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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 21, 2024
Helsinki has been named the world’s most sustainable travel destination, securing the top spot in the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, released on October 16, 2024. This recognition highlights the Finnish capital’s commitment to environmentally friendly tourism and responsible urban development, surpassing over 100 cities worldwide.
The GDS Index evaluates destinations based on four key areas: Destination Management, Supplier Performance, Environmental Performance, and Social Performance. Helsinki excelled in Destination Management and Environmental Performance, placing first in both categories. The city also ranked second in Social Progress, reflecting its efforts to promote inclusive tourism and engage local businesses.
Nina Vesterinen & Jukka Punamaki GDS awards
“Being named the world’s most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. Achieving this ‘first place’ indicates that we are on the right path,” said Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki.
The city’s Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events plays a central role in maintaining sustainable growth and aims to position Helsinki as a leader in sustainable tourism. Part of the broader strategy includes reaching carbon neutrality by 2030 through renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient buildings, and low-emission transportation solutions. More than 30% of the city’s bus fleet is already electrified, with over 30 kilometers of new tramlines expected to be operational in the next decade.
Helsinki from above
Helsinki also emphasizes social sustainability by supporting local businesses in their sustainability efforts and encouraging resident participation in tourism planning. The city actively measures the carbon footprint of tourism and collaborates with other international destinations to promote responsible travel practices.
Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director for the City of Helsinki, noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable travel options. “International studies show that travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable services, and there will be growing demand for destinations like Helsinki in the future,” she said.
Hurray Helsinki!
Helsinki’s first-place ranking in the GDS Index demonstrates the city’s ability to integrate environmental and social sustainability into tourism while aligning with global trends toward greener travel experiences.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 30, 2025
India’s premier B2B travel networking event, India International Travel Mart (IITM), completed impactful editions in Chennai (16–18 July) and Bangalore (24–26 July) 2025, reinforcing its reputation as South India’s biggest travel exhibition and a catalyst for domestic and international tourism promotion.
Now in its 26th year in these cities, IITM brought together a diverse mix of tourism boards, DMCs, hotel groups, airlines, travel startups, and technology platforms. Over three days at each venue, the exhibitions enabled immersive trade engagement, destination showcases, and high-value networking opportunities.
The Chennai edition, hosted at Chennai Trade Centre, was inaugurated by Thiru T. Christuraj, Director of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries included:
Sri Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism
Smt. T. Devaki, Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of India
Sri Kamaleshwaran, President, SKAL International, Chennai
Sri Pankaj Ravish, General Manager, IRCTC
Sri Pawan Kumar Gupta, Vice President, SIMA
Sri Ashok Kumar P, Chairman, ADTOI
The Bangalore edition, held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, was inaugurated by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh. Guests of Honor included:
Sri Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism
Sri Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh
Sri Vivek Acharya, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism
Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai
Sri Biswajit Routray, Additional Director, Odisha Tourism
Sri Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, UP Tourism
Sri Lokesh Bettaiah, VP, TAAI
Sri Niranjan Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI
Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO
Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, General Secretary, ABTO
Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI
Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:
“Both editions exceeded expectations in terms of participation, partnerships, and buyer engagement. The enthusiasm from India’s domestic and outbound tourism stakeholders is encouraging as we push toward broader industry resurgence.”
Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:
“Chennai and Bangalore remain integral to India’s tourism landscape. The enthusiasm, scale, and trade engagement at IITM reaffirm its role as a strategic B2B platform.”
25+ Indian states represented
20+ international tourism boards
800+ exhibitors
Thousands of B2B meetings and interactions across both cities
For over 20 years, IITM has built a legacy as one of India’s most credible and business-focused travel trade shows. It uniquely connects travel products with decision-makers through:
Dedicated B2B focus
Themed pavilions: luxury travel, tech, sustainable tourism
Launchpad for destinations and services
South India’s largest travel trade shows
Following Chennai and Bangalore, the upcoming editions of IITM promise more robust business opportunities:
Delhi: 24 – 26 September 2025
Mumbai: 9 – 11 October 2025
Pune: 27 – 29 November 2025
Hyderabad: 4 – 6 December 2025
Kochi: 8 – 10 January 2026
Kolkata: 12 – 14 February 2026
Ahmedabad: 12 – 14 March 2026
With an unwavering commitment to connect, collaborate, and catalyze tourism growth, IITM remains the gold standard for India’s travel trade engagement.
