Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has reported strong growth in Indian visitor arrivals, with numbers rising by 22.01% between January and May 2025. Building on this momentum, TTA has intensified its India engagement through recent trade and educational seminars in Kochi and Kolkata.

The events, held in partnership with Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, aimed to strengthen Taiwan’s positioning as a destination for high-end leisure, FIT, and MICE travellers. In Kochi, TTA hosted its first-ever trade seminar in the city, attended by around 30 leading travel agents and tour operators. The session highlighted Taiwan’s diverse tourism offerings, with special focus on MICE opportunities, supported by Taiwanese destination management companies Top Holidays and Apple Travel Services.

In Kolkata, TTA organised its first major post-pandemic roadshow in eastern India, supported by Thai Airways. With around 50 agents in attendance, the session showcased Taiwan’s potential as a leisure and corporate travel hub. West Bengal, being one of India’s strongest outbound markets, was identified as a key region for partnership building and market expansion.

“India is a very diverse market and there are tremendous opportunities to exploit across the country. The two events were strategic extensions of our engagement programme in India over the last year and a half. Kochi gave us the opportunity to penetrate South India, whereas Kolkata was our first post-pandemic push into East India, particularly West Bengal,” said Paul Shih, Director, TTA Singapore Office.

Since its return to India in January 2024, Taiwan has achieved impressive post-pandemic growth, with arrivals rising 20.81% in 2024 and continuing the trend with over 22% growth in early 2025. Shih added that TTA is committed to a long-term strategy of positioning Taiwan as a premier destination for HNI, FIT, incentive, and luxury corporate travellers through stronger collaborations with airlines and travel agencies.

As part of its broader plans, TTA is also working on introducing new tourism products, including golf tourism, to appeal to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers. With strategic trade activations across multiple regions, Taiwan aims to accelerate growth in visitor arrivals and build deeper, long-lasting partnerships in the Indian market.

Kathmandu witnessed a devastating blow to its hospitality sector as Hilton Kathmandu, the city’s tallest hotel, was destroyed by fire amid violent protests against alleged corruption and social media restrictions. Demonstrators set fire to the hotel during escalating clashes, leaving its glass façade a charred skeleton against the city skyline.

The protests also targeted government buildings and the residences of political leaders, spreading chaos across Kathmandu. Hilton Kathmandu’s destruction is particularly significant as it symbolized Nepal’s aspirations to elevate its hospitality industry to international standards.

Constructed by the Shanker Group, the hotel broke ground in 2016 and officially opened in July 2024 after several delays. Its modern design featured vertical glass fins inspired by Buddhist prayer flags that shifted hues with light, offering world-class amenities including restaurants, a spa, event spaces, and a rooftop bar overlooking the Himalayas.

With an investment of approximately ₹8 billion, Hilton housed 176 rooms and multiple banquet halls. Designed as an “immediate occupancy” building, it incorporated seismic safeguards crucial for Nepal’s earthquake-prone terrain. The fire not only destroys a physical landmark but also represents a major setback for Kathmandu’s tourism and luxury hospitality ambitions.

Hundreds of tourists from India and other nations are stranded in Nepal as Kathmandu Airport remains closed due to violent protests led by Gen Z against alleged corruption and the controversial social media ban imposed by the Oli government.

What started as a peaceful youth-led movement quickly escalated into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in several deaths. Demonstrators also attacked top politicians and set fire to their homes, prompting authorities to shut down airports and block major highways.

Tourists who had travelled for vacations are now trapped. A group from Navi Mumbai, visiting the Pashupatinath Temple, shared their distress: “We arrived on September 8, and the next day protests erupted. We are confined to our hotel and are extremely scared,” said one traveler.

The Indian Embassy has assured citizens that arrangements are underway for their safe return but has advised them to stay indoors until the situation stabilizes.

Foreign tourists are also affected. A German visitor reported, “Yesterday I saw a lot of smoke from hotels being set on fire. Innocent people are dying. It’s very sad. I hope everything will return to normal soon.”

Another member of the German group said, “We are safe, but we hope to leave tomorrow. The situation is unfortunate.”

With the protests continuing and uncertainty prevailing, stranded tourists anxiously await safe passage, as authorities work to restore order and ensure their evacuation.