Demand for UAE visit visas surges as Covid, travel rules are eased

The UAE’s decision to ease Covid-related travel restrictions, such as abolishing the requirement of negative PCR test for vaccinated travellers, are giving a massive boost to the family travel sector as confidence is returning fast for both inbound and outbound travel.

Travel industry executives expect the next two months, especially March, to be busy for the sector, especially the UAE-Subcontinent routes, mainly due to mid-term school breaks and pent-up demand for Expo 2020 Dubai before it shuts its doors on March 31, 2022.

Starting February 26, the UAE’s National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management (NCEMA) said UAE-bound vaccinated travellers are not required to present a PCR test ahead of their travels. Moreover, most destinations around the world have been easing Covid-19 protocols and now exempt vaccinated travellers from carrying PCR test results.

“We have started getting inquiries as school holidays have begun in India, and there are mid-term breaks here in the UAE also, so a lot of families are now travelling to their home countries. There has been a big increase in demand for visit visas also because people now want to bring their parents, family members, cousins and friends to the UAE,” says Avinash Adnani, managing director of Pluto Travels.

With Expo 2020 Dubai entering its last month in March, Adnani sees a massive rush, especially from the Subcontinent.

'Leisure travel has started picking up because families are not afraid now of getting stuck in a foreign country. People are confident because they’re vaccinated plus rules are liberalised. Earlier, the biggest concern among travellers was what if we get stuck abroad, but that worry has gone now, giving a really big boost to confidence now,” he added.`

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3726/Demand-for-UAE-visit-visas-surges-as-Covid-travel-rules-are-eased

World’s largest igloo cafe is now open in J&K’s Gulmarg

 Kashmir now has another reason to rejoice and attract more tourists. An igloo cafe has opened in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg, which has now become a new tourist attraction in the union territory. More importantly, it is said to have created the record of being the world’s largest igloo cafe!

The newly opened cafe has a height of 37.5 ft and a diameter of 44.5 ft. Syed Wasim Shah, creator of the igloo claimed that it was the world’s largest cafe of its kind. He elaborated that as per the Guinness Book of World Records, the biggest igloo cafe is in Switzerland, with height as tall as 33.8 ft and diameter 42.4 ft, so, the igloo cafe he built is larger than that.

He added that he first saw this concept in Switzerland a few years back, where they have such hotels that come equipped with all modern facilities. He added that since Gulmarg sees a lot of snow, he thought why not start this concept here.

He also added that he created an igloo cafe last year as well, and claimed that it was Asia’s biggest.
Syed stated that they created the cafe in two steps with a staircase. Around 40 people can eat there at a time. He also informed them that it took 64 days to complete it.

According to him the thickness of this igloo cafe is around 5 ft, and they are hopeful that it will stand there till March 15, after which they will close it for public.

So if you are in Gulmarg during this time, don’t miss this tourist attraction for sure.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3736/World-s-largest-igloo-cafe-is-now-open-in-J-K-s-Gulmarg

Bali intends to eliminate quarantine and begin visa-on-appearance for voyagers from March 14

Bali resumed its lines for global explorers in the period of February this year however with isolation prerequisites. In any case, presently the Indonesian government is intending to drop the quarantine prerequisites and begin a visa-on-appearance process for global travelers. For this the public authority is intending to lead a preliminary on approaching voyagers without isolation yet under couple of conditions, informed a senior priest. The high ranking representatives in the nation are likewise for the mission for eliminating the obligatory 3-day quarantine and the arrival of visa-on-appearance (VoA). At this point, various voyagers from Europe are forgoing themselves going to Bali because of its broad and exorbitant quarantine. Planning Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said in a question and answer session that the preliminary might be presented before March 14 assuming a few positive advancement is seen in the approaching multi week. Necessities to enter Bali for worldwide travelers: 1) Foreign voyagers need to show their evidence of inn booking installments for something like four days. 2) Travelers wishing to enter Bali should be completely inoculated or probably got promoter punches. 3) RT PCR tests will be directed at the section and voyagers should sit tight for their adverse outcomes at the lodging. 4) On the third day of their appearance, voyagers should direct another RT PCR test at their inns. The priest further said that assuming the test is negative, voyagers will be permitted to do different exercises under wellbeing conventions. He likewise said that Bali was picked for this pilot project preliminary in light of the fact that the pace of two-portion immunization is higher here than some other territory in Indonesia. On the off chance that the preliminary is fruitful, the Indonesian government will extend the sans quarantine to traverse the nation on or even before April 1.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3737/Bali-plans-to-remove-quarantine-and-start-visa-on-arrival-for-travellers-from-March-14

