Tag: Tourism

People in Maldives miss Indian tourists; are sorry and urge them to return amid diplomatic row

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

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As Indian tourists continue to skip Maldives, the number of arrivals from the country has declined by 33% amid the diplomatic row with the Island nation and India has now dropped to the 6th spot on visitor rankings.

However, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who is currently in India, voiced his concerns about the ramifications of India’s boycott call against his nation, particularly in the context of tourism. He issued an apology on behalf of the Maldivian people and while speaking to ANI, emphasised the people’s wish for Indian tourists to continue visiting the country.

Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives peaked after President Mohamed Muizzu, who is often perceived as pro-China, announced plans to expel all Indian military troops from the nation by March 10. The move heightened tensions between the two nations and prompted a boycott call from the Indian side, which hurt several sectors, most notably tourism, which is vital to Maldives’ economy.

Also read: Bollywood stars urge fans not to explore Lakshadweep and other destinations in India

Highlighting the impact of the boycott call on the Maldives, Nasheed said, “It has impacted the Maldives a lot, and I am actually here in India. I am very worried about this. I want to say the people of the Maldives are sorry, we are sorry that this has happened. We want Indian people to come on their holidays to the Maldives, and there will not be any change in our hospitality.”

He lauded the quick action taken by the current President of Maldives in removing those that trigerred the diplomatic row, which led to the boycott call from India.

“I think, these matters must be ironed out, and we must revert to change course and go back to our usual relationship,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed spoke about the historical ties between the two nations and highlighted India’s responsible approach during past challenges.

“When the president of the Maldives wanted Indian military personnel to leave, you know what India did? They did not twist their arms. They did not display muscle, but just simply told the government of Maldives, ‘Okay, let’s have a discussion on that’.”

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

About recent discussions over the Dornier flight and helicopters, Nasheed  urged Muizzu to cease such talks.

“It’s very unfortunate that President Muizzu had these discussions. I would call him to please stop these discussions on the Dornier flight and the helicopters. They were brought to the Maldives for medical evacuation, and there is a need for medical evacuation. Our islands are far-flung, and we don’t have developed hospitals on every island. So, there is very often a need to bring a patient to Male, and to do that quickly would be by air, so we need that,” Nasheed said.

Talking about the recently signed defence agreement between Maldives and China, he added, “I don’t think it’s a defence agreement. I think that Muizzu wanted to buy some equipment, mainly rubber bullets and tear gas. It is very unfortunate that the government thought that there was a need for more tear gas and more rubber bullets. Governance is not through the barrel of the gun.”

Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that misunderstandings could happen between nations and expressed optimism in resolving the dispute via diplomatic talks.

“Humanity is humanity. Diplomacy is diplomacy, and politics is politics. The whole world doesn’t always run with obligation…so if we have encountered such a situation, the solution will come through diplomacy only,” he said.

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

India is top inbound tourist market for Nepal in February 2024

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

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India has emerged as Nepal’s primary inbound tourist market in February, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) announced on March 2, signalling a gradual recovery for the tourism sector in the erstwhile Himalayan kingdom from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of the total 97,426 tourists that arrived in the country via air route last month, 25,578 were from India, making it the leading source of inbound tourism. China followed with 9,180 visitors, and the US came in third with 9,089 visitors, according to the data.

Thailand secured the fourth position with 4,799 inbound visitors, while the UK and Bangladesh ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, with 4,571 and 4,099 tourists each. Mani Lamichhane, Director of the NTB, noted that although the data reported over 25,000 Indian visitors in February, the actual number is likely higher due to a significant number of tourists arriving from India via land routes.

Also read: Over 10 lakh foreign tourists visited Nepal in 2023; maximum from India

In January, Nepal welcomed 18,041 visitors from India. The number of tourists arriving by air in Nepal in February marked a 33% increase from February 2023, when 73,255 visitors arrived. Compared to February 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw 102,423 tourist arrivals, the recovery rate was 95.12%, the NTB reported.

NTB Director Lamichhane expressed optimism about the recovery of Nepal’s tourism sector in 2024, citing the positive trend indicated by the February data. With the onset of the tourism season in March, he anticipates a significant increase in the number of visitor numbers next month.

In the first six months of 2023, Nepal also registered a significant increase in number of Indian tourists as 1,68,000 tourists from across the border visited the country by air compared to 97,313 visitors during the same period in 2022, official data showed.

Recently, Nepal announced that it would host its inaugural tourism conference aimed at showcasing the country as a secure and appealing destination for travellers from the LGBTQ+ community. Dubbed ‘Yatra 2 Happiness: First Rainbow Tourism International Conference‘, the two-day event is scheduled to be held on April 20-21 in Kathmandu.

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

Russia showcases tourism potentials for Indian travellers in Moscow

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

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Moscow Tourism is making its mark at South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2024) exhibition held in Greater Noida from February 22 to 24. The delegation of representatives from the Moscow City Tourism Committee and the Made in Moscow project team was one of the largest at the event, showcasing the vibrant tourism offerings of the Russian capital for Indian tourists.

Representatives from Moscow highlighted the city’s flagship projects, Moscow Estates festival which has garnered attention among international tourists for its immersive experiences. Moscow boasts a rich historical heritage, with over two thousand meticulously restored architectural marvels.

The Moscow Estates festival provides visitors an opportunity to delve into the history of these mansions through engaging activities like theatrical tours and masterclasses. This interactive approach to cultural heritage exploration is particularly appealing to younger audiences and families, offering them a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Also read: Russia offering unique experiences to attract Indian travellers

Another highlight of Moscow’s tourism offerings is the Moscow Tea Time project, which was showcased at the exhibition. Visitors got a chance to sample a variety of tea blends and learn about Moscow’s tea traditions at the travel trade show. The project, currently being held in Moscow hotels and restaurants, offers tea enthusiasts an experience to indulge in tea tasting every day from 4 pm to 7 pm.

“Moscow hosts over 350 vibrant cultural and entertainment events daily, catering to both young travellers and families alike. It is also a hub for international forums and congresses, attracting business travellers from around the globe,” said Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

As part of the SATTE business programme, the “Moscow +” project showcased interregional travel routes, catering to the preferences of foreign travellers, including those from India. Recognising the trend of combining visits to multiple cities in one trip, Moscow presented enticing tourist packages that seamlessly blend the charms of Moscow with other regions like St Petersburg and Tyumen.

Also read: This is why wealthy Russians and Indians are travelling to Dubai instead of Goa

In addition to its cultural and historical allure, Moscow also boasts a vibrant shopping scene. At the exhibition, the city showcased a diverse range of traditional souvenirs crafted by participants of the “Made in Moscow” project. Sixteen Moscow entrepreneurs presented a wide array of goods, from grooming cosmetics to vegetarian and vegan products, capturing the interest of Indian consumers.

The collaboration between Moscow and India extends beyond tourism to encompass business visits as well.

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

International Tourist Guide Day 2024: Theme, history and significance

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

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International Tourist Guide Day is celebrated on February 21 every year and serves as a vibrant tribute to the unsung heroes of travel — the tourist guides. Dedicated to the profession of tourist guides, the day provides an opportunity to highlight the profession on the world stage. These knowledgeable navigators work day and night weaving cultural tapestries and bridge continents and hearts.

It honours people around the world, working as tourist guides, transforming historical dates into vivid tales, decoding cryptic symbols, and making us walk through hidden gems.

International Tourist Guide Day 2024: History

Back in 1989, the International Tourist Guide Day was set in motion at the 3rd WFTGA Convention in Nicosia, Cyprus. The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) came into existence in 1985 as a non-profit organisation and has members from over 70 countries around the world, representing over two lakh tourist guides.

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WFTGA serves as the only global forum for tourist guides and is aimed at promoting tourist guides as the ambassadors of a region.

International Tourist Guide Day 2024: History

According to WFTGA, the theme for this year is ‘Tourist Guides; Our Guardians in Promoting and Encouraging Green Tourism’.

Sharing details about this year’s theme, the organisation said in a statement, “We believe that Tourist Guides are in the unique position to act as the green guardians in their respective sites and cities creating awareness of both the natural/geographical and man-made environments through their activities to tourists.”

International Tourist Guide Day 2024: Significance

This day is marked every year to recognise the contributions of tourist guides in the tourism industry and raise awareness about their importance in the modern world.

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Several WFTGA members look forward to observing this day by organising events to draw attention to the relevance and importance of the work of tourist guides and the tourism industry in general.

On this day several workshops and seminars on the topic of customer service, history, and sustainable tourism practices are organised.

This day does not merely celebrate a profession but provides an opportunity to honour the weavers of memories, who play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and facilitating travel experiences across the globe.

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

Maharashtra launches AI-powered chatbot to provide information about unique destinations

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

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Maharashtra Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan launched an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot (Number: +91 94038 78864) that will assist travellers by providing them with information on exploring the state’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions via their mobile phones.

The Maharashtra Tourism Department is looking to leverage its unique cultural, historical, and natural wonders to attract domestic and international visitors while promoting business and trade collaborations in the state. Maharashtra has been a sought-after destination among tourists thanks to the diverse landscape, vibrant cities, and rich heritage.

To boost footfalls at iconic landmarks such as the breathtaking hill stations of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves, and the serene beaches of Alibaug and Tarkarli, the chatbot would help answer questions about these destinations, things to experience, accommodations in the vicinity in English language. Overall, the chatbot will make planning a trip easier for tourists.

