Travelers Financial News

Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has proposed a long-term visa program to the government to maintain its lead in Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving travel market. The recommendations, submitted to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, include a “golden visa” valid for five to ten years to compete with Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia—countries that already offer such schemes to long-stay travellers, Báo Văn Hóa reported. The proposal comes at a time when Vietnam has regained 98% of its pre-pandemic tourism levels, making it the fastest-recovering destination in the region. In 2024, the country welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, overtaking Singapore and trailing only Malaysia and Thailand. The advisory board also suggested introducing a 10-year investor visa with the possibility of permanent residency after five years, and a five-year talent visa with a simplified renewal process, as reported by Thanh Nien newspaper. These programs could be piloted in key tourism hubs like Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

The meeting was aimed at enhancing trust and cooperation between the Meiteis and Kukis and finding a roadmap to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur, sources said. The discussions also stressed on maintaining law and order and facilitating reconciliation between the two communities, they said. A six-member Meitei delegation comprising representatives from the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) attended the meeting. The Kuki delegation comprised about nine representatives.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Barff, a play written and directed by national award-winning actor Saurabh Shukla, is set in Kashmir—however, it is not connected with the politics of the region. The inspiration lies in the people and landscapes.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted him at the venue, marking the start of a packed diplomatic schedule. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at his hotel, where he was seen shaking hands with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessing a puppet show performed in his honour. The vibrant reception reflected the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. PM Modi's arrival in Colombo came after his visit to Thailand, where he held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attended the BIMSTEC Summit. On the sidelines, he engaged in further bilateral discussions, laying the groundwork for this leg of his regional outreach. Despite rainy weather, six senior Sri Lankan ministers personally received PM Modi at the airport. The delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha; Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; and Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena.

Rashmika Mandanna, one of India's most adored actresses, turned 29 today and took to Instagram to share sun-soaked photos from her trip to Salalah, Oman. While fans couldn’t stop gushing over her radiant snaps, there was one person who wasn’t exactly thrilled — her fitness trainer. In the photos, Rashmika is seen enjoying a serene moment at a table loaded with delicious food, dressed in a chic sleeveless black tank top paired with denim jeans and a wide-brimmed hat. Flashing her trademark smile and signature heart-fingers gesture, the actress looks every bit the happy traveler soaking in Salalah’s beauty. But not everyone is pleased with her indulgence. In the caption, Rashmika cheekily wrote, “Good food + full almost exploding happy tummy = angry Junaid Shaikh and Sagar (my trainers). I read this somewhere. Salalah — land of sun, sand and smiles. How cute it sounds!”

Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman, said Friday that Hegseth will participate in the 2025 Central American Security Conference. He said Hegseth will take part in meetings that «will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere.» He did not mention the canal, which was built by the US in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington turned control over to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter «foolishly» gave the canal away. After Trump's threats, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control. The deal will give the U.S. investment management company BlackRock Inc. control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, located at either end of the Panama Canal. Other ports are in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Indian hotel operators have run into high valuations and a lack of quality assets as they seek to expand in a market hungry for luxury travel. They have turned creative to overcome these hurdles by acquiring properties that can be redeveloped or repurposing office buildings into hotels and even incorporating apartments into their projects.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four multitracking projects worth Rs 18,658 crore this week. Addressing journalists on Friday, Union Railways, Information Broadcasting, and Information Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw said these initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports, and contribute to lower CO2 emissions. In another decision, the cabinet approved the second Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) for improving infrastructure at bordering inhabited areas. The four multitracking projects cover 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1247 kilometres (kms). They are expected to be complete by 2030-31. Vaishnaw said these new projects will operate similar to freight corridors. The projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals. Responding to a query on whether these new lines will be dedicated solely for freight operations, Vaishnaw said, “Networks work best when they are integrated, whether railway, highway, or telecom.” The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 88.77 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

Nikhil Kamath shared his thoughts on the growing focus on delivery speed and sustainability as India's GDP per capita and wages increase. He questioned whether delivery wages would remain viable if GDP per capita reached $5,000. Reflecting on consumer behavior, he recounted buying a pair of expensive shoes via quick commerce while traveling. The shoes didn’t fit well, making him regret the purchase. He wondered if there was a limit to average order value and how many consumers in India would forgo in-store experiences for high-value goods. He believes, “Commodity is different from brand.” He used the dabbawalas as an example of an efficient, low-cost delivery system and wondered if modern quick-commerce companies (like those delivering groceries or shoes in 10 minutes) can learn from them as India grows richer and delivery costs rise.

A total of 682 Indian nationals has been deported from the US since January 2025 till date, the minister said in a written response to a question. «The vast majority of these deportees had attempted to enter the U.S. illegally, but were apprehended at the US border itself and thereafter deported to India after due verification. As such, these deportations may not have any impact on the overall remittance flows to India,» he said.

Anand Sagar Pathak of Astropatri, talks about your career, your business prospects, your finances as per your Ascendant or your Moon sign as the Sun sign for a lot of Indians is different from what they know. In our system of astrology, the Sun moves 23-24 days behind Western Astrology and therefore the Sun often does not reside in the sign governed by a fixed date system.

Delhi Metro can test anyone’s patience, especially when standing in a jam-packed train with barely enough room to breathe. In this chaotic routine, scoring a seat often feels like striking gold. This everyday hassle became the center of a light-hearted yet imaginative conversation on Reddit, where users unleashed their funniest and wildest tricks to claim a seat during rush hour.

National Burrito Day is observed every year on the first Thursday of April, and in 2025, it falls on April 3. The annual celebration of the widespread Mexican and Tex-Mex staple known as the burrito takes place every April 3. The burrito evolved substantially as it traveled from Mexico to become thriving in the United States.

airport lounge provides a cocoon of relative tranquillity. Within this setting, watching planes take off and land becomes an unexpectedly blissful experience. As you sip a warm cup of coffee, the giant window before you frames a vibrant tableau of flying machines. Each takeoff is a statement of triumph — a defying act against gravity, climbing elegantly up, up and away. It stirs a sense of awe, reminding you that planes are magical things. Watching landings, on the other hand, evoke comfort and connection. The sight of a plane descending smoothly, its wheels gently kissing the tarmac, brings a sense of closure. Journeys safely ending, reunions awaiting.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. NEW DELHI : Bangkok-headquartered Dusit International's founding family wants to make its second India innings India count with a flurry of new hotel signings. India is one of the most important markets for Thailand, the third-generation hotelier Siradej Donavanik, vice-president of development for global hotels, told Mint on Thursday.

ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide," said Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias . Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said, “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network."

Police closed Hastings Road, which lies between between Skeet and Eltham roads following the crash. According to Te Kura o Nga Ruahine Rangi school administrator Patsy Broughton, students from Years 11 to 13 were travelling to attend a sporting event at another school when their van collided with the car. While most of those injured suffered minor cuts, bruises and concussion, at least four people are reported to be serious. While two of the seriously injured were airlifted to Waikato Hospital, the others were taken by air to Whanganui Hospital. Another nine injured were taken by road to the medical centres with three being admitted to Whanganui Hospital while the other six were sent to the Taranaki Hospital.