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By Author
Published on October 1, 2023
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Soudah Development, has unveiled a grand vision for Saudi Arabia's future in tourism. The masterplan, known as "Soudah Peaks," will transform the breathtaking landscapes of the Aseer region, situated in the southwestern part of the country, into a luxury mountain tourism destination perched 3,015 metres above sea level on Saudi Arabia's highest peak.
This audacious project is part of the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) ongoing efforts to diversify the Kingdom's economy, with a particular focus on expanding vital industries like tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, all while supporting the broader Aseer development strategy.
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs Soudah Development’s Board of Directors, envisions Soudah Peaks as a groundbreaking addition to Saudi Arabia's tourism sector. It represents a bold leap into the realm of luxury mountain tourism, promising visitors an unparalleled living experience while preserving the region's natural environment, cultural heritage, and rich traditions.
The ambitious project is not only strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals but is also expected to significantly boost the Saudi economy. It's estimated to contribute more than SAR 29 billion to the Kingdom's cumulative GDP while creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities. In the words of HRH the Crown Prince, "Soudah Peaks will place the Kingdom on the global tourism map and celebrate its rich culture and heritage, all set against the backdrop of lush greenery and skies above the clouds."
Soudah Peaks will offer high-end, luxurious hospitality services to over two million visitors annually by 2033. The masterplan's design will showcase local traditional and architectural styles, promoting both the cultural and landscape heritage of the region. It will consist of six distinct development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. Each zone will boast world-class facilities, including hotels, luxury mountain resorts, residential chalets, villas, premium mansion sites, entertainment and commercial attractions, as well as outdoor experiences dedicated to sports, adventure, wellness, and culture.
In the first phase, expected to be completed by 2027, Soudah Peaks will offer 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square metres of retail space. Throughout its development, Soudah Peaks remains deeply committed to environmental preservation, following sustainability standards and contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative. Less than 1 percent of the vast 627 square kilometres of the project area will be used for construction, underscoring its dedication to protecting and preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region.
As Soudah Development Company, a closed joint-stock company owned by PIF, continues to invest in this visionary project, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a major player in the global tourism industry. Soudah Peaks will undoubtedly redefine luxury mountain tourism, attracting adventurers and seekers of opulence from around the world.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 12, 2025
India and the United Kingdom have officially concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ushering in a new era of professional mobility and bilateral trade between the two nations. Signed on May 6, 2025, the agreement aims to streamline visa procedures and support Indian professionals looking to work in the UK.
The FTA provides simplified entry routes for a range of professionals, including contractual service providers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, and independent professionals like yoga instructors, musicians, and chefs. The UK has expanded the list of eligible occupations, but applicants must meet stringent criteria regarding experience and qualifications.
One of the most notable provisions is the waiver of national insurance contributions for UK-based companies that second Indian employees. This exemption applies for the first three years, reducing costs for employers and encouraging more cross-border professional placements.
While critics in the UK have raised concerns about possible impacts on local jobs and increased immigration, British authorities have clarified that this FTA does not alter the country’s points-based immigration system. According to Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, the agreement strictly pertains to temporary business mobility, not permanent immigration.
The long-term benefits are significant. Bilateral trade is projected to grow by GBP 25.5 billion (approximately USD 34 billion) annually by 2040, signalling stronger economic cooperation between the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world.
Overall, the India–UK FTA is a major step toward mutual economic growth, offering smoother pathways for Indian professionals and fostering deeper trade relationships between the two nations.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 11, 2025
The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India's military strike on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has sent shockwaves through the domestic tourism industry. With rising uncertainty, flight shutdowns, and safety concerns, Northern India’s tourism has come to a standstill as nearly 90% of bookings have been cancelled.
Peak summer travel plans have been upended, especially in popular destinations across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Airports in Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Kashmir, all close to the international border, have suspended civilian operations till May 10, severely disrupting travel schedules.
“People who were already vacationing in Himachal Pradesh have cut short their trips. The North is totally out of the question now. Nearly 95% of bookings for northern destinations in May have been called off,” said Virendra Shah, a travel consultant.
The ongoing panic has left tour operators and travel consultants struggling. "This is the worst May we’ve seen in years," one operator said, pointing to widespread refund requests and a sharp drop in new enquiries.
Even tourists currently on vacation are opting to play it safe. Prashant Sharma, vacationing in Uttarakhand, said, “We had a packed itinerary from Nainital, Jim Corbett, and Mussoorie to Rishikesh, but we’ve cancelled everything except Nainital. We are heading back as planned from Dehradun.”
Experts say the mood of the traveller has been shaken. “This conflict has not just disrupted logistics; it has disrupted sentiment. Even journeys planned a month from now are being cancelled out of fear,” said Ankit Bajaj, a travel expert. He added that the industry is facing a 70% revenue loss for existing bookings this season.
The uncertainty is spilling over to international travel as well. While a few tourists are still flying to the UK and Spain, many are cancelling trips to Turkey, Dubai, Bali, Indonesia, and the Maldives at the last minute.
Sanjeev Chhajer, Chairman of GCCI’s tourism committee, added, “Domestic air travel is badly hit due to airport shutdowns. However, international travel is relatively steady, except for a few cancellations by government employees. Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen more cancellations, while others are less affected.”
With no clear timeline on when normalcy will return, the travel industry braces for an extended lull during what was expected to be a high-revenue summer.
Published on May 9, 2025
As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.
To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.
Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.
Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.
Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure.
SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.
All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.
List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:
Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.
According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.
Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.
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