In the Financial Secretary’s 2025-26 Budget Speech, the Hong Kong SAR Government introduced a number of initiatives to boost economic growth and attract more visitors to Hong Kong, and to further reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub through various plans such as the Airport City project of the Airport Authority.
Greater Bay Airlines CEO Liza Ng showed support to the Budget, stating that the initiatives will help the tourism and aviation industries as well as Hong Kong’s economy develop in full speed. The airline will strive to expand its fleet, enhance the service of existing routes and add more new destinations to its network. She believed Hong Kong will continue to seize new opportunities arising from the economic development of our country and the world, and has every confidence in Hong Kong’s future.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is making flights to Medan, the gateway to Northern Sumatra, available for booking. The airline will start flights between Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), Medan and Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) on 2 October 2025, operating on one of its new A321LR aircraft three times a week, timed to make the most of a leisure break.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra in Indonesia, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and historical landmarks.
The destination is just one of 14 already announced by Etihad this year, with more expected to come.
New studies have revealed that searches for solo travel have increased by 90%. Business travel experts at Booking.com for Business have given 10 tips on how to keep safe as a solo business traveller.
1) Prepare before traveling
Depending on where you are visiting, you’ll need to check your business travel policy and duty of care to see if there are any recommendations for the specific country you’re traveling to. Ensure that the transport you are using is safe, and if your airport arrival time is later, factor this into your itinerary.
You are also advised to research local emergency service numbers and the neighbourhood of your accommodation. If you are visiting a country that speaks a different language than your own, try to learn some basic words and phrases.
2) Be mindful of what you post on social media
Posting in real time on social media can pose a risk to your safety. Whilst it is tempting to share pictures of delicious local food and sights, sending constant updates of your live location can make it easy for people to track your whereabouts.
3) Get business travel insurance
Insurance is important for all travel, be it business or otherwise. Interruptions to your plans due to natural disasters, accidents, medical issues, or flight delays can cost you time, money and peace of mind. To make sure you don’t end up in a stressful situation and are protected in any difficult travel scenario, take out additional protection in the form of business travel insurance. It is best to check insurance options recommended by your company or with your travel manager if you’re arranging it yourself.
4) Use travel safety products
Ample products are now available to mitigate the risks of business travel, including safety bracelets, portable batteries, and portable alarms. In some destinations, it is also legal to carry an aerosol spray that can be used as a disabling weapon by irritating the eyes and airways. It is vital that you check the laws on this at your destination before you go. As well as these physical products, there are business travel software tools that, if shared with your travel manager, can help them oversee your locations and keep you safe.
5) Be aware while exploring
Most business travellers like to add on a few days of leisure time to explore a destination once their business meetings are over, but if you’re unfamiliar with the local area, it’s wise to explore during daylight hours only. You can also check with hotel staff and ask them to book licensed taxis to get around. It is also a good idea to ask hotel staff for advice about the local area.
6) Take care when withdrawing money
ATM’s can be a hotspot for theft, especially for tourists who may be unaware of local areas where thieves operate. Business travellers should not carry large amounts of cash and should leave it in a safe in their hotel, along with any other valuables they have taken abroad. Anti-theft aluminium or carbon fire wallets can also stop criminals from scanning your cards without realizing.
7) Choose accommodation carefully
Whether an employee or a different team is booking business travel accommodation, it’s important to be aware of safety requirements for female business travellers. When selecting business travel accommodation, pay attention to the hotel location, reviews, and whether or not there is a 24/7 reception service. For added security, you can also look out for measures like fingerprint scanning upon entry and CCTV.
8) Keep travel documents safe
While it may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget where you’ve put all of your important travel documents while you’re busy on the move for work. Being prepared and creating a backup (often simply digital copies will suffice) of travel and identity documents is a great way to avoid any safety issues at your destination.
9) Dress sensibly
Dressing appropriately can make you less of a target for pickpockets, whether you are a male or female traveller. Try not to wear expensive jewellery, handbags, or clothing that may attract attention.
10) Provide feedback to your employees
Giving feedback to your employer after a business travel trip is a great way to make sure any safety risks for female business travel are avoided in the future. You can highlight useful safety or security services you appreciated, transport options that made you feel safe, or aspects of the hotel that made it a success. It’s also important to mention the parts of the trip that need to be improved upon.
China Eastern Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, set to commence on 28th April 2025. This marks the first time a Chinese airline has introduced a direct route between the two cities.
According to China Daily, the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route will be jointly operated by China Eastern Airlines and Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi.
Flights are scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Departures will occur from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, with return flights from Abu Dhabi on the same day (local time).
Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, free trade zone policies, and strong presence in the energy and financial sectors support Chinese enterprises expanding their global footprint.
The new route is expected to enhance trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the UAE and China. It will also strengthen connectivity between the Yangtze River Delta region and the Gulf region, facilitating smoother business and tourism flows.
It will also boost tourism in both Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, contributing to the growth of the hospitality and aviation sectors.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its group company SOTC Travel, have signed a strategic 24-month partnership with Korea Tourism Organization – a collaboration that focuses on Special Projects towards increasing visibility for the destination in the high-potential India market.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel and Korea Tourism Organization’s exclusive partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel leverages on Special Projects to drive year-round awareness and inspiration for Korea. The collaboration extends across exchange of knowledge, best practices and development of unique-innovative products designed specifically for Indian travellers, fostering long-term growth in leisure, business and MICE segments for Korea.
Korea offers a vibrant and enriching experience for Indian travellers, blending luxury, culture, wellness and exceptional cuisine. The global Hallyu wave has elevated Korea’s cultural influence, with the rise of the K-beauty industry, K-pop and K-drama experiences captivating audiences worldwide. Korean cuisine, or Hansik, known for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, adds another layer to the country’s appeal, offering a delightful culinary journey. Expanding beyond Seoul and Busan, regions like Jeju Island, Gangwon Province and Jeollanam-do offer untapped potential for immersive travel experiences focused on wellness and relaxation, with state-of-the-art spas and wellness centers. This diverse offering positions Korea as a prime destination for India’s affluent and wellness-conscious market, driving sustained growth in tourism.
Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said: “We are delighted to formalize this strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, both prominent players in the Indian travel industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance awareness and engagement for South Korea as a premier travel destination among Indian travellers. By leveraging their extensive distribution network, expertise, and innovative approach, we look forward to introducing unique and immersive travel experiences tailored to Indian tourists.”
Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “With new destinations and exciting experiential travel driving demand, South Korea is perfectly positioned to inspire the growing appetite of new-age Indian travellers. Our MOU with the Korea Tourism Organization not only endorses South Korea as a dynamic and vibrant destination but also opens new avenues for enriching travel experiences. We aim to foster long-term growth across our viable leisure, business, and MICE segments. Our MOU will focus on product development, destination education and marcom to create top-of-mind visibility and drive transactions. By leveraging our expertise in the Indian market, we aim to create greater visibility for South Korea, facilitating seamless travel experiences and fostering memorable, value-driven journeys for our customers”
SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to partner with Korea Tourism Organization. South Korea stands out as a destination that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, not just from India’s metros but also regional India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets. With its blend of rich culture, cutting-edge innovation, and exciting experiences, it holds immense potential to captivate a diverse range of travellers. Our collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization signifies our shared commitment to enhancing travel experiences for Indian visitors. This partnership is an opportunity to curate distinctive travel products and elevate destination awareness, leveraging joint initiatives that connect with the needs of the Indian market. Together, we aim to elevate the appeal of South Korea and create sustainable growth across leisure, business, and MICE sectors.”
Nobu Hospitality, the global luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residence brand, is making its debut in the Netherlands with the Nobu Restaurant Amsterdam and the Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam. Developed in partnership with Dutch real estate firm Breevast, this exclusive project will bring Nobu’s signature style to the heart of Amsterdam’s most coveted neighbourhood, Oud-Zuid.
The Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam will feature branded residences, combining the prestige of ownership with elevated services of a luxury hospitality experience. Offering both private residences for purchase and serviced luxury residences available for extended stays, this exceptional development caters to those seeking a seamless blend of residential comfort with Nobu’s renowned hospitality.
Stepping into the spotlight as only a legendary culinary brand can, the Nobu Restaurant Amsterdam will set a new standard for destination dining at the Nobu Residences, with the serene Beatrixpark as its backdrop. The Nobu restaurant and lounge bar will serve as a vibrant gathering place, welcoming both the local community and international travellers to experience its signature blend of innovation and tradition.
Just moments from the world-famous museums, luxury boutiques and the financial Zuidas district, residents will enjoy a refined living experience designed with Nobu’s signature Japanese minimalism. Residents will have exclusive access to a Nobu restaurant, in-residence dining, state-of-the-art wellness centre, and a dedicated experience team for unparalleled access to the city.
By choosing Amsterdam—and the elegant, tree-lined streets of Oud-Zuid and dynamic financial centre of the Zuidas —for its first location in the Netherlands, Nobu Hospitality continues its tradition of blending contemporary luxury with local authenticity, offering an elevated lifestyle in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
“We are honored that a prestigious global brand like Nobu will partner with Breevast,” says Henk Brouwer, CEO of Breevast. “Nobu Residences is not only a tremendous asset for Amsterdam, but it will also be the first branded residence in the Netherlands. Nobu’s choice for our location at the edge of the Beatrixpark in Amsterdam-Zuid confirms that our plans and designs for this project are of absolute quality.”