Delhi-Katra Expressway to diminish go opportunity to Mata Vaishno Devi by 5 hours

 

The Mata Vaishno Devi altar in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra is visited by lakhs of travelers consistently. A few aficionados additionally travel to Katra from Delhi through street. Presently, the distance among Delhi and Katra which is 727 km will be diminished to 588 km and the movement time will likewise decrease by 5 hours. The Delhi-Katra interstate would decrease the movement time among Delhi and Katra to six and a half hours Katra, Jammu, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Kapurthala and Jalandhar are a few significant urban communities to be covered by this hallway The Delhi-Katra turnpike is expected to be finished by 2023 The critical variable about this passage is that it will associate sacred urban areas, Katra and Amritsar The extended expense of the task is Rs 35,000 crore. The extending of the public thruway among Jammu and Pathankot, which will be moved up to a six-way path from a four-way path, is in progress to facilitate the course for explorers between Jammu, Katra and Pathankot. Endorsement for the hall came in with the declaration for a long time government projects At first, plans for the passage were gotten rolling back in 2018 It is being alluded to as a "way breaking transformation in advancing industry and interests in the whole district." It is being expressed that the passageway will catalyze the dramatic development of financial focuses in urban communities like Jammu and Katra.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3714/Delhi-Katra-Expressway-to-reduce-travel-time-to-Mata-Vaishno-Devi-by-5-hours

Toy train ride in Darjeeling to become more affordable

 The journey through the spectacular mountains of the Himalayas will become more affordable from March as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has reduced the fare of the world-famous 'Toy Train' service. The DHR authorities have reduced the fare of the queen of hills Darjeeling's toy train service by up to Rs 200. The authorities took the initiative to attract more tourists.

Notably, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sanjay Chilvarwar, ADRM, Katihar Division, Northeast Frontier Railway, said that all the fares of the toy train have been drastically reduced. It was told that the chair car fare in the train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling was Rs 1,600 earlier, now it has been reduced to Rs 1,400.

The air-conditioned first-class fare was earlier Rs 1,720, now it has been reduced to Rs 1,500. Similarly, fares have also been cut for Joy ride services of the toy train running between Darjeeling-Ghoom-Darjeeling. The fare of Toy Train with Vistadome Coach with Joy Ride Steam Engine, which was earlier Rs 1,600, has now been reduced to Rs 1,500.

DHR administration said that the newly revised fare will be implemented from March 1. Chilvarwar also said that in order to further increase the popularity of the toy train, the DHR will organize a summer festival from March 1 to March 31. The festival will be organized at Siliguri Junction and Kurseong and Darjeeling DHR stations in the Darjeeling Hills region.

Cultural programs will be organized under this festival. The DHR authorities are going to include one AC Vistadom coach from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. In Darjeeling to Ghoom section, all the coaches will be replaced with vistadom coaches instead of normal coaches.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3715/Toy-train-ride-in-Darjeeling-to-become-more-affordable

Get FREE Entry to Taj Mahal on these three days

On the event of the 367 'Urs' of the fifth Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, travelers will get free passage to the Taj Mahal from February 27 to March 1.