For more information, contact: +91 8040834100Email: media@spheretravelmedia.com
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 28, 2025
The long-awaited inauguration of the upgraded terminal at Thoothukudi airport has been widely welcomed by local industry bodies, who see it as a game-changer for the region’s industrial and cargo logistics landscape. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, the new terminal, alongside an extended runway and night landing facilities, marks a major milestone for southern Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure growth.
Industrial stakeholders have expressed optimism about the development, stating that the enhanced facilities will provide a significant boost to business operations, cargo movement, and travel convenience for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and the public from both Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. The airport’s strategic location between these two growing urban clusters adds further relevance to the upgrade.
D.R. Kodeeswaran, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thoothukudi, highlighted the city’s rapid emergence as a top investment destination in the region. He underlined several ambitious projects in the pipeline, including the outer harbour development of V.O. Chidambaranar Port, ISRO’s upcoming rocket launch site at Kulasekarappatinam, a new furniture park in the SIPCOT industrial estate, and the Vietnamese auto giant VinFast’s new manufacturing plant.
He also called for improved air connectivity to major cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi. At present, only IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from Thoothukudi, and Kodeeswaran emphasized the need for more airlines to consider operations to and from the region. Notably, the airport has already recorded a 15.2% growth in passenger traffic in 2024-2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting increasing demand.
Echoing similar sentiments, R. Edwin Samuel, Former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Thoothukudi, stressed the need to elevate the airport to international status to allow flights to international destinations like Male, Colombo and Dubai. He remarked that the timing of the terminal’s inauguration aligns well with Thoothukudi’s rise as a spiritual tourism hub and its growing relevance to regional industrial development.
He also added that as the SIPCOT hub in nearby Gangaikondan prepares to welcome several prominent companies, robust air connectivity would play a critical role in sustaining and accelerating the region’s industrial growth trajectory.
Published on July 27, 2025
There’s something about Israel that lingers in the heart long after the passport is stamped. Maybe it’s the golden light bathing ancient stone, or the electric energy of Tel Aviv’s sunset streets. Either way, travellers worldwide have spoken—and the latest Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings confirm it.
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have both made it to the Top 10 Cities in the Middle East and Africa, as voted by the magazine’s global readership. Jerusalem proudly retains its third place, admired for its deep spiritual resonance and centuries-old heritage. Readers highlighted its cultural landmarks, immersive culinary scene, and a unique timelessness that makes it a city like no other.
Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is climbing the charts—jumping from eighth in 2024 to fifth this year. This coastal city has been winning hearts with its vibrant street life, modern flair, and commitment to sustainability and design, particularly among younger travellers.
For Indian travellers, the results strike a familiar chord. The rising interest in Israel reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that combine spiritual experiences, rich culture, and a globally relevant lifestyle.
In Jerusalem, time feels like it folds in on itself. The city offers more than religious symbolism—it offers living history. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect at the Western Wall, or take in breathtaking views from the Ramparts Walk. The Tower of David Museum adds a modern narrative through its Night Spectacular sound and light show, while the Mahane Yehuda Market bursts with flavours—think artisanal cheeses, local wines, spices, and sweets.
Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it one of the most forward-looking cities in the region. Known globally as a vegan capital, it’s also a treasure trove of Bauhaus architecture—explored best at the Liebling Haus or on a stroll through Neve Tzedek, now reimagined as a hotspot for fashion, theatre, and art. Food lovers can indulge in everything from bourekas to gourmet vegan fare, while bicycle and Segway tours through Florentin and Rothschild Boulevard reveal the city’s street art and creative energy. Come evening, the rhythm shifts to jazz bars, speakeasies, and beachfront cafés, keeping the city alive well past sunset.
One standout factor in this year’s rankings is traveller confidence. Despite global uncertainties, Israel has emerged not just as a popular destination but as a trusted one—where safety, culture, food, and hospitality come together seamlessly.
This recognition is more than just a spot on a list—it’s a signal that Israel continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome with open arms.
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