Category: Destinations

Taliban are training Afghans in hospitality with eye on tourism sector: Will you visit the country?

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

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Afghanistan has some of the most scenic terrains in the world, snowcapped mountains, lush green valleys, flowing rivers and rare animals are some of the that have not been witnessed by the outside world. To attract travellers to the country, the Taliban have launched initiatives to familiarise people with hospitality according to AP.

In Kabul, a diverse group of around 30 men, including a 17-year-old with no prior job experience, have enrolled in the Taliban-operated institute to learn about tourism, aiming to showcase a different facet of Afghanistan.

Despite its pariah status on the global stage due to restrictions on women and economic challenges, the number of foreign tourists in Afghanistan has surged, reaching 7,000 in 2023, up from 691 in 2021, AP reported.

Also read: Will you dare visit this high-risk country for its one-of-a-kind tourist attractions?

The news agency quoted Mohammad Saeed, head of Kabul’s Tourism Directorate as saying that China constitutes a significant portion of the tourist market, drawn by Afghanistan’s unique appeal compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan.

However, obstacles persist, including visa restrictions, severed diplomatic ties with multiple countries, and an inadequate transport infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Saeed remains optimistic, aiming for a visa-on-arrival system and enhanced air connectivity with major tourist markets. The Taliban leadership shares this vision, signaling support for Afghanistan’s potential as a tourism destination.

The institute’s students, driven by aspirations ranging from showcasing Afghanistan’s beauty on social media to launching hospitality ventures, undergo training in subjects like Afghan culture and interacting with foreign visitors.

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Yet, the absence of women at the institute highlights the persistent gender gap and restrictions faced by women under Taliban rule, reflecting broader concerns about women’s rights and freedom in the country.

As Afghanistan prepares to attract travellers, efforts are being made by the Taliban to cater to foreign tourists, such as reopening facilities at the country’s only five-star hotel for women travellers. As tour operators look to cater to all types of travellers, they suggest that visitors should respect practices that support local communities while navigating the complex political landscape of Afghanistan. Despite the challenges, there are some who are hopeful that Afghanistan can leverage its cultural heritage and showcase its natural beauty to attract tourists. Although there are numerous concerns, it remains to be seen, if average travellers will consider setting foot in the troubled country.

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

Tourists flock to Northeast India, another destination sees rise in footfalls

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

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Another destination in Northeast India witnessed a rise in tourist arrivals in 2023. The Mizoram State Tourism Department reported a robust influx of tourists last year, with over 196,000 visitors, including domestic and foreign travellers.

Among the total tourist count, 1,93,445 were domestic tourists, while 3,435 were foreigners, with Americans comprising the largest group. Visitors from countries like Japan, Australia, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom also explored Mizoram’s attractions. Northeast India is becoming a hub for tourists, with Sikkim witnessing record number of tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024.

The year 2022-23 witnessed a notable increase in tourist footfalls compared to the previous years, despite minimal activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021-22, the state welcomed 1.32 lakh. Mizoram attracts travellers for its breathtaking landscapes, encompassing rolling hills, tranquil valleys, and majestic waterfalls, along with rich flora and fauna.

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Popular tourist destinations in Mizoram include Reiek Tlang, Vantawng Falls, Phawngpui peak, Hmuifang Tlang, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary, Murlen National Park, and Tamdil Lake, which showcase the state’s natural and cultural diversity. In August 202, tourism Mizoram embraced a ‘responsible’ tourism policy that focuses on sustainable development, community empowerment, and environmental conservation.

The policy aims to make tourism the backbone for local development, poverty alleviation and generating livelihood. Additionally, recent regulatory changes have simplified travel procedures for foreigners, with the suspension of the Protected Area Permit requirement for most visitors. However, foreign tourists are still required to register at the Foreigner Registration Office in Aizawl within 24 hours of arrival, ensuring compliance with legal formalities and enhancing overall tourism experience in Mizoram.

(With inputs from PTI)

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

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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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.

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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.

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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%).

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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