Andhra Pradesh welcomes its first Hyatt Place hotel with Hyatt Place Vijayawada

 Hyatt Hotels today announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada, a modern haven offering 81 rooms and suites. The hotel marks the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in the state of Andhra Pradesh – a significant landmark in Hyatt’s brand growth in the market. Developed by RVS Conventions Private Limited, the property features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

Inspired by Hyatt’s commitment to care, the property sets a new standard in hospitality with its smart design, delivering a harmonious fusion of functionality and space for today’s multi-tasking traveller. The hotel is close to the city’s commercial district and a convenient 20-minute drive from the Vijayawada International Airport. Its central location also offers quick access to local attractions such as the iconic Prakasam Barrage and the ancient rock-cut architecture of Undavalli Caves.

Hyatt Place Vijayawada welcomes guests to a world of contemporary comfort inspired by local interiors and art pieces. Each room is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and innovation, making it an ideal retreat for business and leisure travellers alike. The hotel’s exceptional amenities include two eclectic dining options, The Market and versatile event spaces perfect for hosting memorable weddings and gatherings.

“The opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada is rooted in our ambitious growth plans for Hyatt brands in India. Vijayawada has demonstrated significant economic and tourism potential in recent years, and we are delighted to foray into this booming destination where our guests travel, as well as where owners and developers can leverage our global distribution network and World of Hyatt loyalty program,” said Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India and South West Asia, Hyatt.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring the first Hyatt Place hotel to Andhra Pradesh. With Hyatt Place Vijayawada, we aim to share our passion for excellence, ensuring every guest feels cherished and embraced within the Hyatt family. We are excited to contribute to Vijayawada’s vibrant tourism landscape and look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the unparalleled warmth and community that the World of Hyatt represents. Defined by how people want to travel today, the hotel has design elements featuring custom accents, artwork and up-to-date technology that are uniquely positioned to appeal to the world traveller,” said Karthik Ramisetty, Managing Director, RVS Conventions.

Hyatt Place Vijayawada has 81 guestrooms including two suites offering views of the peaceful Eastern Ghat mountains in the distance and the energetic city below. Designed with a tasteful blend of contemporary comfort and the local flavor of Andhra, the rooms and suites are fully equipped to accommodate the modern traveller with separate spaces to sleep, work and play. King guestrooms also include a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper.

Guests at Hyatt Place Vijayawada can enjoy an eclectic culinary experience at the hotel’s dining venues. The all-day open-kitchen restaurant, Zing, serves one of the finest buffet dining experiences with authentic local Andhra, Indian, Asian and Continental cuisine. The Market offers a grab-and-go selection of freshly made croissants and pastries, perfectly packaged salads and sandwiches, and handcrafted mocktails. Guests can also order in-room dining from the extensive menu on offer.

Hyatt Place Vijayawada offers 6,602 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, including a grand Ballroom. These high-tech venues offer both indoor and outdoor settings and are suited for both private meetings and large social gatherings. Guests at the hotel can indulge in some leisure time at the swimming pool. The hotel also offers 24/7 access to a fitness center.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6815

Air India To Shift Its Operations To Terminal 2 At Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru From August 31

 Air India, India’s leading global airline, will shift its flight operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru from August 31, 2023.

From 00:01Hrs of 31st August, all Air India operations, domestic and international, will operate to and from Terminal 2 of the airport except for AI176 from San Francisco, which will land at Terminal-1 on 31st August 2023 only. Air India is making every effort to ensure the transition experience is smooth and convenient for its passengers.

As part of its proactive initiatives, Air India is reaching out to its passengers through different communication platforms to keep them informed.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6814

Saudi Arabia introduces instant eVisa services to amplify connectivity tourism

 Since opening its doors to international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has emerged as o the fastest-growing tourism markets worldwide. The country recorded 93.5 million vis 2022. The latest move on e-Visas is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to offer a seam and hassle-free experience to tourists and also marks a milestone in achieving its goal welcoming 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

In a momentous move, Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step to enhance its tourism sector by unveiling a groundbreaking expansion of its e-visa program. Yesterday, the Saudi government announced the launch of new instant e-visa options, aiming to streamline travel for visitors from key regions around the world. The new instant e-visa program will greatly simplify the visa application process for travellers holding UK, US, and Schengen visas, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country. Through the official website, eligible visitors can now effortlessly obtain tourist evisas to explore Saudi Arabia.