This exclusion is given consistently to honor the demise commemoration of the Mughal head. Raj Kumar Patel, Superintending Archeologist of ASI, Agra Circle, told PTI, "There will be free passage for the travelers at the Taj Mahal from February 27 to March 1 on the event of the yearly Urs." On 27 and 28th February, the vacationers will be permitted from 2 pm till nightfall and on March 1, the free section will be from dawn to dusk, Patel said. "We will follow the COVID-19 conventions on every one of the three days," he added. Shamsuddin Khan, leader of the supported local area experts affiliation, said, "different customs, for example, 'chadar poshi', 'shoe', 'gusul', 'kul' and others will be performed during the Urs to recognize Shah Jahan's demise commemoration." Shakeel Rafiq, a local escort said, "It is possibly opportunity in a year when guests are permitted to enter in the cellar to see the first graves of Shah Jahan and his significant other Mumtaj."

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3701/Get-FREE-Entry-to-Taj-Mahal-on-these-three-days

Hotel development in Middle East remains robust

 Despite the pandemic headwinds that the global hospitality industry has had to contend with, new hotel development in prime spots in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE remains substantial.

According to new research commissioned by Arabian Travel Market and conducted at the end of 2021 by hotel market intelligence and global benchmarking company STR, Makkah and Doha are both expanding their hotel room inventory by 76 per cent.

This is followed by Riyadh, Medina and Muscat with 66 per cent, 60 per cent and 59 per cent growth respectively.

In Dubai, rooms growth stands at 26 per cent, which is still “extraordinary,” researchers said, considering its existing base and following years of continuous hotel development.

The figure is still more than double the global average.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director, Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, said: “With the global average sitting at 12 per cent we are witnessing multiple GCC destinations growing at six times those rates.

“These figures coupled with the ongoing relaxation in travel restrictions, will undoubtedly encourage travel professionals throughout the Middle East and further afield.

“As such we are expecting a substantial increase in the number of participants at our live event this year, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE,” she added.

According to the report, there are almost 2.5 million hotel rooms currently under contract around the world, 3.2 per cent or 80,000 rooms of that supply is taking place in Saudi Arabia alone.

Furthermore, although Expo 2020 in Dubai is now drawing to a close, the mega event has been the catalyst for accelerated hotel room growth in the UAE with almost 50,000 rooms still due to open across the emirates.

Following closely behind is Doha with final preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 now being put in place.

Doha is on track to deliver 23,000 hotel rooms pre- and post-World Cup 2022, adding to the country’s burgeoning hotel property portfolio.

“Whilst the actual numbers may not seem particularly significant in comparison to the global hotel room pipeline, the growth above existing supply is staggering and underlines government strategy to diversify their economies away from hydrocarbon receipts and their confidence in the growth of tourism throughout the region,” said Curtis.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3703/Hotel-development-in-Middle-East-remains-robust

Largest Hilton property in Asia Pacific opens in Singapore

 Hilton has welcomed the opening of Hilton Singapore Orchard, the largest hotel from the company in Asia Pacific.

Located at the heart of Orchard Road, the 1,080-room property seeks to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the city.

It is located in the renowned shopping district, offering a vibrant blend of contemporary design, innovative dining experiences and extensive meeting spaces.

“Today we celebrate a key milestone with the opening of our largest hotel in Asia Pacific.

“Hilton Singapore Orchard is a fantastic showcase of our flagship brand and places us in a strong position to usher in a new era of travel.

“Together with our partners at Oue Limited, we are confident that the hotel will be in a leading position to cater to the travel demand that we anticipate will come rapidly as global economies and travel networks reconnect.

“Hilton Singapore Orchard will truly be top of mind for both leisure and business guests as it delivers exceptional experiences supported by Hilton’s renowned hospitality,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

Hilton Singapore Orchard features modern contemporary design that pays homage to Singapore’s rich colonial history and agricultural heritage.

Botanical references are reflected throughout the hotel’s artwork and interiors while embracing a seamless and eco-friendly guest experience.

Energy-efficient technology such as in-room motion, air-condition and light sensors feature in every room and suite, while digital key access and smartphone connected services offer greater convenience for guests on the go.

