Tourism and Green Investment Take Center Stage in Riyadh: World Tourism Day 2023

Tourism and Green Investment Take Center Stage in Riyadh: World Tourism Day 2023

By Author

Published on September 29, 2023

Riyadh, September 27, 2023 – Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, hosted World Tourism Day 2023, centred around the theme "Tourism and Green Investment." Over 500 government officials, tourism leaders, and experts from 120 countries convened to champion growth, sustainability, and global cooperation in tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, delivered an impassioned speech, underlining Riyadh's pivotal role as the host. Tourism, a cornerstone of the world economy, employs one in every ten individuals globally and contributes significantly to countless livelihoods. In some countries, it makes up over 20% of GDP.

Minister Al-Khateeb illuminated the astonishing growth of the tourism sector. In 1970, tourism and global travel accounted for less than 3% of the global GDP. Today, as the sector rebounds vigorously from COVID-19, it is on track to represent 10% of the world's GDP. Passenger numbers surged from 118 million in the 1970s to a staggering 1.5 billion in 2019, marking a phenomenal 700% increase.

Cooperation emerged as a central theme. Minister Al-Khateeb emphasised the importance of nations collaborating to ensure balanced growth in tourism. By uniting regionally and globally, countries can double opportunities in the sector while fostering connections between nations and sectors.

Saudi Arabia, under the government's guidance, has embraced international investments in tourism, enabling the private sector to access global capital for world-class facilities.

World Tourism Day's expert panels explored key priorities, including education, destination diversification, innovation, and green transformation. UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and Saudi Minister of Tourism Al Khateeb announced the establishment of the Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality, bridging skills gaps.

The event also celebrated the winners of the Women in Tech Start-Up Competition, spotlighting women-led enterprises poised for tourism development. Under the theme "Tourism & Green Investments," UNWTO stressed the significance of investments for tourism's recovery and expansion, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals—prioritising economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inclusive prosperity.

In 2023, UNWTO's theme "Tourism and Green Investment" advocates for innovative, planet-friendly solutions that drive economic growth.World Tourism Day isn't just a celebration; it's an opportunity to spotlight tourism's transformative potential. Bali's tourism representatives led this year's event, reinforcing global commitment to advancing sustainable tourism.

Speech Excerpts from UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO:

"Tourism is a pillar of our economies, offering solutions to some of our biggest challenges, including the climate emergency. It is not a force that can be taken for granted but must be supported, above all with investment. This year's theme of 'Tourism and Green Investments' couldn't be more timely. We need to make it easier for investors to support sustainable tourism projects."

António Guterres, Secretary-General, UN:

"Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding, but it must be protected and nurtured. The climate emergency threatens many travel destinations. On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and the planet. We must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices, adopt zero-emission pathways, protect biodiversity, and empower communities."

These excerpts capture the essence of their speeches, emphasising the critical role of green investments in ensuring sustainable tourism and addressing global challenges such as climate change.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.


Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 4, 2025

Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, has commenced direct operations from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru, further strengthening its domestic network. Services from Dehradun to Bengaluru are also set to begin on 15 September.

The airline will now operate twice daily from Chandigarh to Bengaluru and increase Ahmedabad–Bengaluru flights to twice daily from 16 September. These routes expand Bengaluru’s role as the carrier’s largest domestic hub, offering wider connectivity for both leisure and business travellers across India and select international destinations.

The inaugural flight from Chandigarh, operated by a new Boeing aircraft featuring a livery inspired by Punjab’s traditional Phulkari textile, departed at 16:40 and arrived in Bengaluru at 19:40. Earlier in the day, the first Ahmedabad–Bengaluru service took off at 11:00. To mark the occasion, a commemorative event was held at Chandigarh Airport, where the first guest was presented with a special boarding pass.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “Our new routes from Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and soon Dehradun to Bengaluru reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections between state capitals and major metros. With thoughtfully curated fares including our cabin-bag only Xpress Lite fare, comfortable seats, hot meals onboard, and our unique ‘Tales of India’ aircraft liveries, we deliver a warm, distinctly Indian travel experience with every flight. This expansion is another step towards building our pan-India network serving leisure and business travellers with efficiency.”

The new flights also expand one-stop connections through Bengaluru. From Ahmedabad, travellers gain access to 26 domestic destinations and three international points, while passengers from Chandigarh can connect to 22 domestic destinations and Kathmandu. Bengaluru continues to remain the largest domestic hub for Air India Express, handling more than 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic destinations and three international cities.

The airline’s Tales of India initiative continues to celebrate India’s artistic heritage, with over 50 unique aircraft tail designs. Additionally, travellers booking on these routes can access “Xpress Holidays,” the airline’s platform offering curated travel packages with flights, accommodation, transport, and activities.

With these additions, Air India Express strengthens its network strategy of enhancing point-to-point travel while also supporting wider connectivity through its Bengaluru hub.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.

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