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.

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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