“As one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, Hilton is renowned for its strong brand recognition, global distribution network, and successful loyalty programme – all of which combined will provide our property with a competitive advantage and enhance its positioning in the market,” said Brian Riady, deputy chief executive and executive director, Oue Limited.

“We are confident Hilton Singapore Orchard will be a leading lifestyle destination for locals and travellers alike.”

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3708/Largest-Hilton-property-in-Asia-Pacific-opens-in-Singapore

Gujrat : Tourism sector poised to make 40% recovery

 With several foreign countries opening their borders for tourists, the outbound tourism business in Gujarat has embarked on a journey to recovery. Estimates of Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), Gujarat, suggest that the tourism industry in the state is looking at a 40% recovery in business from summer bookings, primarily driven by international travel.

The international outbound travel business in Gujarat was estimated to be about Rs 400 crore for the summer season in 2019.

With international holiday bookings to the US, Canada, Switzerland, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the UK resuming, TAFI estimates that the business will recover by at least 40%, that is about Rs 160 crore.

Manish Sharma, chairman, TAFI-Gujarat, said: “With Covid-19 cases receding, countries easing norms for tourists, and disposable incomes going up, tourism bookings appear to be bullish.” Sharma added:

“There is a likelihood of other countries opening their borders for international tourists.” He went on to say: “We hope that the government resumes international flight operations which will help boost the tourism industry in the state.”

With limited flights to international destinations such as London, Switzerland, and the US, airfares have surged by at least 30% leading to an increase in the costs of holidays. Even so, the uptakes for international travel are good.

“With Switzerland opening up to tourists, people have begun making bookings for their summer holidays and the airfare surge is no deterrence,” said Virendra Shah, president, Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI), Gujarat. “People have not taken international holidays over the past two years and therefore they are keen on travelling.”

Shah added: “Inquiries are pouring in for Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia as well. People are waiting for these countries to clarify Covid-19 protocols and rules for international tourists.” He went on to say: “If flights resume, these will be highly preferred destinations.”

Tour operators said that among domestic destinations, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast have good uptakes.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3691/Gujrat-Tourism-sector-poised-to-make-40-recovery

India: Regular international flights likely to restart from March 15

 Regular international flights are likely to resume operations from March 15, after remaining suspended for nearly two years. As per the sources, authorities will follow standard operating procedures that are effective at Indian airports for foreign arrivals and departures.

Reportedly, the said decision on resuming regular international flights has almost been arrived at by the Civil Aviation Ministry following consultation with the Health Ministry with the decline in COVID cases. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not made any official announcement yet.
The sources added that although regular international flights will likely resume from March 15, the guidelines for international arrivals, which have been in place from February 14, will still be followed at airports for the passengers of these flights.

As reported earlier, the said ban remains in effect till February 28, which had been put into effect since March 23, 2020, due to the COVID crises.

However, special passenger flights have been operating between India and around 40 countries under air bubble arrangements since July 2020.

The Health Ministry, on February 14, issued revised guidelines for international arrivals, and scrapped the mandatory seven-day home quarantine and the requirement for them to undergo an RT-PCR test on the eighth day. Also, the countries listed in the ‘at risk’ category have been removed.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3694/India-Regular-international-flights-likely-to-restart-from-March-15

Etihad Airways unveils summer holiday flights

 Travellers with Etihad Airways can look forward to a new destination this summer, along with the return of popular seasonal routes to Europe and the Indian Ocean.

Starting June 15th, the carrier will launch a seasonal twice-per-week service to Crete, the largest island in Greece.

The flights are set to be operated on an Airbus A320 aircraft and will connect Abu Dhabi to the main city of Heraklion.

Lying in the Aegean Sea, Crete offers travellers a rich tapestry of spectacular landscapes, cuisine and culture, with traditional villages and historic sites dating back thousands of years, such as the 4,000-year-old Palace of Knossos.

