Latest news with #IndianTourists
Skift
26-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Indian Travel to Japan Hits Record Highs in 2025
The whole world wants to go to Japan and Indians are no exception. The numbers prove it! From January to May this year, about 142,400 Indians visited Japan. In May alone, 43,000 Indian travelers visited the country. According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), this is the first-time ever that Indian tourists in a single month have crossed the 40,000 mark. This has come after Japan recorded the highest number of Indian tourists in 2024 - 233,100. 'The momentum has only accelerated in 2025,' JNTO said in a statement. The January to May arrivals of this year represented a growth of nearly 40% as compared to the same period last year. JNTO noted that May is considered a win-win travel season for Indians visiting Japan. It coincides with Indian summer vacations and the conclusion of Japan's domestic holiday season. This allows Indian travelers access to more accommodations and other tourist services. This is in line with the growing popularity of shoulder season among Indian travelers. A report by travel search platform Skyscanner earlier this month revealed that to avoid crowds and high prices, 1 in 2 Indians are open to traveling during off-peak times. What's Driving This Boom to Japan? Indian arrivals into Japan are also boosted by the increased air connectivity between the two countries. The winter 2024-2025 schedule featured 26 weekly direct flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Japan. Earlier this year, Ryo Bunno, executive director at JNTO, Delhi office, told Skift, 'Improved connectivity through increased flight frequencies and promotional fares has significantly improved the travel experience for Indian tourists, making Japan more accessible and affordable.' Japan is also ramping up its India strategy. According to Bunno, Japan has been actively engaging with the travel industry in India and it has been one of the biggest growth drivers. Indian Aviation Regulator Audit Flags Safety Gaps Indian aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted special audits at major airports in the country and on Tuesday, released its findings. DGCA found several safety lapses, many of which reflect recurring issues, prompting questions around the enforcement of basic standards in India's aviation ecosystem, Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia reported. The audits were conducted less than two weeks after the Air India AI171 flight to London Gatwick crashed moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad on June 12. DGCA covered critical areas like aircraft maintenance, airport operations, air traffic services, and training simulators in the audits. While not naming specific airlines or airports, the findings released on Tuesday point to a broader failure to catch and fix known problems. The aviation watchdog said its inspection teams visited major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, and found repeated technical faults on aircraft that airlines had previously claimed to have already fixed. They noted 'multiple cases wherein the reported defects reappeared many times on the aircraft,' which suggested that airlines either didn't repair the issues properly or skipped them altogether. Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Airlines Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft and airlines by another month. This ban will now remain in force till the early hours of July 24. The extension has been notified by Pakistan's aviation authorities through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The country had first restricted its airspace for all Indian airlines in the last week of April after the deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries following a terrorist attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region killed 26 people, most of them tourists. Pakistan then extended the closure for another month on May 23 after an armed conflict broke out between India and Pakistan in the beginning of May. The airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to reroute dozens of international flights bound for Europe, North America, and the Middle East, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel costs, and significant operational disruptions. The plight of Indian carriers has been further exacerbated by the tensions in the Middle East region. Easier Visa Norms Drive Indians to Southeast Asia With the easing of visa restrictions for Indian travelers in Southeast Asia, travel interest has surged, noted online travel platform Agoda. The platform said, 'Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — countries with eased visa requirements — have seen a clear rise in interest.' Agoda noted a 47% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches for Malaysia, with destinations such as Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Highlands emerging as favorites. Palau reported a 49% increase in interest. Meanwhile, the Philippines, which granted visa-free access to Indian travelers just last month, recorded a 26% increase in accommodation searches. Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Not Yet Cleared for Operations The Vande Bharat sleeper trains have not yet received clearance for operation, even as the prototype for this train was dispatched for trials and testing more than six months ago. The 16-coach prototype for the train has been built at a cost of INR 1.2 billion ($13.9 million). According to media reports, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) completed the speed trials for the train at 160 km/hour. There have reportedly been objections regarding the design of the train and some of the safety features incorporated into its system. Pickyourtrail Partners With Miral Destinations in Yas Island Travel platform Pickyoutrail has collaborated with Miral Destinations, the trade and promotion arm for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. The partnership aims to increase Indian travelers to Yas Island 'by engaging high-intent travelers through dynamic digital engagement,' the company said in a statement. Yas Island has been witnessing an increase in tourists from India over the past few years due to proximity and demand for leisure. The destination has also worked to increase its visibility, partnering with actors Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol for its 'Zindagi Ko Yas Bol' campaign earlier this year.
