Cox’s Bazar sees massive tourist influx during Eid vacation

Travel

Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach is witnessing a massive surge in tourists as the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays bring in thousands of visitors.
The sandy shores of Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point are teeming with holidaymakers, creating a vibrant carnival-like ambiance.
Tourists are indulging in various beach activities—some riding the waves on jet skis, others floating on inflatable tubes, while families and friends relax under colorful umbrellas, savoring the tranquil ocean breeze.
Hotels Nearly Full Booked
Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, said around 90% of accommodations in more than 500 hotels, motels, and resorts were booked in advance.
Sylhet braces for 15 lakh tourists this Eid amid booming business prospects
“Our establishments can host up to 187,000 guests per day, and the demand is exceptionally high this Eid season,” Sikder said.
Robin, a tourist from Dhaka, said Cox’s Bazar is the top destination for Eid holidaymakers as it offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation by the sea.
Enhanced Safety Measures for Tourists
To ensure a safe beach experience, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organisation has deployed 27 trained lifeguards at Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points—the busiest sections of the beach.
Imtiaz Ahmed, Field Team Manager of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said, “Our teams are on high alert, and we are running awareness campaigns to prevent accidents during sea bathing.”
Sajek, Khagrachhari open to tourists after month-long restriction
Additional DIG Apel Mahmud of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police said help desks have been set up at key points, and patrols have been intensified in coordination with district police to ensure security.
“Our goal is to ensure that every tourist enjoys a safe and hassle-free vacation and returns home with happy memories,” he added.

Banyan Tree Charts New Path for Wellbeing Travel with Global Launch of Banyan Tree Connections Programme

Travel

Available at Selected Resorts Worldwide from May 2025, the Private, Immersive Holistic Wellbeing Journey for Two Responds to Growing Need for Meaningful Connections in an Increasingly Fragmented World
SINGAPORE, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Banyan Tree, the flagship brand of Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) launches Banyan Tree Connections, a private wellbeing immersion for two with movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals that nurture both relationships and inner wellbeing. Available as a supplement to room reservations, the programme will launch in four selected locations—Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru (Maldives), Banyan Tree Phuket (Thailand), Banyan Tree Mayakoba (Mexico), and Banyan Tree Anji (China)—starting May 2025.

Banyan Tree Connections: A Private, Immersive Holistic Wellbeing Journey for Two

For over 30 years, Banyan Tree has pioneered holistic wellbeing, continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern travellers. Marking the first phase of Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing’s enhanced offerings, Banyan Tree Connections reflects a growing need for meaningful relationships through shared experiences.
“In a world where time together is increasingly fragmented, genuine connection is becoming rare. Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to this universal longing—offering experiences that nurture relationships, inner wellbeing and shared renewal in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring settings,” says Paul Hawco, Executive Director, Integrated Wellbeing, Banyan Group. “Banyan Tree has always been a Sanctuary for the Senses, where each moment is infused with intimacy and a deep connection to the local culture. This programme reflects our belief that wellbeing is not just individual, but flourishes in togetherness.”
An Immersive Wellbeing Journey Across Continents
Each destination offers distinctive experiences that reflect its natural and cultural essence, making every journey unique. Guests will embark on a holistic wellbeing private immersion programme for two, beginning with a personalised wellbeing consultation, followed by a series of experiences guided by Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing to cultivate shared moments of togetherness between partners, friends and family members:

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives (Available from May 2025): A barefoot sanctuary where authenticity meets eco-luxury, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to experience the original Maldives through 2- and 3-night programmes. Reconnect with nature and self through Yoga Duo, Conscious Grounding, Breathwork & Sound Meditation, and Lagoon Floating Therapy. Restore balance with a Holistic Wellbeing Treatment and a Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop. Local traditions come to life in a Maldivian Cooking Class, followed by a Private Sunset Cruise. The experience concludes with a Bonding Destination Dining experience, offering a serene moment of togetherness in an unforgettable setting.

Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand (Available from June 2025): Nestled among serene lagoons and lush tropical gardens, Banyan Tree Phuket offers a 2-night programme blending movement, mindfulness, and traditional healing practices. Guests can find deep relaxation through Sound Healing Meditation, enhance flexibility with a Private Yoga Duo session, and experience the restorative benefits of a Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop. A Time Together Spa Treatment fosters connection and renewal, while a Private Lagoon Kayak Sightseeing experience provides a tranquil exploration of the island’s natural beauty. The journey is complemented by a sharing-style Japanese dinner at Hojo, offering an exquisite culinary experience in a serene setting.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico (Available from July 2025): Where nature and heritage intertwine, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers Mayan-inspired wellbeing experiences through 2- and 3-night programmes. Guests can flow through Private Yoga Duo, Mangrove Movement, and Drum Breathwork Meditation, embracing the rhythms of the natural world. Renewal unfolds through a Temazcal purification ritual, Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop, and Time Together Spa Treatment. A private mangrove kayaking journey invites quiet reflection, while a Recycled Paper Workshop encourages creativity and sustainability. The programme concludes with a sharing-style La Copa Mexican dinner, bringing guests together over vibrant local flavours.

