Sri Lanka has announced that nationals from 40 countries will be eligible to obtain a free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for stays of up to 30 days, with effect from May 25, 2026. According to the revised policy, the free ETA facility will apply to travellers holding diplomatic, official, service and ordinary passports from […]

Sri Lanka has surpassed one million international tourist arrivals before the end of May 2026 for the second consecutive year, highlighting the continued recovery and steady growth of the country’s tourism sector. Despite a temporary slowdown during March and April due to global travel uncertainties, Sri Lanka continues to witness strong international demand, with key […]

India successfully chaired the 1st BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting in virtual mode on May 25, 2026, focusing on key tourism priorities including Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, tourism skilling and seamless travel facilitation. Held under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship, the meeting brought together member nations to advance cooperation under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, […]

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Travellers arriving from these regions have been advised to report to airport health authorities if they experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, […]

ITC Hotels has announced the acquisition of The Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa in Kerala. Located in the scenic Kumarakom backwaters, the luxury resort will become ITC Hotels’ first owned property in Kerala, further strengthening the company’s presence in the growing leisure and wellness tourism segment.

Marriott International has announced a major expansion milestone for its Series by Marriott brand in India, developed in collaboration with Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL). Within just six months of its debut, the brand has signed 75 hotels across the country, with 50 properties already operational. The growing portfolio now spans 43 cities across Tier […]

Vietnam’s national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has officially announced the launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, marking a major milestone in strengthening tourism, trade, investment, and connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Scheduled to commence in October 2026, the new direct service will operate three weekly flights between Colombo and Ho […]

Swiss International Air Lines will launch five weekly nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich from October 2026. Bengaluru becomes SWISS’s latest Indian destination and the airline’s third Lufthansa Group gateway from the city, alongside Frankfurt and Munich. The airline said the new route has been introduced to meet rising demand from business travellers, technology professionals, […]