“Amsterdam is a dynamic European location for Nobu, with its vibrant culinary scene, cultural landscape and understated approach to luxury” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. “We are delighted to be partnering with Breevast to bring Nobu Restaurant and Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam to life, marking our first Nobu project in the Netherlands.”
“RCP Finance was thrilled to collaborate with Breevast in securing Nobu Hospitality as their brand partner; this project is set to be a tremendous success in Amsterdam,” said Christopher Khoi, Managing Director of RCP Finance
British Airways’ YouTube advertising campaigns from September 2024 to February 2025 have effectively showcased the airline’s commitment to safety, luxury, and customer satisfaction, targeting a broad spectrum of travellers. Through a combination of informative behind-the-scenes glimpses, humorous relatable scenarios, and aspirational luxury showcases, British Airways strives to reinforce its position as a prominent global airline, reveals Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Satya Prasad Nayak, Ads Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “British Airways’ advertisements effectively communicate the airline’s commitment to both safety and an exceptional travel experience by highlighting the practical aspects of air travel, such as efficient de-icing by “Jedi” de-icing trucks and reliable flight operations, and the aspirational elements, like premium in-flight experiences with the brand-new first-class cabin and exciting new destinations like Bangkok.”
GlobalData’sGlobal Ads Platform reveals below the key focus areas of British Airways’ advertisements:
Safety and Operational Excellence: British Airways’ “Winter Operations” ad provides a transparent look into the de-icing process, emphasizing safety and efficiency. Featuring expert explanations and advanced technology like the “Jedi” de-icing trucks, the ad reassures passengers about the airline’s commitment to reliable winter travel, building trust through showcasing meticulous preparation.
Luxury and Premium Experience: The “Introducing Our New First” campaign focuses on the exclusivity and comfort of British Airways’ new first-class suites. Through close-up visuals and a minimalist approach, the ad highlights the luxurious amenities and privacy, targeting affluent travelers seeking a high-end travel experience.
Customer-Centric Service and Reliability: “Your Family in the Skies” showcases British Airways’ dedication to passenger experience by depicting a family’s travel challenges and the airline’s proactive solutions. The ad emphasizes emotional connections and cultural sensitivity, particularly within the Indian market, highlighting the airline’s commitment to going the extra mile.
Brand & Destination Promotion: Campaigns like “What’s New This Autumn” and “Love Departed” focus on boosting brand awareness by highlighting new destinations, upgraded in-flight services, and the speed and efficiency of London City Airport. These advertisements aim to generate excitement and inspire travelers to explore British Airways’ offerings, showcasing a diverse range of travel experiences and destinations.
dnata has been re-awarded the license to provide ground handling services at Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. The extension follows a competitive public tender conducted by the airport operator, and secures dnata’s position at ZRH for another seven years.
dnata currently serves 40 passenger and cargo airlines in Zürich with a team of over 500 employees, safely handling over 35 aircraft turnarounds and 150 tonnes of cargo every day.
The company’s recent investments at the airport include the rollout of its digital cargo management system, One Cargo, which automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management, with an integrated, cloud-based platform. It also invested in advanced ground support equipment (GSE), increasing the share of electric vehicles in its fleet to 42%.
In addition, dnata recently announced that it would boost its cargo handling capacity by over 50% at ZRH. Having signed a lease agreement with the airport authority, the company is planning to operate its new 9,500m² advanced warehouse facility as the sole occupant. The facility is already under construction and expected to open in early 2027.
Willy Ruf, dnata Switzerland’s Managing Director, said: “We are proud to have earned the trust of Zürich Airport once again. The renewal of our license is a clear vote of confidence in our team, highlighting our reliability and commitment to service excellence. We will continue to invest in our people, infrastructure and equipment to deliver best-in-class services to our customers.”
Besides Zürich, dnata operates at Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. In 2024, dnata’s team assisted over four million departing passengers and moved over 103,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.
Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has announced the onboarding of Mangaluru International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport into the DigiYatra initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). With this, all seven operational airports of AAHL now offer passengers access to use DigiYatra to access the airports. This significant step aligns with AAHL’s commitment to enhance passenger experience through seamless and contactless travel.