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Viral dance by Indian tourists at Burj Khalifa sparks debate
A group of Indian tourists has stirred a debate after a video showing them doing the Garba on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa went viral. Wearing matching yellow outfits, the tourists performed the traditional Gujarati folk dance to the Bollywood song Chogada from the 2018 film Loveyatri. The performance was filmed and shared on Instagram on June 15 by Dubai-based content creator @the_walking_lens_, and has since drawn thousands of views and a wave of mixed reactions. Some viewers praised the group for proudly showcasing Indian culture on a global stage. 'It's sweet to see our culture shining,' one user wrote. But others were critical, calling the dance inappropriate for a crowded tourist spot. 'Why is this glorified? We must learn to respect the sanctity of public spaces ,' one comment read. "RIP civic sense," wrote another user. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Walking Lens �| (@the_walking_lens_) Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This is not the first time Indian tourists have danced in public spaces abroad. Earlier this month, a group of Indians drew attention in Vienna by dancing Garba on the street to music played by local performers. Social media users noted a growing trend of such impromptu cultural displays, citing other instances including Pangong Lake in India, Times Square in New York, and the streets of London. While some expats defended these acts as harmless and joyful, others argued they can be disruptive. In the Burj Khalifa video's case, critics said the performance may have inconvenienced other visitors and ignored the need to respect shared spaces. 'Perfect example of money can't buy class,' one user commented. A longtime Dubai resident said, "I saw the video. It was lively, but it blocked the viewing area for others. Visitors purchase tickets to enjoy the views, not to navigate around flash mobs." It is not immediately clear if the performance was pre-approved or permitted by Emaar, the Dubai-based real estate developer behind the Burj Khalifa.
Skift
19-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Wyndham Opens 100th Days Inn Property in China
The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced Indian tourist arrivals to the Kingdom have exceeded one million, even before the halfway mark of 2025. This follows a record-breaking 2024 during which Thailand welcomed 2.1 million Indian travelers, part of more than 35 million international travelers for the year. The TAT continues to intensify its focus on India through joint promotions, customized campaigns, and trade engagement events. The Crest Collection has debuted in Thailand as The Ascott Limited introduced its story-driven luxury brand through the official opening of La Clef Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 38. The property includes 115 bespoke serviced residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. The launch reinforces Ascott's strategy to diversify its luxury portfolio and cater to both long-stay expatriates and discerning short-term business travelers. Amenities include an onsen and swimming pool, a residents' lounge, and a fitness center. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced a major milestone in Asia Pacific with the opening of its 100th Days Inn hotel in China. The 100th property is the Days Inn by Wyndham Shantou Jinping. Wyndham said its Days Inn brand in China has averaged double-digit net room growth over the past five years, contributing to a 14% increase in Wyndham's overall direct franchising business over the same period. Its pipeline in China expanded 25% year-over-year through the end of the first quarter. The Days Inn by Wyndham Shantou Jinping is a four-star, 83-room hotel nestled between the commercial center of Jinping District and Shantou Bay. The hotel features a fitness center, breakfast buffet, free WiFi, and a business center. IHG Hotels & Resorts said it is accelerating the growth of its brands in Japan's second-largest city, Osaka. The city is receiving global attention as it is hosting the World Expo Osaka Kansai. IHG has expanded its portfolio in the city in the past year to 10 open hotels with 3,249 rooms across seven brands. That is more than the seven properties and 1,859 rooms IHG has in Tokyo. The past year in Osaka included the debut of Luxury & Lifestyle brand Vignette Collection through the rebranding of the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, and the Midscale conversion brand Garner, with a trio of this brand on properties. Coming up soon will be the introduction of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba and InterContinental Osaka. Its Upper Luxury brand, Regent, is expected to open there in 2028. Overall, in Japan, IHG has 54 hotels operating across 10 brands, with 17 properties in its pipeline. Imperial Hotel, Ltd. will begin accepting room reservations for the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, in Japan this autumn. The hotel will have a total of 55 rooms across three distinct areas, each defined by its architectural styles, which include Preservation, Renovation, and Extension. The most exclusive suite will feature one-of-a-kind spaces such as a terrace overlooking the Higashiyama Mountains and an up-close view of the Yasaka Kaikan gazebo. The main building will preserve and renovate the historic Yasaka Kaikan and the north wing extension. Guestrooms in the newly built section are designed to blend in with the streetscape of traditional wooden townhouses, while respecting the 12-meter height limit in the Gion-machi south side district where the Yasaka Kaikan is located. Amenities include restaurants and bars, wellness facilities including a spa, swimming pool, and gym. The development is expected to be completed in October 2025 with a full opening in Spring of 2026. Indian Hotels Company Limited announced the signing of a new greenfield hotel in Mysuru under its premium Vivanta brand. The move reinforces IHCL's growing presence across Karnataka and highlights Mysuru's potential as a key hospitality destination. MakeMyTrip has launched a two-part capital raise comprising a public equity offering and a private convertible note issuance, with the combined proceeds to be used for repurchasing a portion of its Class B shares from Group. The two transactions total over $3 billion and could reduce stake in MakeMyTrip from around 45% to about 20%. MakeMyTrip is offering 14 million ordinary shares in a registered public offering with an overallotment option for the underwriters for another 2.1 million shares. The senior notes will total $1.25 billion with an option for initial purchasers to buy up to an additional $187.5 million. The friendly partnership does not seem as friendly, as MakeMyTrip warned that the interests of and its affiliates may be different or conflict with the interests of its other shareholders. This also comes at a time when Indian authorities are scrutinizing Chinese investments in companies more closely. Personnel Moves Dusit Thani announced the appointment of Mr. Chanin Donavanik as Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Arsa Sarasin. Professor Emeritus Dr. Khunying Suchada Kiranandana was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board, replacing Mr. Chanin Donavanik. Lemon Tree Hotels announced that Vishvapreet Singh Cheema was named as President of the company. Niket Sood has taken on the role of Vice President – Commercial Strategy. Cheema was responsible for overseeing operations across South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts before joining Lemon Tree Hotels. Sood previously led the topline strategy for Accor in South Asia. Encalm Hospitality announced the appointment of Sandeep Singh as Vice President – Projects, effective May 2025. Singh will lead the implementation of Encalm's expansive projects, including premium airport lounges, five-star terminal hotels, inflight catering kitchens, wellness zones, and curated retail experiences. He previously held senior leadership roles at organizations such as Prestige Group, ITC Hotels, Taj Hotels, and Royal Orchid Hotels. He directed the development of India's largest hotel, currently under construction – Marriott's 779 keys at Aerocity, Delhi.
