TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - October 2021
Oct 2021
May 26, 2025
Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE to Shape the Future of Global Tourism
On May 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially launched TOURISE, a global platform designed to connect leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability sectors.
Unveiled by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE aims to unlock investment opportunities, address challenges facing the tourism industry, and shape future travel policies through collaboration and innovation.
This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading global tourism hub, supported by strategic infrastructure investments and policy reforms.
May 20, 2025
Pakistan Joins India in UAE's 5-year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa List
Pakistani nationals can now apply for the UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, over a year after the facility was made available to Indian travellers, the UAE's ambassador to Pakistan announced.
The five-year tourist visa allows holders to enter the UAE multiple times from the date of issue without needing a local sponsor or host.
The development follows increased scrutiny of Pakistani travellers in recent months.
May 12, 2025
Bhutan Launches World's First Crypto Tourism Payment System
Bhutan has led the way in travel innovation by becoming the first country to introduce a nationwide crypto payment system for tourism. This new initiative lets travellers use Binance Pay for a fully cashless experience — from booking flights and visas to shopping at local markets.
Through collaboration with Binance Pay and Bhutan's fully digital DK Bank, over 100 merchants across the country now accept crypto payments. Visitors can pay instantly with supported cryptocurrencies for almost every aspect of their trip, including flights, hotel bookings, tours, entrance fees, and purchases in local markets.
This pioneering project combines tradition with technology, empowering local communities and offering a more seamless travel experience.
May 11, 2025
Vietnam Launches 10-Year Golden Visa to Attract Indian Investors and Tourists
In a move to reshape its global image from a short-stay tourist destination to a sustainable business and cultural hub, Vietnam introduced a 10-year Golden Visa aimed at attracting foreign investors, professionals, and long-term tourists, particularly from India. The visa policy is part of a broader strategic push by Vietnam to encourage innovation, economic partnerships, and international mobility across Southeast Asia.
Apr 30, 2025
India Strengthens Tourism Footprint at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai
India marked a significantly enhanced presence at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, organised under the theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', the event brought together 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.
The 'Incredible India' Pavilion, organised by the Services Export Promotion Council under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, hosted tour operators, hotel groups, and tourism stakeholders. Several Indian states, including Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, showcased their travel offerings. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the Incredible India pavilion.