VFS Global has signed a co-branding agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia to strengthen and expand brand awareness of Indonesian tourism under the Wonderful Indonesia campaign for increasing international arrivals and encouraging investments into the country. As part of the agreement, VFS Global will help in increasing the brand awareness of the Wonderful Indonesia campaign and improving the quality and quantity of tourism marketing through brand partnerships. The agreement was signed between Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global, on 13 August 2025 in Jakarta. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, said, “We are excited to join forces with VFS Global in strengthening the Wonderful Indonesia campaign on the global stage. Through this co-branding agreement, we will amplify our tourism message and leverage VFS Global’s extensive presence in over 160 countries, combined with innovative outreach, to inspire more travellers to experience the beauty and diversity of Indonesia.” Since 2024, VFS Global is also an official partner of the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration. As part of the partnership, VFS Global has launched a new e-VoA platform for nationals of all the 97 countries eligible for e-VoA, to provide them a quicker and smoother visa application journey online. Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen global awareness of the country’s vibrant tourism offerings. With over 16 years of experience in tourism-related services, VFS Global brings proven expertise in promoting destinations to a global audience. Through the promotion of the e-Visa …

Disney Cruise Line today revealed its highly anticipated culinary lineup for the Disney Adventure, where bold flavors and immersive dining experiences await guests. An impressive food and beverage collection comprising over 20 dining and lounge venues will be available for guests to enjoy onboard. The Disney Adventure will offer a variety of world-class cuisines and beverages inspired by international flavors and Disney classics, while also presenting a range of dining offerings thoughtfully curated for guests in Asia, to honor the region and its diverse cuisines. Many of the Disney Adventure’s culinary experiences can be enjoyed as part of the cruise fare, providing value, convenience, and choices for guests.

Expedia Group’s VP of Social Impact and Sustainability, Aditi Mohapatra, believes that nature is the product we are offering travellers. “Beaches, coral reefs, rainforests… connecting and protecting them is essential” Governments and businesses must recognise that biodiversity and nature-based solutions are critical not only for climate resilience, but also for thriving local economies,” she says.

ClickMyCruise has launched a new cruise booking portal designed to help travel agents in India and beyond book cruises faster and more easily. With cruise demand rising in India, the platform offers a one-stop solution for agents to access real-time ship details, check commissions instantly, convert currencies hassle-free, and register quickly. “Launching this portal is a game-changer for the Indian cruise industry. We feel this platform sets industry standards for cruise bookings, making the process faster, smarter, and far more accessible than ever before. We’re proud to be at the forefront, opening doors and creating opportunities that others haven’t even imagined yet,” said Vistasp Major, Director at ClickMyCruise. Adding to this, Vasundhara Gupta, Director at ClickMyCruise, shared, “In today’s travel industry, you need the right tech to stay ahead. Our portal gives agents everything they need from info to booking all in one spot. It’s a big boost for anyone looking to grow their cruise business.” Backed by direct partnerships with top cruise lines like MSC and Costa, ClickMyCruise’s new portal provides transparent pricing and instant booking, helping agents scale their sales efficiently. Agents interested in expanding their cruise offerings can register now at www.clickmycruise.com

Emphasising the importance of partnerships and relationships in India’s travel market, Tekla Maira, Founder, And The Story Continues, urged global stakeholders to prioritise accessibility, education, segmentation and regular engagement with Indian travel agents, especially for weddings and MICE.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), representing the hospitality industry across the country, has requested Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister and Chairperson of the GST Council, for the rationalisation of GST in the tourism and hospitality sector. The appeal seeks to position Indian tourism as a driver of economic growth while enhancing its global competitiveness in alignment with India’s Vision 2047. FHRAI welcomed the landmark GST reforms announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on August 15, 2025, describing them as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s tax regime, simplifying compliance, and paving the way for sustained growth. Tourism has long been one of India’s most strategic growth pillars, contributing nearly five per cent to the nation’s GDP, with the potential to double this contribution if supported by conducive policy measures. It remains one of the largest employment generators, offering extensive opportunities for youth and women, and is recognised for its high multiplier effect, where every rupee invested in hospitality generates a return of 3.5 rupees in output, while one direct job in the sector creates an additional 3.2 indirect jobs. Despite this strong potential, India’s current GST structure makes the tourism sector less competitive compared to its Asian peers. Countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia operate under lower tax regimes, ranging between 6 and 10 per cent, which helps them attract significantly larger tourist inflows. In contrast, India’s higher GST structure reduces affordability and weakens its appeal for international travellers. FHRAI has therefore emphasised the need for uniformity and simplicity in GST to make tourism services more accessible and globally competitive. It has recommended the introduction …

Speaking about India’s progress in terms of offering sustainable travel, Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, Former CEO of NITI Aayog, says, “In the last 15 years, railway electrification in India has jumped from 30% to a remarkable 99%. Now India stands second in the world, ahead of Japan, US, and Germany.”

The Finland–India Tourism Workshop 2025 concluded in New Delhi and Mumbai, bringing together 16 Finnish and Indian partners with India’s leading travel stakeholders. Sara Sodhi Juneja, Founder & CEO of Sara Consulting Services, said, “Indian travellers are looking beyond the ordinary, and Finland delivers on every front — pristine nature, authentic culture and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime moments.”

Sharing an official statement amidst news reports around South African Tourism Board, Darryl Erasmus, Chief Operations Officer, South African Tourism, stated, “We note the recent reports regarding the ‘dissolution of the SA Tourism Board’ and understand the confusion this may have caused. To clarify, South African Tourism as an organisation/entity continues to operate as usual. The dissolution applies only to ‘the board’. While we await a resolution, our focus remains firmly on ensuring continuity across all tourism initiatives, projects, and partnerships, with no disruption to ongoing work.”  

Sopa Lodges, in partnership with Leo Sky Africa, is proud to introduce Astro Tourism – a visionary product that invites travellers to experience the night sky in a way that is immersive, educational and deeply rooted in cultural and environmental preservation. Set against Samburu’s pristine, unpolluted dark skies, this initiative goes far beyond stargazing. It celebrates nature’s forgotten wonders, honours indigenous celestial knowledge, and creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – Astro Tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, Chief Operating Officer, Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is a game changer in the region, combining Samburu’s naturally dark skies with rich community narratives and cultural beliefs surrounding celestial events. We have invested time in research and staff training to ensure the experience is not only authentic but also expertly delivered to our guests. Samburu is already renowned for the iconic ‘Samburu special five – the reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, grevy’s zebra, and the Somali ostrich. With the introduction of Astro Tourism, Sopa Lodges now proudly offers a ‘special six’ – adding the stars to our unique wildlife and cultural encounters.” This launch marks a bold step towards diversifying Kenya’s tourism beyond traditional safaris, while empowering the Samburu community through cultural exchange, education, and sustainable economic development. It also aims to elevate the visibility of responsible tourism initiatives across Africa and beyond. “We are excited to unveil our latest offering – Astro Tourism here at the stunning Samburu Sopa Lodge, where the beauty of nature meets the wonder of the night sky,” said Rosemary Kuria, Director of Sales at Sopa Lodges. “This unique, immersive experience invites …