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Oceania Cruises Rewards Travel Agents With a Free Cruise

June 25, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Oceania Cruises lance une nouvelle opération incentive à destination des conseillers voyages européens - Depositphotos.com @portosabbia

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The luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises is launching a new commercial stimulation campaign aimed at European travel advisors.

Named “Sell 5 & Sail Free”, the program runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026 and seeks to reward professionals who make new bookings on itineraries scheduled for 2026.

Under the challenge rules, travel advisors who log five new eligible bookings during the reference period will be eligible to receive a complimentary cruise from a selection of itineraries offered by the line.

An immersion into the Oceania Cruises experience

Through this initiative, Oceania Cruises aims to allow sellers to directly discover its product.

The company highlights its intimate-sized ships, its itineraries focused on immersive port calls, and its renowned culinary offering, regularly presented as one of its key strengths.

The rewarded professionals will thus be able to experience the concept “The Joy of Travelling Well” and the benefits included in the Your World Included® program.

The complimentary cruise includes accommodation for two people, access to all onboard restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi for one device per guest, and the choice between a drinking package or an excursions credit.

2026 itineraries Across Multiple Continents

The challenge encompasses all cruises scheduled in the company’s 2026 program. This includes numerous destinations, notably in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Asia.

To be counted, bookings must be made between June 1 and June 30, 2026, with a deposit paid by July 10, 2026. Consecutive cruises will be counted as a single booking for the purpose of the operation.

The company notes that this offer is subject to availability and limited in number of seats. Specific conditions apply regarding the eligibility of bookings and the allocation of the complimentary cruises.

The detailed terms and conditions of the challenge are accessible on Oceania Cruises’ dedicated sales partners portal.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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Hurtigruten: Travel Agencies Are Highly Responsive

June 25, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Grâce à son recentrage sur la Norvège, Hurtigruten a conforté sa place de référence sur cette destination auprès des voyageurs français © Hurtigruten / Espen Mills

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While customers are hesitant to decide, distribution networks are redoubling their efforts to stimulate demand.

A mobilization welcomed by Christine Bois-Beauval, France managing director of Hurtigruten.

« We had an excellent first quarter, which keeps us ahead of our objectives », explains the leader. « However, since April and May, things are quieter. »

In May 2026, the company’s sales fell by 15% compared with the same period in 2025. A slowdown being felt by a large part of the French tourism market, in a context marked by economic uncertainties and concerns about air travel.

Hurtigruten has thus had to respond to health concerns following the Hantavirus episode.

Distribution networks at the helm

In response to this situation, Christine Bois-Beauval emphasizes the responsiveness of travel agencies and distribution networks.

« I find that the distribution is very reactive », she says. « We have campaigns with Havas Voyages, TourCom or even TUI. There is a real willingness to work together. »

Promotional campaigns, dedicated storefronts, last-minute operations, trainings in person and via videoconference: initiatives are multiplying to support sales.

« Nobody wants to give up. We are all in the same boat», continues she. The company is notably seeing a strong participation in training sessions organized around the new brochure and its Norwegian products.

The company will participate this weekend in the Cruise and Travel Show organized by Périer Voyages in Le Havre, a meeting that will allow it to meet travelers directly and better gauge their expectations for the coming months.

« We need these moments of interaction with customers », stresses Christine Bois-Beauval.

The Norway Advantage

Christine Bois-Beauval directrice générale France d'Hurtigruten - Photo Hurtigruten

Despite the slowdown observed since spring, Hurtigruten continues to benefit from the appeal of Norway.

The company believes it benefited early in the year from its strategic refocus on this destination after the separation of its expedition activities.

« We have become more than ever the reference for Norway », says Christine Bois-Beauval.

The destination is benefiting, for example, from the growing enthusiasm for the “coolcation,” that search for milder destinations during the summer, as well as the still-strong interest in the Northern Lights.

A new brochure geared toward 2027-2028

If the market remains cautious in the short term, Hurtigruten continues its commercial investments and is already preparing the 2027-2028 seasons.

