Sasikumar and Simran starrer ‘Tourist Family’ set for OTT premiere on May 31

Travel

The much-awaited Tamil comedy-drama Tourist Family, starring the dynamic duo Sasikumar and Simran, is set to premiere on a leading OTT platform on May 31. The film, directed by Abishan Jeevinth, is expected to be a major summer release, bringing an engaging blend of action, emotion, and drama to the digital screen.Tourist Family boasts an ensemble cast featuring Mithun Jai Sankar, Yogi Babu, Kamalesh Jagan, M. S. Bhaskar, Ramkumar Prasanna, Ramesh Thilak, Abishan Jeevinth, Bagavathi Perumal, Elango Kumaravel, Sreeja Ravi, Soundarya Saravanan, Yogalakshmi, Porkodi Senthil, and Sudarshan Gandhi.The film’s music, composed by the talented Sean Roldan, is anticipated to amplify the emotional and thrilling moments throughout the narrative.

‘Goa is now more of a yog bhoomi’: CM Pramod Sawant says tourists now come for temples and culture

Travel

Goa is redefining its image from a beach paradise to a cultural and spiritual destination, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Saturday, highlighting a growing shift in the state’s tourism narrative. “In the past, people visited Goa to witness sun, sand, and sea. That has changed now. Tourists are arriving here to experience our rich culture and grand temples,” Sawant said at the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ in Ponda, as reported by PTI.AdvertisementRelated ArticlesSawant noted that the temples of Goa are not under government control, but are maintained by local communities, who continue to uphold centuries-old customs and traditions. “The government has no involvement in the management of the temples in the state,” he added. According to the chief minister, Goa is now more of a “yog bhoomi” (land of devotion and yoga) and “go-mata bhoomi” (land of cows) than a “bhog bhoomi” (land of pleasure).

He praised the Sanatan Sanstha, headquartered in Ramnathi village, for “making people spiritually conscious” and promoting Sanatan Dharma across platforms. “People have started coming to Goa for spiritual experiences,” he said, while addressing the 83rd birth anniversary of the Sanstha’s founder, Jayant Athavale.

Referring to Goa’s mythological roots, Sawant recalled the legend of Lord Parashuram creating the state by shooting an arrow into the Arabian Sea. “This is Lord Parashuram’s land,” he remarked, further underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance that Goa seeks to foreground in its evolving identity.Advertisement

The comments come as Goa Tourism reported a 10.5% year-on-year rise in tourist arrivals in Q1 2025, with over 28.5 lakh visitors compared to 25.8 lakh in the same period last year. The surge follows months of concern over foreign tourist decline due to cost and value-related concerns.

Tourism officials credit the resurgence to a multi-pronged approach — enhanced air connectivity, targeted global outreach, and a strategic pivot toward year-round, culture-rich offerings. New direct flights to Gulf countries, participation in global travel shows, and initiatives like the Ekadasha Teertha spiritual circuit and hinterland trails are part of this broader push to position Goa as a “future-ready destination.”

 

Tourism CS Rebecca Miano strikes Yoga poses in X post, triggers debate

Travel

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has come under public scrutiny after posting photos of herself engaging in a yoga session, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms.

The photos, shared on her official X account, featured CS Miano in blue sportswear gracefully holding yoga poses.
She captioned the post: “A consistent yoga practice brings clarity to the mind and strength to the body. Every day is a step toward mindful leadership and holistic well-being.”
While the message appeared to promote physical wellness and mental health, many Kenyans interpreted it as tone-deaf amid the economic struggles facing the country.

Critics felt that the timing and nature of the post were inappropriate.
Renowned political communicator Phillip Etale responded: “Madam Waziri, while you are keeping fit which is a good thing, are you aware that tourists are suffering somewhere in Kenya? As the person in charge of promoting tourism, what is your take on this situation?”
Another user, IKwimoi, commented: “It’s a good thing to keep fit especially when full. It’s unfair to do so on the faces of hungry and angry Kenyans who can’t wait to see this government out of power.”

Chris M Wasike added: “My sister, stop this misuse of social media. It’s unnecessary. Also discuss at Cabinet level how CSs should behave or use social media. CSs should not be bloggers!”
Others, like user Toneekym, saw a missed opportunity: “Taking care of your body is good but for God’s sake, this is an account of a minister. Use it to promote tourism and get feedback on how to improve it.”
On the other hand, others like user Kaib Seddie picked no issue, “Congrats madam. Politics aside, it’s time the young girls embraced yoga and other exercises and be fit like you at your age.”
Miano, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Development and as the CEO of Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), was appointed Tourism CS in October 2023.
Since then, she has been tasked with reviving Kenya’s tourism sector, which suffered major setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic challenges.

