Tag: #asia

Human Interest

Virat Kohli Ranks 6th Among World’s Most Influential People on Instagram in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time, has achieved yet another milestone — this time beyond the cricket field. In 2025, he has been ranked as the 6th most influential person in the world on Instagram, according to global influencer rankings and industry reports. This recognition places Kohli among an elite list of global figures from entertainment, sports, and fashion, reaffirming his unparalleled global influence.

Known for his passion, performance, and leadership on the field, Kohli has seamlessly translated his sporting excellence into digital impact. His Instagram following, spanning hundreds of millions, reflects not only his athletic achievements but also his authentic personality, disciplined lifestyle, and powerful brand presence. His posts — whether celebrating a victory, sharing glimpses of fitness routines, or moments with family — consistently generate some of the highest engagement rates among athletes worldwide.

Over the past decade, Kohli has emerged as one of the world’s most recognized and respected athletes. From captaining India to historic wins to becoming the face of a new generation of fitness-conscious sports fans, his influence extends far beyond cricket. His online persona mirrors his professional ethos — confident, focused, and inspirational — resonating with fans from every corner of the world.

Industry experts credit Kohli’s global appeal to his ability to balance authenticity with ambition. While he remains rooted in Indian values, his voice and personality connect across cultures, making him one of the few athletes whose fame transcends sport. His Instagram presence also serves as a platform for advocacy — from fitness and mental wellness to sustainability and animal welfare — further amplifying his impact as a responsible global citizen.

Brands have long recognized the power of Kohli’s digital influence. His collaborations and campaigns are known for record engagement and reach, making him one of the most valuable brand ambassadors in sports marketing today. This recognition as the 6th most influential person globally cements his status not only as a cricketing legend but also as a global cultural force.

For millions of fans, Virat Kohli represents the spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His journey from a young Delhi cricketer to a world leader in both sport and social influence is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and hard work. Whether on the field or online, Kohli continues to inspire, lead, and redefine what it means to be a modern global icon.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.

Special Occasion

Celebrating Japanese Culture Day: Honoring Art, Tradition, and Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Japan’s Culture Day, or Bunka no Hi, is celebrated annually on November 3rd and stands as one of the nation’s most cherished holidays. Established in 1948 to commemorate the promulgation of Japan’s post-war constitution, the day symbolizes peace, freedom, and the appreciation of cultural and intellectual achievements. Unlike many holidays focused on relaxation or recreation, Culture Day is dedicated to celebrating the arts, education, and the rich traditions that have shaped Japanese society over centuries.

Across Japan, communities, schools, and cultural institutions mark the day with a variety of events designed to showcase the country’s artistic, scientific, and academic accomplishments. Museums and galleries often hold special exhibitions, featuring everything from classical Japanese paintings and calligraphy to modern visual art and technology-inspired installations. Schools organize cultural festivals where students present music, theater, dance, and other creative performances, reflecting both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

One of the highlights of Culture Day is the Order of Culture award ceremony, held in Tokyo, where individuals who have made significant contributions to Japanese culture, science, or the arts are honored. This prestigious recognition underscores Japan’s deep respect for intellectual achievement and creative excellence. Additionally, many local governments and cultural organizations organize parades, traditional music performances, tea ceremonies, and martial arts demonstrations, allowing citizens and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the living heritage of Japan.

November 3rd was also chosen for its historical significance as the birthday of Emperor Meiji, whose reign from 1867 to 1912 was marked by a profound modernization of Japan. Meiji’s era saw the blending of Western influences with Japanese tradition, laying the foundation for the cultural richness that Culture Day celebrates today.

Culture Day encourages reflection on the importance of culture in everyday life, inspiring both young and old to appreciate and contribute to Japan’s ongoing legacy of artistic and intellectual pursuits. It is a day where the past meets the present: centuries-old traditions coexist with modern creative innovations, and communities come together to honor the values of knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether attending an exhibition, enjoying a local festival, or simply appreciating Japan’s artistic achievements, Culture Day offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Japanese identity.