The company recently unveiled its new Norway & Spitzbergen brochure, which further strengthens its positioning as a destination specialist.

Among the novelties are three limited-edition Signature itineraries, a new Arctic Line between Copenhagen and Tromsø, and the strengthening of French-speaking departures on the Coastal Express. The Signature cruises will also continue to offer Francophone support aboard.

While sales have stalled since spring, the leader hopes for a revival of demand in the coming weeks.

The task now is to convert this mobilization into bookings. And if the market wakes up by then, Hurtigruten’s teams will be able to breathe a sigh of relief before the Norway-France World Cup match on June 26!

Published by Laurent Guéna Journalist – TourMaG.com
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Asia, Africa, Europe: Latest Travel Requirements

June 24, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Tour d'horizon des dernières évolutions en matière de formalités de voyage | © ShutterStock

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Despite this (fresh) end of summer and the recent return to activity, many travelers are preparing to hit the road again, whether for business or off-season leisure.

However, some rules of the game have changed.

Travel formalities for a few destinations, often influenced by health and geopolitical policies, have recently undergone several adjustments.

Here is therefore a tour of the latest changes, restrictions, obligations and relaxations of travel that have come into force, so that you can plan your upcoming trips, or those of your clients, under the best possible conditions.

ASIA : travel formalities are evolving in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, …

SRI LANKA : the e-Visa is suspended but a visa exemption announced for 38 countries

Since August 2, 2024, and a court ruling concerning the allegedly suspect management of the service, the e-Visa system has been suspended until further notice in Sri Lanka.

While awaiting a judicial resolution of this situation, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, and according to the latest authorities’ announcements, visitors from 38 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland, will benefit from visa exemption in the coming weeks.

Details are expected to be published starting October 8.

PAKISTAN : 126 countries benefit from free visa

Since August 14, tourists and business travelers from 126 countries obtain a free electronic visa valid for 3 months with multiple entries to Pakistan.

This e-Visa is issued in less than 24 hours and the application process is greatly simplified.

French, Belgian, Canadian and Swiss travelers are eligible for this new electronic visa.

THAILAND : ETA travel authorization on the horizon

VisasNews reveals exclusively: Thailand is preparing to introduce an electronic travel authorization “ETA.”

This travel formalité will apply to citizens of 93 visa-exempt countries and territories for 60 days and should be free.

A pilot launching phase is planned for December next, before a full rollout announced by June 2025.

INDONESIA : a health pass to counter the Mpox virus

The Mpox virus takes us back to the dark days of Covid, especially regarding travel…

Since August 27, all travelers departing for Indonesia must hold a health pass before heading to the archipelago.

Named “SATUSEHAT Health Pass,” this health form must be completed online on the portal: sshp.kemkes.go.id.

CHINA : no fingerprints for visa until end of 2025

Until then, this fingerprinting requirement is suspended through the end of the year; Chinese visa applicants will not have their fingerprints collected before 2026.

The Embassy of China in France announces that short-stay visa applicants (up to 180 days) with single or double entry are exempt from fingerprint collection until December 31, 2025.

ISRAEL : ETA-IL requirement postponed to 2025

While it was due to take effect on August 1, 2024, the ETA-IL electronic travel authorization will finally be required only from January 1, 2025.

Israeli authorities announced that the pilot phase of the ETA-IL travel authorization, launched last July, has been extended until December 31, 2024.

Visa-exempt travelers to Israel will be required to hold an ETA-IL only from January 1, 2025.

AFRICA : mandatory insurance, e-Visa and possible reintroduction of visa under the program

MADAGASCAR : the 90-day e-Visa is back

While it previously allowed only 60 consecutive days in Madagascar, the e-Visa now allows an extra 30 days to stay in the country.

Suspended when the service resumed after the pandemic, Madagascar’s 90-day electronic visa was reactivated in August. Its price is set at 50 € or 55 US$.

