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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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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 7, 2025
SpiceJet has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad starting October 8, 2025. The initiative coincides with the Diwali festive season, making travel to the Shri Ram Temple easier for devotees and tourists while reinforcing SpiceJet’s commitment to affordable and accessible travel.
The new services will be introduced in a phased manner to ensure seamless connectivity and reliable operations. SpiceJet also revealed that flights from Mumbai to Ayodhya are under consideration to meet the growing travel demand during the festive and winter seasons.
Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “There could be no better occasion than Diwali to visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. We are delighted to make travel to the holy city easier and more convenient for devotees and tourists alike. Our new daily flights from key metros will ensure smooth and affordable access to Ayodhya during Diwali, allowing passengers to celebrate the festival in its most divine setting.”
The special Diwali flight services are expected to cater to increased passenger traffic, offering greater flexibility for travellers from major Indian cities. This network expansion strengthens SpiceJet’s domestic reach while supporting religious and seasonal tourism.
SpiceJet, an IATA-IOSA certified airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and continues to be among India’s largest regional carriers under the UDAN scheme. The airline remains focused on expanding its network to meet cultural and regional travel needs across the country.
Qantas, Australia’s largest airline and national carrier, has announced the return of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne, set to begin on 27 October 2025. Operating three times a week until 28 March 2026, the service re-establishes a key route in the airline’s India–Australia network ahead of the busy travel and cricket season.
The reinstated connection offers Indian travellers direct access to Melbourne, one of Australia’s most popular cities known for its cultural diversity, culinary appeal, and proximity to iconic attractions such as the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island.
The timing of the relaunch coincides with major cricket fixtures, including the India–Australia T20 match scheduled for 31 October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The first Qantas flight on this route will land in Melbourne on 28 October, giving fans convenient access to the event and the city’s vibrant summer sporting calendar, which also features the Ashes and Big Bash League tournaments.
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, said, “We’re delighted to bring back our non-stop connection between Delhi and Melbourne, just in time for the busy travel season. Flying direct significantly reduces travel time to Australia, and these new flights are perfectly suited for Indian fans attending cricket events in Melbourne, including the T20 series in late October, the Ashes and Big Bash League later in the year.”
He added, “To help support our growing presence in India, we have opened new offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to service our Indian customers, and promote our non-stop flights to Sydney and Melbourne.”
The flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring 26 lie-flat Business Class suites and 204 Economy seats. Across three weekly return services, Qantas will offer over 1,300 seats per week between Delhi and Melbourne, adding more than 30,000 seats during the peak travel season.
By Hariharan U
Published on October 4, 2025
Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.
“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.
The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.
Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.
About SLTPB & SLCB
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.
Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.
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