Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign
The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it.
An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Kerala's tourism department on Wednesday.
'This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones… It's all in good humour and creativity,' Biju K., Kerala's tourism secretary, told Reuters.
In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it 'an amazing place'.
'I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend,' the image quotes the jet as saying.
'Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination,' said Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, the tourism department's brand promotion agency.
Kerala is among India's most popular tourist destinations, and markets itself with the tagline 'God's own country'. Last year, 22.2 million tourists visited the state.
It boasts natural beauty along India's south-western coastline and a rich heritage of classical dances, temple festivals and vibrant cuisine.
The Indian Air Force said last month it would help in the repair and return of the F-35, which made an emergency landing on June 14 when it was flying over the Arabian Sea off Kerala's coast.
A British High Commission spokesperson told Reuters the UK had accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The jet will be moved to the hangar once engineering teams arrive from the UK with specialist equipment, the spokesperson added.
The Royal Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
UK's Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in Parliament on Monday that a Royal Air Force crew were in Thiruvananthapuram and working with Indian counterparts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Skift
20 minutes ago
- Skift
IndiGo Appoints Man Behind 'Incredible India' Tourism Campaign to Board
At a time when the lines between aviation, tourism, infrastructure, and trade are blurring, Kant's track record suggests he won't just be a name on the IndiGo board. IndiGo on Thursday announced it has appointed former Indian bureaucrat Amitabh Kant as a non-executive director to its board. The appointment is pending security clearance from India's Ministry of Civil Aviation and approval from shareholders, the airline said in a stock exchange filing. While this may seem like just another boardroom reshuffle, for those in the business of travel, Kant is no ordinary addition. His entry highlights IndiGo's push to strengthen its long-term strategy, especially in areas where aviation meets tourism, trade, and infrastructure. Who is Amitabh Kant? A retired civil servant who spent over four decades shaping India's economic and development policies, Kant most recently served as the country's G20 Sherpa under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, helping India navigate global diplomacy during its G20 presidency in 2023. The G20 event was considered by many to have helped push inbound tourism for India. When Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region hosted the summit in September 2023, travel demand in the area jumped by 40%, according to data shared with Skift by travel technology firm RateGain. But long before that, Kant was the mind behind two campaigns that redefined how the world saw India as a travel destination: 'God's Own Country' for Kerala Tourism, and the nationwide 'Incredible India' campaign. These campaigns helped put India on the global tourism map at a time when the country wasn't known for brand storytelling. His LinkedIn post last month announcing his retirement from government services reflected on those early days in Kerala, saying the lessons he learned working on community-led tourism and infrastructure projects shaped his career. 'From the 'God's Own Country' campaign to rejuvenating Calicut city by reviving Mananchaira Maidan, removing vast encroachments, expanding Calicut Airport and working closely with fishing community -these experiences shaped my career,' Kant wrote. 'Later, in the Ministry of Tourism, we initiated the 'Incredible India' campaign — born from the belief that travel and tourism has the best multiplier impact on jobs and growth.' IndiGo Looking Beyond Planes and Seats IndiGo's choice to bring Kant onto its board says a lot about where India's largest airline sees itself headed. IndiGo is no longer content being just the largest airline in the country by market share. It has ambitions to become a global connector and tourism is central to that vision. In his statement on the appointment, Kant said IndiGo has transformed air travel in India, 'With its scale, efficiency, and international ambition, IndiGo will open up new markets for India, and transform our airports into global hubs of connectivity and commerce — driving tourism, trade, and investment, while linking people, markets, and opportunities across borders.' The airline this week launched its first long-haul route between Mumbai and Manchester as well as Mumbai and Amsterdam. This is the airline's first intercontinental flights using wide-body aircraft, operated with damp-leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways. To meet the growing demand for luxury and premium travel in the country, IndiGo also introduced business class in its domestic and international routes. The airlines clearly wants to help shape the infrastructure and policy landscape around travel. Kant's background, which is at the intersection of tourism branding, government policy, and infrastructure, makes him an ideal fit for that kind of role. Kant's Fairfax Appointment and the Tourism Link The former bureaucrat's appointment to IndiGo's board comes just days after Canadian investment firm Fairfax Financial Holdings hired him as a senior advisor. For context, Fairfax owns stakes in several companies tied to India's travel ecosystem, including Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel. Fairfax said it values Kant's 'experience in spearheading large-scale development initiatives spanning digital infrastructure, urban renewal, industrial reforms, and tourism.' His insight will help guide Fairfax as it bets big on India's economic transformation and growing middle class, segments that are crucial to both domestic and outbound tourism. While the IndiGo and Fairfax roles are different, both tap into the same core skillset: knowing how to build tourism as an engine of economic growth. For IndiGo, it could mean working more closely with government and private stakeholders to shape airport development, regional connectivity, and travel ecosystems.