ZIMBABWE : the electronic visa on arrival also reactivated

After having been required to obtain a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe since last year, French travelers and citizens of 117 other countries can again apply for an e-Visa before departure.

Zimbabwe’s e-Visa portal has been revamped, and authorities have taken the opportunity to reinstate the electronic visa on arrival (e-Visa On Arrival) to simplify immigration formalities on arrival in the country.

Payable online, or on arrival in Zimbabwe, this e-Visa can be obtained in a matter of minutes.

TANZANIA : Zanzibar introduces mandatory insurance

From October 1 onward, visitors to Zanzibar will be required to hold mandatory insurance before traveling to the archipelago.

This requirement, which resembles more a stay tax and which concerns local tourism professionals, must be purchased through ZIC (Zanzibar Insurance Corporation) on the portal visitzanzibar.go.tz.

This insurance costs 44 US$, about 40 €, and covers solo travels up to 92 days per stay.

SÉNÉGAL : towards reintroducing visas for exempted countries ?

It has almost been 10 years since French and European tourists no longer need a visa to visit Senegal, but that could change soon…

Indeed, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yacine Fall, stated earlier this week that it is “important that Senegal revisit the issue of free visas and that we try to implement a reciprocity policy”.

This measure is being considered by the Senegalese government and, if implemented, could impact many countries, including European nations.

EUROPE : electronic travel authorization becomes widespread

UNITED KINGDOM : French and Europeans will need an ETA from 2025

A major and anticipated announcement for French and European tourists: the United Kingdom will require an electronic travel authorization ETA for its visa-exempt visitors starting in 2025.

The ETA will cost £10, about €12, and will be valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires if it has a shorter validity.

French and European tourists and business travelers will be able to apply for their ETA from March 5, 2025 on the GOV.UK portal or via the mobile app “UK ETA” on iOS and Android.

From April 2, 2025, presenting an ETA will be mandatory to enter the United Kingdom.

UKRAINE : an ETA in preparation

To secure its borders and strengthen control over the entry and exit of foreigners, Ukraine is also preparing an ETA.

Little information for now, but Ukrainian authorities are currently defining and approving a list of countries that will benefit from a visa-exemption regime for entering Ukraine, and whose citizens will have to submit “an electronic notification, in accordance with the established procedure, regarding their intention to enter Ukraine”.

CHANNEL ISLANDS : Jersey and Guernsey extend entry for French day-trippers with a national ID

Authorities in Jersey and Guernsey have decided to extend the measure allowing French day-trippers to enter with only a national ID card until the end of September 2025.

This program, which allowed French travelers to visit the two bailiwicks for a single day, without overnight stays, with just a national ID card, was originally set to end at the end of September.

The recent UK government’s announcement regarding the introduction of the ETA in April 2025 should normally prevent this program from ending in September 2025.

BELARUS : 35 European countries temporarily visa-exempt

European travelers from 35 countries no longer need a visa to enter Belarus by air or land.

This exceptional measure, which ends on December 31, 2024, allows stays of up to 30 days visa-free in the country and can be used an unlimited number of times but only within 90 days per calendar year.

AMERICA : the e-Visa is functional in Cuba

Announced last May to replace the tourist card, the electronic visa is now fully functional in Cuba

International travelers must now apply for their visa online on the evisacuba.cu portal. During the ordering process, it is necessary to select an embassy or consulate that will process the visa application and collect the e-Visa fees.

It is important to note that online payment by credit card is not possible. For residents of France, it is necessary to make a bank transfer or send a bank-certified check for the amount of 22 € to finalize the e-Visa application.

Some visa/vacation agencies, having a contract with a Cuban embassy, can issue e-Visas after online payment by credit card.

Travelers with a valid “Tarjeta del Turista” can still use it until the end of the year.

With the tourist card or the e-Visa in hand, it is essential to fill out the travel declaration “D’Viajeros” within 48 hours prior to departure, this step validating the electronic visa.

