Category: Destinations

This destination in Northeast India has witnessed record-breaking tourist arrivals in 2024 so far

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Parts of Northeast India have been embroiled in violence for a while now, with the situation escalating in May 2023 following ethnic violence in the state of Manipur. Despite instability in the scenic region, the state of Sikkim has witnessed record footfalls, thanks to the culture, weather and scenic locales of the hilly areas. In the first quarter of 2024, Sikkim experienced an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals, according to official data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

Until March 31, 2024, Sikkim welcomed a staggering 2,90,401 tourists, including 2,56,537 domestic visitors and 30,864 foreigners. This surge in arrivals has been attributed to the recovery made in Sikkim’s hospitality sector, which suffered greatly due to the devastating flash floods in October 2023.

The calamity claimed dozens of 40 lives, leading to a significant decline in tourist arrivals. However, early trends emerging in 2024 suggest that Sikkim would regain its status as a premier tourist destination, reports suggest.

Also read: 12 destinations you must visit in Northeast India for a cool summer vacation

However, the economic impact of tourism on the state is significant, with the industry estimated to have generated over Rs 500 crore in revenue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sikkim Tourism Department website. As tourist numbers continue to rise, this figure is expected to witness a sizeable increase, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

There are 1,725 travel agencies catering to tourists looking to visit the state, with a total of 38,208 beds to accommodate the influx of travellers.

Also read: Planning a monsoon holiday in Kullu, Kedarnath, Sikkim or Mumbai? Read this first

According to Tourism Sikkim data, ther has been a consistent upward trend in tourist arrivals over the past decade. Starting from 576,749 visitors in 2013, the numbers surged to a peak of 1,625,573 in 2023. With a promising start in 2024, projections indicate a potential milestone of 1.2 million tourists by year-end if the current growth rate persists.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Japan erects 8-foot wall to ward off tourists trying to take perfect image of Mount Fuji

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A charming town in Japan is taking drastic action to address the issue of overtourism as travellers flock a bustling convenience store to get the perfect photo spot of the iconic Mount Fuji.

Fujikawaguchiko, nestled at the base of the Yoshida Trail leading to Mount Fuji, has been overwhelmed by the influx of foreign visitors vying for snapshots of Japan’s iconic peak. Particularly popular is a viewpoint outside Lawson’s, a convenience store, offering a striking contrast between its neon-lit facade and the serene backdrop of the scenic mountain.

Faced with mounting issues of littering and disregard for traffic regulations despite repeated warnings and the presence of security personnel, local authorities have decided to install a large mesh barrier to obstruct the view, a CNN report reveals.

Also read: Misbehaving tourists force authorities in Japan to shut alleys of renowned geisha district

The decision to resort to such measures reflects the town’s frustration with the situation. An unnamed official lamented the necessity of the action, citing ongoing challenges with tourist behavior.

The mesh barrier, towering eight feet high and stretching 66 feet across, is scheduled for installation early next week, marking a symbolic effort to reclaim control over the town’s environment.

Located in Yamanashi prefecture, Fujikawaguchiko lies to the north of Mount Fuji, approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tokyo. The town’s plight is emblematic of broader overtourism issues plaguing Japan since its reopening post-pandemic in late 2022.

Also read: As tourists flock to Japan, Tokyo to get a new immersive shopping and dining hotspot

March 2024 witnessed record-breaking tourism figures, with over three million foreign visitors entering the country, exacerbating the strain on Mount Fuji’s fragile ecosystem. The influx of tourists, drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage site, has led to environmental degradation and littering, prompting concerns among local authorities.

Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi prefectural government official, highlighted overtourism as a pressing issue, describing it as the primary challenge confronting Mount Fuji. The mountain, revered as a national symbol, has sadly earned the moniker “trash mountain” due to the accumulation of waste left behind by careless visitors.

In response, Yamanashi’s prefectural government has implemented measures to mitigate overcrowding, including a daily hiker limit of 4,000 individuals and the enforcement of a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen ($13) per person, previously optional.

