Israel’s tourism minister promotes travel to and in Israel

For many practicing Muslim women, finding the right hotel and booking excursions is just one part of planning a vacation. There’s also the search for halal or vegetarian restaurants, pinning mosques with a women’s prayer space to Google Maps, and researching whether a destination is safe for them not just as women, but oftentimes as visibly Muslim women if they wear a hijab or niqab, or want to don a burkini.

India's smallest territory, Lakshadweep, is emerging as a must-see destination, with Indian tourists and forward-thinking experiential visitors. The area made headlines following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vacation in January when he posted multiple images of the stunning islands to promote tourism in the region. His heavy praise of Lakshadweep was construed as an attempt to lure tourists away from the Maldives. Soon after negative criticism came from a few ministers in the Maldives, an Indian "boycott" started, resulting in a 33% drop in visitors from India.

Latin American soprano Nadine Sierra stars as Juliette in the Metropolitan Opera’s “Roméo et Juliette” streaming Live in HD to cinemas around the world this Saturday, March 23rd at 12:55pm ET.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, March 19. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fourth time in three months, with this being the most powerful so far.

Birgir Jónsson is well aware of how a budget airline's fortunes can quickly turn around.

Athens has clinched a prestigious title in the tourism realm, emerging as Europe’s Leading City-break Destination at the World Travel Awards 2024. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony held in Berlin on Wednesday, coinciding with ITB Berlin, a major tourism exhibition. Athens, represented by its special pavilion at the EOT Pavilion, took centre stage at the event.

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.

At ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel trade show – Weeva launched its new AI capabilities in an industry-defining first for the travel and tourism sector. Since providing a preview of the new AI features at the Phocuswright Conference in October 2023, the formal launch now means that the award-winning sustainability management platform is the first to integrate generative AI capabilities into its user experience.

THE importance of the German market to Tobago has been underscored by THA Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Tashia Burris.

Italy’s tourism industry wants to be more innovative and flexible – Greater emphasis on interaction between visitors and locals – Minister supports better wages for the catering industry.

Despite the ongoing war with Hamas, Israel's ministry of tourism reports that in January, the country reached 34% of the number of North American tourists it had during the same month of 2023.