The airline will also return to Malaga, Santorini and Zanzibar this summer.

All four destinations are set to be operated from mid-June.

“Etihad Airways is delighted to provide travellers with more choice for their summer vacations in 2022,” said Martin Drew, senior vice president sales and cargo at Etihad.

“Crete is an ideal summer destination for travellers who are looking for a mix of beach and mountain adventures, and along with the hotspots of Malaga, Santorini and Zanzibar, makes for a perfect addition to Etihad’s summer network.”

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3688/Etihad-Airways-unveils-summer-holiday-flights

Indian Railways Runs Shri Ramayana Yatra Train From 22nd Feb'22

 The Shri Ramayana Yatra special train from Delhi is starting from Tuesday by the Indian Railways. As per the earlier schedule, the train was supposed to run from Delhi on February 9 but the date was later extended to February 22 owing to surge in Covid-19 cases. Notably, the Shri Ramayana Yatra special train is part of IRCTC’s series of Shri Ramayana Yatra Tours to promote the religious tourism.

Last year in November, the train had covered its first journey from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station to Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram via Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya and Varanasi.

The Shri Ramayana Yatra special train covers Ayodhya, Sitamadhi, Janakpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Shringverpur, Nasik, Buxar, Kanchipuram, and Bhadrachalam among others in 19 nights/20 days. The train has a capacity of 132 passengers in two categories- 2AC and 1AC.

Earlier, the journey of the Shri Ramayana train used to be of 17 days, but now the journey of the train will be of 20 days. In the new timetable, three new religious places associated with Lord Shri Rama have also been added. At present, the train passengers will also visit Bihar’s Buxar, Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram and Telangana’s Bhadrachalam.

The earlier ticket fare was less due to the lesser number of places and travel time but it has now increased. As per the latest updates, the fare of the first AC will be Rs 1.25 lakh, which was earlier Rs 1.02 lakh. Moreover, the fare of the second AC has gone up to Rs 98,000, which was earlier Rs 82,000.

The Shri Ramayana Yatra special train is equipped with many facilities such as two rail dining restaurants, a modern kitchen car, a foot massager for passengers, a library, clean toilets etc. Moreover, the Shri Ramayana Express tour package includes vegetarian food, tourist sightseeing by buses and accommodation in AC hotels.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3689/Indian-Railways-Runs-Shri-Ramayana-Yatra-Train-From-22nd-Feb-22

Taj Mahotsav to begin from March 20 in Agra, all details here

 The Taj Mahotsav 2022 is all set to be held from March 20 to March 29 this year. This 10-day cultural festival is held in Agra every year, and is well-known as a gourmet, art, culture and craft festival. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held from February 18 to February 27, but had to be rescheduled due to Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

As per the reports, this year’s 10-day celebration theme will be Aazadi ke Amrit Mahotsav sang, Taj ke rang.

While announcing the postponement, Deputy Director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism RK Rawat stated that due to the ongoing assembly elections, the annual fair of Taj Mahotsav has been postponed, whereas preparations are going on full swing for the fair to be organised between March 20 and 29.

If reports are to go by, this event started in 1992 with the aim of promoting the creative art of craftsmen and encouraging them to showcase their respective skills. During this occasion, various cultural performances by national and international famed artists are witnessed which make this event a confluence of traditions and cultures.

Details of Taj Mahotsav 2022

Taj Mahotsav dates: Revised dates are from March 20 to March 29, 2022.

Timings: As per the official website of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, the celebration will commence between 10 AM - 10 PM.

Venue: The event will be held in Shilpgram, which is a well-known crafts village in Agra, UP, and is located not so far from the Taj Mahal.

Ticket price: No entry tickets for kids below 5 years of age. Adults will have to buy tickets worth INR 40 to enter the festival, while a group of 100 school students can get an entry for INR 500. Foreigners can visit the Taj Mahotsav free of cost.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3684/Taj-Mahotsav-to-begin-from-March-20-in-Agra-all-details-here