Asia Travel Pulse
SriLankan Airlines Named Best Airline for South Asia at International Tourism Conclave in Delhi
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
SriLankan Airlines has been honored with the title of ‘Best Airline for South Asia’ at the prestigious International Tourism Conclave and Travel Awards held in Delhi, India. This recognition highlights the airline’s strong position as a leading aviation player in South Asia, underscoring its excellence in connecting the region to the world with exceptional service and hospitality.
The award acknowledges SriLankan Airlines’ extensive network, which connects key cities across South Asia to major international destinations. The airline’s renowned Sri Lankan hospitality and its ability to create meaningful connections with travelers have been critical factors in its success, as reflected in the judgment of a distinguished panel of industry experts.
SriLankan Airlines operates nearly 90 weekly flights between India and Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and beyond, making it a significant enabler of air travel in the region. The airline provides multiple daily flights from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, alongside strong connectivity to Tier 2 cities. It is also the first international carrier to serve Tiruchirappalli with eight weekly flights, marking a milestone in the airline’s expanding operations.
The airline’s reach extends to Madurai, where it offers six weekly flights, and four weekly services from Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, from the Kerala hub of Kochi, SriLankan Airlines provides daily flights, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing leisure travel options across India. This connectivity has made SriLankan Airlines a key player in India’s rapidly expanding leisure travel market, with a growing presence not only in metro cities but also in emerging urban centers.
India is a vital market for SriLankan Airlines, representing the airline’s largest source of tourism. Approximately one-fifth of Sri Lanka’s total inbound tourism is attributed to travelers from India, highlighting the importance of these routes for the airline’s commercial success. SriLankan Airlines has maintained leadership on routes between India and Sri Lanka, particularly from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, which are among the most heavily trafficked routes between the two countries.
The airline’s fleet, composed of both wide-body and narrow-body Airbus aircraft, offers a variety of options for passengers. The Business and Economy Class cabins cater to diverse customer needs, and the airline is known for its premium service, which combines regional and international culinary offerings. SriLankan Airlines’ in-flight experience also includes an extensive selection of entertainment, such as movies, music, and cultural content, ensuring passengers enjoy a relaxed and enriching journey.
Alongside its regular schedule, SriLankan Airlines focuses on engaging the Indian market through targeted initiatives. The airline recently ran a successful Ramayana Trail campaign, offering bespoke holiday packages that cover the legendary sites associated with the epic tale of King Rama. This campaign highlights SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to offering unique travel experiences that tap into the cultural and historical connections between India and Sri Lanka.
For business travelers, SriLankan Airlines provides comprehensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) solutions, making it an appealing option for corporate events and group travel. The airline also caters to the growing trend of destination weddings, offering tailored packages for couples planning weddings in Sri Lanka, a popular destination for such events due to its scenic beauty and cultural richness.
SriLankan Airlines’ recent award at the International Tourism Conclave in Delhi serves as a testament to the airline’s dedication to improving both its service offerings and connectivity across the region. The recognition as the ‘Best Airline for South Asia’ comes at a time when SriLankan Airlines continues to expand its footprint in the region, offering travelers increased access to the best of Sri Lanka’s tourism while facilitating deeper cultural ties between South Asia and the world.
With its strong operational base in India and its ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and route expansion, SriLankan Airlines is poised to continue its growth and strengthen its position as a leading airline in South Asia. This recognition not only reinforces the airline’s reputation but also highlights its ongoing commitment to connecting people, cultures, and experiences across the region.
SriLankan Airlines’ ability to adapt to market needs, offer exceptional service, and maintain a robust network is helping it maintain its leadership in the South Asian aviation market. With the airline’s expansion into new markets and its focus on delivering innovative travel solutions, SriLankan Airlines remains a preferred choice for travelers seeking seamless connectivity between South Asia and the world.
As SriLankan Airlines looks to the future, it continues to focus on providing the highest standards of service while embracing sustainable practices in its operations. This commitment to excellence will ensure that the airline remains a key player in the region’s aviation sector, fostering even stronger connections between Sri Lanka, India, and the broader South Asian market.