While inaugurating the chatbot, Mahajan said, “Seamless connectivity, from roadways to air routes, beckons travellers to explore our diverse landscapes. Varied accommodations, from luxury resorts to cosy homestays, which cater to all preferences. Embracing digital tools enriches visitor experiences and streamlines services.

Commenting on the initiatives by the state Tourism department, Jayshree Bhoj, Secretary, Department of Tourism said, “In Maharashtra, we treasure a tapestry of tourism treasures, from historical marvels to pristine beaches, all ingrained with our rich cultural heritage. As we stride towards 2024-2025 with aspirations of UNESCO recognition for 11 forts, we affirm our commitment to fostering tourism beyond mere travel.”

“Our Department of Tourism diligently crafts policies, amplifies promotions and nurtures diverse experiences in collaboration with stakeholders like MTDC and private players championing niche tourism. We envision a sustainable tourism ecosystem fueled by collaborative efforts and robust policies. Join us on this journey as we sculpt Maharashtra’s tourism narrative together, with an open invitation for valuable insights to shape our forthcoming comprehensive tourism policy,” she said.

(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

India’s largest winery expects to hit almost ₹100 crore in wine tourism this year

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

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After six straight quarters of double-digit growth, India’s largest winery Sula Vineyards saw a slowdown with only a 4% year-on-year rise in revenue in the October to December 2023 period.

“There’s been a little bit of a pause in the market, the market has been a bit soft. The third quarter was a bit soft in terms of FMCG as well as wine. But, I am happy to say that the fourth quarter is looking like it’s going to go back to the trend. Those are the early signs,” Rajeev Samant, MD and CEO, told CNBC-TV18 in a post-earnings chat on February 14.

Sula Vineyards’ wine segment, which houses premium brands such as Dindori and Rasa, reported a nearly 4% rise in revenue during the quarter. This is Sula’s biggest segment and accounts for 89% of the top line.

Sula is a premiumisation story, Samant said, adding that once again, the firm’s volume growth of elite and premium wines has been much higher than its economy and popular ones.

“It is really where the profits are, where we stand alone and unchallenged, and that is the ₹1,000 to around ₹1,500 space, where none of the other domestic players can compete with us…With no imported wines in this category, we have a 75% market share of the domestic wine space,” he said.

Sula Vineyards’ smaller wine tourism segment, logged a 16% rise in revenue as more people visited the company’s vineyards, located in the cities of Nashik and Bengaluru, especially over the long Christmas weekend.

The company is looking to end the year up at about ₹97-98 crore. “We were hoping to hit ₹100 crore but it’s been extremely strong and it continues even in Q4. So we have had just record-breaking days, one after the other,” the CEO added.

Reflecting on the wine tourism outlook, Samant said the firm has several new projects on the anvil and hopes to make related announcements soon. “The sky’s the limit for wine tourism because there’s such little on offer. Sula is the only player in town and we have the potential to do much more.”

Samant also said that the company is awaiting the fine print of the Maharashtra government’s wine industrial promotion scheme. While details are still awaited, he asserted that as Sula is the largest producer, it would be proportionately the largest beneficiary of the scheme

Watch the accompanying video for more

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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

EaseMyTrip forays into hospitality with a plan to open ₹100-crore 5 star hotel in Ayodhya

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

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EaseMyTrip is set to enter the hospitality business with the board of the online travel aggregator approving the proposal to open a five-star hotel in Ayodhya, close to the vicinity of Ram Temple, which was inaugurated on January 22.

The company said in a statement, “The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Easy Trip Planners Limited (“Company”) in its meeting held today, i.e., on February 11, 2024, has, inter alia considered and in-principally approved the proposal to open a 5-star hotel in Ayodhya which is less then 1Km from Shree Ram Mandir through an investment of an amount of up to ₹100 crores in Jeewani Hospitality Private Limited, a company under incorporation for 50% of the aggregate share capital of the said company on a fully diluted basis through swap i.e., fresh issuance of the Company’s own equity shares on preferential basis.”

Meanwhile, EaseMyTrip reported a 9.6 increase in net profit at ₹45.6 crore in the December quarter of FY24 up from ₹41.69 crore during the same period a year ago on the back of robust growth in travel demand.

Sequentially, the company’s profits dropped from ₹47 crore in the September quarter of FY24.

The travel aggregator reported a total income of ₹165 crore up 18% year-on-year (YoY) from ₹139.8 crore.

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

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

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

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Sri Lanka is likely to extend visa exemption status for Indian travellers beyond the earlier mentioned 31 March 2024 as a thank-you gesture for Indian passport holders as they helped boost the country’s economy following a political and economic crisis in the island nation. The move, according to Tourism and Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando, would ensure repeat travellers and would encourage more Indian tourists to experience the vibrant landscape of Sri Lanka.