Sri Lanka Reintroduces the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

June 24, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Exit l'e-Visa, l'autorisation ETA redevient une condition d'entrée au Sri Lanka | © Shutterstock

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The Sri Lanka has just reintroduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (Electronic Travel Authorization), replacing the e-Visa system that had been in place since April 2024.

According to VisasNews, this return to ETA signals a direct response to the numerous complaints raised by travelers and tourism industry stakeholders, who had highlighted high fees, increased complexity, and inefficient processing under the e-Visa regime.

The choice to revert to ETA was accelerated by a ruling from the Supreme Court, which suspended the e-Visa system as well as the contract with VFS Global, the company responsible for its administration, on August 2.

On X (formerly Twitter), the newly elected Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced yesterday that “the government has officially restored the former visa issuance system, effective from midnight tonight”.

The ETA travel authorization for Sri Lanka is (for now?) a paid requirement

Authorities have decided to relaunch ETA in order to restore a visa process that is smoother and more transparent, seen as essential to revitalize the country’s tourism sector, which was hard hit by the pandemic and other recent economic challenges.

The ETA can be requested before travel on the government portal eta.gov.lk.

The authorization is valid for six months and allows the holder to stay 30 days in Sri Lanka.

The ETA fee is set at US$50 (bank charges excluded).

Last month, the previous government announced that a visa exemption would be introduced for visitors from more than 30 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland. This offer was announced to last six months from October 1.

For now, the new administration has not confirmed either the continuation or the precise modalities (visa exemption, free ETA, the definitive list of eligible countries, etc.) for applying this potential temporary entry facility to Sri Lanka.

From Visa Application to Arrival Card: Action-Visas Streamlines Travel Formalities

June 23, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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At a time when preparing an international trip no longer stops at obtaining a visa, travelers and travel agents must now contend with a growing number of digital formalities, each tailored to the destination’s specific requirements.

In an international context marked by certain tensions, attention to entry conditions and pre-departure procedures has grown stronger. Digital arrival cards, health forms, or advance declarations are now added to traditional steps, each with its own timelines and modalities.

Anticipating and coordinating all these obligations has thus become essential to avoid any difficulty at boarding or on arrival.

In response to these new requirements, Action-Visas supports travelers and tourism professionals by simplifying the management of formalities, from visa to digital arrival cards. Requests can be initiated well before departure, with no urgency constraint, and the teams handle submission at the most appropriate moment according to the deadlines specific to each destination.

China: a digital arrival card deployed since late 2025

Launched on November 20, 2025, the digital arrival card for China fits into the authorities’ aim to modernize entry procedures into the country. Available up to 90 days before arrival, it enables the pre-submission of information related to the stay, within a framework of reinforced control and better anticipation of flows.

This system applies to all travelers, whether they require a visa or not, and it complements existing procedures. It does not replace consular obligations, but adds to them, which requires good coordination of the formalities.

At Action-Visas, the arrival card can be ordered alone or integrated into a visa application, to facilitate the management of formalities before departure.

India: imminent end of paper arrival cards

Introduced on October 1, 2025, the Indian e-Arrival Card marks a key step in the digitalization of entry formalities. Available up to four days before arrival, it operates with a differentiated process depending on when it is submitted: forms completed more than 72 hours before departure do not require a QR code to be presented on arrival, while those submitted closer to departure must be presented in this format at entry into the country.

After several months of coexistence between paper and digital formats, the transition accelerates with the announced removal of paper cards by March 31, 2026, notably at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Action-Visas enables this formalities to be completed on its own or integrated into an e-Visa application, depending on the traveler’s needs.

Cambodia: the Cambodia e-Arrival, now an essential step before departure

In Cambodia, the digital arrival card now fully forms part of the traveler’s entry process. To be completed up to seven days before arrival, the Cambodia e-Arrival enables authorities to collect the necessary information in advance and to streamline controls at the airport.

This system can be linked with an e-Visa application when required, which calls for good coordination of steps before departure.

Action-Visas also offers to order the Cambodia e-Arrival alone or to directly pair it with an electronic visa application, thereby consolidating the formalities within a single process.