Asia Travel Pulse
How Laos Became the Most Budget-Friendly Destination in Southeast Asia for 2025, Outshining Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia: Discover the Secrets
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
In 2025, Laos has risen to the top as the most affordable travel destination in Southeast Asia, surpassing well-known countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. This shift is due to Laos offering unmatched value, where travelers can experience the charm of Southeast Asia without the heavy price tag.
Laos stands out primarily because of its extremely low daily expenses. Accommodation starts at just £3 (₹353) per night, and street food costs less than £1 (₹117), which is far cheaper compared to its neighbors. When compared to Thailand’s £24 (₹2,829) or Vietnam’s £16 (₹1,881) daily cost, Laos offers more bang for your buck. Furthermore, transportation and sightseeing in Laos are also budget-friendly, with affordable bus rides and entry fees to major attractions. These cost savings make Laos a prime destination for those seeking both adventure and affordability in 2025.
As a result of these factors, Laos is quickly becoming the go-to option for budget travelers, making it the most cost-effective and enriching destination in Southeast Asia for the year ahead.
Laos Shines as the Most Affordable Travel Spot
Laos is making a name for itself as the most cost-effective destination in Southeast Asia. With a daily expenditure of just £12 (around ₹1,414), visitors can comfortably cover their accommodation, meals, and transportation. This makes Laos an exceptional choice for those wanting to experience the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes without overextending their budgets.
Why Laos is So Inexpensive
Several factors contribute to Laos’ reputation as an affordable travel destination. First, the cost of accommodation is incredibly low. Budget travelers can find basic hostels in popular destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane for just £3 (₹353) per night. Even in Vang Vien, prices can dip as low as £1.50 (₹176), making it one of the cheapest places to stay in the region.
When it comes to food, Laos offers a feast of delicious and inexpensive options. A typical serving of sticky rice with grilled pork, a local favorite, costs less than £1 (₹117). This affordability allows travelers to savor the authentic flavors of the country without worrying about the cost.
Transportation within Laos is equally budget-friendly. Local buses and minivans connecting major cities are priced at under £4.50 (₹529), and for those looking to explore more independently, renting a motorbike for the day costs just £4.70 (₹553). For those wanting to travel between Vientiane and Vang Vien, the Laos-China Railway offers a scenic and affordable route for just £6 (₹706).
Sightseeing in Laos is also very affordable. Entrance to popular tourist attractions like Kuang Si Falls and the Bear Rescue Centre costs a mere £2.30 (₹270), enabling visitors to explore the country’s beautiful nature and wildlife at a low cost.
Laos: A Peaceful and Growing Destination
Beyond being affordable, Laos offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling tourist hubs in Southeast Asia. The country’s natural beauty, from its rivers to its mountains and waterfalls, coupled with its rich cultural history, draws travelers seeking a more laid-back and authentic experience.
Tourism in Laos is increasing steadily, with international arrivals rising by 11% in the first quarter of 2025. Over 1.2 million tourists are expected, generating around $426 million in revenue. Local tourism is also seeing an uptick, with nearly twice the number of domestic trips compared to the previous year.
While other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia remain affordable, Laos stands out for its unbeatable value. For example, Thailand’s typical daily budget is about £24 (₹2,829), making Laos a far more cost-effective destination.
Why Laos Should Be on Your Radar in 2025
Laos is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Southeast Asia without spending a fortune. Its combination of low travel costs, breathtaking natural scenery, and warm hospitality makes it a unique and affordable destination.
Whether exploring historic temples, enjoying street food, or cruising the Mekong River, Laos offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience without worrying about their budget.
Laos has become the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia for 2025, offering incredibly low daily expenses, with accommodation starting at £3 (₹353) and meals under £1 (₹117), making it more affordable than Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
With its growing reputation and international recognition, Laos is poised to become a must-visit destination for 2025. For anyone looking to experience Southeast Asia affordably and meaningfully, Laos stands out as the top option for the year ahead.
