TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - December 2024
Dec 2024
Dec 03, 2025
Delhi Airport Becomes India's First 'Water-Positive' Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), in December 2025, achieved a major sustainability milestone, became India's first airport with over 40 million passengers to be certified as 'water-positive'.
A water-positive facility is one that replenishes more water than it consumes—a distinction IGI earned through a combination of innovative infrastructure and water management practices.
The airport now boasts 625 rainwater harvesting structures, two newly constructed underground reservoirs with a total capacity of 9 million litres, and a 16.6 million litre per day (MLD) zero-liquid-discharge sewage treatment plant. These systems allow IGI to capture, store, and recycle water for multiple non-potable purposes.
Nov 18, 2025
Iran Ends Visa-free Entry for Indians
The Iranian government put an end to its one-way visa-free entry for Indian citizens, starting from November 22. From this day, Indian nationals need to hold a visa to travel to the country, or even to use the country's airports as key transition points. Following the decision, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a set of fresh advisories, highlighting issues like kidnapping and job fraud.
Nov 17, 2025
GCC Approves One-Stop Travel System to Boost Regional Mobility
In a move to strengthen regional integration, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved a one-stop travel system that will allow simplified and faster movement across all six member nations. This initiative aims to eliminate redundant border procedures, enhance connectivity, and deepen political and economic collaboration among the Gulf states.
The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional bloc, founded in 1981, established to promote political, economic, and social integration among six Arab countries in the Persian Gulf. The headquarters are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The member nations are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Nov 12, 2025
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Becomes First Woman to Lead UN Tourism
In a historic achievement for gender equality and the global tourism sector, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais became the first-ever woman to lead UN Tourism. Her appointment was confirmed during the 123rd UN Tourism Executive Council session in Segovia, Spain, and will be formally ratified by the UN General Assembly. She is set to assume office in January 2026 for a four-year term, breaking a 50-year precedent since the organisation's founding in 1975.
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is from the United Arab Emirates.
With over 16 years of professional experience, Shaikha Al Nowais has held prominent positions in both business and tourism,
Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels
Chair, Abu Dhabi Chamber's Tourism Working Group
Board Member, Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council
Nov 08, 2025
Madhya Pradesh Launches its Own Helicopter Tourism Service
Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to launch its own helicopter tourism service, marking a milestone in regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 'PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service' at Bhopal's Raja Bhoj International Airport.
Officials described the initiative as the first of its kind by any state government, aimed at linking key tourist and religious destinations while improving travel convenience.