Author: holidayweekly

BEIJING: China’s expanded visa-free travel policy is delivering significant economic dividends, triggering a sharp rise in foreign visitor arrivals, boosting tourism revenues and encouraging international travellers to explore destinations beyond the country’s traditional hotspots. A growing number of tourists from Europe, Australia, North America and other Asian countries are taking advantage of relaxed entry regulations to visit China, with many extending their journeys to inland provinces and lesser-known destinations. According to data released by online travel platform Fliggy, inbound travel bookings during the recent Dragon Boat Festival surged by more than 600 per cent compared with the same period last…

LONDON: Women’s golf is growing at a record pace worldwide. According to the R&A’s Global Golf Participation Report [1], published this month, women now account for 34% of all adult golfers across the organisation’s key markets, up from 31% the previous year. The figures span 148 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and Oceania.The trend is consistent across both established and emerging golf markets. In Germany, women now account for 41% of adult participants; in Argentina, 36%; in Great Britain & Ireland, 33%; and in Australia, 31%. Also, this month in the United States, the National Golf Foundation…

RIYADH: RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s newest full-service carrier, Riyadh Air, is rapidly moving from an ambitious start-up to an operational airline, marking significant progress within weeks of receiving its first factory-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.The airline has expanded its fleet with the addition of another Boeing 787 aircraft and has already launched operations to several key destinations, including London Heathrow, Dubai, Jeddah and Cairo. The swift expansion underlines the carrier’s determination to establish itself as a major player in the global aviation market.While Riyadh Air has consistently maintained that its primary mission is to serve the Saudi people, the airline is also…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has opened the mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 for aspiring pilgrims in the country and abroad, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Monday, saying that discussions were underway with Saudi Arabia to raise the country’s quota for pilgrims. Hajj 2026 concluded in Saudi Arabia last month, with millions of Muslims taking part in the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Pakistan was allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, one of the largest in the world, with pilgrims traveling under both the government and private schemes. Speaking at the Hajj registration launching ceremony in Islamabad, Yousaf said it was…

KARACHI: The Pakistan Academy of Engineering (PAE) has proposed the construction of Karachi’s first underground railway network, describing it as a long term solution to the city’s growing transportation and traffic challenges. The proposal was presented during the academy’s 40th Symposium, titled Importance of Underground Mobility in a Megacity, where transport and engineering experts from Pakistan, the United States and China reviewed successful underground rail systems operating in cities including Singapore, New York, Washington DC, Delhi, Friedberg and Dhaka. Following the discussions, participants unanimously recommended the development of two underground railway corridors in Karachi. The proposed routes include one from…

ISLAMABAD: Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue have expressed serious reservations over a proposal to grant a 15-year sales tax exemption to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), warning that such a concession could undermine fair competition within the country’s aviation sector. The issue surfaced during the committee’s clause-by-clause review of the Finance Bill 2026, where lawmakers examined a proposal allowing the recently privatized national carrier to import or lease aircraft, spare parts and related equipment without paying the standard 18 percent sales tax for a period of 15 years. The discussion comes only months after Pakistan…

KARACHI: In a remarkable celebration of sportsmanship, corporate engagement, and healthy competition, Bukhari Events & Media Services, under the umbrella of Bukhari Group, successfully organized the inaugural Corporate Padel Cup Pakistan at the prestigious YMCA Padel Courts, Karachi. The two-day tournament, held on June 12th and 13th, brought together some of Pakistan’s leading corporate brands, industry professionals, and sports enthusiasts on a single platform. Organized in collaboration with Karachi Junction. The tournament commenced with an elegant ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mr. Rafiq Khan, Chairman of Bukhari Group, alongside Mr. Nadeem Sharif, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP),…

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Repeal) Bill, 2026, completing the remaining legal formalities required for the privatisation of the national flag carrier. According to a statement posted on X by the President’s Office, the bill has now been formally assented to, paving the way for the implementation of the privatisation framework. The legislation had been passed by the Senate on June 10, 2026, and subsequently approved by the National Assembly on June 11. With presidential approval, the legal process required to proceed with the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has…

CHITRAL: Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) emerged victorious in the final of the Shandur Polo Festival, defeating arch-rivals Chitral 6-5 in a thrilling contest at the world’s highest polo ground and ending a 15-year wait for the prestigious title. The match began with Chitral taking an early lead as captain Izhar Ali Khan opened the scoring in the very first minute, followed by another goal from Nasirullah. However, GB fought back strongly and levelled the score with two quick goals by the ninth minute. The first half concluded with Chitral holding a narrow 5-4 advantage. In a dramatic finish, Zulfiqar scored a vital…

MARYLAND-US: JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 brands, has announces its collaboration with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a Global Brand Ambassador. Through this, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will elevate and bring renewed expression to the brand’s global “Stay in the Moment” platform, bringing a thoughtful, globally resonant perspective that deepens its relevance across key international markets. The appointment is linked to JW Marriott’s “Stay in the Moment” platform, which focuses on well-being and mindful travel experiences. The collaboration also comes as India continues to play a growing role in global…