Asia Travel Pulse
Not Vietnam or Thailand. At Rs 1,414 per day, another country is the cheapest travel destination in southeast Asia
Laos Tops the Affordability Chart
According to a recent Time Out magazine report, Laos stands out as the cheapest travel destination in Southeast Asia with an average daily expense of only £12 (around Rs 1,414). This modest budget covers accommodation, food, and transportation — allowing travelers to enjoy rich experiences without overspending.
This recognition aligns with a global ranking by Travel and Tour World, backed by research from the Canadian financial platform HelloSafe, which named Laos the world’s most budget-friendly country to visit in 2025.
What Makes Laos So Affordable?
Travel costs in Laos remain remarkably low across the board. Accommodation options such as hostel beds in popular tourist hubs like Luang Prabang and Vientiane can be found starting from £3 (Rs 353) per night, with even cheaper options in Vang Vieng at approximately £1.50 (Rs 176). Street food is widely accessible and inexpensive; a plate of sticky rice with grilled pork can cost less than £1 (Rs 117).
Local transport, including buses and minivans connecting major cities, is priced below £4.50 (Rs 529), while renting a motorbike for a day costs around £4.70 (Rs 553). The newly opened Laos–China Railway offers a scenic and affordable route between Vientiane and Vang Vieng at approximately £6 (Rs 706).
Entry fees for popular tourist sites are also budget-friendly. For instance, visiting Kuang Si Falls and the adjacent Bear Rescue Centre costs just about £2.30 (Rs 270), making sightseeing accessible to most travelers.
Quiet Destination with Growing Popularity
Laos is often described as a serene and less commercialized alternative to the busier tourist hotspots in the region. Its unhurried pace, natural beauty — including rivers, mountains, and waterfalls — and genuine cultural experiences appeal to travelers seeking something off the beaten path. According to the Vientiane Times, international arrivals in Laos increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, with over 1.2 million visitors generating $426 million in tourism revenue. Domestic tourism is also on the rise, with nearly double the local trips recorded in the same period.While Vietnam and Cambodia remain affordable with daily travel budgets around £15 (Rs 1,768), and Malaysia and Indonesia slightly higher at approximately £19 (Rs 2,239), Laos offers unmatched value at £12 per day. Thailand, traditionally known for its budget travel appeal, comes in at around £24 (Rs 2,829), making Laos notably cheaper.
Why Travelers Should Consider Laos in 2025
For budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion, Laos presents an ideal choice. It offers a combination of affordability, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality that is increasingly rare as tourism expands across Southeast Asia. Whether exploring ancient temples, enjoying street food, or taking leisurely river rides on the Mekong, visitors can experience much more in Laos without stretching their budgets.
As international recognition grows, Laos remains a standout destination for those looking to maximize their travel experience while keeping costs low. For anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia this year, Laos is worth serious consideration as the region’s most affordable and enriching travel option.
Asia Travel Pulse
Indonesia Joins Philippines In Celebrating Unmatched Excellence As Aseanta Launches Its Thirty-Ninth Annual Tourism Awards To Honor Outstanding Achievements And Innovations Across Southeast Asia’s Travel Industry In
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
Indonesia and the Philippines are at the forefront of celebrating tourism excellence as the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) launches its thirty-ninth annual Tourism Awards in 2025. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements and innovations across Southeast Asia’s vibrant travel industry, highlighting efforts in sustainability, community engagement, and digital transformation. As part of this milestone, ASEAN nations are invited to participate in a collaborative celebration that not only honors remarkable tourism initiatives but also strengthens regional cooperation and promotes the growth of ASEAN’s tourism sector through innovation and shared values.
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has recently unveiled two major initiatives designed to expand and enhance tourism opportunities across the diverse and rapidly growing Southeast Asian region. As reported by Antara news agency, these efforts underscore a strong commitment by ASEAN member countries to strengthen their collective tourism sector through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
One of the key programs launched is the ASEANTA Tourism Awards, a prestigious recognition platform that has been running for an impressive 39 editions. Over the years, the awards have established themselves as a hallmark for celebrating excellence across the region’s tourism industry. The scope of the awards spans a wide range of categories, honoring achievements from community-based tourism projects that empower local populations, to large-scale marketing campaigns and innovative sustainable tourism models that set new standards in the sector.
