Category: Destinations

India eases advisory for Indians travelling to Iran, Israel as conflict in West Asia de-escalates

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

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India has eased a travel advisory for its citizens journeying to Iran and Israel amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Citing developments in airspace policies, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that both the countries “have opened their airspace,” PTI reported. Jaiswal urged Indian nationals to exercise vigilance while visiting these nations and to maintain contact with the Indian Embassy.

The advisory, issued on May 3, follows heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, triggered by an alleged Israeli airstrike on a building on the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus on April 1.

The strike resulted in the death of seven individuals, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on April 13.

Also read | Booking says room reservations to slow amid Middle-East conflict

What followed was the advisory issued by India urging all Indians to refrain from traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice. It also advised Indians residing in these countries to register with Indian embassies and exercise caution for their safety.

India has communicated its concerns directly to both Iran and Israel. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed India’s message during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahin and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.

The easing of the travel advisory comes amid efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel. There has been a noticeable decrease in tensions between the two countries, which is reason behind the relaxation of airspace restrictions. Additionally, Israel has expressed a desire to ease travel restrictions due to plans to hire thousands of Indian construction workers. However, the earlier advisory had disrupted travel plans for over 6,000 Indian workers expected to be sent to Israel in April.

Also read | Tehran to issue visa on arrival to Indian tourists: Check the top 10 places to visit in Iran

There have also been appeals from Indian citizens in Iran for the easing of travel restrictions, particularly students wishing to return to India. These developments underscore India’s nuanced approach to navigating tensions in the region while ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.

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

Soon, high-speed boats will reduce travel time to Lakshadweep from mainland India to just seven hours

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

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Lakshadweep is slowly becoming one of India’s most sought-after beach destinations, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s holiday on the scenic islands at the start of the year. The islands can be reached via a two-and-half hour flight from Bengaluru or a 5-hour flight from Mumbai via Bengaluru. However, travellers can now take a highspeed boat from Mangaluru to reach Lakshadweep in just seven hours. Yes, you read that right!

The time to travel from Mangaluru to Lakshdweep has been reduced from the earlier 13 hours to just seven thanks to the high-speed vessel “Parali”, which recently completed a trip from Lakshadweep Islands to the Mangaluru old port in just seven hours.

The vessel took five hours less to complete the trip from the previous 13-hour journey, as part of an experimental run. Passengers aboard HSC Parali were happy with the experience, while PTI reported that they were happy about the enhanced speed and smoother ride compared to previous vessels, which were cargo carriers modified to cater to passenger transport.

Also read: Planning a trip to Lakshadweep islands? Here are things to explore while on a holiday

The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority, established under the Central Tourism Ministry, plans to commence regular tourist liner services between Mangaluru and Lakshadweep following several trial runs. However, concerns remain about the sea conditions during the monsoon season. Moreover, efforts are being made to upgrade facilities at the arrival point in Kadmatt, which is the nearest port to mainland India, in anticipation of increased tourist traffic.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep earlier this year, initiatives have been undertaken to improve connectivity between the mainland cities of Kochi and Mangaluru and the island territory. This endeavour aims to facilitate various forms of tourism, including eco-tourism in the Western Ghats, educational tours, healthcare tourism, and recreational activities for residents of Lakshadweep.

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The archipelago of Lakshadweep including 36 islands has over 32 square kilometres of land surrounded by a 4,200 square kilometre lagoon that boasts a rich marine ecosystem and cultural heritage.

PTI quoted sources from Lakshadweep’s administration as saying that efforts are being made to minimise the environmental impact of coastal tourism while ensuring sustainable development. The introduction of passenger vessels like the M.V. Aminidevi has opened up new avenues for tourism, particularly benefiting travellers from Begaluru, Mysuru, Panaji, and Mumbai who can now conveniently depart from Mangaluru to explore Lakshadweep.

Tourism authorities have introduced modern facilities on three islands closer to Mangalore to enhanced tourist convenience. Activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and culinary experiences await visitors at Kadmatt. With the hope of attracting tourists from Bengaluru, special weekend packages have been devised to offer a rejuvenating getaway at affordable prices.

Previously, only cargo ships serviced the route between the mainland and Lakshadweep.

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Air India announces direct flights from Delhi to Zurich; details here

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

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Air India has announced a non-stop flight between Delhi and Zurich starting June 16. This will mark the Tata Group-owned carrier’s entry in Switzerland and takes its total number of cities served in mainland Europe to seven.

