Beaches are always fun! Whether it is for their calming waves or golden sand, it is never a bad idea to go to a beach. However, for many Indians, the closest beach often means planning a getaway to coastal states like Goa, Kerala or Tamil Nadu. But what if you did not need to travel hundreds of kilometers to experience the magic of the seaside? That is exactly what is about to happen in Hyderabad.

The city is set to construct its first ever artificial beach, marking a significant development. Located at Kotwal Guda on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the project will cover an area of 35 acres and is designed to create a beach-like atmosphere with a man-made lake at its centre. This initiative aims to enhance local tourism and provide a recreational space for residents who currently travel to Andhra Pradesh’s Suryalanka Beach to enjoy the sea.

More Details

The Telangana government has announced plans for this ambitious project, with construction expected to commence in December 2025. The estimated investment for the artificial beach stands at ₹225 crore, which will be implemented through a public-private partnership model. The government hopes this project will position Hyderabad as a competitive tourist destination and cater to the growing demand for leisure activities within the city.

What Will The Artificial Beach Offer?

The artificial beach is envisioned as more than just a stretch of sand and water. Planned attractions include:

Strategically Chosen Location

Kotwal Guda was selected for its environmental feasibility and accessibility, being located near the Outer Ring Road. This strategic location allows for large-scale development while ensuring eco-friendliness remains a priority during construction. According to Patel Ramesh Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC), the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is already complete, and groundwork will begin shortly.

Ramesh Reddy highlighted that Telangana possesses untapped tourism potential valued at over ₹15,000 crore, encompassing various attractions such as forts, heritage sites, and eco-tourism destinations. The artificial beach project is expected to serve as a flagship attraction, significantly contributing to the state’s tourism economy and drawing both local visitors and international tourists.

Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.

Other findings reflect broader concerns about Thailand’s tourism outlook

Vietnam has surpassed other Southeast Asian nations as the leading alternative to Thailand for a tropical beach holiday, according to the latest Bangkok Post survey.

More than a quarter of online respondents (26.3%) selected Vietnam as their preferred choice, placing it above the Philippines (18.9%), Indonesia (18.3%), Malaysia (12.7%), Cambodia (12.7%) and Singapore (11.1%).

The poll, conducted via the Bangkok Post’s official website between July 30 and August 12, highlights broader concerns about Thailand’s tourism outlook. Among the findings:

• Scams and unfair treatment deter visitors — Over 56% of respondents said reports of tourists being scammed or treated unfairly reduce their interest in visiting Thailand, compared with 28% who disagreed and 16% who remained neutral.

• Infrastructure — 59% believe problems with roads, public transport and essential services lessen Thailand’s attractiveness.

• Limited impact of cannabis laws — More than half of participants stated that Thailand’s decriminalisation of cannabis has had little effect on tourists’ interest in visiting.

• Tourists shifting away from Thailand — Nearly 70% observed that travellers are increasingly opting for nearby destinations instead of Thailand.

• Where Thailand should focus — Safety and law enforcement were highlighted as the top priority (39.6%), followed by transport and infrastructure (23.6%), marketing campaigns (22.9%) and developing unique attractions (13.9%).

• Tourist perceptions of Thailand — Respondents view the kingdom as a destination rich in culture, cuisine and warm hospitality (46.3%), while 26.1% value it as budget-friendly and 27.6% highlight its mix of tradition and modernity.

• Beyond beaches and food — Thailand’s nightlife was rated the most appealing aspect (22.9%), ahead of historical landmarks (17.8%), natural scenery (15.9%) and arts and culture (12.4%).

Make your voice heard: Visit bangkokpost.com. Scroll to the end of any news article to take part in upcoming polls.

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Have you always wanted to go on luxury adventure trips but thought they’re only for the ultra-wealthy?

If so, you’re not alone; it’s a common perception, one that a study conducted by McKinsey & Company found and said “needs updating.” In a recent survey, the American multi-national management and strategy consulting firm discovered that 35% of the luxury-travel market consists of travelers with a net worth of between $100,000 and $1 million.

The above shows that you don’t have to be a billionaire or multi-millionaire to enjoy five-star adventures. With careful planning and preparation, you can be on your way to having memorable premium travel experiences.

Keep reading to learn why luxury travel destinations for adventure-seekers are booming and some of the top options for such holidays.

