VFS Global and Bintan Resorts Join Forces to Position Bintan Island as a Top Indian Travel Destination

VFS Global and Bintan Resorts Join Forces to Position Bintan Island as a Top Indian Travel Destination

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 1, 2024

Bintan Resorts has formed a new partnership with VFS Global to enhance its presence in the Indian travel market. This collaboration was formalized on August 29, 2024, at the Grand Lagoi Hotel in Bintan Resorts. The aim is to promote Bintan Island, located in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia, as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.

Under this partnership, Bintan Resorts will leverage VFS Global’s extensive network across major and secondary cities in India, including its strong ties with businesses, media, and corporate entities. This move is expected to significantly boost tourism from India to Bintan Island.

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with VFS Global to introduce the beauty and charm of Bintan Island to the Indian market. This collaboration will elevate Bintan’s status as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists. We eagerly look forward to welcoming more visitors from India and offering them the exceptional experiences that only Bintan Island can provide.”

The partnership will launch a targeted marketing campaign in major Indian cities, aiming to position Bintan as a premier travel destination alongside Singapore. The campaign will include a dual-destination strategy, showcasing Bintan’s unique attractions such as family-friendly vacations, adventurous activities, and culinary experiences.

Promotional efforts will focus on digital and social media platforms, collaborating with influencers and organizing workshops and familiarization trips. The goal is to work closely with travel trade partners to enhance Bintan Island’s visibility and attract a significant number of tourists from India.

G B Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, highlighted the potential of the Indian market, noting, “Together, we will work towards increasing the Indian tourist arrivals to Bintan Island and enriching their overall travel experience. Our immediate priority is to re-introduce Bintan’s offerings to the Indian audience and showcase the convenience of reaching the island from Singapore.”

The dual-destination approach aims to capitalize on the appeal of both Bintan and Singapore, with a focus on attracting a double-digit share of Indian visitors. The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from Indonesia’s tourism sector, including Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, and other notable figures.


Thailand Crosses 1 Million Indian Arrivals Before Mid-2025, Fuels Optimism for Sustainable Tourism

Thailand Crosses 1 Million Indian Arrivals Before Mid-2025, Fuels Optimism for Sustainable Tourism

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 23, 2025

Thailand’s tourism sector continues its strong post-pandemic rebound, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that over one million Indian tourists have already visited the country before the halfway mark of 2025.

This early milestone underscores Thailand’s enduring appeal for Indian travellers across leisure, luxury, wellness, and spiritual tourism segments. It also builds on the record-breaking momentum of 2024, when Thailand welcomed more than 2.1 million Indian visitors out of a total 35 million international tourists.

Several factors are fuelling this continued growth:

  • A visa exemption programme allowing up to 60-day stays

  • Strong air connectivity with multiple direct flights from cities across India

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  • The newly launched Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for smoother entry

  • A broad and diverse set of tourism experiences—from beach escapes and spa retreats to food trails and festivals

What’s especially noteworthy is the surge in travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities such as Surat, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Nashik, reflecting a broader shift toward high-spend, experience-led travel from emerging markets.

In response to this growing demand, TAT is ramping up its engagement efforts with India through joint promotions, customised marketing campaigns, and trade events designed to promote longer stays and higher-value travel.

These initiatives are closely aligned with Thailand’s long-term strategy of encouraging sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring the country remains a top choice for Indian travellers not just now—but well into the future.


Saudia’s Brand Value Soars to $1.1 Billion, Ranks 32nd Globally

Saudia’s Brand Value Soars to $1.1 Billion, Ranks 32nd Globally

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 23, 2025

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reached a brand valuation milestone of $1.1 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the 2025 airline brand rankings by Brand Finance. This remarkable surge underscores the airline's strategic evolution and rising stature in global aviation.

Saudia now ranks 32nd globally in brand value among airlines, a notable leap since its debut in the Top 50 list in 2021 with a valuation of $506 million. In just four years, the brand has more than doubled in value, thanks to focused efforts in fleet enhancement, guest experience, and innovative initiatives.

The airline’s recent order of 105 Airbus aircraft highlighted its commitment to fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. At home, Saudia grabbed attention with BLVD Runway, a creative aviation-meets-entertainment concept aimed at engaging domestic travellers.

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Globally, Skytrax honoured Saudia as the 'World’s Most Improved Airline' in 2024, a nod to its operational excellence and growing global presence. The airline has also maintained strong On-Time Performance (OTP) and received accolades for enhancing passenger experiences.

Commenting on this achievement, Khaled Tash, Chief Marketing Officer, Saudia Group, said:

“Achieving a brand value of $1 billion is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence, as well as the unwavering trust and loyalty of our guests. At Saudia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation, ensuring that every journey with us is a step towards excellence.”

With this milestone, Saudia continues to strengthen its global positioning and reaffirm its role as a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious aviation growth story.


Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes via Sikkim After 5 Years

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes via Sikkim After 5 Years

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2025

After a five-year pause, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Sikkim’s Nathula Pass has resumed, marking a moment of cultural revival and international cooperation. The first batch of 33 Indian pilgrims was officially flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, along with two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

At the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur shared his pride in seeing this revered journey once again take the route through Sikkim. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the pilgrimage and praised the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making it happen.

“It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state,” said the Governor, who also interacted with the pilgrims and wished them well.

The yatra, which was on hold due to the pandemic, is being seen not just as a spiritual revival, but also as a symbol of India-China goodwill. Pilgrims underwent strict medical screenings and a two-stage high-altitude acclimatisation process at the 18th Mile and Sherathang to prepare for the harsh conditions of the Himalayan region, where elevations cross 14,000 feet. An Indian Army official confirmed that all pilgrims had been medically cleared for the journey.

Sikkim’s Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia noted that this moment was historic and beneficial for regional tourism.

“After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra. It gives publicity to Nathu La and adds value to Sikkim tourism,” he said.

Pilgrims expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements. Shalanda Sharma, one of the participants, shared,

“This yatra is starting again after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention, we’re truly grateful.”

Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, appreciated the efficiency of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and supporting authorities:

“We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future.”

As per plan, the group was expected to cross over into the Chinese side through Nathula by 9:15 AM, where immigration processes would be completed before heading toward the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

The yatra is being jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all pilgrims.

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