Jeet Adani, Director, AAHL, stated: “Since its launch on 15 August 2023, DigiYatra took flight at five of our airports: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Guwahati. Offering the DigiYatra experience to our passengers in Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram Airports underscores AAHL’s dedication to the adoption of innovative technologies that enhance passenger convenience and security. We have seen a substantial rise in the adoption of DigiYatra by passengers, with some of our airports showing a utilisation as high as 37 percent in one day. More passengers are opting for the convenience and speed of DigiYatra, thereby redefining their travel experience”.
Implementation of DigiYatra is testament to AAHL’s commitment to transform the aviation sector in India by embracing cutting-edge technology and providing world-class services to passengers.
The DigiYatra initiative aims to provide a paperless and hassle-free travel experience for passengers, leveraging facial recognition technology for seamless entry at airports. The facial recognition technology used by DigiYatra enables seamless passage at various checkpoints. DigiYatra eliminates the need for physical documents, making the travel process efficient and ecologically friendly. It provides an additional layer of security by verifying passenger identity through biometric data. DigiYatra also reduces wait times at various touchpoints, ensuring a smoother and quicker journey for passengers. Security and privacy are central to Digi Yatra’s mission.
India’s outbound travel is witnessing a significant surge in overall travel spending: India’s outbound travel saw a record in overseas travel spending of $17 billion in FY24, marking a 25% increase y-o-y (accounting for 54% of all international spending)1 and is projected to reach $55.4 billion by 20342. Additionally, the strong emergence of travellers from India’s tier 2 & 3 cities, creates a growing need for a seamless, secure and convenient forex solutions. Recognizing this opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel foreign exchange services provider, has launched the Borderless Travel Card – designed to empower leisure travellers with smooth and secure international travel transactions – with multi-currency support, worldwide acceptance and exclusive travel benefits.
This initiative reiterates Thomas Cook’s position as India ka Forex Specialist – highlighting the Company’s sustained focus on innovation and elevated customer experience.
Thomas Cook Borderless Travel Card benefits*
Supports 12 global currencies for seamless international transactions and access to over 70 million Mastercard and Visa merchant establishments in over 200 countries
Free emergency cash assistance and card replacement (for lost/stolen cards)
Complimentary International global SIM card
Security with embedded chip & pin
Complimentary Airport meet & greet, free lounge access and porter services at select international airports in India*
Exclusive 25% off discount on select attractions and unique experiences*
Earn 1,000 Thomas Cook Edge Reward Points on loading USD 1,000 (or equivalent) and up to 500 points on card spend, redeemable for holidays, flights and hotels from Thomas Cook India
Additional benefits*
Complimentary insurance cover up to ₹7.5 lakh*
24×7 Customer Support available via call centre, email and web support on thomascook.in
Free ATM withdrawal*
Eco-friendly card crafted from recycled plastic, promoting sustainability
Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “At Thomas Cook India, we continue to strengthen our leadership in the forex sector by anticipating market shifts and innovating to meet evolving customer needs. The launch of our Borderless Travel Card, builds on the success of our prepaid card portfolio that includes Study Buddy (for students) and EnterpriseFX (business traveller). The Borderless Travel Card is our strategic response to address the needs of India’s leisure segment: offering smooth and seamless multi-currency access, the convenience of worldwide acceptance, and exclusive travel benefits—all with the reliability and security of Mastercard and Visa.
I am particularly proud of our integration of sustainability with financial innovation with this, India’s first eco-friendly card made of recycled plastic.
The timing is perfect – at the start of India’s key travel booking season and we look forward to elevating our customer experience while reinforcing Thomas Cook India’s position as India ka Forex Specialist.”
Anubhav Gupta, Senior Vice President, South Asia at Mastercard said: “As the country’s aspirations reach for newer heights fuelled by a growing middle class, Indians including those from Tier two and three cities are keen to explore the world. Mastercard Economics Institute’s research has shown that today, the number of Indians traveling abroad in a single quarter is comparable to annual number of Indian travellers 10 years ago. At Mastercard, we see a need to support such travellers with more convenient, sustainable, and safer modes of payment. Through our collaboration with Thomas Cook, we are excited to offer this Borderless Travel Card which brings among the best rewards and acceptance across 12 currencies and 200 countries and territories.”
Rishi Chhabra, Country Manager for Visa India said: “We are delighted to partner with Thomas Cook India to launch the Borderless Travel Card for India’s growing outbound travel market. Backed by Visa’s global network, worldwide acceptance and trusted, secure payments, this card enhances travel experiences with a seamless, secure and sustainable offering. Our partnership reflects a joint commitment to financial inclusion and delivering unparalleled convenience to Indian globetrotters. We look forward to setting a new benchmark in travel payments that provide security, ease and exclusive benefits.”