This latest move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to offer a seamless and hassle-free experience to tourists. In the past year, Saudi Arabia has also expanded visa-on-arrival regulations for holders of valid US, UK, and Schengen visas, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country. Additionally, evisa eligibility was extended to residents of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).
Additionally, a notable addition is the introduction of the Stopover Visa, which is available to passengers traveling on SAUDIA and flynas, allowing visitors to enjoy a stay of up to 96 hours in the country. The country has been committed to enhancing accessibility and connectivity for travelers, and this development marks a significant milestone in achieving its goal of welcoming 100 million visitors annually by 2030, an official statement said. Since opening its doors to international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets worldwide.

The country recorded an impressive 93.5 million visits in 2022, a testament to its diverse attractions and exceptional hospitality, the statement mentioned. The Saudi Tourism Authority has been actively accelerating initiatives to make traveling to Saudi Arabia more convenient for global tourists. The digitisation efforts have played a vital role in providing simplified entry routes for travellers, ensuring they can experience the rich cultural heritage and natural diversity the country has to offer.

Among the recent innovations is the Nusuk platform, a collaborative effort between the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Pilgrim Experience Program. Nusuk, Saudi's first-ever official integrated digital platform, offers pilgrims and visitors a planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah, Madinah, and beyond. Moreover, the highly anticipated Red Sea Development, the world's most ambitious luxury tourism destination, is set to debut its first hotels, including Six Senses, St. Regis, and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. With the introduction of the new instant e-visa options, uplifted by a rich cultural tradition and a plethora of attractions including UNESCO listed Al Ula, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly poised to become an even more enticing destination for global travellers seeking unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6655/Saudi-Arabia-introduces-instant-eVisa-services-to-amplify-connectivity-tourism

Paris to allow swimming in the Seine River after 100 years!

 Good news from Paris! Those who have been missing swimming in the famous Seine River can do so now the government of France has allowed swimming in the river nearly after a century! Yes. you read that correctly. The city had banned swimming in the River Seine nearly 100 years ago because of the dirty water.

But now, the beautiful French city, Paris is in its final stage of a historic river clean-up. So very soon, the river will have swimmers and divers back. All thanks to the Olympics which are all set to be held in Paris in 2024 summers. Seine River will see three Olympic and Paralympic events, namely triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon.

Pierre Rabadan, deputy Paris mayor in charge of the Olympics, said, "When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine. It's our contribution for the future."

Paris experienced its river quality going bad because of industrial waste and a booming population. This also affected aquatic life badly. The condition got so bad that in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris.

The ban on swimming in Seine came into effect in 1923. But in the last 20 years, the river has been experiencing improvements in terms of stopping bacterias to entering the river. But the problem was different. Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall explained, "But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean."

But when the work is done, mayor Anne Hidalgo said that three spots on the Seine will be open for public bathing from summer 2025.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6652/Paris-to-allow-swimming-in-the-Seine-River-after-100-years-

Norwegian Cruise Line announces extensive enhancements to Norwegian Joy

 Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced today that Norwegian Joy will undergo enhancements in January 2024 to elevate the onboard guest experience with popular offerings, including a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites and more.

When Norwegian Joy emerges from the three-week dry dock taking place from Jan. 22, 2024, to Feb. 12, 2024, guests will have access to an elevated onboard spa experience with a brand-new Thermal Suite, soon-to-be the largest of the Breakaway-Plus class ships. Designed with NCL guest feedback in mind, the debuting Spa Thermal Suite will boast a more centralized layout with an unparalleled arrival experience featuring elegant sculptures and an entrance corridor encompassed with waterfalls. A separate lounge area will feature three times as many of the popular hot tile loungers, and guests will be able to enjoy easy access to relaxing and reinvigorating experiences including a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room. Additional innovative offerings include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, an increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body; four-senses loungers for the ultimate sensory experience for deep relaxation; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy, which massages feet as guests walk across the pebbled moving stream that alternates between hot and cold foot baths. The all-new Thermal Suite will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex.

“Delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is what we strive to do,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We have listened to our guests and have taken action. With this revitalization we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy. Guests will have a greater variety of staterooms to choose from and a world class, full-service spa to spend their days at sea fully immersed in relaxation.”

In an effort to continue to offer guests more choice of accommodations, the redesign will include repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as recategorizing 40 new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and the premiering Thermal Suite. Additionally, as a result of unprecedented demand, Norwegian Joy’s The Haven by Norwegian® Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony will be expanded to three-bedrooms. The two suites will include three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; a fully renovated living room, master bedroom and outdoor balcony furniture; as well as a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge. The Haven by Norwegian® is the Company’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship, and key-card access only complex featuring the most spacious suites and dedicated experiences including concierge service, a private pool area, restaurant and bar.

In addition, the ever-popular, and nearly always sold-out, exclusive adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be expanded, taking over the existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20. The space will boast a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club found on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas.

Norwegian Joy will resume sailings post dry dock on Feb. 13, 2024, when she embarks on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom to Miami. In March 2024, the ship will cruise seven-day round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6653/Norwegian-Cruise-Line-announces-extensive-enhancements-to-Norwegian-Joy

Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India organises Yuva Tourism Club Seminar to inspire youth

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – North Region organised a Seminar on Yuva Tourism Club at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi, with the aim of establishing Yuva Tourism Clubs in educational institutions across the nation. The event took place on July 25, 2023, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 150 attendees, including professors, teachers, and students representing Universities, Colleges, and Schools from various regions. 

The vision behind the formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs is to foster and cultivate young ambassadors of Indian tourism, instilling in them an appreciation for our country’s rich cultural heritage, and igniting a passion for exploring the vast tourism possibilities within India. These young ambassadors will play a pivotal role in promoting tourism across the nation, acting as catalysts for the growth of the tourism industry.

Manisha Saxena, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, addressed the gathering along with distinguished dignitaries, including M R Synrem, Joint Secretary Tourism, R K Suman, Regional Director (North) MOT, Kamal Kant, Principal IHM PUSA, Dean JNU, and Dr. Charu Yadav from IITTM. Their presence and insights were instrumental in guiding the attendees about the objectives and benefits of being part of the Yuva Tourism Club.

The seminar emphasised the significance of the Yuva Tourism Clubs and outlined the various activities they will be undertaking. It also showcased the support and assistance that the Ministry of Tourism will provide to these clubs to ensure their successful implementation. The clubs aim to be more than just a platform for tourism exploration; they are expected to foster the development of essential soft skills, including teamwork, management, and leadership abilities. Additionally, the clubs will promote responsible tourism practices and encourage sustainable tourism initiatives to ensure a positive impact on both the environment and the communities involved.
Currently, almost 4000 plus Yuva Tourism Clubs have been established in Delhi NCR and 8000 plus Yuva Tourism Clubs have been established in the North Region under this programme.

The Ministry of Tourism envisions the Yuva Tourism Clubs as a gateway for young minds to connect with the vast landscape of tourism in India. Through these clubs, the government aspires to nurture a new generation of responsible travelers who understand and value the diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty of our nation.

The event concluded with a sense of enthusiasm and commitment from the attendees to actively participate in the formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs in their respective institutions, making a collective effort toward India’s tourism growth and development.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6658/Ministry-of-Tourism-Govt-of-India-organises-Yuva-Tourism-Club-Seminar-to-inspire-youth

Malaysia offers longer visa-free time to Hong Kong passport-holders

 Malaysia agrees to extend the period Hong Kong passport-holders can stay in the Southeast Asian nation to 90 days from 30 without a visa. Hong Kongers are set to get longer visa-free stays in Malaysia, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter, as the city’s leader seeks to forge closer ties with its Southeast Asian neighbours.

Malaysia agreed to extend the period Hong Kong passport-holders can stay in the Southeast Asian nation to 90 days from 30 without a visa, said people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to speak freely. An announcement could come as soon as Thursday, one of the people said.

The Hong Kong government reached out to the Malaysian government and lodged the request, two of the people said. The city’s Chief Executive John Lee is expected to arrive in the Southeast Asian nation on Thursday as part of a week-long tour of the region.