Increasing Affluence

Affluence, a word whose origins come from the Latin verb “affluere,” which means “to flow abundantly,” has increased among the U.S. population. As industry research platform IBISWorld points out, 41.9% of American households earn at least $100,000 in 2025. It represents a jump of 0.9% from the previous year and 1.9% from 2020.

The increase in the number of six-figure earners in the U.S. signifies a growth in wealth and spending power. As these folks have more disposable income and greater financial ability, they can afford to spend some of it on opulent outdoor excursions.

YOLO Mindset

The YOLO mindset is a perspective driven by not knowing what the future holds and realizing that life is fragile. If balanced with enough care and cautiousness, it can make a person feel empowered and encouraged to:

• Live in the present moment
• Pursue experiences without worrying too much
• Become more spontaneous
• Try new things
• Maximize the enjoyment of life

Many people have begun to embrace some level of the YOLO mindset, a “phenomenon” that became even more pronounced after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic.

The global health crisis, having forced people to spend years in lockdown, not only spurred “revenge travel.” It also prompted many to go “holidaying in class,” such as going to luxury travel destinations. From participating in Sedona’s deluxe yoga retreats to spending time on upscale Malibu beach holidays and exploring the great outdoors through Austin glamping destination spots, these are just some of the ways affluent folks are spending their time off.

The Rise in Bleisure Travel

Bleisure, a portmanteau of “business” and “leisure,” is another factor contributing to the boom in luxury adventure trips. The younger generation, particularly Millennials, is making the most of their “time away” on business trips to enjoy their destination.

While their “bleisure” trips are primarily for professional purposes, they’re adding enjoyable activities and personal travel to the mix. Doing so allows them to balance their work duties with personal life and relaxation, resulting in a more fulfilling experience.

The bleisure travel industry itself is flourishing, with Fortune Business Insights estimating its market size value at $685.20 billion in 2024. The global market research firm further forecasts it to grow to $762.01 billion in 2025 and $1.7 trillion by 2032.

Shifts in Life’s Priorities

Over time, the priorities of each generation evolve, influenced by changes in factors like:

• Household or family
• Growth in wealth
• Physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being

Let’s use American Millennials as an example, whose net worth has quadrupled since 2019, from $3.94 trillion to $15.95 trillion in 2024, according to an article by CNBC. They may have reached milestones at a later age than their predecessors, but their generation is now wealthier than their older counterparts.

Millennials and some from younger generations are among those leading the way in luxury adventure trips, as they consider travel more than just a leisure activity. They see it as a personal growth and educational opportunity. Instead of investing in conventional material possessions, they prioritize spending on unique experiences, things offered by luxury travel, particularly off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Older adults, whose kids are now adults and are already working and supporting themselves, are another example. With their children now grown up, they likely have more time and money to spend on themselves. They may have the desire to splurge from time to time on opulent adventures, which they couldn’t afford to do before but can now reward themselves with.

Advancements in Technology

With improvements in technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) supported software and data analytics, it’s now easier to create itineraries catered to your individual holiday preferences. With AI powering web searches, you can receive results, content, and recommendations based on your online data and search history.

You can now also enjoy simplified, streamlined booking processes for luxury holidays, both on the World Wide Web and digital apps. You can use digital concierge services, for instance, which are like virtual assistants that:

• Often operate 24/7
• Provide information about destinations and available accommodations
• Offer recommendations (e.g., where to go, where to stay, what to do in the area, which restaurants to eat at, and events worth attending)
• Assists with the booking process (e.g., securing luxury hotel rooms or a villa-for-rent)
• Provide information about and help book transportation options (including by air, water, or land)

With digital concierge services, finalizing travel plans has become more convenient with just a few clicks or taps. Some even notify you of other destinations that may pique your interest if your original preferred destination isn’t available.

Immersive experiences delivered through virtual reality (VR) technology are another tool revolutionizing the luxury travel market and are a factor behind its boom. With VR, you can explore a destination in a life-like, virtual setting from the comfort of your home. It gives you a taste of what a place has to offer before you commit, helping you make a more informed decision.

The Reasons Behind the Boom in Luxury Adventure Trips

From increasing affluence to “you-only-live-once” (YOLO) mindsets and changing life priorities, these are some of the primary reasons driving the high-end adventure tours market. Enjoying luxury adventure trips has also become easier thanks to innovations in travel and transportation technology.

If you’re looking for more holiday and trip ideas and guides like this, KXAN Austin has you covered! Check out our Travel segment for other practical tips and tricks and the latest in travel and transportation news.

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