Cuba: a form at the heart of the entry system

In Cuba, the D’Viajeros form occupies a central place in entry formalities. To be completed up to seven days before departure, it is not limited to a simple travel declaration, as it also validates the traveler’s electronic visa.

This system illustrates a push toward centralizing procedures while maintaining a distinction between the different required documents. For travelers, this means clearly identifying the role of each step to avoid any difficulty at boarding.

The electronic visa and the D’Viajeros form can be managed jointly by Action-Visas, in order to simplify pre-departure procedures.

Dominican Republic: the e-Ticket, a mandatory form since 2021

Since April 1, 2021, the Dominican Republic requires all travelers to complete an e-Ticket before arriving on the territory. This single digital form replaces three previously distinct documents related to immigration, customs and health declarations, thereby simplifying procedures both before the trip and on arrival.

Accessible up to 60 days before departure, the e-Ticket centralizes the information needed by the authorities while reducing airport formalities. For travelers, this simplification nonetheless relies on upfront preparation to avoid any difficulty at boarding.

The e-Ticket can be completed before departure through Action-Visas, to ensure the accuracy of the information transmitted to the authorities.

Indonesia, South Korea, Laos, Taiwan, Malaysia, and many Caribbean destinations have also implemented digital arrival cards, reflecting a gradual globalization of these systems on an international scale.

Group Travel Reclaims Its Value in an Uncertain Global Context as Calafell Evasión Takes Charge to Drive Change

June 23, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le groupe en voyage sur la péninsule Ibérique © Calafell Evasión / Image générée par IA pour illustration promotionnelle

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Today, travelers place greater emphasis on safety, the proximity of services, and the reliability of the organizations they rely on for their trips.

In this new context, group travel regains its full relevance. More structured, more reassuring and easier to organize, it meets a genuine need for serenity. For agencies and organizers, choosing an experienced local partner also becomes essential to ensure smooth stays that align with clients’ evolving expectations.

Le voyage de groupe : une réponse aux nouvelles attentes des voyageurs

For several years, traveler behavior has evolved. Where some once sought distant destinations or very rapid trips, many now favor experiences that are more accessible, more human, and better organized.

The current international context accelerates this trend. Groups want to travel to stable destinations, easily reachable and equipped with solid infrastructure. They also seek more active guidance, capable of securing every phase of the stay and responding quickly in case of unforeseen events.

© Calafell Evasión / Image générée par IA pour illustration promotionnelle

In this dynamic, group travel emerges as a reassuring solution. It helps pool costs, simplify planning, and above all, provides genuine peace of mind for both participants and organizers.

This shift also highlights the importance of human connection in tourism. Travelers no longer seek merely to “see” a destination, but to experience a collective, convivial, and authentic moment together.

Espagne et Portugal : des destinations adaptées aux réalités actuelles

© Calafell Evasión / Image générée pour illustration promotionnelle

In this context, the Iberian Peninsula naturally emerges as a particularly relevant destination for groups.

Spain and Portugal offer a rare balance between accessibility, safety, cultural diversity, and high-quality tourism infrastructure. Their geographic proximity helps limit travel times and the impact of rising fuel costs, while ensuring a genuine sense of change of scenery.

Another major advantage is the variety of possible experiences. Cultural stays, tours, hiking, gastronomy, traditional or seaside events… the Iberian Peninsula meets a wide range of expectations, with the possibility to travel almost year-round thanks to a particularly favorable climate.

In a world where uncertainty increasingly shapes travel decisions, Spain and Portugal appear as destinations that are both reassuring and inspiring.

Le rôle essentiel du réceptif local

More than ever, agencies and organizers need strong local partners who can anticipate difficulties and guarantee reliable execution.

The role of the DMC is no longer limited to mere logistics. It becomes a trusted ally, capable of securing operations, ensuring on-site responsiveness, and guiding groups through a tourism landscape that is continually evolving.