Banyan Tree Anji, China (Available from August 2025): Set amid misty bamboo forests and rolling tea plantations, Banyan Tree Anji offers a 2-night programme that harmonises movement, mindfulness, and nature. Guests can ease tension with a Private Duo Stretch session, find inner calm in a Sound Healing Meditation, and unwind with a 90-minute Time Together Spa Treatment. A private guided hike through Lingfeng Mountain invites deep connection with the landscape, while a White Tea Aroma Bath Bomb workshop draws from Anji’s tea traditions. The experience also features a sharing-style Saffron Thai dinner, offering an opportunity to savour authentic flavours in a warm, communal setting.

The Banyan Tree Connections programme is now available as a supplementary booking to room reservations at all four resorts. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com/banyan-tree-connections.
For high-resolution images, please download here
ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com) offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.
ABOUT BANYAN GROUP 
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 91 hotels and resorts, around 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience. 

Turkish startup developing perovskite-organic tandem solar cell tech

Technology

Spacelis is developing lightweight, rollable space-grade perovskite-organic tandem solar PV technology targeting space and terrestrial portable energy applications.

April 2, 2025
Valerie Thompson

Spacelis, a startup company based in Ankara, Turkey, is developing lightweight, rollable space-grade perovskite-organic tandem solar technology for aerospace, field communications, and unmanned systems applications.
“Spacelis’ proprietary technology enables up to 50% weight reduction compared to conventional space-grade solar modules made of organic and organic-inorganic hybrid semiconducting materials, with lower manufacturing and launch costs,” Guler Kocak, Spacelis founder and CEO, told pv magazine, adding that such panels are “highly adaptable” for space applications, and can be “rolled, folded, or bent without compromising efficiency.”
The perovskite-organic tandem devices in development aim for a 10 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio, ultraviolet (UV) resistance over 350 nm, and a weight of 60-75 g/m² for the full module, including encapsulation.
The design includes a high-barrier encapsulation technology and innovative polymer substrate to provide self-cleaning, dust-repellent surfaces, according to Kocak.
“The company was officially founded in 2023 in Turkey,” said Kocak. The venture’s technology builds on her PhD work at Flinders University  in Australia, which was inspired by research about the high efficiencies and long lifetimes of non-fullerene acceptor-based OPV. “My PhD research explored these non-fullerene OPV materials, recognizing their viability as materials to be studied for scalable commercial product candidates, especially in combination with perovskite solar cells.”
The company is currently finalizing prototypes, along with concurrent R&D projects, to enable the fabrication of space-grade prototypes next year, aiming for in-orbit testing in 2027.
The primary markets are Europe, Turkey, and the United States in space and defense industries. For example, providing portable energy solutions for aerospace, field communications, and unmanned systems.
“Spacelis is preparing for venture capital funding, with an immediate focus on raising $1 million for prototype development this year, and $4 million for go-to-market (GTM) strategy, targeting investors in next-generation photovoltaics, aerospace, defense, and deep tech sectors,” said Kocak.
To date, the company has secured funding from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and a grant from the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) incubator in 2024. It also participated in startup accelerator programs in the U.K. and U.S. belonging to Seraphim Space, a U.K. early-stage investor.
In Milan last year, Kocak presented, “Next Generation Ultra-Lightweight Flexible Space Solar Cell Design,” at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024).

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Tech and Life in Fiji Through a Daughter of Diaspora

Technology

This isn’t just about catching up to global tech standards – it’s about designing solutions that genuinely work for the people who use them.

In 2023, I left New York City for Nadi.
In 2023, I decided to leave New York City – a place I had come to call home—and move to Fiji, the country my parents are from.
I was born and raised in Australia, but NYC was where I built my sense of self. It was a city of convenience, speed, and endless opportunity—a place that constantly challenged and inspired me.
Leaving all that behind was not easy. I wanted to challenge myself and understand more about where my family comes from.

A difficult arrival
My first few hours in Fiji were a shock to the system.
After a marathon journey from JFK to Nadi, I arrived at my newly leased apartment to find it had been partied in and left in a mess for my move-in.
That moment set the tone for what would be the most significant lifestyle adjustment I’ve ever made, despite having lived in six other cities.
Many of the conveniences and experiences that shaped my everyday life simply didn’t exist here.
The pace of service was slower, the systems less structured, and the mindset different. At times, it felt like I had landed in an entirely different world.
And yet, 18 months later, I’m still here and appreciative of the many opportunities I’ve been given to share stories and help others share theirs digitally.
Experiences like speaking to the Mock Parliament, my newspaper column, and various other opportunities simply would not have happened elsewhere, so quickly.