National Tourism Portal Rebrands to VisitBulgaria.com in Digital Overhaul

Travel

The national tourism portal of Bulgaria now operates under the name and domain VisitBulgaria.com, the Ministry of Tourism said on Sunday.
The change represents the first major step in a wider rebranding and digital transformation of Bulgaria’s international tourism presence.
Replacing the previous domain BulgariaTravel.org with VisitBulgaria.com forms part of a long-term vision to create not merely an information site but a genuine digital platform that inspires travellers, simplifies destination choice and offers an experience before a journey even begins, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said.
“The new name makes Bulgaria far easier to recognise online. We are building a digital image that is more modern, more functional and more distinctive. This is not simply a rebranding exercise but a strategic process that will strengthen the country’s digital footprint and global positioning. In a world in which attention is the most valuable resource, this step is essential,” Borshosh said.
The new domain places Bulgaria in a truly global context, supports its positioning as a tourism destination and greatly simplifies access to information for travellers both inside the country and in key source markets.
The switch follows established international practice; the “visit + country name + .com” structure is already used by Portugal (VisitPortugal.com), Czechia (VisitCzechia.com), Denmark (VisitDenmark.com) and Saudi Arabia (VisitSaudi.com).
The broader strategy will introduce new functions, a redesigned website, interactive content, a clearer structure and a mobile application that will help users plan itineraries and receive personalised information.
VisitBulgaria.com will remain the principal digital platform for promoting the country, combining destination and attraction details with contemporary visuals, video, interactive routes and dynamic content tailored to different markets.
/KT/

National Tourism Portal Rebrands to VisitBulgaria.com in Digital Overhaul

Travel

The national tourism portal of Bulgaria now operates under the name and domain VisitBulgaria.com, the Ministry of Tourism said on Sunday.
The change represents the first major step in a wider rebranding and digital transformation of Bulgaria’s international tourism presence.
Replacing the previous domain BulgariaTravel.org with VisitBulgaria.com forms part of a long-term vision to create not merely an information site but a genuine digital platform that inspires travellers, simplifies destination choice and offers an experience before a journey even begins, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said.
“The new name makes Bulgaria far easier to recognise online. We are building a digital image that is more modern, more functional and more distinctive. This is not simply a rebranding exercise but a strategic process that will strengthen the country’s digital footprint and global positioning. In a world in which attention is the most valuable resource, this step is essential,” Borshosh said.
The new domain places Bulgaria in a truly global context, supports its positioning as a tourism destination and greatly simplifies access to information for travellers both inside the country and in key source markets.
The switch follows established international practice; the “visit + country name + .com” structure is already used by Portugal (VisitPortugal.com), Czechia (VisitCzechia.com), Denmark (VisitDenmark.com) and Saudi Arabia (VisitSaudi.com).
The broader strategy will introduce new functions, a redesigned website, interactive content, a clearer structure and a mobile application that will help users plan itineraries and receive personalised information.
VisitBulgaria.com will remain the principal digital platform for promoting the country, combining destination and attraction details with contemporary visuals, video, interactive routes and dynamic content tailored to different markets.
/KT/

Hanoi builds Halal-friendly future to attract Muslim travelers

Travel

Hanoi (VNA) – Recognising the great potential of Muslim tourists from the Middle East, the capital city of Hanoi is preparing the necessary conditions to proactively attract this unique market segment.
Halal tourism, also known as Muslim-friendly tourism, caters specifically to the needs of Muslim travellers. Due to cultural and religious differences, this group has distinct lifestyles, practices, and dietary requirements. Muslims abstain from certain meats, particularly pork, carnivorous animals, several amphibians, as well as alcoholic beverages.
In recent years, with increasing cultural exchanges, Muslim tourists have been visiting Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular, in growing numbers. Most of these travellers come from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and some Middle Eastern countries. A recent example is a group of 200 Iranian tourists who chartered an entire flight to Hanoi, demonstrating the strong potential of the Halal tourism market.

According to Trinh Thi Thu Ha, Rector of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, Halal tourism is emerging as a global trend. With over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, Halal tourism is expected to contribute nearly 350 billion USD to the global travel industry by 2030. This is a highly promising market that we need to actively tap into, she noted.
The concept of Halal goes far beyond simply serving meals without pork or alcohol. It encompasses accommodations, prayer times, worship services, hospitality styles, and even respect for religious beliefs. However, the number of accommodations and restaurants in Hanoi that meet Halal standards remains limited, and travel businesses face challenges in serving this group. In Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand and Singapore, despite not having large Muslim populations, have developed a Halal tourism “ecosystem” with compatible restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, and entertainment services.
Hanoi possesses many advantages to become a Halal tourism hub, potentially transforming this market into a powerful catalyst for the city’s tourism sector. Building a Halal-friendly ecosystem is now an essential step. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said tapping into the Halal market is not just about aligning with a global trend, but also a sustainable growth strategy that helps Hanoi expand its reach into the Muslim world.