In the first 11 months of 2023, the Sri Lankan tourism industry experienced significant growth, culminating in tourist arrivals totalling 1.27 million, generating $1.8 billion in revenue. Recent statistics from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicate a substantial 78.3% surge in tourism income from January to November 2023, compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

All through 2023, around 2.09 lakh Indian travellers visited Sri Lanka, followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese tourists at 1,87,118. In October 2023, Sri Lanka waived visas for Indian passport holders to boost tourism and pull the country out of a prolonged economic crisis.

After speaking at OTM in Mumbai on February 8, 2024, Fernando said in a post on X, “India is our number one source market and tourists from India helped our country on its path of recovery from the recent crisis we faced.” Sri Lanka facilitated visa-free entry for Indian travellers from December 2023 to March 31, 2024. “We are working on extending it beyond March. We want to make Sri Lanka an easily accessible destination for Indians, who can just walk into our country for a hassle-free holiday,” he said.

He added, “We are opening visa exemptions for more countries. However, we are working on extending this and India is on the top of the list of countries. I hope we will be able to grant India visa status,” he added. India is the number two source for Bali, and for the overall footfalls of the country, India is number six and with such a huge population, it provides a large market with great potential, he added.

The 3-day OTM in Mumbai saw over 1,600 exhibitors participating from 60 countries and 30 Indian states and Union Territories.

Meanwhile, in November 2023, Sri Lanka greeted 151,496 international tourists, representing the highest monthly influx for the year. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority highlighted the importance of tourism as a leading foreign revenue source, reporting cumulative tourist arrivals of 1.27 million until November 2023.

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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

Will Iran’s visa-free regime for Indian travellers deter chances of getting a US visa?

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

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Iran announced its visa-waiver programme for Indian travellers on February 4, where tourists from India entering the country by air will get a visa on arrival for stay up to a maximum of 15 days.

Many are concerned whether they would be denied a US visa if they have an Iran entry stamp on their passport. It’s a question that often resurfaces on different forums given the volatility in the relationship between US and Iran.

The US has imposed various sanctions on Iran, to varying degrees, since 1979. These include restricted access to the US for people engaged in commercial activities in Iran.

The recent exchange of strikes in the Red Sea between the Houthis of Yemen (backed by the Iranian establishment) — in support of Palestinians and against Israel — and the US have led to the possibility of increased hostility between Washington DC and Tehran.

More than 1.4 million Indians visited the US in 2023. On the other hand, 31,000 people from India went to Iran in the first six months of 2023, according to data the Iranian Tourism  Ministry shared with the Tehran Times in December 2023.

What does India buy from and sell to Iran?

India imports crude oil from Iran and exports rice, tea, fertilisers, chemicals, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, polyester yarn and woven fabrics, and rubber products, among many other things.

However, India’s bilateral trade with Iran has decreased sharply in the years since the pandemic. India’s exports to Iran stood $567 million in April-October 2023, down 47%, according to a Hindu BusinessLine report citing sources.

Iran has an interest in increasing trade with India. India also became the biggest source of foreign tourists from Asia in 2022, according to a tourism consultancy firm IPK International. That would explain the easing of the visa process by the government in Tehran.

People from the Parsee community visit Iran for religious tourism and the US acknowledges it.

Will an Iran visa on your passport affect your travel to the US?

CNBC-TV18 spoke to a few leading travel companies that specialise in itineraries to Iran.

“There is no such issue. Given that many Parsees from India visit Iran for religious tourism, getting a visa to travel to the US does not get difficult. As long as all the documents required for a US visa are in place, a trip to Iran does not mean that a US visa could be denied. Although the final decision to issue a US visa is with the US Consulate, we have not faced any vis denials for US,” a Mumbai-based tour operator property.

“There is no issue for Indian passport holders getting a visa for any country as long as all their documents are in place,” said another tour operator.

However, he added that people who have Israeli passports face issues getting entry into many countries. For example, he said, “Malaysia banned entry for Israeli passport holders soon after the war between Israel and Palestine began.”

Another journalist who has travelled to  Iran said, “Being a Parsee I travelled to visit my roots in Iran. I recently applied for a US visa and I have received it for me and my mother. Both of us have travelled to Iran in the past.”

All you need to know about Iran’s new visa rules for Indians

Now according to the Iranian embassy, individuals holding ordinary Indian passports will be allowed to enter the country without a visa once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days, which cannot be extended. “The visa abolition only applies to individuals entering the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran for tourism purposes,” a press note issued by the country read.

It said Indians wanting to stay for a longer period, or make multiple entries within a six-month period, or requiring other types of visas must obtain necessary visas from Iranian missions in India.

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