Skift
an hour ago
- Skift
Unified GCC Tourist Visa Nears Launch, Aims to Boost Regional Stays
It's been two years since the unified GCC visa was first mentioned, a new travel permit which ministers hope will promote cross-country travel as seen in Europe. The long-anticipated unified GCC visa is finally nearing rollout, two years after it was first approved. The new visa will allow travelers to move freely among any Gulf Cooperation Council country — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — under a single permit. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi said the visa would be launched 'soon' following a meeting with the bloc's interior ministries this week. The initiative was first floated in May 2023 during a conference in Dubai, where ministers from across the Gulf signaled their intent to replicate the European tourism model and encourage seamless, cross-country travel. Official approval came in October 2024. Tourism Benefits Since its announcement, tourism leaders across the region have repeatedly pointed to the visa's potential to transform visitor flows. At a Dubai tradeshow in May 2024, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy, said the visa would unlock 'grand packages' lasting up to a month. 'The unified tourist visa will allow travelers to visit all six countries,' he said. 'Through the GCC grand tours we are aiming to finish, tourists will spend more than 30 days in the region.' Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, speaking at the same event, added: 'One of the main aims is to extend the length of stay. In leisure, people can travel up to four weeks. We want them to combine their holidays across the GCC.' Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, also welcomed the plans at the Skift Global Forum East 2023. 'This new Schengen-style visa is huge for [GCC] tourism and Ras Al Khaimah will see a huge benefit,' he said. Phillips stressed the need for a unified mindset: 'There is nothing more important than a collaborative approach. We should compete collaboratively. In this part of the world, we want to be collaborative. That could mean visa processing, hotels, and airlines.' At its core, the new visa aims to reduce barriers and make travel across the Gulf simpler and more appealing. 'We have to take away the burden of travel,' Phillips said. 'We want to find those friction points and eliminate them. Travel must be more accessible.' A Unified Gulf In October 2023, Al Marri told UAE state news that the visa is part of a wider strategy between now and the end of the decade. "This initiative is an integral part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, designed to elevate the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP through increased inter-GCC travel and elevated hotel occupancy rates, transforming the GCC into a pre-eminent global destination for both regional and international tourists." He stated that the GCC joint tourism strategy "2023-2030" targets an annual increase of 7% in inbound trips to GCC countries, with a target of reaching 128.7 million visitors by 2030.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Luxury Market Report 2025-2033: Luxury Cars Dominate Saudi Arabia's Expanding High-End Market
Saudi Arabia's luxury market, valued at USD 10.1 Billion in 2024, is projected to hit USD 23.3 Billion by 2033, growing at a 9.7% CAGR. E-commerce, rising disposable incomes, and luxury tourism boost the market. Female consumers and mono-brand stores dominate, while luxury cars lead category shares. Saudi Arabian Luxury Market Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Luxury Market Report by Distribution Channel, Category, Gender 2025-2033" has been added to Saudi Arabia luxury market is projected to experience substantial growth, with its market size anticipated to climb from USD 10.1 billion in 2024 to USD 23.3 billion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% during the period of 2025-2033. The expansion of the e-commerce sector coupled with the rise of upscale malls are key factors stimulating market growth across the country. The economic growth in Saudi Arabia is fueled by increasing disposable incomes and a stable banking and financial system. This prosperity has sparked demand for luxury goods, including cars, watches, fragrances, and leather products. The younger population is a significant driving force in the luxury industry's expansion. The country's world-class hospitality sector, with opulent hotels and resorts, further boosts market growth, along with advancements in infrastructure, internet penetration, and tourism. The Government of Saudi Arabia is progressing with the development of four economic cities aimed at boosting domestic trade, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and diversifying the economy. This strategy has significantly impacted the luxury products market. Noteworthy luxury brands like Prada, Tiffany, and Mulberry are enhancing their presence by launching exclusive stores that cater to regional preferences, alongside new product lines to target middle and upper-middle-class consumers. Upscale malls offer luxury brands increased opportunities for growth. Social media's influence on brand connection and the ease of online luxury shopping contribute to industry expansion. Luxury tourism is emerging as a key trend, with investments in tourism infrastructure drawing high-spending travelers. The Vision 2030 plan is pivotal in reducing oil dependence, facilitating market growth. Visa regulation relaxation invites international luxury tourists, boosting luxury tourism's attractiveness through events like the Formula E Championship and Diriyah Season. The robust growth in e-commerce has transformed the luxury market. Rising internet access encourages luxury product purchases online, expanding reach to remote consumers. The luxury e-commerce trend aligns with the shifting consumer preferences of the younger demographic, fostering acceptance of online luxury shopping due to the diverse product availability and curated luxury platforms. Research highlights market trends and forecasts for the Saudi Arabia luxury market from 2025 to 2033, segmenting by distribution channel, category, and gender. Mono-brand stores dominate the distribution segment, emphasizing brand-specific shopping experiences, and ensuring brand image continuity. Cars lead in the category segment, reflecting cultural prestige and growing disposable incomes enabling luxury car acquisitions. In terms of gender, females enjoy the largest market share. Shifting societal norms, increased female workforce participation, and rising disposable incomes are pivotal. Luxury brands tailor marketing strategies towards women, capitalizing on social media and influencer culture. The competitive market landscape is defined by companies establishing flagship stores in major cities, adapting products to cultural preferences, and growing e-commerce presence to enhance shopping experiences. The report delivers a comprehensive analysis of market competition, including detailed profiles of major companies. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 117 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $10.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $23.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.7% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Topics Covered: Preface Scope and Methodology Objectives of the Study Stakeholders Data Sources Market Estimation Forecasting Methodology Executive Summary Introduction Overview Key Industry Trends Saudi Arabia Luxury Market Market Overview Market Performance Impact of COVID-19 Market Breakup by Category Market Breakup by Gender Market Breakup by Distribution Channel Market Forecast SWOT Analysis Value Chain Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis Key Success and Risk Factors Market Performance by Category Travel and Hotel Cars Personal Luxury Goods Food and Drinks Others Market Performance by Gender Male Female Market Performance by Distribution Channel Mono-brand Stores Multi-brand Stores Online Stores Others Competitive Landscape Market Structure Key Players Profiles of Key Players For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Luxury Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