Diaspora’s dilemma
Another main reason I’ve been able to stay is the virtual nature of my business and industry.
Even though I’m physically in Fiji, my mind is everywhere else. A typical day for me might start with a 7am call with Brazil, followed by a 9am meeting with Washington, DC, a 12pm catch-up with San Francisco, a 3pm discussion with Australia, and a 9pm check-in with London.
This schedule has allowed me to remain active in my industry, continue learning from global markets, and work with diverse businesses and partners.
I know that many diaspora who consider moving to Fiji wonder about how they can maintain the connections and resources they’ve built overseas.
It is indeed possible with a lot of planning and intention.
With my contrasting experiences each day, I often find myself reflecting on the state of digital products in Fiji and how much more considered our digital experiences could be.
Some of the simplest products could be vastly improved with a more user-centric approach.
This isn’t just about catching up to global tech standards – it’s about designing solutions that genuinely work for the people who use them.

Building bridges with the Fijian diaspora
One of the many unexpected joys of moving to Fiji has been connecting with members of the Fijian diaspora who took an interest in my journey.
Shortly after I arrived, three incredible professionals reached out to me. Each of them was born in Fiji and now works at the intersection of humans and technology, making waves in their respective fields in ways that feel especially relevant to Fiji’s tech landscape: 

One is strategising in the fast-evolving world of crypto in New York City.
Another is leading e-commerce initiatives for global businesses from Melbourne.
The third is scaling venture-backed startups from the ground up in San Francisco.

What makes their work so compelling is that they’re all deeply focused on user-centricity – the idea that technology should be designed with the end user in mind.
Despite spending much of their professional lives overseas, these individuals remain passionate about Fiji.
Their stories remind me of the immense talent that exists within the Fijian diaspora and the potential for these individuals to contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s development – if the right bridges are built.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing the stories of these Fiji-born changemakers.
We’ll dive into their roles, explore the challenges they’ve faced, and discuss the importance of user-centric technology in a rapidly changing world.
My hope is that their stories will inspire others and encourage more conversations about how we can leverage global and diverse experiences to build better technology in Fiji.

By: Shenal Harakh

Shenal Harakh is an Australian-award winning digital entrepreneur, children’s book author, and previous consultant at firms like PwC in Australia, Bermuda, and New York City. She is the Founder of Sunset Studio which is a founder-led software development firm helping organisations grow and scale with custom technical solutions.Learn more at www.buildingatsunset.com.Connect with her work and follow for upskilling workshops on LinkedIn: Shenal Harakh or on X (formerly Twitter): @shenalyo

As many as 121,000 foreign tourists arrive in Nepal by air in March

Travel

KATHMANDU: Nepal saw an influx of 121,800 foreign tourists arriving by air in March 2025, as reported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Between January and March 2025, the total number of tourist arrivals reached 298,000. In January, 79,900 visitors entered Nepal, followed by 96,800 in February.

India remained the top source of tourists in March, contributing 21,412 visitors. Similarly, 11,443 travelers arrived from China, 11,092 from the United States, 8,886 from Sri Lanka, and 5,995 from London.
Additionally, 35,287 tourists from various South Asian nations visited Nepal during the month.

Thailand Tourism Ministry Seeks ‘Single Command’ Approach to Reassure Tourists After Earthquake

Travel

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has convened a crucial meeting with government and private sector stakeholders to address the impact of the recent earthquake on the tourism industry and to formulate strategies aimed at restoring both domestic and international tourist confidence. 

A key proposal emerging from the discussions is the adoption of a ‘single command’ communication strategy to ensure clear and consistent messaging.

Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the meeting, which saw participation from a wide range of officials and industry representatives, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Tourist Police, the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotels Assocition  and various tourism associations.

The primary objective was to assess the repercussions of the March 28th earthquake and to devise measures to mitigate any negative effects on Thailand’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. 

