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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 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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