Air India will use its two-class configured Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to fly on the new European route for four days every week. These include Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

This new service is expected to provide people in Switzerland, along with those in southern Germany and western Austria a non-stop option to travel to Delhi, besides further connecting to other destinations across Air India’s rising route network, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia, a statement read.

As per the schedule shared by the airline, its flight AI151 will depart from Delhi at 1405 hrs and arrive in Zurich at 1915 hrs. Besides that, AI152 will depart Zurich at 2050 hrs and land in Delhi at 0805 hrs the next day.

This schedule allows travellers to conveniently connect to the company’s flights from the national capital to various popular destinations like Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Melbourne, Phuket, Singapore, and Sydney, among others.

“This new route strengthens the ties between India and Switzerland, which are not only major trading partners but also boast a vibrant exchange of people. With over 250 Swiss companies operating in India, hundreds of Indian companies in Switzerland, and a growing Indian diaspora of nearly 18,000, these flights will cater to a strong demand for business and leisure travel in both directions,” Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson said.

Wilson further stated that Switzerland, which has been a consistently top-ranking European destination for tourists in India, “will now be even more accessible, with these flights further solidifying the economic and cultural bridges between the two nations.”

At present, Air India operates 60 weekly flights to and from six cities in mainland Europe. These include Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna.

“The scenic landscapes of Switzerland await you this summer. Set your for this vibrant city, where the eternal Zurich Lake meets the majestic Alps. Discover Zurich with 4x weekly non-stop connectivity from Delhi, starting 16th June,” Air India wrote on social media site X.

The scenic landscapes of Switzerland await you this summer. Set your for this vibrant city, where the eternal Zurich Lake meets the majestic Alps.

Discover Zurich with 4x weekly non-stop connectivity from Delhi, starting 16th June.

Bookings are now open. Head over to the Air… pic.twitter.com/sp7Rzc6RxI

— Air India (@airindia) May 3, 2024

It further said that bookings for direct flights to Zurich are being opened across different channels, including the Air India website, its mobile app as well as via travel agents and online travel agents.

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India denies involvement of any company in unauthorised visa processing at Sri Lanka’s Colombo airport

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

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The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has dismissed local media reports claiming that aprivate company from India was involved in unauthorised visa issuance at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. The High Commission of India clarified that no Indian firms were involved in the providing visa on arrival services at the airport.

It addressed concerns raised on social media and emphasised that the companies mentioned in the reports were neither based in India nor were of Indian origin.

Sri Lanka’s Immigration authorities claimed that they had regained control of the Visa on Arrival counters at Colombo International Airport after an alleged incident involving the Indian company. However, senior immigration department official Jayasinghe Bandara told PTI that the company faced challenges in executing smooth operations as no trial runs were performed, which left passengers dissatisfied with the service.

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In October 2024, the Sri Lankan Cabinet had approved the policy to issue free tourist visas to travellers from India and six other countries. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said on October 24, 2023, that efforts were being made to rebuild the debt-trapped island nation’s tourism sector. He added that under the pilot project, free visas will be applicable until March 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, in an unverified video that went viral on social media, a Sri Lankan was reportedly seen confronting company officials over alleged refusal of entry visa for his foreign national wife. CNBC-TV18 could not independently verify the report or the alleged video.

Also read: Sri Lanka looks to thank Indian tourists by extending visa exemption beyond March 2024

The Sri Lankan national, then consulted with authorities and alleged that an Indian was denying rights to Sri Lankan citizens to enter the country. PTI reported that Sri Lankan authorities resumed operations at the counters and said that protocols were in place and only the prescribed visa will be levied on tourists, eliminating additional charges allegedly imposed by the Indian firm on tourists from various countries, including those eligible for free visas under Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion initiative.

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

Air India deploys its first Airbus A350 aircraft on Delhi-Dubai route

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

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Tata Group-owned Air India launched its A350 aircraft service on international routes, marking its debut with the first Delhi-Dubai flight on May 1. The airline plans to expand the deployment of its wide-body plane on additional overseas routes in the coming months.

Presently, the carrier operates a daily service connecting Delhi and Dubai, featuring a three-class cabin configuration, accommodating 316 seats.

According to a statement released on Thursday, Air India commenced flights on the Delhi-Dubai route with the A350-900 plane, making it the sole airline to deploy this aircraft between India and Dubai. According to reports, the airline will extend A350 operations on the London route by November.

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In future, the airline intends to introduce the A350 aircraft on more international routes, augmenting its fleet capacity. With the induction of A350 planes into its fleet this year, Air India signaled its enhancing both domestic and international flight services. Currently, the airline operates 72 weekly flights to Dubai from five Indian cities, including 32 flights originating from Delhi.