To welcome this market, Director of the National Halal Certification Centre (HALCERT) Ramlan Bin Osman suggested that hotels and restaurants offer dedicated Halal food and coffee areas. Entertainment venues need separate spaces for men and women. Attractions must meet Muslim-friendly standards. Since Muslims pray at specific times daily, airports and hotels should also provide dedicated prayer areas.
Giang emphasised that the Department of Tourism will step up awareness campaigns among tourism businesses about the characteristics of Muslim travelers. The department will also work with airports and accommodation providers to prepare Halal-friendly zones and suitable dining services. Hanoi plans to collaborate with embassies and international organisations to boost cultural exchange with Muslim countries and train human resources for this market. The goal is to build a comprehensive Halal tourism ecosystem by 2030, with priority given to establishing Muslim-friendly areas in the city centre.
Several travel businesses are also intensifying their strategies to attract Halal tourists. Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club Truong Quoc Hung said the club has signed a cooperation agreement with the Halal Training Centre to raise awareness and train personnel for this market. They are also working to develop a complete Halal-standard tourism product chain, covering ground services, dining, hotels, sightseeing, communication, and marketing./.

Hanoi builds Halal-friendly future to attract Muslim travelers

Travel

Hanoi (VNA) – Recognising the great potential of Muslim tourists from the Middle East, the capital city of Hanoi is preparing the necessary conditions to proactively attract this unique market segment.
Halal tourism, also known as Muslim-friendly tourism, caters specifically to the needs of Muslim travellers. Due to cultural and religious differences, this group has distinct lifestyles, practices, and dietary requirements. Muslims abstain from certain meats, particularly pork, carnivorous animals, several amphibians, as well as alcoholic beverages.
In recent years, with increasing cultural exchanges, Muslim tourists have been visiting Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular, in growing numbers. Most of these travellers come from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and some Middle Eastern countries. A recent example is a group of 200 Iranian tourists who chartered an entire flight to Hanoi, demonstrating the strong potential of the Halal tourism market.

According to Trinh Thi Thu Ha, Rector of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, Halal tourism is emerging as a global trend. With over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, Halal tourism is expected to contribute nearly 350 billion USD to the global travel industry by 2030. This is a highly promising market that we need to actively tap into, she noted.
The concept of Halal goes far beyond simply serving meals without pork or alcohol. It encompasses accommodations, prayer times, worship services, hospitality styles, and even respect for religious beliefs. However, the number of accommodations and restaurants in Hanoi that meet Halal standards remains limited, and travel businesses face challenges in serving this group. In Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand and Singapore, despite not having large Muslim populations, have developed a Halal tourism “ecosystem” with compatible restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, and entertainment services.
Hanoi possesses many advantages to become a Halal tourism hub, potentially transforming this market into a powerful catalyst for the city’s tourism sector. Building a Halal-friendly ecosystem is now an essential step. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said tapping into the Halal market is not just about aligning with a global trend, but also a sustainable growth strategy that helps Hanoi expand its reach into the Muslim world.

To welcome this market, Director of the National Halal Certification Centre (HALCERT) Ramlan Bin Osman suggested that hotels and restaurants offer dedicated Halal food and coffee areas. Entertainment venues need separate spaces for men and women. Attractions must meet Muslim-friendly standards. Since Muslims pray at specific times daily, airports and hotels should also provide dedicated prayer areas.
Giang emphasised that the Department of Tourism will step up awareness campaigns among tourism businesses about the characteristics of Muslim travelers. The department will also work with airports and accommodation providers to prepare Halal-friendly zones and suitable dining services. Hanoi plans to collaborate with embassies and international organisations to boost cultural exchange with Muslim countries and train human resources for this market. The goal is to build a comprehensive Halal tourism ecosystem by 2030, with priority given to establishing Muslim-friendly areas in the city centre.
Several travel businesses are also intensifying their strategies to attract Halal tourists. Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club Truong Quoc Hung said the club has signed a cooperation agreement with the Halal Training Centre to raise awareness and train personnel for this market. They are also working to develop a complete Halal-standard tourism product chain, covering ground services, dining, hotels, sightseeing, communication, and marketing./.