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By Author
Published on October 28, 2023
The Sri Lankan government is making a bold move to revive its tourism industry by offering free tourist visas. As part of a pilot project extending until March 31, 2024, tourists from seven countries, including India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, can now obtain visas to Sri Lanka without any fees. This initiative aims to generate a target of five million arrivals by 2026, and it's seen as a significant step in revitalizing Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which has faced several challenges in recent years.
India has traditionally been a vital source of inbound tourism for Sri Lanka. According to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, India ranks as the largest source for tourists, with 200,310 arrivals so far this year. In September 2023, India accounted for over 30,000 visitors, making up 26% of arrivals. This shift in visa policy is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Sri Lanka's tourism sector has faced numerous obstacles in recent years, including the aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a severe financial crisis. These challenges led to a significant decline in tourist arrivals. In response, the government has prioritized the revival of tourism to boost its economy.
Sri Lanka's leadership, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is actively seeking innovative solutions to restore tourism and bolster the country's debt-ridden economy. President Wickremesinghe has recently proposed creating a "border-less tourism" region, similar to the Schengen area, in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC comprises seven member countries: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was the third-largest source of foreign exchange inflows to Sri Lanka, accounting for approximately 5% of the country's GDP. In 2023, there's been a notable turnaround in the industry, with Sri Lanka achieving a million tourist arrivals by September for the first time since 2019. The country also earned $1.3 billion from tourism in the first eight months of 2023, compared to $833 million during the same period last year.
Sri Lanka's decision to offer free tourist visas reflects its strong commitment to reviving the tourism sector and bolstering its economy in the coming years. This bold initiative aims to attract visitors from seven nations, including India, and marks a promising step towards economic recovery and growth.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 4, 2025
YoloBus, one of India’s top intercity mobility platforms, is witnessing a noticeable change in traveler preferences this monsoon season, with a strong surge in demand for southern religious destinations such as Tirupati, Madurai, and Rameswaram.
Responding to this uptick, YoloBus is now operating 25 dedicated services on these routes and has announced plans to introduce 10 additional services in the coming months to cater to growing passenger interest.
A particularly sharp trend is unfolding on the high-traffic Bangalore–Tirupati corridor, which has recorded an 8% week-on-week rise in passenger numbers. In response, YoloBus recently deployed three new premium buses on this popular route, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring comfort, safety, and reliability for its passengers.
“Southern India continues to draw travelers for its spiritual and cultural depth. The growth we’re seeing is aligned with long-term preferences, not just short-term reactions,” said Sanjay Jadoun, CEO of YoloBus. “We’re committed to expanding our network and enhancing the travel experience for our passengers across the region.”
More Families and Senior Citizens on Board
YoloBus is also observing a change in traveler demographics. There’s been a noticeable rise in bookings from families and senior citizens, particularly from urban hubs like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Today, around 12% of YoloBus’s passengers are above the age of 45, indicating stronger trust in the brand’s high safety and comfort standards among older travelers.
Even as some parts of Northern India deal with safety concerns, travel trends to the South have remained steady and unaffected. The region’s peaceful, culturally rich pilgrim spots continue to attract visitors, irrespective of external events.
Future Plans for Expansion
While YoloBus currently does not operate services to Kerala destinations like Kochi, Munnar, or Alappuzha, nor to prominent pilgrim hubs such as Sabarimala, Velankanni, or Palani, the company is closely monitoring demand patterns and exploring possible expansion into these routes.
About YoloBus
YoloBus is a leading intercity travel provider in India, offering premium, safe, and comfortable journeys. Serving over 1 million travelers across more than 400 routes nationwide, YoloBus connects cities through a modern fleet of luxury buses equipped with top-tier amenities and advanced safety systems. With a focus on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and continuous innovation, YoloBus continues to raise the bar for intercity bus travel in India.
Published on July 3, 2025
As Thailand captures the world’s imagination—serving as the backdrop for the newest season of The White Lotus and the much-awaited Jurassic World Rebirth—there’s never been a better time to visit. Perched gracefully on Krabi’s stunning Andaman shoreline, Phulay Bay, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve, gives travellers a chance to step into these cinematic stories, all while immersing in Thailand’s rich cultural and natural beauty.