Recently, Air India extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 15 amid tensions in the Middle East. On April 19, the airline said Tel Aviv flights will remain suspended until April 30. It operates four weekly flights between Delhi and Israeli capital.

In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, Air India said it has extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv to May 15. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers who have confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges,” the airline said.

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

Singapore eyes cruise service as it looks to cross pre-Covid visitor arrivals from India

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

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The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is making efforts this year to ensure tourist footfalls from India return to pre-Covid levels 2019. The board will focus on family, corporate and film tourism segments, a senior official told PTI. Markus Tan, regional director for India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa at STB said, “It’s not difficult to achieve [pre-Covid levels of tourist arrivals from India] given the increase in the number of Indian passport holders, the [income] rise of the middle class and strong connectivity between the two countries.”

The tourism board has plans to attract business travellers, young adults, and cruise passengers, given it is looking to collaborate with Disney Adventure ship for an exclusive cruise product home-ported from Singapore starting in 2025. Tan expressed optimism, saying, “We hope to launch our first product next year.”

Also read: Indian tourists visiting Singapore for leisure travel on the rise

To achieve its goal of returning to pre-Covid tourist arrivals from India, STB is working with trade partners, media relations, and influencers. Recognising Bollywood’s influence in generating interest in destinations, STB is engaging with production houses for collaborations to showcase Singapore to Indian audiences.

Highlighting that there is direct and indirect air connectivity between Singapore and 17 Indian cities, Tan stressed that this will boost Indian footfalls to the Garden City in 2024. Singapore ranks India as the fifth largest source market for tourism, with substantial spending by Indian visitors contributing significantly to the tourism sector.

As global travel recovers, STB is targeting an 84% recovery of pre-Covid levels for international visitor arrivals in 2024.

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The STB is also directing attention towards attracting business travelers, young adults, and cruise passengers, with plans to collaborate with Disney Adventure ship for an exclusive cruise product home-ported from Singapore starting in 2025. Tan expressed optimism, saying, “We hope to launch our first product next year.”

To achieve the goal of returning to pre-Covid numbers from India, STB has intensified efforts through various channels including trade partners, media relations, campaigns, social media programmes, and influencers. Furthermore, recognizing Bollywood’s significant influence in generating interest in destinations, STB is actively engaging with production houses for collaborations to showcase Singapore to Indian audiences.

Highlighting the robust air connectivity between India and Singapore, Tan noted, “With so many Indian cities (17) connected with Singapore, there will be a boost in Indian travellers visiting the Garden City in 2024.” Singapore ranks India as the fifth largest source market for tourism, with substantial spending by Indian visitors contributing significantly to the tourism sector.

As global travel recovery progresses, STB remains optimistic about tourism growth, targeting around 78% to 84% of pre-Covid levels for international visitor arrivals in 2024. Tan concluded, “Looking at the growth in the tourism sector in India, this year we hope that these rankings will continue.”

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

Going to Ayodhya from Bhagalpur? How about taking a catamaran

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

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Footfalls are increasing every day in Ayodhya after Ram Mandir was opened to the public on January 23. The temple is attracting 1 to 1.5 lakh visitors per day and this will go up as more and more people are planning to reach Ayodhya by road, rail and flights.

People of Bhagalpur used to take road or rail to reach the holy city. Soon they have another option, a cruise liner, which will make it easier for them to reach Ayodhya. Thanks to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for making this cruise service possible.

The journey from Bhagalpur to Ayodhya is about 2,300 km, it will take five days to cover the distance.

The IWAI cruise, which has been designed on the lines of the metro train, will cover not only Ayodhya but also many other pilgrim cities like Varanasi, Mathura and Guwahati. The ferry will come to Doriganj in Hajipur via Ghaghra.

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From here, it will go via Patna, Bhagalpur, Bateshwar, Diamond Harbor, Gangasagar, and Puri via Ganga. This journey will be completed in five days.

IWAI director LK Rajak said that a trial run has been conducted successfully. During the trial, the catamaran came to Farakka Barrage via Hooghly River in Waterways-1 via Diamond Harbor via the sea, again from here it went to Ayodhya via Bateshwar Sthan, Bhagalpur, Patna, Hajipur via Ghaghra River.

The cruise has been named Catamaran Metro and it’s equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. He said that the Catamaran Metro can also be called a water metro.

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This electric catamaran has been designed on the lines of the metro service and is powered by fast-charging batteries. The green vessel will promote religious tourism in the state.

The IWAI has held talks with a company to start a cruise service, Rajak said and added that soon people can start booking on the catamaran service.

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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

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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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

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)

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