The decision to erect a barrier echoes similar actions taken elsewhere, such as in the Austrian town of Hallstatt, which faced a surge in tourism attributed to its resemblance to the animated film “Frozen”. In May 2023, Hallstatt installed a wooden fence to deter selfie-takers amidst concerns over unsustainable tourism practices.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Can spiritual tourism outshine hotspots like Goa and Agra? Govt projections suggests so

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Religious tourism destinations such as Varanasi and Ayodhya are poised to overshadow traditional tourist favorites like Goa and Agra, recent insights shared by the Tourism Ministry shows. Varanasi, boosted by projects like the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in tourism, leading to a significant rise in visitor numbers post-COVID.

Data shared by the Centre highlighted the appeal of spiritual sites, with Varanasi drawing in 8.5 crore tourists in 2023, Prayagraj hosting 4.5 crore visitors, and Ayodhya’s Ram temple attracting over 1.5 crore pilgrims since its consecration, which took place in February 2024. Going by the trend, Varanasi is likely to surpass established tourist hubs like Goa, Agra and Shimla.

Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism in Uttar Pradesh, atttibuted the boom in tourism to initiatives like the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and highlighted the shift in perception, wherein temples are evolving as must-visit destinations.

Varanasi’s rise as a tourism hotspot is evident in its visitor numbers, which surged from 2 crore in 2019 to 8.2 core in 2022.

Also read: A $10 billion makeover of Ayodhya — How Ram Mandir will unlock India’s tourism potential

Moreover, industry projections paint a promising picture for religious tourism, forecasting a revenue of Rs 5,900 crore by 2028. To bolster the sector, the central government has allocated Rs 5,294 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, funding projects across popular religious circuits like the Buddhist, Ramayana, and Krishna circuits.

Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism’s PRASHAD scheme aims to enhance the experience of pilgrimages by developing and promoting sacred sites nationwide.

Earlier, CNBC-TV18 cited a MakeMyTrip trend report, which highlighted religious tourism taking center stage in India, with Ayodhya, Ujjain and Badrinath were among top searched destinations. In one such revelation, MakeMyTrip Insights unveiled a remarkable 97% surge in searches for spiritual destinations on its platform over the last two years (CY23 Vs CY21). Among the celestial hotspots, Ayodhya emerges as the reigning star, experiencing an astonishing 585% growth in searches.

Also read: Decoding the most popular temple towns of India and the accompanying tourist economy

However, Ayodhya was not the only destination that people have on their minds; it’s part of a broader surge in pilgrimage interest. The top 10 destinations witnessing substantial growth in searches include Ujjain (359%), Badrinath (343%), Amarnath (329%), Kedarnath (322%), Mathura (223%), Dwarkadhish (193%), Shirdi (181%), Haridwar (117%), and Bodh Gaya (114%).

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030 to ensure emirate’s sustainable growth as a global destination

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.

The Tourism Strategy 2030 initiative seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030.

The Strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options.

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution. Delivered alongside our key partners, the Strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture, and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations.”

A member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is a prominent Emirati leader overseeing the growth of Abu Dhabi’s cultural, entertainment, real estate, and tourism sectors.

In 2016, His Excellency was appointed the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), where he oversees the preservation of the emirate’s heritage and history whilst inspiring its dynamic, world-leading approach to creating a recognised cultural capital, where culture is a driver of social and economic development.

AI Mubarak is accountable for ensuring that Abu Dhabi is a top-of-mind destination for all leisure and business travelers, growing Abu Dhabi’s MICE share, and partnering with global IPs to bring the best of international entertainment to the emirate as well as high profile sporting events including F1, NBA, and UFC.

One of the major achievements in Al Mubarak’s journey at DCT Abu Dhabi is the development of Saadiyat Cultural District – a curated destination for inspiration, artistic expression and cultural dialogue, that is currently home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and once finished will house, Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

Al Mubarak serves as Chairman of Aldar Properties PJSC, the leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi responsible for some of the most iconic landmarks and pioneering architecture in the emirate, including residential, commercial, and retail assets.

Al Mubarak is Chairman of Miral, the leading creator of immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, where he has led the transformation of key areas within the emirate, including Yas Island, and has developed strategic partnerships such as the one established with Warner Bros. World Abu DhabiTM.

