General Awareness

TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - October 2024

Oct 2024

Aug 22, 2025

City of Dreams Sri Lanka Opens

With its glittering launch, City of Dreams Sri Lanka redefines luxury tourism in South Asia. This resort not only transforms Colombo's skyline but also sets a new benchmark in hospitality, entertainment, and economic promise.
Colombo witnessed a historic moment with the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a landmark development poised to reshape South Asian travel and tourism. Backed by a $1.2 billion investment and a decade of planning the luxury resort signals Sri Lanka's bold entry onto the world's luxury map.
Developed by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) in collaboration with Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco), the opening of this destination represents more than the sum of its lavish amenities. It marks a transformative shift in Colombo's identity, taking it from a gateway city to a globally recognised lifestyle and business hub.

Aug 20, 2025

Dubai Launches AI-Powered Passenger Corridor to Replace Immigration Counters

Dubai International Airport, already renowned as the world's busiest hub for international travel, took a revolutionary leap in airport innovation with the launch of its AI-powered passenger corridor. Under the 'Travel Without Borders' initiative, this new system allows passengers to clear immigration in just 14 seconds—without presenting any documents.
This marks a major milestone in the evolution of frictionless and secure travel, using artificial intelligence and biometrics to transform how people move through global airports.

Aug 19, 2025

Mumbai Hosts 'Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism' Conference

The 'Tourism Avenues - Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism' conference was successfully held in Mumbai. The event, organised by Mumbai Port Trust in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), brought together industry experts, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the potential of cruise tourism in India and explore ways to unlock its growth.
As the nodal officer of NAVIC Cell 4 on tourism and ferries, Vijay Kumar highlighted the progress made under the Cell on various fronts to advance the cruise tourism sector. He also outlined the initiatives taken by IWAI to develop and promote river cruise tourism, which has the potential to boost local economies and create new opportunities for stakeholders. These include the development of infrastructure such as jetties and terminals, as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

Aug 15, 2025

Community-Driven Tourism Scheme Launched by Goa

The Department of Tourism launched its Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte. The launch aims at promoting community-driven tourism, rural livelihoods, and experiential travel in Goa. The initiative is part of the state's larger vision to diversify its tourism offerings beyond beaches and strengthen Goa's positioning as a model for Regenerative Tourism in India.
What was earlier conceptualised as a policy and now has been reframed and strengthened as a scheme. The revised scheme offers a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, simplified registration processes, and quality classifications, making it easier and more rewarding for local residents to operate homestays in rural areas of the state, paving the way for boosting Rural and Hinterland Tourism in Goa. This scheme also holds the power to foster women and youth entrepreneurship, encouraging self-reliance while preserving our unique Goan heritage.
Under the scheme, eligible establishments located in the talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem will receive a one-time grant of U,00,000, along with access to marketing support, training, listing on Goa Tourism platforms, and subsidised participation in domestic trade fairs. The scheme will remain valid for five years and may be extended further by the Department.

Aug 14, 2025

Kuwait Introduces Visa-on-Arrival for All GCC Residents

In a move to boost regional connectivity, Kuwait introduced a visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for all residents holding valid residency permits in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Effective immediately, expatriates can obtain a one-month tourist visa upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport or other entry points, provided their GCC residence permit is valid for at least six months.
Previously restricted to select professions, the scheme now applies to all foreign nationals, removing the need for prior applications or embassy visits. The change follows Kuwait's rollout of an e-visa platform in July 2025 and is seen as a step toward the planned unified GCC tourist visa.
The Indian diaspora – numbering over nine million across the GCC and forming the largest expatriate group in the region, is expected to benefit significantly. For Indians living in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, the new VoA simplifies travel to Kuwait for family visits, business, or leisure, while reducing administrative hurdles and costs.

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