Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has launched a digital identity service for pilgrims arriving on Hajj visas this season. This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting digital transformation and harnessing technology to serve pilgrims, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

A Collaborative Effort

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the digital identity service allows pilgrims to verify their identity electronically. This can be done through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms, which are widely used for various governmental services in the Kingdom.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The primary objective of this service is to facilitate the use of digital identity for pilgrims, thereby improving the quality of services provided and enriching their overall experience in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging digital identity, pilgrims can seamlessly access a range of services throughout their stay, reflecting the advancements in digital transformation in the Kingdom.

Special Passport Stamp for Mecca Route Initiative

In addition to the digital identity service, the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Passports has introduced a special passport stamp for pilgrims benefiting from the Mecca Route Initiative. This stamp will be available at designated lounges across 11 airports in seven countries: Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Cote d’Ivoire. The Mecca Route Initiative aims to streamline the pilgrimage process, ensuring that pilgrims have a smooth and efficient journey from their home countries to Saudi Arabia.

Promoting Tourism and Innovation

These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience through innovative solutions. By integrating digital identity services and special passport stamps, the Kingdom aims to provide a more convenient and modernized travel experience for pilgrims. This not only improves the logistics of the Hajj journey but also aligns with the broader vision of making Saudi Arabia a global leader in technological advancements and tourism services.

As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its Vision 2030 goals, the introduction of digital identity services and special passport stamps for pilgrims signifies a major step forward. These measures are set to transform the pilgrimage experience, making it more efficient, secure, and enjoyable for millions of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom each year. Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation in tourism, enhancing its reputation as a leading destination for religious travel.

The Union Ministry of Tourism is participating in IMEX, Frankfurt from 14th-16th May 2024 to showcase India as a leading MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination to the global market.

IMEX serves as a pivotal platform for the global events industry, offering professionals valuable opportunities to enhance businesses and gain crucial insights.

The Indian tourism ministry has identified MICE as a key sector to combat seasonality and promote India as a year-round destination.

To support this effort, the Ministry has launched ‘Meet in India’ as a specialized sub-brand within the ‘Incredible India’ campaign.

This sub-brand aims to bolster promotional initiatives, highlighting India as an attractive MICE destination with excellent connectivity, state-of-the-art infrastructure, a dynamic knowledge base, and a wealth of unique tourist attractions.

During India’s G20 Presidency, over 200 meetings were held in 56 cities across the nation, boosting both domestic and international tourism.

This platform effectively showcased India’s strong MICE infrastructure and its rich cultural and natural heritage on a global stage.

Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Tourism is striving to position India as a premier global hub for MICE activities.

Significant progress has been made in improving internal connectivity by air and road, easing travel within the country, and opening new facilities for conferences and conventions, positioning India as a top destination.

In 2022, India was ranked 9th in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Jhansi has boldly stepped into the future with the unveiling of the Jhansi Space Museum, a groundbreaking institution set to mesmerize visitors with its immersive space exploration experiences. Crafted by the innovative minds at Axis Three Dee Studio, this museum employs state-of-the-art projection mapping, full dome displays, and other cutting-edge technologies to transport guests on an unparalleled cosmic voyage.

Under the guiding theme of “Cosmic Continuum: Connecting Past and Future,” the museum pays tribute to India’s profound contributions to astronomical sciences while embracing the limitless potential of contemporary space exploration. By blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation through its symbolic design elements, the Jhansi Space Museum offers guests a transcendent journey through time and space.

“The Jhansi Space Museum represents a significant advancement in the realm of space exploration and travel experiences,” said Mr. Avijit Samajdar, Founder of Axis Three Dee Studio. “Our objective is to foster an insatiable interest in space science and, through innovative technology and creative vision, we aim to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for space science among visitors of all ages.”

The museum’s immersive exhibits, such as the mesmerizing Dome Projection, immerse viewers in a visual extravaganza highlighting celestial wonders and the wonders of space exploration. These state-of-the-art presentations whisk guests to the outer reaches of the cosmos, instilling a sense of wonder at its immense scale and intricate beauty.

In its unwavering dedication to sustainable development, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking achievement of receiving certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This prestigious recognition marks the hotel as the first in Indonesia to attain such an honor. The GSTC is a globally respected organization dedicated to advocating for best practices in sustainable tourism. Through the establishment of stringent standards within the travel and tourism industries, this certification aims to bolster four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social Impact, Cultural and Community Preservation, and Environmental Stewardship.

