UN Tourism has officially launched the call for applications for its prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, inviting National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) to submit candidates that exemplify tourism's role as a catalyst for rural prosperity and sustainability. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has attracted more than 1,000 applications from 100 countries...

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) engages with Indian travel trade and media in February, with a delegation led by Dinesh Kumar Burrenchobay, Chairman, and newly appointed Benoit Harter, Director – India, along with India representative Intrepid Marketing and Communications.

Tourism Western Australia unveiled the second iteration of ‘Walking On A Dream’, its immersive global tourism brand. First launched by Tourism WA in 2022, the campaign is said to have played a key role in driving Western Australia’s tourism recovery, with WA welcoming just over one million international visitors in the year ending October 2025, surpassing the previous record of 996,000...

China’s Foreign Ministry allowed Canadian and British tourists and business travellers to enter mainland visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The policy will remain in effect until at least December 31, 2026. At present, most visitors must navigate a detailed visa application process costing about USD 140 (HKD 1,094.24) to visit mainland China, though Hong Kong, Macau and Hainan province...

Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national enabler of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, in partnership with Emaar Economic City, the developer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and FTG company have officially opened Rixos Murjana, resort, in King Abdullah Economic City. TDF is the project’s financier and investor, while Emaar Economic City is an investor and FTG is the project’s developer...

IRIS Reps has announced its strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based DMC, UR Travel Limited, marking a significant expansion of its outbound portfolio for the Indian travel trade. Having represented Hong Kong in the Indian market for over a decade through leading hospitality brands, IRIS Reps will now offer end-to-end destination packages, strengthening its ability to service trade partners...

Khajornrit Khwanmongkol has joined as Director at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), New Delhi Office. Said to be a distinguished senior executive, Khwanmongkol brings over 22 years of leadership experience with TAT, with deep expertise in international tourism marketing, destination management, and sustainable development.

The Government of Mozambique and VFS Global has launched a modernised digital platform for e-Visa that introduces advanced automation, secure data processing and cloud-based infrastructure. This platform enables travellers from 183 countries worldwide, including India, to apply online for Mozambique visas through a secure, fully integrated e‑Visa solution that manages non‑judgmental and...

Visit Qatar signed three strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with leading travel organisations and platforms. MOUs with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), and ClearTrip, aimed at enhancing destination education, product visibility and joint marketing initiatives. These partnerships are designed to enable Indian...

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) hosted ‘Beyond the Shore: Saudi’, an exclusive, experience-led yacht-sailing event in Mumbai on January 30. The initiative was designed to elevate the position of Saudi Arabia’s pristine Saudi Red Sea coast and position it as a compelling, year-round destination for Indian travellers. The event brought together around 40 key trade partners, media...