News

Post pandemic, Indians are seeking short weekend getaways & staycations like never before

Showcasing the diverse offerings of the emirate, strategically designed to meet Indian market’s choices, tourists, and investors alike, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is aggressively working on multiple campaigns, plans and activities in the region to lure Indian travellers. In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA, said that India has always been a key source market for Sharjah and SCTDA continue to maintain important connections with Indian visitors. “In 2019, Indian visitors were among the top five nationalities we welcomed in Sharjah hotel establishments, with a total of 143,128 guests, up from the 113,300 welcomed in 2018. The country was the second largest source market for the emirate in the first quarter of 2021, accounting for 16 per cent of all visitors. Then in the second quarter of the year, 29,399 Indian travellers stayed in hotel establishments in Sharjah, recording a 36 per cent growth from Q1,” he said. Increasing interest from Indian tourists in ecotourism initiatives He further added that SCTDA’s aim for the period ahead is to return to the pre-pandemic numbers and eventually exceed the visitation, India. “Our visitors from India value the experiential travel experiences of the emirate as well as its reputation as a family destination and the cultural and destination driven perspective. We are also noticing an increasing interest from Indian tourists in ecotourism initiatives undertaken by Sharjah’s tourism department. For this segment of traveller, we have our new Sharjah Collection by Mysk, which blends luxurious accommodation with Arabian culture, traditional hospitality, adventure, and interactions with nature. Our Kalba, Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat and Al Faya Retreat that form part of this collection are boutique hotels and eco-retreats located in key locations throughout the emirate,” Midfa mentioned. Sharing more insights, he said that Indians are seeking short weekend getaways and staycations like never before and Sharjah in the aftermath of the pandemic. The average night stay by Indian tourists before the pandemic was 1.80 and SCTDA is working extensively to make Indians stay for longer duration in the emirate. Comprehensive marketing strategy for India, roadshow in Q3 Strengthening its relationship with the travel trade community in India with continuous dialogues and engagements, Midfa said that SCTDA focused much of the efforts on updating Indian travel trade’s knowledge about Sharjah’s experiences in the last two years of pandemic. “We assisted our trade partners with enriching their itineraries and offerings through virtual meetings and online training sessions. Aimed at growing a stronger foothold in the country, our comprehensive marketing strategy in India includes a number of activities such as strategic trade partnerships, campaigns, participation in important trade shows, among others,” he stated. SCTDA recently concluded a multi-city sales mission covering Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. The Authority is now looking forward to a roadshow in India in the third quarter of the year New and diverse offerings Sharjah is also working continuously to develop new and diverse offerings and has already inaugurated a number of projects to promote cultural and sustainable tourism, and position Sharjah as a family-friendly destination. “On the east coast, we have developed many attractions such as the hiking trails, Khorfakkan beach, Al Suhub Rest and Wadi Shees. Other new attractions include, House of Wisdom, the awe-inspiring library of the future and our newest opening – the Sharjah Safari, the largest safari outside of Arica, home to more than 120 species of animals, which live in Africa and up to 50,000 animals, ranging from birds, reptiles, and mammals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinoceros.In this way we are continually building and developing our diverse offerings. We intend to promote various themes of Sharjah to visitors, including arts & culture, adventure, leisure, nature & wildlife, and architecture, which will lead to the emirate’s increase in popularity,” Midfa informed while sharing details. Expansion into Europe and Far East markets With the industry slowly getting back on its feet with the improving Covid-19 situation across the globe, Sharjah is working towards establishing itself as the most-preferred destination for all kinds of visitors – business or leisure. On this, Midfa mentioned that SCTDA’s key aim is to surpass the pre-covid visitation numbers from its key markets - Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, and India, followed by Germany and the UK. Another important aspect of the future plan includes connecting with the European market while looking into new Asia and the Far East markets.

Read more

Mexico tourism projected to return to pre-pandemic level this year

The number of tourists visiting Mexico is set to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the country's Tourism Minister said recently, with projected revenues of USD 24.25 billion. With an estimated 40 million international visitors, Mexico’s tourism sector will have recovered to “almost 100 per cent” of its performance in 2019, Miguel Torruco said at a tourism promotion fair in the Southern resort town of Acapulco. Torruco attributed the expected recovery to the government’s roll-out of Covid vaccines and the establishment of anti-virus protocols. “These actions allowed the recovery of the sector to take place in a faster way, as shown by this year’s expectations and speak to increasingly solid tourism activity,” he said. Tourism represents almost nine per cent of Mexico’s GDP, with many holidaymakers flocking to the country’s beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and archeological sites. Mexico has had more than 300,000 deaths and 5.7 million cases of Covid-19. The government shut down all non-essential activities during the worst outbreaks in the epidemic. Currently, most of the country’s 32 states have withdrawn almost all restrictive measures, including the mandatory use of masks in public places.