Sustainability lies at the heart of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s brand strategy, encompassing all facets of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 17. The attainment of GSTC certification underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, providing a framework to assess, improve, and communicate its dedication to sustainable practices. The thorough evaluation conducted by GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, highlighted key criteria:

Enhancing Sustainability Practices: The resort prioritizes sustainability by integrating ethical business practices into its operations, both internally and externally. A dedicated ESG team continuously refines and monitors sustainable initiatives.

Empowering Local Communities: The resort is deeply committed to local empowerment, achieving a notable milestone of 21.7% local employment by December 2023. Through partnerships like the Sustainable Agriculture program with Samsara Living Museum, local farmers are trained in eco-farming techniques, fostering direct supply relationships and eliminating middlemen. Collaborations with educational institutions provide training opportunities, driving economic growth and sustainability.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: The resort serves as a vibrant showcase of Indonesian culture, with every aspect reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. Annual campaigns, in collaboration with diverse partners, curate unique guest experiences that integrate Indonesia’s culture, tradition, and heritage.

Mitigating Environmental Impact: The resort employs a science-based approach to reduce its environmental footprint. Initiatives like the Hydroponic Rooftop Garden, Waste Management, Sustainable Weddings, and Electric Vehicle Experience showcase this commitment. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Eco-Tourism Bali promote climate neutrality, such as the mangrove planting program which began with the planting of 1,000 seeds.

“At our resort, we continually strive to innovate and find new ways to drive sustainability forward in the hospitality industry. It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification”,  shared Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of the luxury hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Curaçao’s tourism industry is seeing a surge in stayover visitors from various key markets, including Brazil. Brazil currently ranks among Curaçao’s top 5 sources of stayover tourists. In 2023, the country welcomed over 26 thousand Brazilian stayover visitors, and in the first quarter of the current year alone, it received 10,552 visitors from Brazil. This growth is attributed to improved air connectivity, notably the new direct flight introduced from Brazil in June last year.

In response to the growing influx of Brazilian tourists, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) arranged a Basic Portuguese course specifically designed for industry workers who have direct interactions with tourists. Sixty-five employees successfully finished the 10-week program and were awarded certificates by Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, who serves as the Minister of Economic Development.

The course, conducted by Brazilian Portuguese language professional Mr. Márcio Hypólito Pinto, was held twice a week for two hours each session. It covered interactive sessions, phrase construction, conversation skills, pronunciation, assignments, and assessments. This initiative aimed to equip participants—ranging from accommodation, transportation, diving, airport, immigration, customs, and tour guiding personnel to employees from the Ministry of Economic Development and CTB—with the necessary linguistic tools to better engage with Brazilian tourists.

CTB continues to invest in programs that enhance the overall tourist experience, underscoring its commitment to the industry’s growth and development.

Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat, has introduced a new publication titled “Digital Wave: Transforming Vessels into Mobile Offices and Remote Dwellings.” This report delves into the increasing significance of continuous onboard connectivity as ships and their crews rely more on digital tools. In today’s context of ships serving as “mobile offices,” a dependable network connection is crucial for optimizing ship operations and improving onboard life. Conversely, the repercussions of losing connectivity can greatly affect safety, efficiency, and the well-being of seafarers.

Crafted by maritime tech research firm Thetius, this report draws insights from interviews and surveys to showcase how crews and shore-based teams are leveraging digital technologies. It begins by analyzing emerging tech trends, particularly how ships are evolving into mobile offices and the resulting need for collaborative, always-on software.

According to the report, 89% of surveyed seafarers rely on connectivity for both work and leisure, while 11% use the internet solely for work. On average, respondents spend five hours daily using digital tools for work, with 82% utilizing them to stay in touch with friends and family during leisure time. The survey also highlights that crew members perceive connectivity loss as impacting their leisure more than their work routines.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of unified data management, pinpointing five key factors: a shared data language, seamless connectivity for operations and crew welfare, secure connections, globally approved systems, and a culture of data sharing.

The report encourages collaboration among stakeholders like ship owners, operators, charterers, and regulators to manage data effectively. This collaborative approach fosters centralized data management, drives innovation and adaptability, encourages safety and operational efficiency, and reduces costs, as outlined in the report.

Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “To fully harness the benefits and steer clear of the potential challenges brought by shipping’s new digital wave, fast and reliable connectivity with consistent global coverage – including in hotspots and remote locations – is indispensable. Inmarsat is committed to supporting safe and efficient vessel operations and crew welfare, delivering the certainty and trust that maritime and offshore enterprise customers expect from a reliable service provider.”