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.
Read More »
VFS Global will now leverage SAP software to help it develop leading-edge AI-powered digital solutions for cross-border mobility and citizen services. Cross-border mobility and citizen services are becoming increasingly digital, and governments are looking into the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and sovereign security. To accelerate its innovation road map and help governments meet the increasingly complex needs of travelers and citizens, VFS Global is adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and other SAP solutions. “We take great pride in partnering with SAP as a leading and trusted technology and AI company,” said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global. “By combining our deep expertise in visa, consular and citizen services with SAP’s world-class solutions, we empower governments to enhance efficiency, strengthen security and enable seamless mobility for millions of travelers around the world.” “With SAP solutions at its core, VFS Global will be able to leverage the latest innovations to become an even stronger partner for governments, travelers and citizens worldwide,” said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE. In line with its vision to embrace technological innovation to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, VFS Global has also chosen SAP Business Technology Platform and the SAP Business Data Cloud solution to deliver leading-edge and AI-powered solutions to its customers and to drive operational excellence across its global operations. “By combining the strengths of VFS Global and SAP, we are elevating cross-border mobility and citizen services to the next level”, said Michael Nilles, member of the VFS Global Executive Board and Chief Digital and Technology Officer. “Strategically, this positions us as a leading force in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech, powered by …
Read More »
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, …
Read More »
The WA Museum Boola Bardip will welcome the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in an Australian exclusive this June. WA Museum Boola Bardip will host Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor from 28 June 2025 until 22 February 2026 This significant exhibition is expected to draw visitors from interstate and overseas, as well as tens of thousands of Western Australians It will feature more than 225 exceptional Chinese artefacts, including the warriors, as well as brand new digital immersive experiences Demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to diversifying our economy by bringing major events to WA The WA Museum Boola Bardip will welcome the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in an Australian exclusive this June. The exhibition, Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor, will be the most significant museum exhibition Western Australia has ever seen. Incorporating more than 225 exceptional Chinese artefacts, including the warriors, the exhibition is being designed and created by WA Museum Boola Bardip in collaboration with Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum. Most of the objects have never been seen in Australia before, nearly half have never left China, and some of the more recently excavated pieces have never been on public display. The figures, dating from approximately the late 200s BC, will be accompanied by stunning, immersive multimedia experiences. Visitors will be transported through this remarkable chapter in human history, when China was unified under Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The eight-month exhibition will be complemented by a dynamic program of events, including large-scale external projections, behind-the-scenes tours, talks, and interactive experiences designed to engage all audiences. Tickets for WA Museum Members go on sale at 11.30am Tuesday, 29 April and will be …
Read More »
Moscow has long been a city where history and modernity coexist, offering visitors an unparalleled blend of cultural heritage, grand architecture, and a dynamic urban lifestyle. But beyond its aesthetic and historical appeal, Russia’s capital is emerging as a leader in digital transformation within the tourism industry. By harnessing the power of big data and advanced analytics, Moscow is revolutionizing its approach to tourism marketing, attracting a growing number of international visitors—including a significant influx from India. Understanding the Portrait of an Indian Tourist Through Data India has become a priority market for Moscow’s tourism sector, with the number of Indian visitors reaching almost 86 thousand in 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Driving this surge is an innovative data-driven strategy that allows Moscow to precisely tailor its offerings to Indian visitors based on their travel purposes. The Moscow City Tourism Committee continuously analyzes global travel trends, studies best practices from other destinations, and monitors traveler preferences to create tailored marketing campaigns. Moscow is actively promoting its tourism potential for different target audiences — families with children, young people (20% of Generation Z worldwide live in India) and, of course, for business travelers. About 88% of Indian tourists go abroad for entertainment activities, their first priority is impressions and emotions, only then there are classic museum programs and excursion products. By leveraging big data from mobile operators, banking transactions, and digital platforms, Moscow builds detailed visitor profiles based on demographics, travel motivations, and spending habits. This approach helps the city refine its tourism offerings, ensuring that visitors find experiences suited to their interests—whether they’re drawn to cultural landmarks, luxury shopping, or business networking opportunities. The Power of …
Read More »
The National Latte Art Championship (NLAC) 2025, organized by Kaapi Machines under the leadership of Coffee Board of India and World Coffee Events, reached its exciting conclusion today at the India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru. Following three intensive preliminary rounds held across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in October-November 2024, the championship showcased the remarkable talent and passion of India’s top baristas through competitive semi-finals and finals on April 26-27. The prestigious event brought together the country’s most skilled coffee artists in a celebration of craftsmanship, precision, and creative expression in latte art. The competition evaluated participants on their ability to create matching free-pour lattes, macchiatos, and designer latte arts, with judges comprising esteemed coffee experts from across the country who operate their own roasteries and cafes. Mr. Mohammad Afsar from Roastery Coffee House, who brings 8 years of experience to the competition and demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in crafting exquisite latte art designs. As the winner, he will represent India at the World Latte Art Championship scheduled for June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. As the championship concluded, Abhinav Mathur, Managing Director of Kaapi Machines, expressed, “This initiative is dear to my heart. As an appreciator of coffee and baristas, the National Latte Art Championship celebrates the artistry and dedication that goes into every cup. We’re proud to see the level of talent in India continuing to rise, and we’re excited to see Mr. Mohammad Afsar represent our country on the global stage.” The championship is a testament to Kaapi Machines’ commitment to recognizing, appreciating, and providing a global platform for baristas to showcase their exceptional talent. As the exclusive distributor of advanced coffee equipment from iconic international brands, …
