Central Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills Golf Club is heading to the French Riviera to showcase the region at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Cannes. The club will represent Danang and the wider Vietnam Golf Coast among the world’s top golf destinations.

Before leaving for France, the club will host the IMG Trophy Tournament at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, welcoming over 130 golfers from Vietnam and abroad. The event promises a lively mix of sport, cultural exchange, and community connection, highlighting the area as one of Southeast Asia’s leading golf hubs with championship-standard courses and stunning landscapes.

At IGTM, Ba Na Hills Golf Club will feature its award-winning course, designed by Ryder Cup Team Europe captain Luke Donald. The layout is celebrated for its creative routing, dramatic mountain setting, and Vietnam’s only fully floodlit fairways, making it one of Asia’s most talked-about courses.

“Taking Ba Na Hills Golf Club to IGTM is an incredible opportunity to tell our story to a global audience,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “This is about more than our course – though having Luke Donald’s only design certainly sets us apart. It’s about putting Central Vietnam on the map as one of the world’s most compelling golf and travel destinations.”

The three-day IGTM is a premier event for golf tourism, featuring pre-scheduled meetings with over 40 key buyers and decision-makers. For Ba Na Hills, the platform offers a chance to build partnerships, expand distribution, and boost brand recognition internationally.

Danang itself is gaining a reputation as a top tourism spot, known for its world-class beaches, Michelin-recognised dining, and luxury resorts like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and Novotel Danang. The region offers an appealing mix for sophisticated travellers seeking both golf and leisure experiences.

“Da Nang is evolving into a destination that can confidently stand alongside the world’s best,” added Mees. “Golf is central to that story, but it’s complemented by stunning coastal landscapes, cultural heritage, and award-winning hospitality. We’re proud to represent both Ba Na Hills and the Vietnam Golf Coast in Cannes.”

By attending IGTM Cannes, Ba Na Hills Golf Club aims to strengthen partnerships, explore new opportunities, and reinforce Central Vietnam’s position as a top choice for discerning golf travellers worldwide.

India and Germany have agreed to provide gratis visas for short-term school and college visits, aiming to boost student exchanges and strengthen educational ties between the two nations. This announcement coincides with discussions on trade, investment, defense, technology, and regional issues during the visit of German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that both nations also plan to establish a new bilateral consultation mechanism focused on the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions reviewed the comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting progress in trade and investment, defense and security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, education, and people-to-people connections.

“EAM and Foreign Minister Wadephul reviewed the entire gamut of our multifaceted Strategic Partnership and expressed satisfaction at the progress in diverse sectors…The two sides agreed on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits between our countries to further promote student exchanges and education ties,” the MEA stated.

The discussions also covered regional and global concerns, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East. India expressed appreciation for Germany’s solidarity and support in combating terrorism.

During his visit, Wadephul met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, alongside a high-level German business delegation. The delegation’s Bengaluru visit included engagements with German companies, innovation hubs, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Discussions emphasized collaboration in green technology, digital transformation, AI, space cooperation, and sustainable urban development.

This engagement also marks the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, reflecting decades of mutual trust, shared democratic values, and commitment to global stability and sustainable development.

 The Hari Hong Kong has unveiled a new after-dark experience that casts the historic and eclectic district of Wan Chai in a fresh light. Located on lively Lockhart Road, the 30-storey hotel has partnered with licensed guide and travel content creator @explore_hongkong to launch the private “Best of Wan Chai at Night Tour- Explore Hong Kong like a Local”.

The roughly 2.5-hour tour, starting at 5pm, immerses guests in the history and stories of Wan Chai and neighbouring Causeway Bay, while offering fascinating insights into Hong Kong’s Feng Shui. Highlights include participating in ‘Villain Hitting’, a traditional folk ritual, visiting wet and street markets, exploring a 140-year-old tea shop, sampling local snacks, riding the 100-year-old Ding Ding Tram, and enjoying panoramic views of Kowloon and Hong Kong.

Edward E. Snoeks, General Manager of The Hari Hong Kong, said, “Edgy, dynamic and diverse, we love our neighbourhood and community, and this remarkable new experience reveals why. Each attraction on our tour peels back Wan Chai’s layers, connecting guests with its rich past and exciting present”.

Once a small fishing village, Wan Chai developed into a bustling urban hub following British colonisation in 1841. Today, it is known for its historical landmarks, vibrant street markets, skyscrapers, and a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.

The hotel itself, designed by acclaimed British interior designer Tara Bernerd, features 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites, offering sweeping views of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak, and Victoria Harbour. Dining options include the Italian ristorante Lucciola, contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku, alfresco terrace bar The Terrace, and The Lounge, an all-day sitting area showcasing curated art and books.

A sister property of The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong is committed to art, culture, and community initiatives such as The Hari Art Prize and The Hari Chronicles. The hotel has also been recognised with EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status for its sustainability measures.

For more information, visit thehari.com/hong-kong,