Kuttawa receives grant to boost tourism, preps for events

Travel

Big things are just down the road for Kuttawa. That’s according to Kuttawa Tourism Executive Director Justin Kimbro, since the region received a $100,000 dollar grant through Kentucky’s Western Waterlands (KWW). According to Kimbro, there will be a total of nine $100,000 dollar grants given out to the nine designated regions throughout the state. It is left over from ARPA relief funding for tourism.Kimbro said that overall, this is going to boost tourism and the local economy. It will allow Kuttawa Tourism, for example, to advertise and target far-reaching areas, such as Evansville, St. Louis and Chicago. He says that in the past, those three areas have been massively too expensive to advertise in, ranging anywhere from $7,000 to $13,000 for one ad. Kuttawa Tourism is just one of several different groups that will be benefiting from this regional grant, which will be dispersed accordingly.“We haven’t been able to target North like we have wanted to, without that funding. We will be able to advertise in those major regional markets now,” Kimbro said. “We will drive those people to our places. It will also help people who can’t afford something like $12 thousand dollars for the proper advertising. Mike Mangeot, the Commissioner of KY Tourism is spearheading this.”With the grant in mind and Kuttawa’s upcoming events, Kimbro is very excited for the town’s future. Not only is he gearing up for the famous Cannonball Run on May 31, but also the Bands on Barkley Concert, which will feature a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band called “Freebird.” The events will take place on the same day, though at different times.After a few locals expressed slight concern over hosting the two events on the same day, Kimbro wants to assure that participants of the Cannonball Run are there for something completely different than Bands on Barkley. The Cannonball Run is a popular poker tournament done via boating, with an auction taking place. According to Kimbro, participants are typically gone from eight to 16 hours throughout the day. He says that the two events will not conflict and that hosting Bands on Barkley was simply an opportunity to give locals an event of their own to participate in.“Some of those guys don’t come back for hours and when they do come back, it is dark,” Kimbro told the Herald Ledger. “The people who don’t have anything to do during the day, that is where my concert comes in to give them some entertainment. So, while the boats are out, while we have people from everywhere else here, I want them to carry the word ‘Kuttawa’ back with them when they go home. I think everyone will have some fun that day, whether they are there for the poker run or the concert.”Kimbro is also encouraging participants to join their Lakeside Social Spring Cocktail Party on April 12. Kimbro says the event will be an evening of adult-only fun, complete with a cocktail bar, charcuterie table prizes and giveaways. It takes place at 4 p.m. and will be located at Noveau Suite. He says that the social itself is very community driven, but that they are welcoming guests from all over.“This is the perfect opportunity for people to expand their network, catch up with friends and welcome the season in style. Whether you’re here to make new connections or just enjoy a great drink, we can’t wait to celebrate with you,” Kimbro said.Kuttawa Tourism is also already gearing up for their annual Live on the Lawn, Kuttawa Days and Oktoberfest, which takes place in the fall. Having this new grant to boost their advertising and with participants rising in number, he has high hopes that each event will be bigger and better than the last.

US tech giant Qualcomm acquires GenAI unit of Vietnam’s Vingroup

Technology

[HO CHI MINH CITY] US technology giant Qualcomm on Wednesday (Apr 2) announced its acquisition of MovianAI, a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) subsidiary of Vietnam’s private conglomerate Vingroup, for an undisclosed amount.Established in 2024, MovianAI is a former division of VinAI – another firm in the Vingroup ecosystem. The Business Times reported last October that Vingroup was in talks to sell its stakes in two related firms, VinBrain and VinAI. US chipmaker Nvidia later in December announced that it acquired VinBrain, a Hanoi-based company that specialises in AI-powered healthcare solutions, without disclosing the deal value.These deals come as Vietnam pushes to deepen commercial ties with Washington at a time when its US$123.5 billion trade surplus with the US in 2024 has drawn scrutiny and could trigger reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration.VinAI was established as Vingroup’s research institute and then became a subsidiary in 2021 with a charter capital of 425 billion dong (S$22.3 million); VinBrain was an affiliate company in which the Vietnamese conglomerate invested 126.6 billion dong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOUFriday, 8.30 amAsean BusinessBusiness insights centering on South-east Asia’s fast-growing economies.Vingroup also launched a US$150 million fund to invest in startups in sectors including AI, semiconductors and cloud computing in October 2024. Acquiring Vietnamese AI talent VinAI remains part of the Vietnamese giant. However, its founder and chief executive Hung Bui will join Qualcomm following the acquisition.The latest deal is expected to expedite Qualcomm’s creation of advanced AI solutions for products such as smartphones, PCs, and software-defined vehicles, the US tech firm noted in its statement. Since 2023, VinAI has worked with Qualcomm to launch AI solutions dedicated to smart cities and smart mobility.In 2022, the Vietnamese firm was recognised by Thundermark Capital – a US venture capital firm and a member of the Nvidia VC Alliance – as one of the top 20 global companies leading the way in AI research.It was the only Vietnamese representative on the list, alongside the likes of Google, Alibaba, Apple and OpenAI.In 2023, the company introduced PhoGPT – an open-sourced AI generative model series named after Vietnam’s traditional noodle dish and pre-trained for the Vietnamese language.VinAI has also developed several products in collaboration with VinFast, its sister company that produces electric vehicles. The duo introduced MirrorSense, an AI-driven automatic mirror adjustment technology that won an innovation award at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2024.Vingroup’s latest financial statement showed that as at the end of 2024, it held 65 per cent of equity interest in VinAI and MovianAI each.It also holds a majority stake (69.2 per cent) in VinBigData, another AI-focused subsidiary which was established in 2021 with capital of 471 billion dong.