strong demand for international travel, and it’s clear that this robust momentum will persist in 2025.”

Israel Tourism Ministry invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on 4 March at 12 pm to gain insights and updates on the destination. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the serene shores of the Dead Sea, experience the country’s exciting offerings. For more information or to register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

The UK Government has launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration. The campaign encourages those travelling to the UK to check facts and stay safe. Visa application guidance is freely available on gov.uk, and via a new WhatsApp support line.

Highlighting the state’s potential as a leading hub for adventure sports, Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha revealed that the state government is laying the groundwork for the state’s tourism industry, aiming to make it a premier destination for adventure and exploration over the next 50 years. “We are committed to developing these sites, not just for today, but for future generations,” she said.

Inaugurating the second edition of Karnataka International Travel Expo 2025 in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Karnataka unveiled the Tourism Policy 2025-2029 and said, “With a budget of ₹1,350 crore, the state tourism policy will help in attracting around ₹8,000 crore as direct investment and generate employment opportunities to 1.5 lakh people in next four years.”

Turtle Down Under, in collaboration with Tourism Whitsundays and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, is conducting a webinar today at 3 pm IST on ‘Romantic Australia: The Honeymoon Guide’ to unveil top-selling honeymoon destinations and give away Amazon vouchers for the top questions in their QnA session. Write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Exploring the beautiful scenery of Thailand with Vietjet Thailand’s ‘Pay Day Hot Deals’ promotion, with fares starting from ₹8,900 (inclusive of taxes and fees) on daily direct flights between Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), domestic connecting flights to Thailand’s popular destinations—Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi (via Bangkok, with check-through baggage service)—and the airline’s connecting international routes—Da Nang, Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Taipei (via Bangkok, with a convenient stopover and check-through baggage service). Book from 25 – 28 February for travel between 1 April – 25 October (excluding public holidays; terms and conditions apply) at www.vietjetair.com. The special promotional tickets are applied to Vietjet Thailand’s daily direct flight services between Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). Additionally, passengers can conveniently book domestic connecting flights from Mumbai to Thailand’s popular destinations—Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi—via Bangkok with a seamless check-through baggage service. The airline also offers international connecting flights from Mumbai to Da Nang, Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Taipei via Bangkok, ensuring a smooth stopover with check-through baggage service. The promotional fares are also available on all other distribution channels, including www.vietjetair.com, mobile app “Vietjet Air”, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/VietJetThailand by clicking the “Booking” tab, as well as travel agencies and booking offices. Payment can be easily made with international debit/ credit cards. Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, offers a captivating mix of tradition and modernity. Visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun while immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere of markets such as Chatuchak, night markets, and floating markets. Renowned for its world-class street food, including Pad Thai and mango sticky rice, the city also boasts exciting …

Paul Shih, Director, TTA Singapore Office, said, “Indian footfall to Taiwan is experiencing significant growth. In 2024, tourist footfall rose by nearly 20% with the total number of Indian visitors reaching 45,000. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating over 50,000 Indians by the year-end.”

Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, said, “Through our participation at ITB Berlin, we aim to forge meaningful partnerships and position Goa as a leading global tourism destination that prioritises responsible and conscious travel. Continuing its pitch of ‘Goa beyond beaches’, he added that the state is more than just a beach destination, it offers a deeper connection with nature and local communities.”

Addressing the Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that three sectors – textiles, tourism and technology- are “crucial” for India’s development as they will create more new jobs. He added that to boost the manufacturing sector, the government is strengthening local supply chains and promoting self-reliance, especially for MSMEs.