Future of Travel, Skift Global Forum East 2023, Takes Off in Dubai!

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 30, 2023

Sri Lanka Cabinet has approved the issuing of free visas to India, Russia, China, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. It will come into immediate effect as a pilot project till the 31st of March. Ali Sabry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has tweeted. The minister has stated that the pilot project that is to commence immediately will be extended until March 31, 2024. Sabry posted, “Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March.” Earlier in March, Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry said that Sri Lanka’s relationship with India is ‘one of the most important in our foreign policy.’ Visitors from the mentioned countries can now obtain visas from Sri Lanka without charges. This is a significant change, given that India has been Sri Lanka’s primary source of inbound tourism. Reports by PTI say, according to the statistics for September, India has led north of 30,000 arrivals which comprise 26% of the total. Chinese tourists follow closely as the second-largest group with over 8,000 arrivals. The island country has seen a fall in tourist arrivals since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. It resulted in the tragic loss of 270 lives. It included 11 Indians and over 500 civilians injured. Sri Lanka has been fighting a severe economic crisis since its British independence in 1948. Currently, the country is facing political unrest that is marked by protests and calls for President Rajapaksa’s resignation. The economic crisis has created shortages of basic necessities like food, medicine, cooking gas, and fuel. Even toilet paper and matches are nearly unavailable. Sri Lankans have been enduring the long lines outside stores for their basic needs for months now. They have to wait to buy fuel as well as cooking gas due to the shortages. The Ministry of Tourism has recently revealed that during the preceding Cabinet meeting, a Cabinet Paper was introduced. It suggests the provision of complimentary tourist visas to foreign travelers from five countries planning to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. Read Also: Glasgow City Council Moved To Offer More Bus Stops For Tourists Malaysia Adventure: Planning An Active And Thrilling Getaway THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 15, 2023

The holiday season is approaching and this is the time for travelers to make the best of the offers all around. Maldives, for one is offering the best Christmas all-inclusive plan at Oaga, Art Resort. The package includes it all, from boat transfer to food and drinks by the pool. This resort in the Maldives is offering something unique this festive season. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover the real Maldivian culture. There are water sports, spa, cocktail classes and the unique Maldivian entertainment that will elevate the festive experience.   The magical atmosphere at Oaga is vibrant and dynamic. It is setting new standards of Maldivian luxury. The spot is welcoming guests with both friends and family. With Christmas just around the corner guests are being treated to indulgent festive feasts coupled with the timeless delight of watching the much adored film "Home Alone." With added brunch packages accompanied by live music and the excited wait for Santa Claus. From 9pm-11pm the beach bells and bubbles beach party with DJ Afruh will come to a close in the evening with dance and celebration. The merriment obviously continues even after Christmas offering a plethora of activities to maintain the spirit of Christmas in between the Boxing Day bonfire at Raa Raa Beach accompanied by live music by Zaki and live authentic Maldivian music, cocktail parties, jewelry workshops, and then concluding in the deeply anticipated gala dinner. The entire event promises an unforgettable experience to have the festive season reach its pinnacle. Read More About: Traveling Christmas Tree For The Western Lawn Of U.S. Capitol World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 13, 2023

Christmas is drawing close and there is no better way to celebrate it than immersing yourself in the magical holiday spirit visiting some of the world's best Christmas destinations? There are snow capped mountains, colorful city lights and the ever-enchanting vibe of Christmas. We now have a list of the most iconic places to visit around the globe while the bells chime and the choir sings. Nuremberg, Germany Germany is well-known for its unreal Christmas markets and Nuremberg is the most beautiful and traditional destination. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the oldest dating back to the 16th century and has over 180 stalls. They are draped with red-and-white cloth roofs. Quebec City, Canada Another old world city, Quebec boats cobblestoned streets and 17th century architecture which transforms into a wintry fairytale when the holiday season arrives. The German-inspired Christmas market in Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville has local delicacies, crafts, and a festive atmosphere. Tokyo Japan Japan is known for embracing the Christmas season with a cultural flair. They do not celebrate it in the Christian spirit but the streets, especially Tokyo, transforms into the most vibrant array of decoration, color, and lights. Displays at places like Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown draws a huge crowd that seeks a vibrant and modern Christmas. The Japanese Christmas cake is as delicious as it can get. Reykjavik, Iceland Capital of Iceland is yet another destination for all your Christmas magic needs. The place offers an unique take on Christmas with a backdrop of geysers and glaciers. The Yule Lads (mischievous Icelandic elves) come to life during the holiday season and the city is decorated with festive lights and decor. Lapland, Finland The official home of Santa Claus, Lapland is truly the winter wonderland that no one must miss. The region stays blanketed in snow during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy reindeer safaris, husky sleigh rides, and also catch glimpses of the Northern lights. And of course Santa Claus Village is an absolute must visit. Read Also: Crime Rate In Florida Trending Down While California Skyrockets: Report Thailand Becomes Most Preferred Destination For Tourists: Agoda Reports