The move would represent a reciprocation of the 90-day visa free travel that Malaysians currently enjoy to the Asian financial hub. The Malaysian Home Ministry didn’t respond to multiple calls from Bloomberg News, while a representative from the Hong Kong government didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Lee is in Southeast Asia to drum up investment opportunities for the international financial hub. He is also seeking to garner support for the city’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which was formed under China’s leadership.

Malaysia’s move to grant Hong Kong the visa-free extension would be an easy win for Lee to show he’s forging closer ties with Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong has been working to shore up the city’s international financial center as concerns mount in Western capitals over the erosion of civil liberties following the enactment of a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020. The former British colony has shifted to building ties with Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries, which haven’t publicly criticized Hong Kong about jailing pro-democracy activists and groups.

Lee is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Thursday, after visiting Indonesia and Singapore, where he signed memorandums of understanding on topics including trade and financial services. In February, the Hong Kong leader visited Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where similar pacts were signed.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6659

Women’s Participation in Travel & Tourism Critical to Growth of Global Sector

 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reiterated the importance of women’s engagement in Travel & Tourism to catapult its growth and achieve a thriving and resilient sector at the Women Deliver Global Conference, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Speaking at the conference today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasised the importance of promoting women’s involvement in the sector and overcoming challenges for success in the business world.

The event served as a platform to address the challenges faced by women in the Travel & Tourism sector and explore strategies to overcome them, aiming to inspire change and promote equal opportunities for women in the sector.

The panel discussions shed light on the challenges faced by women in various aspects of the business, including barriers to entry, operational obstacles, and ecosystem limitations.

The event underscored the vital role of mentorship in empowering young women and girls in business. Through networking, opportunities, and resources, mentorship programs unlock their potential for economic transformation.

During her address, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is proven that companies that have 50% women in their leadership make more money. This makes even more sense in travel and tourism where women make the buying decisions on where to go on holiday.

‘It also makes good sense to employ women in senior roles; why would you exclude access to 50% of global talent.

“Rwanda has a great track record with a majority of women MPs in the Parliament. President Kagame addressed the Women Deliver, for the first time held in Africa, with real passion and a track record of gender equality.

“Putting women centre stage in Travel & Tourism will ensure a better future for the sector and the global economy. Currently, more than half of the sector is made up of women.

“By addressing the barriers and inequalities they face, we can unlock immense potential and drive sustainable growth.

“The ‘Women Deliver’ event serves as a catalyst for change, bringing together sector leaders, policymakers, and advocates to work collectively towards a more diverse and prosperous future.”

According to the global tourism body, women constitute approximately 54% of the workforce. Travel & Tourism provides accessible opportunities for women, but it also faces disparities such as lower pay and job security.

These disparities were reflected in the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, where a majority of the 62 million jobs lost in the travel and tourism sector were women’s jobs.

WTTC urges both the public and private sectors to play their part in promoting women’s participation in the Travel & Tourism sector. It says governments should adopt policies that promote women in senior management, such as mandatory quotas for publicly listed companies and state-owned enterprises.

The private sector should offer targeted professional development programs for women and create networking and mentoring opportunities.

WTTC remains committed to advocating for gender equality, working closely with its members, governments, and industry partners to foster an environment where women have equal opportunities to excel, lead, and shape the future of the travel and tourism sector.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6650

Indians can travel visa-free to 57 countries as country's passport ranking improves

 India's passport ranking has improved to 80 in 2023 from 87 in 2022, giving its holders visa free access to as many as 57 countries, a report said. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore has replaced Japan for having the world’s most powerful passport, allowing visa-free entry to 192 global destinations.

At the 80th spot, the other two countries ranked along India are Senegal and Togo. Germany, Italy, and Spain have moved up into 2nd place with visa-free access to 190 destinations, and Japanese passport holders join those of six other nations — Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden — in 3rd place with access to 189 destinations without a prior visa

The Henley Passport Index rankings are based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, largely based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The report said that India's neighbour Pakistan has the fourth worst passport in the world, giving its holders visa free access to just 33 countries. At the bottom of the Henley Openness Index, four countries score zero, permitting no visa-free access for any passport - Afghanistan, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Turkmenistan.

