Two Million Tourists Say Konnichiwa to Japan's Third Straight August Madness

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Published on September 23, 2023

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In a significant milestone, Japan welcomed 2 million visitors for the third consecutive month in August, marking a remarkable recovery to over 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to official data released on Wednesday. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that the number of foreign visitors, both for business and leisure, reached 2.16 million last month.

These figures represent an impressive achievement, with visitor arrivals rebounding to 85.6 percent of the levels seen in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread travel restrictions worldwide. While August's numbers dipped slightly from the post-pandemic high of 2.32 million visitors in July, the recovery is undeniably ongoing. Factors contributing to this resurgence include an increase in international flight availability and a weakened yen, making trips to Japan more affordable than they have been in decades.

Interestingly, visitor numbers from the United States, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, as indicated by JNTO data. This positive trend helps offset the lagging visitor numbers from China, which still fall significantly below 2019 levels.

Notably, there were 364,100 visitors from China in August, marking a 16 percent increase over the previous month. This uptick can be attributed to Beijing's decision to lift restrictions on group travel to Japan. Chinese travellers accounted for approximately 30 percent of all visitors and contributed to 40 percent of all tourist spending in Japan back in 2019. The removal of the group travel ban is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to inbound visitor spending, as noted by Masato Koike, an economist at Sompo Institute Plus.

In August, 364,100 Chinese visitors arrived, marking a 16% increase, thanks to Beijing's lifted group travel restrictions. In 2019, Chinese tourists constituted 30% of all visitors and contributed 40% of tourist spending. Masato Koike from Sompo Institute Plus anticipates a substantial boost in inbound visitor spending due to the group travel ban removal.

Japan's tourism came to a halt for over two years during the pandemic. Recovery started when the government resumed visa-free travel in October 2022 and lifted all COVID controls in May 2023. From January to August 2023, over 15 million visitors arrived, still far from 2019's record pace of about 32 million, per JNTO data.

Top 4 Private Luxury Charter Companies in India to Elevate Your Dream Destination Wedding

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

Weddings in India have always been grand, but now, they’re literally taking off. For couples dreaming of a sky-high celebration or a dramatic bridal entry that sets Instagram ablaze, private jet charters have become the newest way to elevate wedding festivities.

From flying your family in sheer luxury to transforming an aircraft into a mid-air mehendi venue, these private charter companies are helping couples create unforgettable, cloud-kissed memories. Here are four luxury private jet companies in India making destination weddings more opulent—and airborne—than ever before.

KlasJet: European Elegance Meets Indian Wedding Flair

If you want to blend European sophistication with big-fat-Indian-wedding spirit, KlasJet is a name to remember. Led by CEO Justinas Bulka, KlasJet has already made its mark across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., and is now quickly soaring into Asia. Backed by the global aviation powerhouse Avia Solutions Group, this boutique private charter airline is renowned for its ultra-luxe interiors, bespoke services, and exclusive in-flight experiences.

For KlasJet, it’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about turning the journey itself into part of your celebration. Picture a bridal party enjoying cocktails mid-air or a romantic post-wedding getaway complete with champagne at 30,000 feet. With experience serving royalty, celebrities, and business elites, KlasJet is now perfectly positioned to tap into India’s booming destination wedding market.

Taj Air: Heritage Hospitality, Now Above the Clouds

For over two decades, Taj Air has brought the elegance and meticulous detail the Taj brand is known for—this time, at 40,000 feet. Taj Air delivers seamless, stylish travel for wedding couples, families, and VIP guests, flying them privately between top Indian destinations. From gourmet Taj-catered meals served on board to discreet check-ins and luxurious ground transfers, every touchpoint reflects India’s finest hospitality traditions.

It’s the ideal choice for couples seeking trusted luxury, flawless logistics, and the comfort of a brand with deep Indian roots that understands how to make weddings truly memorable.

JetSetGo: The ‘Uber of the Skies’ for India’s Elite

JetSetGo, founded by Kanika Tekriwal, has transformed the concept of luxury air travel in India. Dubbed the ‘Uber of the skies,’ it’s become synonymous with flying high-net-worth individuals, from Bollywood stars and business tycoons to international wedding parties. Its expansive fleet includes private jets, helicopters, and even air ambulances, with everything tailored—from in-flight gourmet experiences to interiors styled to match your wedding theme.

Whether it’s ferrying your entire bridal squad from Delhi to Udaipur or orchestrating a surprise sky-high proposal en route to the Maldives, JetSetGo combines luxury, efficiency, and personalisation like no other. Their round-the-clock concierge service and elite partnerships also make them a favourite with wedding planners who want that extra “wow” factor.

BookMyCharters: Where Tech Meets Tiaras

If you need speed alongside luxury, BookMyCharters is the answer. Their tech-driven platform provides real-time availability and instant bookings across a fleet of over 25 aircraft. From flying your bridal party from Mumbai to Jaipur to whisking the couple off to a secluded island honeymoon, BookMyCharters makes the process seamless.

Each flight comes with concierge support, gourmet catering, and experiences curated for celebrations. This blend of modern tech convenience with classic luxury makes them perfect for time-sensitive, high-budget wedding logistics—bridging the gap between traditional aviation and contemporary demands.

Whether it’s a mehendi in the clouds, a post-wedding escape, or simply flying your nearest and dearest in ultimate comfort, these private charter companies are turning destination weddings in India into something truly sky-high.

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Saudia’s Brand Value Soars to $1.1 Billion, Ranks 32nd Globally

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 23, 2025

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reached a brand valuation milestone of $1.1 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the 2025 airline brand rankings by Brand Finance. This remarkable surge underscores the airline's strategic evolution and rising stature in global aviation.

Saudia now ranks 32nd globally in brand value among airlines, a notable leap since its debut in the Top 50 list in 2021 with a valuation of $506 million. In just four years, the brand has more than doubled in value, thanks to focused efforts in fleet enhancement, guest experience, and innovative initiatives.

The airline’s recent order of 105 Airbus aircraft highlighted its commitment to fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. At home, Saudia grabbed attention with BLVD Runway, a creative aviation-meets-entertainment concept aimed at engaging domestic travellers.

Globally, Skytrax honoured Saudia as the 'World’s Most Improved Airline' in 2024, a nod to its operational excellence and growing global presence. The airline has also maintained strong On-Time Performance (OTP) and received accolades for enhancing passenger experiences.

Commenting on this achievement, Khaled Tash, Chief Marketing Officer, Saudia Group, said:

“Achieving a brand value of $1 billion is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence, as well as the unwavering trust and loyalty of our guests. At Saudia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation, ensuring that every journey with us is a step towards excellence.”

With this milestone, Saudia continues to strengthen its global positioning and reaffirm its role as a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious aviation growth story.