The ASEANTA Tourism Awards have played an essential role in spotlighting exemplary efforts that contribute significantly to the growth and positive transformation of ASEAN’s tourism landscape. By recognizing initiatives that blend cultural preservation with modern tourism development, the awards encourage continuous improvement and inspire others within the industry to adopt best practices. This emphasis on excellence is crucial in a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, where countries vary widely in terms of culture, infrastructure, and tourism maturity.
Registration for the ASEANTA Tourism Awards is currently open, inviting tourism operators, community organizations, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders from all ASEAN countries to submit their entries. The deadline for applications is set for October 31, 2025. Winners will be formally announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, which will be hosted in the Philippines, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the region. This event is recognized as one of the most important annual gatherings dedicated to advancing ASEAN’s tourism agenda and fostering regional cooperation.
In addition to the awards, ASEANTA introduced a second groundbreaking initiative at the recent forum — the launch of the Discover ASEAN microsite. This new digital platform, created in collaboration with AirAsia Move, is designed to serve as a centralized travel booking hub tailored specifically for Southeast Asia. By leveraging digital technology, the microsite aims to simplify the travel planning process, offering users seamless access to a wide range of travel services including flights, accommodations, and tour packages throughout ASEAN countries.
The Discover ASEAN microsite represents a significant step towards embracing digital transformation within the region’s tourism industry. Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant cultures and natural beauty, is increasingly attracting tech-savvy travelers seeking convenient, comprehensive travel solutions. The platform is expected to boost intra-regional tourism by making it easier for tourists to explore multiple ASEAN destinations, thus promoting economic growth and cultural exchange among member countries.
What sets these two initiatives apart is their alignment with the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Both the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite reflect a shared commitment among ASEAN nations to promote tourism practices that not only generate economic benefits but also preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. Sustainability is fast becoming a central theme in tourism strategies worldwide, and ASEAN is proactively integrating these principles to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, these efforts highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in driving regional tourism forward. The collaboration between ASEANTA and AirAsia exemplifies how government bodies, industry associations, and private enterprises can work hand-in-hand to create innovative solutions that respond to evolving traveler expectations and market trends. Such partnerships are vital for harnessing resources, knowledge, and technology to enhance tourism infrastructure, marketing, and service quality across the region.
The launch of the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite also comes at a critical time as the world gradually recovers from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism industries worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges, and ASEAN countries are no exception. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-looking approach to rebuilding the tourism sector with resilience, adaptability, and a renewed focus on quality and sustainability.
By recognizing outstanding tourism projects and facilitating easier access to travel services, ASEANTA is helping to rebuild traveler confidence and stimulate demand in the region. The awards motivate tourism stakeholders to innovate and improve, while the digital platform caters to the growing preference for online travel booking, personalized experiences, and multi-destination itineraries. Together, they create a dynamic ecosystem that supports tourism growth while addressing new market realities.
In conclusion, ASEANTA’s dual initiatives represent a powerful commitment to reshaping Southeast Asia’s tourism industry for a brighter future. The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards continue to honor and inspire excellence across the sector, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and shared learning. Meanwhile, the Discover ASEAN microsite offers a modern, digital gateway that encourages travelers to discover the region’s rich cultural and natural treasures with ease and confidence.
Indonesia and the Philippines lead the way as ASEANTA launches its thirty-ninth Tourism Awards in 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation across Southeast Asia’s travel industry. This initiative highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable and collaborative tourism growth.
These initiatives collectively embody a vision of ASEAN tourism that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable — one that balances economic progress with social and environmental responsibility. As registration for the awards remains open until the end of October 2025 and the digital platform gains momentum, stakeholders and travelers alike can look forward to an exciting new chapter in Southeast Asian tourism. The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, where the awards winners will be announced, will serve as a pivotal moment to celebrate these achievements and set the course for continued collaboration and growth in the years ahead.
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