Read more

Air India's Passenger Service System will be undergoing Change on 24th May - Here's what to Expect

Air India is migrating to a new Passenger Service System (PSS) to improve its services. During this period, you may not be able to do some of the activities such as search for flights, create a new booking, or make any changes to your existing booking. However, it won't impact your check-ins on the website. You won't be able to make reservations and book new tickets from 24th May 18:00 IST to 25th May 1000 Hrs IST. This won't impact any pre-existing booking or impact your travel during those hours. Flying Returns FF Program will be unavailable from 24th May 18:00 IST to 30th May 15:10 IST. During this period, redemption and award bookings will not be available. Miles can be credited to your account only after 30th May 15:10 IST. Although, you can redeem your miles with partner airlines during the above period. Air India is migrating to a better service to ensure a better experience for their customer. In case of any issues, contact their helpline or visit their website.

Read more

Amagarh project launched, Jaipur becomes only city in India with two leopard safaris

Jaipur has become the first city in India to house two leopard reserves after the launch of the Amagarh project. Amagarh is a reserved forest section in the Aravalli mountain range spreading over 1,524 hectares and it houses 15 leopards. Besides leopards, other wildlife found here are hyenas, jackals, wild cats, foxes and civet cats in the carnivorous category, while in the herbivorous category there are nilgai, Asian Deer (sambhar), and rabbits, among others. The state’s forest department in 2017 made efforts in wildlife conservation under Project Leopard, after which when the number of leopards started increasing at the Jhalana Reserve. The number of leopards in 2018 was around 20, and currently, there are about 40. In the last three years (January 2019 to August 2021), a total of 35 cubs were born. The Amagarh forest area is used as a corridor by leopards and other wildlife. The jungles of Jhalana are spread over 1,978 hectares only, which is limited space for leopards therefore sub-adult leopards in search of habitat are moving towards Amagarh and Lalberi forest areas. In this way, the number of leopards will increase, according to department officials. The officials confirmed that the safaris in this area will be organised in two shifts – morning and evening. To avoid overcrowding and to regulate tourism, only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each shift. Safari tickets will be available online for the convenience of tourists and bookings can be made on the website. “Apart from enjoying the drive through the enchanting forest and clicking pictures of leopard, hyena, desert fox and other birds and animals during the drive, tourists can also enjoy some scenic views around the area. There are several forts and temples inside the area like Galta temple, Amagarh fort, Raghunath fort and Amabamata temple,” the officials added.

Read more

‘Thailand Pass’ Simplified From June 1

Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the simplified Thailand Pass registration and entry rules for international arrivals, effective 1 June 2022. Foreign nationals are still required to apply for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/), but will only need to provide passport details, vaccination, and an US$10,000 health insurance policy. The system will then automatically issue a Thailand Pass QR code for the applicants. Meanwhile, Thais will no longer be required to apply for a Thailand Pass. Upon arriving in Thailand, vaccinated travellers must undergo entry screening, and will then be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom. Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system will also be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom. The CCSA also approved further easing of nationwide COVID-19 controls with three colour-coded zones: The Pilot Tourist Areas or blue zones, the Surveillance or green zone, and the Areas under Stringent Surveillance or yellow zone. Night-time entertainment venues: such as, pubs, bars and karaoke lounges in the green and blue zones will be allowed to resume operation, including the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises up till 24.00 Hrs. However, all venues are told to strictly adhere to the prevention guidelines. The CCSA also lifted the quarantine requirement for the high-risk contact.

Read more

Tourists, locals enjoy adventure paragliding in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar

With the aim of promoting tourism, the Kashmir department of tourism in association with a private paragliding firm launched adventure paragliding in Srinagar, said the authorities on Sunday. Amid the stifling heat across the country, tourists now have steered towards the Kashmir valley at a bewitching new paragliding spot, Astanmarg top. Located on the outskirts of Srinagar, the paragliding begins from Astanmarg top to Chandpora ground. Covering a vertical drop of 2000 feet (ft), it serves as a feast for adventure lovers and tourists. Tourists here book the ride online and the report at Harwan garden which is a 15 minutes car drive from Harwan to Astanmarg, perched at 2255 meters/7400 feet. The experts briefed about the gear and safety instructions, post which the gliders can take a flight of 12 to 15 minutes. The landing spot is Chandpora, Srinagar located at 1615 meters/5330 feet. Both visitors from afar and locals have been experiencing the thrill of free flight. "I did realize my dream of flying like a bird from Astanmarg which overlooks Dal lake, Mahadev peak, Dachigam National Park, and Mughal Gardens and it feels mesmerizing from the top," said a tourist, Atish Jain. The trainers present at the spot also lauded the participation. "Glide in the clear blue sky into the fantastic and unbelievable view of the Zabarwan mountains, The tourists have been loving it," said Hem Raj, a trainer. With views of eternal snow and the shimmering waters of the Dal lake, paragliding in the area has been emerging as a tourist favourite in the area.

Read more