India emphasised its integrated model for sustainable urban growth at the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated that India regards growing urbanisation as a driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term progress. Addressing the ministerial dialogue on "Transforming Our Urban Environment: Pathways to Sustainability," Singh stated that with two-thirds of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, urban planning must strike a
In an effort to strengthen cultural ties between India and Vietnam, UNESCO-Vietnam has collaborated with the India Book of Records (IBR) to promote Indo-Vietnam cultural heritage through a variety of activities. The India Book of Records, a renowned organisation that has recognised Indian achievements for over two decades, has long been a forum for showcasing Indian talent around the world. On February 14, 2025, IBR issued Nguoi Bao Tonne Di San - The Guardian of Heritage, which celebrates India and Vietnam's shared traditions. The organisation also announced a cross-cultural film named Vu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a significant addition to India's aviation infrastructure. The Prime Minister announced that Mumbai's long wait for a second international airport has come to an end, describing NMIA as a project that reflects India's goal for development. The airport, designed to resemble a lotus flower, represents India's cultural identity as well as technological progress. He emphasised that the NMIA would benefit Maharashtra's economy by connecting farmers and small businesses directly to global ma
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT), in collaboration with Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), completed the trial run of the cross-border tourist train "MySawasdee." The tests were conducted on the Padang Besar-Surat Thani route from September 21 to 23, marking a crucial step toward the start of regular services by the end of 2025. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala reported that the train, hauled by an SRT QSY locomotive, ran successfully in both directions. The examination looked at critical technical parameters such as wheel spacing, brake systems, coach height, and platform clear
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that the cost of electric vehicles in India will match that of petrol-powered automobiles over the next four to six months. During the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, the minister emphasised that the move would reduce India's rising fuel import cost, which now stands at ₹22 lakh crore annually. Gadkari stated that the automobile industry has grown from ₹14 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore under his leadership. He further added that India's auto sector is expected to be worth ₹47 lakh crore in China and ₹78 lakh
Malaysia Airlines is moving ahead with a wide-ranging plan to increase its global presence, modernise its fleet, and build partnerships that promote Malaysia's tourist goals. The airline presented its plan at the Global Travel Meet 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, emphasising connectivity, passenger comfort, and establishing Malaysia as a travel hub ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Over the last two years, the carrier has reintroduced suspended routes, established new destinations, and increased weekly frequencies throughout Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Paris has been reinstated as its second Europea
According to Thrillophilia's Festive Travel Pulse report, Rajasthan has emerged as India's most popular festive travel destination by 2025, surpassing Goa and Kerala. The Jaipur-Udaipur-Jaisalmer circuit accounted for 16% of total domestic traffic, ahead of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand at 12%, Goa at 10%, and Kerala at 9%. Travel demand during the holiday season has increased by 18% year-on-year, with outbound bookings increasing by 24%. Indian visitors' preferences are shifting, with shorter and more customised vacations marketed as "smart luxury" escapes. These vacations prioritise l
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written the foreword to the Indian edition of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's book, "I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles." The book provides insight into Meloni's life, personal values, and political beliefs. In his foreword, Prime Minister Modi praised her commitment to her values and pragmatic leadership approach. He emphasised her determination, resilience, and courage in managing political problems at both the national and global levels. PM Modi emphasised the need for good leadership in determining a country's future. He also commended Meloni
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) held a series of roadshows in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai from September 8 to 12, 2025. These events sought to increase engagement with the Indian travel industry and highlight Abu Dhabi's increasing tourism offerings. Representatives from hotels, airlines, attractions, and destination management companies gathered with prominent Indian travel agents and tour operators to discuss future collaboration. India remains Abu Dhabi's top inbound tourism market. In 2024, the emirate hosted over 360,000 Indian hotel guests, a 43
Sri Lanka has revised its 2025 tourism target to a minimum of 2.6 million visitors, down from a previous goal of 3 million. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) believes this figure is more feasible as the country strengthens its position as a leading South Asian travel destination. SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam stated that meeting this aim would still be a historic achievement for the island nation. As of mid-September 2025, Sri Lanka has received 1.66 million visitors, producing around USD 3.4 billion in revenue. Tourism arrivals have been steadily increasing throughou