Read More »
Madhya Pradesh Tourism showcased the states varied and lively tourism options during the recent TRES 2025 event, which took place in Delhi on May 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Andaz Aerocity. By providing Madhya Pradesh Tourism with a great forum to exchange travel-related knowledge and prospects, the TRES helped the industry grow by establishing important business-to-business relationships. “We are thrilled to have had the chance to showcase Madhya Pradesh’s beauty and diversity to a global audience,” said Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the MP Tourism Board, who expressed gratitude for the enormous turnout and enthusiasm of attendees at the TRES Delhi event. Our stall’s objective was to convey the essence of Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential, and we are thrilled by the interest and appreciation that visitors have shown. This is an opportunity for us to interact with our stakeholders and let them know about the unique experiences that Madhya Pradesh has to offer. A highlight of the festival, the Madhya Pradesh stand at TRES Delhi garnered a lot of attention for its beautiful and diverse goods. On exhibit was the state’s tourist industry, which is well-known for its diverse cultural experiences, breathtaking wildlife, heart-pounding adventure options, and lively cultural past. Madhya Pradesh is the perfect place for environment lovers and wildlife photographers because of its lush forests, which are home to a diverse range of species. Many architectural marvels, including 18 UNESCO sites including the three permanent sites Bhimbetka, Sanchi Stupa, and Khajuraho Group of Monuments, can be found in Madhya Pradesh. Numerous locations with significant spiritual value can be found throughout the state, including Devi …
Read More »
The Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye (TUR 2025), one of the most prominent cycling events in Türkiye and the world, is bringing the thrilling excitement of professional cycling to the global stage. The 60th edition of the tour is taking place on Türkiye’s scenic routes from April 27 to May 4, drawing top professional teams and athletes from around the world. The prestigious event, held with the excitement of its 60th anniversary by the Turkish Cycling Federation under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), began in Antalya on 27 April and will conclude in İzmir on 4 May. The eight-day, eight-stage tour is hosting teams from the US, Germany, Belgium, China, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, and Türkiye. The rosters include some of the most powerful names in the cycling world and promising young athletes. Riders are racing through Türkiye’s historic and touristic routes throughout the tour, promoting the country’s cultural and natural riches. A Journey Through Türkiye’s Rich Heritage The race is not only testing the cyclists’ endurance as one of the world’s significant sports organisations. Garnering worldwide attention with its live broadcasts in 190 countries across five continents and in 13 languages, it is also highlighting Türkiye’s cultural and natural riches as well as its cycling tourism offerings. The tour’s route is delivering a captivating journey through Türkiye’s most iconic and hidden gems. Each stage is showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes to the international audience, passing through fragrant orange, lemon, and tangerine groves, roads scented with linden and thyme, and breathtaking landscapes framed by pine, olive, …
Read More »
RezLive.com, a global B2B travel distribution platform and part of the Travel Designer Group, has announced the official launch of Smart Match, an advanced AI-powered feature that is set to redefine the way travel agents compare and book hotel rooms. With the travel industry constantly evolving, Smart Match represents a pivotal innovation—transforming the room selection experience by using artificial intelligence to intelligently group, compare, and present hotel room options in a clean and consolidated view. From real-time supplier data processing to board type consolidation, Smart Match enables travel professionals to make faster, more confident decisions without the clutter of repetitive listings. “Smart Match is not just a feature—it’s the future of hotel booking intelligence,” said Mr. Jaal Shah, Founder of RezLive.com and Group Managing Director at Travel Designer Group. “Our mission has always been to empower travel agents with smart tools that save time, reduce booking errors, and enhance their overall experience. With Smart Match, we’re offering intelligent decision-making at scale—blending technology with trust.” Key Benefits of Smart Match: All-in-One Comparison View: Compare room types, board inclusions, and prices in a single snapshot; AI-Powered Merging: Consolidates similar room options for streamlined selection; Cleaner Results, Faster Decisions: Eliminates irrelevant or duplicate listings; Intelligent Accuracy: Takes into account cancellation policies, price breakdowns, and room configurations; Smart Defaults & Visual Intelligence: Highlights top-value options based on preferences and booking behavior; This innovation underlines RezLive.com’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the B2B travel ecosystem with modern, AI-driven capabilities. Smart Match is now live across the RezLive hotel booking interface and is available to all registered agents globally. With Smart Match feature @ Rezlive.com we are ensuring Travel agent get exactly what they need—precision, speed, and …
Read More »
Scentzania, an experiential retail brand, is making its India debut with a bold ambition: to redefine how the country experiences self-expression through scent. Born from Singapore’s globally acclaimed Scentopia, the brand blends technology, storytelling, and creativity to offer a fragrance experience that is personal, interactive, and unforgettable. “We didn’t set out to sell perfumes. We set out to create a space where people could explore who they are — through scent,” said Prachi Saini Garg, Founder and Managing Director of Scentopia. “As we bring our experiential concept to India, our aim is to engage deeply with consumers and capture up to 10% of the country’s perfume market over the next two years — by offering something far more personal than traditional retail.” Voted TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best in 2024 and featured as a Mastercard Priceless Experience, this immersive fragrance journey has become a flagship attraction on Sentosa Island, delighting tourists, corporate groups, and couples alike. Visitors don’t just shop — they embark on a playful, creative journey to craft a scent that is truly their own, surrounded by interactive zones inspired by Singapore’s native orchids and guided by intelligent digital avatars. With over SGD $2 million in revenue last year and thousands of five-star reviews, the experience has proven that fragrance creation can be as emotionally fulfilling as it is innovative. As Scentzania makes its India debut, the brand plans to launch six flagship studios across major metros including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad in the first phase. Over the next three to five years, Scentzania aims to establish over 50 franchise outlets and Scentzania-Lite experiential centers across key cities and emerging towns, supported by a centralized warehouse …
Read More »
Tourism Breaking News