Travel

Goa’s Tourism Shines with 6.23% Growth; Domestic and International Arrivals Surge in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s tourism industry has recorded a remarkable surge this year, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading travel destinations. From January to September 2025, the state achieved an overall 6.23% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. Domestic arrivals rose from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, marking a 5.36% increase, while international arrivals grew significantly by 29.33%, climbing from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031 visitors. Tourism continues to play a major role in Goa’s economy, contributing around 16.43% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and generating nearly 40–45% of direct and indirect employment.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa’s consistent performance, even during the monsoon months, demonstrates the success of year-round tourism initiatives. He praised the growing international reach of Goa’s tourism, with charter flights arriving from destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow, totaling 34 flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. TUI Airways is also set to begin direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, expected to bring an additional 30,000–40,000 travellers to Goa.

The Minister emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, stating that sustainability and quality remain central to Goa’s vision. Shacks began operations earlier this season, and watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations. He also confirmed that six shack operators lost their licenses this year for sub-letting, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency.

To further strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem, new policies are on the horizon. The upcoming Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy aim to promote adventure, MICE, wedding, and wellness tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. These efforts will support women-led enterprises and community-driven tourism. Simultaneously, the Department is cracking down on illegal touting and ensuring hospitality compliance through hotel verification drives and fully online registration systems for ease of doing business.

Empowering Goans remains at the heart of these initiatives. The Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme has already certified 72 guides, while a new ID-based registration system for beach photographers aims to prevent irregularities. A dedicated scheme for local photographers, “Niz Goenkars,” will soon be launched to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship.

Highlighting support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte announced that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned for key tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. Looking ahead, Goa plans to develop a vibrant “concert economy” to enhance entertainment infrastructure and promote cultural tourism.

Concluding his address, the Minister said Goa’s tourism story is evolving from “enforcement to empowerment,” driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. With sustained efforts and a shared commitment to responsible travel, Goa aims to solidify its reputation as a premier global destination offering experiences beyond its beaches.

Travel

Goa Showcases Regenerative Tourism at ITB Asia 2025, Positions Itself as ‘Gateway to All Possibilities’

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa made a strong international impression at ITB Asia 2025, positioning itself as the “Gateway to All Possibilities” through an immersive presentation of its regenerative tourism model and a wide array of authentic, sustainable, and premium tourism experiences. The Goa pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized Goa’s leadership in being the first Indian state to adopt Regenerative Tourism — a framework that ensures tourism development strengthens local communities, protects ecosystems, and preserves cultural identity. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, reinforced Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a year-round, globally preferred destination across leisure, wellness, adventure, and MICE tourism.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD of GTDC, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting Goa’s strategic strengths: 10.4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, including nearly half a million international visitors; a 16.4% contribution to the state’s GDP from tourism; and support to over 35% of the local workforce. Goa’s connectivity — including two international airports, robust rail and highway networks, and advanced cruise terminals — was showcased as a key enabler for inbound growth.

The Goa delegation interacted with stakeholders from key tourism markets including Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the USA, Spain, Mauritius, Dubai, and Taiwan, initiating collaborations to drive inbound tourism and boost Goa’s global profile. Exhibiting partners like Concord Exotic Voyages and Minar Travels Goa also showcased curated premium travel experiences and itineraries.

Goa’s eco-tourism offerings took center stage, with focused promotions on nature-based experiences such as Bondla Zoo, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Waterfall, and eco-stays like Silvan Cottages. These initiatives are part of a broader push to highlight Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, diversify tourist interest beyond beaches, and encourage responsible tourism.

Visitors at the pavilion explored Goa’s diverse tourism layers: regulated water sports, bungee jumping, kayaking, caravan tourism, homestays, agro-tourism, vibrant festivals like Carnival and Shigmo, Ayurveda retreats, yoga hubs, culinary richness, flea markets, and arts festivals like IFFI and Serendipity.

Goa’s regenerative tourism vision is about crafting experiences that are immersive and inclusive while ensuring that tourism becomes a force for good. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, Goa is shaping a future-forward, resilient tourism model.

Its participation at ITB Asia 2025 reaffirms its commitment to global engagement, destination transformation, and creating a tourism ecosystem where every journey nurtures the destination’s soul — making Goa not just a place to visit, but a way to travel.