At Calafell Evasión, this close proximity to on-site realities has been one of the company’s cornerstones for over 30 years. The teams collaborate daily with carefully selected local partners to ensure the quality and stability of the services offered.

The integration of Promenade in Portugal now strengthens this presence across the entire Iberian Peninsula and enables agencies to obtain even more comprehensive coverage of the destination.

Et demain ?

Dans un contexte mondial incertain, le voyage de groupe reprend toute sa valeur. Calafell Evasión décide de prendre les choses en main et d’initier le changement…

Calafell Evasion, Espagne et Portugal

[email protected]

(+34) 977 37 30 15

Website

Experience Asia Differently: Khiri Travel Launches Ultra-Luxury Tailor-Made Trips

June 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

From the shores of Sri Lanka to the royal heritage of Laos, passing through the ancestral skies of Myanmar, these experiences go far beyond the traditional luxury journey. They are carefully crafted moments that allow travelers to move at their own pace while forming authentic connections with the destinations they explore. It is not merely about seeing more, but about feeling more — through enriching encounters, discreet exclusivity, and immersive experiences that leave a lasting imprint.

Sri Lanka

Sea voyage: a marine expedition

Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Khiri Travel offers an exclusive marine expedition across the Indian Ocean aboard a private catamaran. Designed to steer clear of the crowds gathered for whale watching, this experience provides a calmer, more intimate and privileged connection with the ocean and its wildlife.

Chathurika, a passionate marine biologist dedicated to environmental protection, accompanies this journey to share her knowledge and the stories gathered from years of ocean exploration. As the catamaran glides toward the horizon, the coastline fades away, giving way to a profound sense of calm and escape. A light breakfast is served on board while travelers observe dolphins roaming freely at sea. With a touch of luck, majestic whales may appear to elevate the experience, offering unforgettable moments in their natural habitat.

After several hours at sea, the catamaran anchors in a peaceful setting where guests can swim or enjoy a stand-up paddle session. Champagne, wine, cold beers and non-alcoholic beverages are served on board, while a refined lunch celebrating the flavors of the sea concludes this experience with elegance.

This journey also reflects Khiri Travel’s commitment to regenerative tourism. The trip includes a contribution to the OCEA project for restoring seagrass beds in Kalpitiya, supporting marine conservation while offsetting the environmental impact of the cruise. The result is a luxurious experience that combines relaxation, discovery and environmental responsibility.

Laos

A night at the museum: a private tour

In Luang Prabang, Khiri Travel turns a visit to the National Museum into an intimate and exclusive cultural experience. Housed in the former royal palace of King Sisavang Vong, constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era, this palace stands today as one of Laos’ most important historic monuments.

Since the museum closes to the public in the evening, guests are invited to a private guided tour through the salons and apartments of the former royal residence. For a privileged hour, the residence becomes entirely exclusive, giving travelers the opportunity to discover this place steeped in history in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Visitors explore remarkably preserved spaces, including the majestic throne room, the queen’s apartments, and the reception rooms once used to host foreign dignitaries. Each room reveals a facet of Laos’ royal heritage, blending tradition, diplomacy and cultural legacy, offering a rare glimpse into the kingdom’s past. The palace architecture elegantly showcases the meeting of Lao traditional style with the refinement of French Beaux-Arts. Delicate glass mosaics, gilded ornaments and refined interiors are bathed in the soft evening light, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Among the palace’s most treasured works is the sacred Phra Bang Buddha, a statue gilded with gold leaves and a major spiritual symbol of Laos, after which the city of Luang Prabang takes its name. Elegant collections of paintings, silverware, diplomatic gifts and cultural frescoes enrich the visit, while the private apartments of the royal family offer an intimate glimpse into life at the palace in former times.

From the main residence, visitors can also discover the royal barge shelter, the collection of vintage cars and the palace’s tranquil gardens, far from the bustle and crowds. More than a simple museum tour, this experience provides a privileged immersion into the soul of Laos, blending royal heritage, exclusivity and discreet elegance.