Sky News
15-06-2025
- Sky News
Hot air balloon crashes in Turkey, leaving one person dead and 19 injured
One person has died and 19 others have been injured after a hot air balloon crashed in Turkey. The accident occurred near the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray province, the Ilhas News Agency said. The pilot died and 19 Indonesian tourists were injured, with the incident happening after a sudden change of wind, according to officials. The balloon was trying to make a hard landing near the village of Gozlukuyu in Aksaray province, when the pilot fell out of the balloon's basket and his feet got tangled in a rope, Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu said. "Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died," he said, adding that the injured tourists were taken to hospital. Another hot air balloon taking off from the same location of Ilhara Valley also made a hard landing early on Sunday morning, injuring 12 Indian tourists who were taken to hospital, local media said. Hot air ballooning is a popular tourist activity in central Turkey. The attractions include the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia - tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by natural erosion over thousands of years that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Times of Oman
08-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Philippines visa-free for Indians: A game-changer for travel in 2025
New Delhi: In a landmark decision that has excited the Indian travel community, the Philippines has officially introduced visa-free travel for Indian passport holders, allowing a stay of up to 14 days. With this relaxed visa policy, the Philippines has become one of the top visa-free countries for Indians to visit. This development means that Indians planning to visit the Philippines without visa applications or embassy visits can now explore its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities with ease. However, for those planning to stay longer or who do not meet the eligibility criteria, the usual Philippines visa information for Indian nationals remains essential. Such travellers need to apply for Philippines visa online (for stays over 14 days) before their trip to ensure smooth entry and legal stay. Explore the Beauty of the Philippines. From the turquoise waters of El Nido to the bustling energy of Manila, the Philippines offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller. With the ability to travel spontaneously, Indian tourists now have easier access to one of Southeast Asia's most scenic destinations. To make the most of your trip, book cheap flights to Manila and explore the archipelago hassle-free. Whether you're visiting for relaxation, adventure, or cultural discovery, the visa-free Philippines is ready to welcome Indian tourists with open arms. For comfortable stays, choose from a variety of best hotels in Manila that cater to both budget and luxury preferences. If you prefer guided travel, all-inclusive Philippines tour packages are also available for a seamless experience. Philippines Visa Rules for Indians. Under the updated Philippines visa rules for Indians, eligible travellers can enjoy visa-free Philippines travel for up to 14 days. This new initiative, titled "Philippines introduces visa-free travel for Indian passport holders," underscores the country's focus on boosting tourism and fostering stronger ties with India. For those who require a longer stay or do not qualify for visa-free entry, understanding the Philippines visa for Indians remains crucial. Fortunately, Akbar Travels simplifies this process with a seamless online visa application experience. Their services allow Indian travellers to apply for Philippines visa online quickly and conveniently. Other Visa-Free Countries for Indians. The Philippines is not the only nation offering relaxed entry for Indian travellers. A growing list of visa-free countries for Indians includes destinations like Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Indonesia, and Seychelles, among others. These policies continue to increase the global mobility of the Indian passport. Additionally, a valid USA visa opens doors to even more destinations. With a valid US visa, Indian citizens can travel to countries like Dubai, Turkey, Albania, Costa Rica, Mexico, and many others. These countries provide either visa-free access or visa on arrival facility for Indians with a valid US visa or a green card. Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders. Among the most sought-after destinations accessible with a valid US visa is the UAE. Dubai offers a visa on arrival for Indian citizens holding a valid US visa or green card. This Dubai visa (UAE visa) is valid for 14 days and can be extended once. For longer stays or planned visits, travellers are advised to apply for Dubai visa online . The UAE visa application is 100% online.
