Category: News

On Saturday, Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, shivered as the mercury plummeted to 1.4°C, marking one of the coldest days of the season. The intense cold wave swept through the region, making roads slippery and forcing vehicles to navigate cautiously to avoid mishaps. The crisp, frosty air painted a surreal winter landscape, drawing tourists eager to witness this rare spectacle in the desert state.

To combat the biting cold, locals and visitors gathered around bonfires, sharing stories and steaming cups of tea, adding a communal warmth to the chilly atmosphere. The morning frost adorned trees, rooftops, and fields, creating picturesque scenes that tourists eagerly captured on their cameras. Some were even lucky enough to witness the rare snowfall, an unusual yet delightful event in this part of the country.
The cold spell has significantly boosted tourism, with many visitors relishing the contrast of Mount Abu’s winter charm against Rajasthan’s typically arid climate. However, authorities have advised caution, urging drivers to be vigilant on slippery roads and recommending layered clothing to ensure a comfortable experience. For travelers seeking a blend of adventure and serenity, Mount Abu currently offers a perfect winter escape.

Burgas Airport is preparing for a €50 million runway renovation, scheduled to take place during the winter months of 2025/26. Announced by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, the project aims to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and readiness for year-round traffic starting in 2026, in line with national and international safety standards.

Key Project Highlights

• Runway Overhaul: Originally built in 1962 and upgraded in 1980, the runway will undergo a complete rehabilitation, including upgrades to drainage systems, surrounding areas, and the installation of a modern airfield lighting system.
• Timing: To minimize disruption to Bulgaria’s critical summer tourism season, the airport will close temporarily for six months, from November 2025 to April 2026. Additional preparatory maintenance will occur in March 2025 during the low-traffic season.
• Additional Investments: The project includes significant investment in apron enhancements to accommodate long-term growth and improve operational efficiency.

Safety and Growth Commitment

Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD emphasized that safety is its top priority. The rehabilitation project is designed to handle growing traffic demands for the next 20 years.
Since assuming the airport concession in 2006, the company has invested over €110 million in infrastructure improvements, transforming Burgas Airport into a modern gateway for airlines and travelers. The current project aligns with the airport’s 2022-2026 Master Plan, developed in collaboration with the Fraport Group, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications, and the Municipality of Burgas.

Impact on Tourism and Regional Connectivity

To minimize the impact on the local tourism industry, the construction schedule is limited to winter months, ensuring uninterrupted operations during peak summer travel seasons.
Fraport Twin Star plans to maintain open communication with media, local authorities, and tourism stakeholders to keep the public informed about the project. This investment underscores Fraport Twin Star’s commitment to enhancing Burgas Airport as a safe, modern hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, bolstering regional connectivity and supporting economic growth for years to come.

Jetstar’s inaugural flight to Vanuatu landed at Port Vila International Airport at 1:50 PM local time, marking a major milestone for the Pacific island nation. The airline now offers the only direct service between Sydney, Australia, and Vanuatu, operating up to four flights a week with its new Airbus A321neo LRs. This new route is expected to bring an additional 40,000 passengers to Vanuatu annually, providing a significant boost to its expanding tourism industry.

Support from Government and Industry

Caretaker Minister Hon. Samson Samsen welcomed Jetstar’s entry into the Vanuatu market, emphasizing its significance: “Jetstar’s arrival provides another important route for visitors. Vanuatu’s recent recognition as one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2025 by Lonely Planet is expected to increase visitor interest, and Jetstar will help meet that growing demand.”
The Vanuatu Government, along with tourism and industry stakeholders, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, viewing it as a key driver for increasing visitor numbers. Direct flights from Sydney, Australia’s largest city, are seen as a vital step in making travel to Vanuatu more accessible and affordable. Jetstar’s budget-friendly fares, starting at just $199 one-way, also offer more affordable travel options for Ni-Vanuatu residents wishing to visit Australia.

Boosting Vanuatu’s Tourism Appeal

Jenn Armor, Jetstar’s Executive Manager for Customer, highlighted Vanuatu’s allure: “Vanuatu’s stunning landscapes, vibrant island culture, and outdoor adventures make it a must-visit destination. With our direct flights from Sydney, getting to this Pacific paradise has never been easier or more affordable.”

This new service strengthens Vanuatu’s connectivity with major Australian cities and international destinations. While flights originate in Sydney, they also offer convenient connections from Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, and international hubs in Europe and Asia.

Industry Reactions and Future Prospects

Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, celebrated Jetstar’s arrival: “We’re excited that the Qantas Group sees Vanuatu as a prime destination in the South Pacific. Australia remains our largest visitor source, and this new route will allow even more travelers to discover Vanuatu. We also look forward to expanding domestic connections to make the entire country more accessible.”

Jetstar now joins an impressive list of airlines serving Vanuatu, including Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways, Virgin Airlines, Air Niugini, Qantas, Air Calédonie, and Air Calin. The Qantas Group now offers complementary services, with Qantas flying to Vanuatu via Brisbane and Jetstar providing an alternative via Sydney.

Strengthening Vanuatu’s Tourism Sector

This new direct flight represents a significant boost to Vanuatu’s tourism industry, which will benefit from increased visitor numbers, enhanced international connectivity, and more affordable travel options. With Jetstar’s entry, the collaboration between the airline, the Vanuatu Government, and tourism stakeholders is set to elevate the nation’s profile as a leading destination in the South Pacific.
With just over a three-hour flight from Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu is now more accessible than ever, solidifying its position as a top travel destination.

Paris has once again claimed the title of the World’s Most Attractive City for 2024, according to the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 by Euromonitor International. This marks the fourth consecutive year the French capital has earned this prestigious recognition. Known as the ‘City of Lights,’ Paris continues to captivate travelers from all over the world.

The rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of 55 key metrics, categorized into six main pillars:

• • Economic and Business Performance
• • Tourism Performance
• • Tourism Infrastructure
• • Tourism Policy and Attractiveness
• • Health and Safety
• • Sustainability

The 2024 report also highlights emerging trends in global urban tourism:

• Rise of Emerging Destinations: Travelers are increasingly drawn to lesser-known, third-tier cities for more unique and personalized experiences. These destinations are gaining popularity for their cultural charm and affordability compared to major tourist hotspots.
• Global Tourism Surge: The tourism industry has seen a strong recovery, with a 19% increase in international arrivals in 2024. Europe remains the most visited region, attracting 793 million international visitors. In Asia, Bangkok set a new record, welcoming 32 million tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
• Record Spending on Tourism: Global tourism spending reached $1.9 trillion, indicating robust recovery and continued demand for international travel. Cities worldwide are enhancing their appeal by hosting sports and cultural events, improving infrastructure, and maintaining consistent marketing efforts.