Découvrez l'Asie autrement : Khiri Travel lance des voyages ultra-luxueux sur mesure

For more information, visit khiri.com or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create enriching journeys across Asia.
>> Khiri Travel Laos in the DESTIMAG Directory

>> Khiri Travel Sri Lanka in the DESTIMAG Directory

Record Year for Canada’s Largest Travel Trade Show

June 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

Rendez-vous Canada est le plus grand salon touristique professionnel organisé par Destination Canada, l’office de tourisme du pays.

« In three days of meetings in Toronto, more than 60,000 appointments took place between international buyers and Canadian sellers, generating CAD 100 million in sales. » Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer for Destination Canada.

More than 500 international buyers traveled, 100 more than last year, from 24 countries including Destination Canada’s nine strategic markets: France as well as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, and Mexico. The invited buyers represent tour operators, travel agencies, OTAs and Canadian receptive operators.

Fifteen French buyers traveled to Toronto

Among the fifteen French buyers attending Rendez-vous Canada this year were the major players in travel distribution and tailor-made journeys: Cercle des Voyages, eDreams ODIGEO, FRAM, Imagine Canada / JMB Voyages, Interkal’Air, Kuoni / Vacances Fabuleuses, La Route des Voyages, lastminute.com, Les Maisons du Voyage, Naar, Travel Abroad and Voyage Privé.

One of them, Antony Enault, explains: “As Head of North America Production at Cercle des Voyages, I find Rendez-vous Canada essential for developing new partnerships with Canadian suppliers, discovering the latest trends in North American tourism, and enriching our product range through direct exchanges with key players in the Canadian travel industry.”

This French delegation illustrates the growing interest of the hexagonal market for a destination that focuses on authentic, immersive experiences deeply connected to nature, vast spaces, and human encounters that define Canada’s identity.

A strategic meeting for tourism professionals

The event is built on pre-scheduled ten-minute business meetings between buyers and sellers. An efficient organization that allows professionals to concentrate months of sales prospecting into just a few days.

“This year, buyers were able to meet more than 900 sellers representing 628 Canadian companies: destinations, receptive operators, accommodations, carriers and experience providers from across the provinces and territories. It’s a unique opportunity!” comments Cyrielle Bon, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Canada in France.

In addition to the business meetings, participants could discover the province of Ontario through several familiarization trips before and after the fair, and through tours of Toronto during the event. These programs allowed international buyers to experience authentic experiences, open to nature and the human encounters that characterize the Canada brand.

Toronto and the province of Ontario: a showcase of contemporary Canada

A cosmopolitan city and international gateway to the country, with direct air access from France, Toronto provides an ideal setting for urban explorers. A multicultural and dynamic metropolis, it fully embodies the image of modern Canada: open, creative, and oriented toward human experiences.

Wildlife watching, slow mobility, nature-based accommodations, Indigenous experiences, and multi-activity stays were among the products most sought by the French buyers in Toronto.

The host city treated them well: it is an ideal starting point for exploring Ontario, with Niagara Falls and wineries just 1.5 hours by road; the Muskoka chalet region 2 hours north; exploring lakes, rivers and streams on the way to Kingston and Gananoque toward the neighboring province of Quebec; and of course a visit to Canada’s federal capital: Ottawa!

Meetings scheduled for 2027

Rendez-Vous Canada 2027 will celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary: we look forward to welcoming many of you from April 28 to May 1, 2027 in Calgary, Alberta!

Travel agencies, OTAs, and tour operators based in metropolitan France, please contact Maryse Normandeau, head of trade partnerships for Destination Canada in France: [email protected]. She will provide you with all the essential information to plan your visit to this fair.

Porto: A Timeless Charm City with Travel One Portugal

June 21, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Top of Travel

Porto, an immersion between stone, river and light

Porto is a concentrated blend of culture, history and traditions.

Its historic center, Ribeira, invites wandering through a maze of cobbled lanes, lined with colorful houses and flowering balconies.