The list of 57 countries Indians can travel visa free to:

Barbado, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad, Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6614/Indians-can-travel-visa-free-to-57-countries-as-country-s-passport-ranking-improves

Global Travel and Tourism Partnership doubles e-Learning engagement

 The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP), together with global technology partners, Equator Global and Travel Uni, has dramatically grown its global reach and ability to deliver learning and education over the past 4 years.

In 2019 GTTP taught around 400,000 students. In the past year alone over 750,000 students aged between 16 and 19 have received free travel educational courses. The partnership has enabled GTTP to reach many new audiences by using Equator Global’s e-Learning technology. It has significantly boosted reach to rural communities in regions such as the Caribbean, Africa and Asia including India, with Nepal being the latest country to receive access to the platform.

Commenting on the contribution made by Equator Global and Travel Uni, Anne Lotter, Global Director, GTTP said: “Ian Dockreay and the team have worked tirelessly to provide the technological infrastructure and worldwide distribution to bring our courses to even the most inaccessible places on earth. Communities far and wide have benefited from our greatly enhanced ability to deliver our life-changing knowledge and we and our global partners are delighted by how this has transformed the organisation.”

The course content ranges from information on why to consider the industry for future careers through to the importance of providing responsible and sustainable travel experiences for travellers.

Ian Dockreay, Chief Executive of Equator Global and Travel Uni said of the partnership: “This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Travel Uni, and working in partnership with GTTP in recent years has added so much to our broader educational remit for the travel industry. It allows us to contribute so much to the students’ whole journey, from reaching them when they are considering travel as a career option, through providing them with further education advice and contacts, to their choosing which area of the industry they can and would like to seek employment in. Travel Uni has delivered free e-Learning to many hundreds of thousands of travel agents and other tourism professionals over the last 20 years and this partnership programme is all about contributing to the future generations of our industry.”

GTTP’s educational programme has never been more important. Tourism and hospitality remain a key economic pillar for governments throughout the world and providing qualified students to fill the recruitment gaps that are becoming evident right across the globe, is both essential and urgent.

Dockreay added: “We should be very concerned that the UK government is set to drop travel and tourism from the national curriculum at the level 3 stage. To lose the awareness and inspiration that our industry provides such wide-ranging prospects for so many young people, when they begin considering career options, is not in the economic interests of this country’’.

In contrast, 3,500 schools and educational establishments and over 4,500 teachers and educators now benefit from the real-time online delivery of the e-Learning provided by the GTTP Portal, across 16 regional offices spread across the world.

Travel is, after all, one of the biggest contributors towards employment and economic growth in the world and by harnessing the power of collaboration, GTTP and Equator Global along with Travel Uni can together deliver tangible results in this crucial and diverse service industry.

To date, GTTP has educated more than 3 million students worldwide in travel and tourism. In the past year alone more than 700,000 students have benefitted from the programme, more than 3,500 schools have taught the programme and over 4,600 teachers have been trained to deliver the partnership’s courses to young students aged 16-19 years old.

Industry Partners include: Amadeus, American Express GBT, Marriott, The Travel Corporation, IHG and WTTC.

Equator Global is the largest travel trade training and engagement company specialising in creating bespoke marketing and training portals for destinations, hotel groups, cruise companies, attractions, airlines and the full range of travel suppliers. Over 60 clients include ABTA, Switzerland, Egypt, Thailand, New York, Italy, Korea, Sandals Resorts, Jumeirah Group and many others.

Travel Uni, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the biggest global community of frontline sales staff and management in travel agents, tour operators, OTAs, home working networks. Numbering over 320,000 members, with over 100,000 in the UK/I alone the company provides trade marketing, engagement, and training and in over 70 countries. Members primarily book holiday and leisure trips with over 70% booking luxury trips and over 60% booking cruises. The platform includes over 80 training courses and over 200 webinars entirely free to the user.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6617/Global-Travel-and-Tourism-Partnership-doubles-e-Learning-engagement

New track to Vaishno Devi closed amid adverse weather conditions, Katra receives highest rainfall in over 40 years

 Due to inclement weather conditions, the new track leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine has been closed, as confirmed by a police official. Nevertheless, the yatra, a pilgrimage to the shrine, is proceeding smoothly via the old track.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Amit Gupta, stated, “The new track to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine has been closed due to inclement weather conditions, while the chopper service to the shrine is also suspended in Reasi district today. Yatra going on from the old track smoothly.”