Al Mubarak is the President of the Abrahamic Family House and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, where he is joined by international religious leaders, educational scholars, and cultural leaders across the world, to support and spread the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Al Mubarak serves as Vice-Chair on the Foundation Board of ALIPH, the international alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas.

Al Mubarak is a graduate of Northeastern University (Boston, USA), with a double major in Economics and Political Science.

Fostering sustainable growth across four strategic pillars

To achieve the Strategy’s goals, 26 key initiatives have been identified across four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations. These initiatives are key to realizing ambitious tourism targets and ensuring sustainable sectoral growth.

The initiatives will be unlocked through the collective vision of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other key government and private stakeholders, who play a strategic role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.

The first pillar, Offering and City Activation, aims to enhance guest experiences with new cultural sites, theme parks, retail options, and hotels. It will also diversify dining with culinary schools and training programs.

Simultaneously, DCT Abu Dhabi will expand Promotion and Marketing efforts from 11 to 26 markets, fostering synergy within Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem and forming global partnerships to create targeted content.

The Infrastructure and Mobility pillar of the Strategy will expand hotel room availability, including accessible and luxury options, glamping, and farm stays. Collaborations will enhance roads, public transport, and infrastructure, simplifying travel and increasing flight seat capacity.

Streamlined Visa, Licensing, and Regulation processes, in collaboration with government agencies, will improve the visitor experience and ease of doing business, attracting investment.

Building on the success of 2023

In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector flourished, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors, with a 27% increase in hotel guests and a 54% rise in international visitors, contributing approximately AED 49 billion to the UAE’s GDP.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi attracted a surge of international travelers, led by key markets such as India, Russia, the UK, China, and Saudi Arabia. With over 150 vibrant events, pristine beaches, and rich landscapes, the emirate’s culture also played a pivotal role. Historical sites like Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr al Watan, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque drew over 8.7 million visitors. Museums, cultural festivals, and art exhibitions thrived, with record attendance at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi exhibition showcasing diverse offerings.

Business tourism saw a 44% increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, attracting nearly a million delegates (960,000) to 2,477 events. This boosted the food and beverage sector with a 21% revenue increase. Major entertainment events like the MOTN Festival and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, alongside cultural celebrations like the Al Hosn Festival and the Liwa Festival, solidified Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leisure and tourism hub.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

Click here to to learn more about the Tourism Strategy 2030.

Note: This is a partnered post.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Indian Railways to operate record 9,000 plus train trips as massive travel rush expected this summer

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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To accommodate an increasing number of travellers seeking summer getaways, the Indian Railways has announced a significant surge in train operations this season. With a remarkable 43% increase compared to last year. The Railways Ministry said that a record 9,111 train trips are slated to run during the summer period.

This rise from the 6,369 train trips offered in the summer of 2023 will meet passenger demands effectively. The additional trains have been strategically planned to connect key destinations across the country, facilitating seamless travel on major railway routes.

Taking cognisance of the anticipated surge in travel demand during summer, Indian Railways is operating 9,000+Summer Special Train trips to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers.

Read: https://t.co/5gi3Kt0c0w pic.twitter.com/K86Ey6BsIn

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 19, 2024

Leading the pack, the Western Railways will operate the highest number of trips at 1,878, followed by the North Western Railway at 1,623 trips.

Also read: First train to longest route, 5 facts about Indian Railways

Anticipating the summer travel rush, all zonal railways have geared up to operate these additional trips, catering to passengers from various states across India.

The ministry, which continuously monitors passenger demand through various channels including media reports, social media platforms, and helpline services, ensures dynamic adjustments to the number of trains and trips throughout the season.

Also read: India starts working on indigenous bullet train with speeds exceeding 250 km per hour

In addition to expanding train services, the ministry has directed zonal railways to ensure the availability of drinking water at railway stations and has implemented elaborate crowd control measures to regulate passenger flow effectively. With the deployment of RPF personnel and the coordination of GRP and RPF at foot-over bridges, Indian Railways aims to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for all passengers during the summer season.

Tickets for these additional trains can be booked through railway ticket counters or the IRCTC website/app.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow