Apollo Hospitals Urges Liberal Visa Policy to Boost Medical Tourism

Apollo Hospitals Urges Liberal Visa Policy to Boost Medical Tourism

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Apollo Hospitals is calling for a liberal visa policy to strengthen India's position as a global medical tourism hub. With high-quality healthcare available at a fraction of global prices, the hospital chain believes that easing visa regulations could significantly boost the influx of international patients.

Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the need for enhanced e-visa services and faster medical tourism visa processing. "We need to improve the ease of entry for overseas patients. Countries like Thailand, Turkey, and Singapore already offer visas on arrival, making medical travel seamless. A streamlined visa process will help India compete better in this space," she said.

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Apollo Hospitals is working closely with the government on the 'Heal in India' initiative to attract more patients. Executive Vice Chairperson Preetha Reddy highlighted the government's growing focus on medical tourism. "We now have world-class airports and infrastructure, but we need to enhance the visa process and overall patient experience upon arrival," she stated.

In addition to its policy advocacy, Apollo Hospitals is expanding its infrastructure and research collaborations. The company has announced an investment of INR 6,000 crore to add 3,000 beds across its network in the next five years. It is also partnering with IITs and other institutions to drive innovation in healthcare.

With these initiatives, Apollo Hospitals is positioning India as a top destination for medical travel while ensuring continuous growth and advancements in the healthcare sector.


Maldives Partners with Mumbai Indians as Official Tourist Destination

Maldives Partners with Mumbai Indians as Official Tourist Destination

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mumbai Indians, making the Maldives the Official Tourist Destination Partner for the 2025 cricket season. This marks Visit Maldives’ first collaboration of this kind in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to strengthening its position as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.

Cricket & Tourism: A Winning Partnership

With Mumbai Indians being one of the most successful and widely followed cricket teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this partnership presents a unique opportunity to engage millions of Indian cricket fans. Given that India remains one of the top source markets for Maldivian tourism, the collaboration is expected to drive substantial growth in Indian tourist arrivals, with a target of 200,000 visitors in 2025.

"Cricket has a special place in the hearts of millions, and we believe this collaboration will inspire Indian travellers to choose the Maldives as their ideal getaway," said Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives.

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating, "Cricket and holidays are all about creating lasting memories. We are excited to showcase the Maldives to our global fanbase and create new travel experiences for them."

Positioning Maldives as the Ultimate Getaway

Through a mix of digital activations, exclusive experiences, and on-ground events, the Maldives will be promoted as the go-to luxury travel destination for Indian travellers. The country’s pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and seamless connectivity to India make it a top choice for holidaymakers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike.

This strategic alliance between Maldives tourism and Mumbai Indians is set to redefine sports-driven travel promotions, further cementing the Maldives’ global appeal as a luxury escape.


Swim with Giants: Four Seasons Maldives Unveils 2025 Manta Hot Dates

Swim with Giants: Four Seasons Maldives Unveils 2025 Manta Hot Dates

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 18, 2025

What do the moon and manta rays have in common? They both play a crucial role in one of the ocean’s most breathtaking natural spectacles—the mass gathering of manta rays in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Thanks to the groundbreaking research of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, based at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, travelers now have a scientifically backed chance to witness these gentle giants in action. The team has combined two decades of manta tracking, moon phase analysis, and tidal movements to predict the Manta Hot Dates for 2025—the optimal times when these marine marvels are expected to congregate in vast numbers.

2025 Manta Hot Dates

  • May 10 – 14 | May 25 – 29
  • June 9 – 13 | June 23 – 27
  • July 8 – 12 | July 22 – 26
  • August 7 – 11 | August 21 – 25
  • September 5 – 9 | September 19 – 23
  • October 5 – 9 | October 19 – 23
  • November 3 – 7 | November 18

A Front-Row Seat to the Ocean’s Grand Performance

With over 4,477 manta sightings recorded in 2024—alongside 26 whale sharks and nine devil rays—the waters around Landaa Giraavaru offer an unparalleled marine adventure. Guests visiting during the Manta Hot Dates can join the exclusive Manta Watch experience, which includes:

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Manta-on-Call speedboat safari – Get alerted via a personal phone the moment mantas are sighted nearby.
Dolphin cruise – Witness playful dolphins leaping across the Indian Ocean.
Coral frame propagation – Contribute to marine conservation by helping restore coral reefs.
Round-trip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport.
Daily breakfast at Café Landaa or Blu Restaurant.

For those who prefer spontaneity, the resort’s Manta-on-Call program offers a real-time adventure—guests receive a direct call the moment manta rays are spotted, allowing them to rush to a speedboat and snorkel with these oceanic giants on their terms.

More Than a Spectacle—A Conservation Mission

Since its inception in 2005, the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme has played a vital role in protecting manta rays worldwide. Project Manager Elspeth Strike explains,

“Seeing a guest’s face light up as they spot a manta for the first time is unforgettable. At Landaa Giraavaru, we combine conservation with education—offering managed experiences that allow people to connect with these incredible creatures while helping ensure their future.”

Manta sightings are seasonal and subject to weather conditions and the moods of these gentle giants.

To book your Manta Watch adventure at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com, or call +960 66 00 888.


Business Travel Show Asia Pacific to Launch in Singapore This April

Business Travel Show Asia Pacific to Launch in Singapore This April

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 16, 2025

The Business Travel Show Asia Pacific is set to make its debut in Singapore on April 16-17, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands, uniting over 200 corporate travel buyers from across Asia Pacific, the US, the UK, and Europe with 50+ top-tier exhibitors from the global travel industry. Backed by BTN Group’s 30 years of expertise in corporate travel events, this launch marks a significant milestone for the region’s booming business travel sector.

A World-Class Corporate Travel Event

The Asia Pacific region is the world’s fastest-growing corporate travel market, with spending projected to hit $900 billion this year. Business Travel Show APAC is more than just a trade show—it’s a critical platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Exhibitors include some of the most influential names in the travel industry, such as Oneworld, Wings, Wego, Amex GBT, BCD, Amex Card, Emburse, and more. The event promises meaningful business meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike.

Exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme

Senior corporate travel decision-makers can apply for the hosted buyer programme, which includes:

  • Complimentary travel and accommodation
  • Curated one-on-one meetings with key suppliers
  • VIP access to event sessions and networking lounges

Corporate travel managers and procurement professionals handling business travel programmes are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

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Expert Panels & Cutting-Edge Industry Insights

Spanning two days, the event features 16 free-to-attend sessions covering:

  • Sustainability in corporate travel
  • Enhancing traveller experience
  • Innovative travel technology
  • Supplier sourcing strategies
  • Cost-cutting and resilience in travel programmes

Speakers from Avis Budget Group, MSD International, IKEA, Rheinmetall, Crisis24, HN Consulting, and Align Tech will share their expertise.

Business Travel Innovation Faceoff & APAC Travel Buyer of the Year Award

For the first time in APAC, the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff will showcase game-changing solutions set to redefine corporate travel. Additionally, the APAC Travel Buyer of the Year Award will honor a regional leader in corporate travel innovation.

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