China has allowed visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships in certain ports along the country’s coastline. This is reported by CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS. Groups of two or more foreign nationals travelling on cruises can enter China without a visa at 13 ports (e.g. Zhejiang, Fujian, Qingdao and Guangdong provinces). “In order to support the development of cruise tourism, the seven ports of Dalian, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beihai have been added as…

Within the framework of the Russian BRICS Chairmanship, the first online meeting of the Contact Group on Tourism was held. In addition to the permanent members of the association, new BRICS members Egypt, UAE and Ethiopia took part. This is reported by the official website of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. “We are actively working to promote interesting tourist destinations in the BRICS countries,” said Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and…

The beach rankings were compiled and published by BeachAtlas, a London-based startup, used an algorithm to shortlist 100 beaches according to six criteria. The evaluation criteria included aspects such as value to the local community, natural uniqueness, diversity, inclusiveness, environmental friendliness and cultural and historical significance. Boulders Beach (South Africa) was ranked 2nd in the ranking. It is not just a sandy beach, but a bustling metropolis for African penguins. Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro) also entered the top ten and…

The travel and tourism market in India will reach a revenue of USD 23.72 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 9.62 per cent from 2024 to 2028. To boost the growth of the tourism sector, India has announced 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in tourism-related businesses in 2023, allowing investments in hotels, resorts and recreational facilities. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi emphasised that India’s efforts in tourism are aimed at preserving the country’s heritage and…

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb has decided to increase the number of inspections in the hospitality industry in Mecca and Medina during the month of Ramadan. This is reported by Arab News. The initiative is part of the “Our Guests are a Priority” campaign, which aims to improve the quality of service in the tourism industry and increase its funding, while improving the quality of services. At the start of the pilgrimage season associated with the month of Ramadan, the…

FROM its early days as a butchery and braai place, to now being a hugely popular venue frequented by all cultures and races from all over the world, Max’s Lifestyle has a fascinating history. It was once a one-room shack near a stream and was built in front of a former taxi rank in the year 2000. Many well-known local celebrities, sportspersons and politicians are to be found unwinding there. Last month, the tourism deputy minister of Namibia, Heather Sibungo,…

THE expansion and frequency of routes by international airlines into Zimbabwe is a boost to the country’s Open Skies policy. Nunurai Ndawana, Fastjet Zimbabwe spokesperson, said the new routes area testament to the airline’s commitment to the growth of tourism and the sustainability of air services in the markets. These planned additional routes to the airline’s domestic network will offer seamless connections for travelers from Harare and Victoria Falls to Zimbabwe’s top domestic tourism destinations of Kariba and Hwange, with…