From the majestic Sé Cathedral to the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, passing by the São Bento station and its magnificent azulejos portraying Portuguese historical scenes, every corner of the city tells a story.

But Porto is not stuck in the past.

It also stands out for its vibrant cultural scene: contemporary art museums, independent galleries, music festivals, urban design, and iconic bookstores like Lello, thought to have inspired J.K. Rowling.

The city appeals to history enthusiasts, art lovers, casual strollers, and those keen on modernity.

Gastronomic experiences not to be missed

It is impossible to visit Porto without diving into its rich and tasty culinary scene. Northern Portugal is renowned for its hearty and convivial cuisine. Among the must-try specialties are, of course, the francesinha, a indulgent toasted sandwich drenched in a spicy sauce, tripas à moda do Porto, bolinhos de bacalhau, and the famous cod-based dishes.

Traditional markets like Mercado do Bolhão or the numerous traditional restaurants and taverns allow you to taste the local cuisine in a warm, convivial atmosphere. For the more curious, culinary tours also let you discover the secrets of this gastronomy by taking part in cooking workshops with passionate chefs. A unique way to immerse yourself in the culture of northern Portugal.

An exceptional wine-tasting getaway in Vila Nova de Gaia

No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop in Vila Nova de Gaia, the twin city located on the other side of the Douro River. It is here that the famous Port wine cellars stand, aging the region’s finest vintages. These historic cellars – such as Sandeman, Graham’s, Taylor’s, or Ferreira – open their doors to visitors for guided tours and tastings in a enchanting setting.

Porto, a city to explore according to your desires

Porto’s Nightlife: An Unmissable Festive Destination

Porto also captivates with its vibrant nightlife. After dark, the city becomes a hotspot for celebration.

From trendy bars on Rua Galeria de Paris to rooftop terraces and outdoor clubs, the city offers an eclectic nightlife, spanning electronic music, reimagined fado, and alternative atmospheres.

How to Get to Porto from France?

By plane : The fastest option. Many French cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, etc.) offer direct flights to Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Expect about a 2-hour flight and a time difference of one hour less upon arrival.

Whether you are a culture hunter, a history buff, a nature fan, or a foodie, Porto awaits with open arms and Travel One Portugal will guide you there with professionalism and passion.

Porto, une ville au charme intemporel avec Travel One Portugal

Alexandre Richard

Director of Sales

Offices in Lisbon / Madeira / Algarve

Email : [email protected]

Phone : +351 291 707 280 (call from the national landline)

Website : www.travelone.pt

Thailand: What We Know About THIM, the New Travel App Set for October 2026

June 20, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Thaïlande : que sait-on de THIM, la nouvelle appli pour les voyageurs annoncée pour octobre 2026 ? - Photo Appli ios

Top of Travel

Thailand continues the digitization of its entry procedures.

According to several Asian media, including The Straits Times, the Thai Immigration Bureau is preparing the deployment of THIM (Thailand Immigration Management System), a new mobile application designed to simplify and speed up the entry formalities for international travelers.

Presented at the AWS Summit Bangkok 2026, the application should enable travelers to input their information before arrival, notably through automated passport reading and the creation of a reusable digital profile. According to The Straits Times, THIM is part of the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) system, which has become mandatory for foreign visitors.

« The THIM app would complement the TDAC portal, which until now did not have a mobile app version. It would serve to optimize immigration procedures in Thailand », also explains Nicolas Lepage, head of Sales and Communications at Action-Visas.

The THIM app already available on Android and iOS

The app is already available on the Thai Immigration Bureau’s iOS and Android stores. Descriptions published on these platforms highlight the management of digital arrival cards, traveler registration, and the reception of travel-related notifications.

For now, Thai authorities have not published a detailed deployment schedule. Several local media, however, mention an experimental phase starting on October 1, 2026.

At this stage, no official communication suggests that the TDAC web portal will disappear in favor of the mobile application. Observers instead expect the coexistence of the two channels to allow travelers to choose between a traditional online process and smartphone-based usage.