At its recent multi-city roadshow, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority showcased sweeping developments, ranging from the expansion of Sharjah International Airport to luxury hospitality tie-ups with global brand names. These moves are aimed at positioning Sharjah as a growth engine aligned with the UAE’s ambition of doubling tourism’s GDP contribution to AED 450 billion by 2031.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $126.42 million loan agreement to promote rural development through sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in the Tehri Lake region of Uttarakhand.

India’s travel boom is no longer a metro story. Smaller cities are leading the charge, with rising incomes, better connectivity, and a younger population eager to see the world. From Jaipur to Indore, families are planning their first international holidays, fuelled by social media FOMO and easy financing options like BNPL.

Led by Deepika Nair, Acting Trade Manager, South African Tourism, the event will connect with Indian corporates across key sectors and will expand its focus beyond traditional metro markets. Speaking numbers, in 2024, India emerged as one of South Africa's fastest-growing source markets for MICE travel, contributing 20.2% of overall MICE arrivals.

Ebix Travel projects an unprecedented surge in rail, bus and air travel demand as the country enters its peak festive season. Early booking behaviour, coupled with a cultural imperative to reunite with families, is driving multi-fold growth in both search volumes and confirmed reservations for Durga Puja and Diwali travel.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been awarded with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2025 in the category of Best Ecosystem & Wildlife Conservation initiative for its Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project.

The session said to see the participation of ETAA members, who gained valuable insights into Malaysia’s latest attractions, destinations, and unique travel experiences. Members also reported to have had the opportunity to interact directly with the Tourism Malaysia leadership team: Noriah Jaafar – Director, Tourism Malaysia; T. Ediwanto Eddie – Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia; and Jane D’Cruz...

The event highlighted key updates from RezLive.com, along with an engaging destination presentation on Saudi Arabia, and the launch of RezLux — RezLive.com’s exclusive Saudi luxury hotel collection, aimed at offering unparalleled experiences to travel partner’s clients seeking premium stays.

Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) is broadening its marketing and trade outreach efforts in India. The national tourism office of Taiwan has recently concluded two trade engagement and educational events at Kochi and Kolkata aimed at creating a larger source market footprints across India.

India stood out as Thailand’s leading tourism market last year, with arrivals soaring past the 2-million milestone. Powered by air connectivity, 342 weekly flights between the two nations as of June 2024, India has firmly cemented its position as a key driver of Thailand’s tourism growth.