Here are five unforgettable ways to experience Krabi’s soul in 2025:
Explore Krabi’s Untouched Wonders
Embark on Phulay Bay’s exclusive Discover the Jurassic Paradise adventure—a curated journey inspired by Krabi’s prehistoric charm and its starring role in the upcoming Jurassic World film. Start with a stroll on Pak Bia Island’s powdery sands, hemmed in by towering karst cliffs and turquoise seas. Then kayak across the still waters of Klong Root—also known as Mirror Lake—where lush canopies reflect so perfectly, it feels like paddling through a painting. From secret lagoons to wild forest trails, this is Krabi in its raw, magical form.
A Taste of Thailand: Cook Like a Local
Food is at the heart of Thai culture, and there’s no better way to connect than by learning to cook like a local. At Phulay Bay, join a small, hands-on Thai cooking class that starts with hand-picking fresh herbs and produce. Discover how to balance sweet, sour, and spicy notes, pick up time-honoured kitchen techniques, and prepare classic dishes. The best bit? You’ll feast on your creations in a serene nook of the resort—often at the Chomtawan Bar—paired with sunset views and a soft sea breeze.
Reconnect with Yourself at The Spa
Begin your day with yoga by the sea, where gentle Andaman waves and rustling palms set the rhythm for breathwork and meditation. Then retreat to The Spa at Phulay Bay, an expansive haven with 11 treatment rooms, vitality pools, steam and sauna facilities. Indulge in rituals drawn from Thai and global wellness traditions—whether it’s a warm herbal compress, sound therapy with singing bowls, or a detox session with local botanicals. It’s restoration, reimagined.
Muay Thai: A Cultural Workout
Blend fitness and tradition with Phulay Bay’s Muay Thai sessions. Held in a calm indoor-outdoor studio, these workouts are led by seasoned trainers and tailored to all skill levels. You’ll learn the art of Thai boxing—mastering punches, kicks, and elbow strikes—while uncovering stories behind Thailand’s national sport. It’s as invigorating for the body as it is enlightening for the mind.
Walk with Giants: The Elephant Sanctuary Experience
In partnership with the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary, Phulay Bay offers a respectful, deeply moving way to meet Thailand’s gentle giants. Spend your morning alongside rescued elephants: feed them, give them playful mud baths, or join them for a dip. Guided by passionate sanctuary workers and the resort’s dedicated team, this immersive experience highlights conservation efforts and forges connections that last long after you leave.
Plan the Extraordinary
At Phulay Bay, every moment is artfully crafted—where personal butlers, bespoke experiences, and Krabi’s natural splendour come together in seamless harmony. Whether you’re chasing cinematic landscapes, culinary adventures, or soulful Thai traditions, this is where you embrace the extraordinary.
Plan your journey to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and let Krabi’s spirit become part of yours.
Published on July 1, 2025
Plan B Travel Jordan and Royal Jordanian Airlines recently joined hands to host a destination-focused webinar aimed at the Indian travel trade. Titled Master the Wonders of Jordan, the session attracted notable Indian travel agents, underlining Jordan’s growing appeal as a luxury travel destination for Indian travellers.
The webinar offered a comprehensive look at Jordan’s diverse tourism highlights — from the archaeological marvels of Petra, the tranquil shores of the Dead Sea, to the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum. Designed to equip travel professionals with deeper insights and practical tools, the session aimed to boost confidence in promoting and selling Jordan as a unique travel experience.
Participants also received exclusive updates from Royal Jordanian Airlines, which showcased their enhanced connectivity, service upgrades, and tailored trade benefits for the Indian market — making Jordan even more accessible and attractive for outbound travellers.
Sharing thoughts on the initiative, Rana Abu Alhala, CEO of Plan B Travel & Tourism, said, “We aim to strengthen partnerships within the Indian travel fraternity. With Jordan’s exclusive offerings of legacy, adventure, and well-being experiences, we see great potential for tourism growth. This webinar was aimed at strengthening product knowledge and empowering the trade to position Jordan notably.”
To add to the excitement, participants stood a chance to win exclusive prizes from Royal Jordanian Airlines along with thoughtfully curated tokens of appreciation from Plan B Travel Jordan — turning the educational experience into a rewarding one.
As Jordan emerges as a compelling destination for Indian travellers, initiatives like these ensure travel agents are well-equipped to inspire their clients with unforgettable journeys.
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