Amarnath Yatra 2023: All you need to know about the holy pilgrimage, route, timings & more
The Vaishno Devi yatra is an annual pilgrimage dedicated to the goddess Durga. On another note, heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered landslides in various areas, causing disruptions in the Amarnath Yatra, which has faced multiple halts due to adverse weather conditions.

Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine, received 315.4 mm rainfall, an all time high, a spokesperson of the meteorological department said. “This is the heaviest rainfall since 1980,” he said. The chopper and battery car service at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district was also suspended due to the inclement weather, the officials said.

The Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 1, will conclude on August 31 after a 62-day duration. According to an official statement, over 2,29,221 pilgrims have visited the Holy Cave in Amarnath since the commencement of the Yatra on July 1.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6621

Bali to impose IDR 150,000 (approx USD 10) tourist tax from 2024

 The Indonesian resort haven of Bali will impose a 150,000 rupiah (US$10) tax on tourists entering the ‘Island of Gods’ from next year to preserve its culture, officials said Wednesday. Tourist-dependent Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors annually and the beach-dotted island is trying to capitalise on its popularity to boost its coffers and protect its tropical allure. “The payment of a fee for foreign tourists applies only one time during their visit to Bali,” Governor I Wayan Koster told local lawmakers.

The fee will have to be paid electronically and will apply to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or from other parts of Indonesia, he said. The levy will not apply to domestic Indonesian tourists. More than two million tourists visited the island last year, according to official figures, as Bali rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic after imposing a zero-tolerance policy on rule-breakers. When asked if the new tax would deter visitors, Koster said authorities did not believe numbers would dip.

“It’s not a problem. We will use it for the environment, culture and we will build better quality infrastructure so travelling to Bali will be more comfortable and safe,” he told reporters. The palm-fringed hotspot has vowed a crackdown on misbehaving tourists after a spate of incidents that have included acts of disrespect to the predominantly Hindu island’s culture. Bali immigration deported a Danish woman last month after she was filmed flashing to the public while riding a motorbike. A Russian woman was also booted out of the island in April for posting a nude photo of herself in front of a sacred tree. In June, the local government published a guide for tourists who wish to visit Bali after being pressed to do so by the island’s immigration office.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6591

Pandemic over, people on travel spree again: Survey

 With the Covid-19 pandemic subsiding, individuals are now planning trips abroad, and according to a survey conducted by a private insurance company, Dubai, Maldives, Singapore, and Switzerland are the most-preferred destinations. The survey also found that people are willing to spend more on longer trips.

The survey, conducted by Acko, aimed to understand the travel behavior, patterns, and preferences of Indian travelers in seven major cities. It revealed that 60% of the 1,000 respondents are planning a trip abroad in 2023. The top choices for international destinations were Dubai (25%), Maldives (24%), Singapore (21%), Switzerland (18%), and Bali (15%). It also indicated that 31% of the respondents plan to take more international trips with longer durations, while almost 48% are budgeting more for overseas trips.

Regarding domestic destinations, Goa was found to be the most preferred, with 29% of the respondents planning a visit to the coastal state. Himachal Pradesh (26%), Kerala (22%), Uttarakhand (20%), and Rajasthan (20%) were also popular choices.
The survey also revealed an interest in adventure trips, with one in every three respondents expressing a strong desire to embark on such journeys. Scenic destinations, whether mountains or seaside locations, were equally appealing. Shopping and gastronomic holidays were among the other travel trends observed.

In terms of budgeting, 72% of respondents planning international trips allocated up to Rs 6 lakh, while 55% of those planning domestic travel allocated less than Rs 1 lakh for a trip.
The survey showed that most respondents planned social holidays, including trips with friends, partners, and immediate family members. Only 14% of respondents intended to travel alone.
The importance of travel insurance was also highlighted, as nearly 67% of respondents felt it was a necessity, especially for overseas travel. Approximately 62% of respondents were aware that travel insurance covers medical emergencies, and almost half knew that it also covers lost baggage. The top priority for Indian travelers when choosing travel insurance was medical and accident coverage (38%), followed by trip emergency and trip flexibility cover.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6578/Pandemic-over-people-on-travel-spree-again-Survey