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List of countries open international borders for tourism from May

The two years long coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed a lot in travel and tourism industry. The travel has been a chief subject for holiday lovers. Right now, there are some countries around the world, beginning to relax restrictions as the spread of COVID-19 spreading reduces. We are travelling in these uncertain times and have brought significant challenge in global travel industry. Thailand is another Asian country after Philippines has announced the reopening of international borders to end pre-arrival testing for arriving guests. Regardless of their vaccination status, travellers will not be required to be tested prior to arrival or upon arrival. The travel business in Thailand is looking up, as some entry restrictions have lifted. On April 25, the Thai government had said that 713,183 international visitors had arrived in the country this year, with more than half of them being tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is now apparently hoping to attract at least 1 million tourists per month by the end of 2022, when the next high season begins. From May 1, Greece has stated that all key COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted. The international visitors entering Greece will not need to bring proof of immunisation, a COVID-19 negative test result, or evidence of recovery. Greece is a popular travel destination amongst tourists, especially from India, United Kingdom and United States. The tourism in Greece offers variety of sightseeing and entertainment options. The wide range of Greece tourism packages provided by many tour operators allow all the international travellers to explore various Greece tourist places in comfort. The tourism in the Turks & Caicos plays a vital role in regenerating the revenue to the nation. This island destination is a perfect spot for the honeymooners. This Caribbean paradise of Turks and Caicos will no longer require pre-arrival vaccinations for fully vaxxed travellers beginning May 1. The travelers will be able to reach the gorgeous islands without having to undergo pre-arrival testing. Hong Kong relaxes its COVID-19 restriction on international inbound travel on May 1, enabling vaccinated non-residents to enter the city as long as they follow the government’s COVID-19 and quarantine guidelines. Hong Kong is known to the world as a most glamorous city in Asia and a top choice for luxury shopping. But this city-state is steeped in traditional culture and history, and has a lot more to offer than mouthwatering dim-sum and an impressive skyline. Around every corner is something new and unique, whether it’s an ancient temple, a shop selling the latest electronic gadget, or a man taking his bird in a cage for a walk. Malaysia will relax more Covid-19 restrictions, including abolishing limitations on persons who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus and eliminating the requirement to wear masks outside from May 1. This country is all set to reintroduce the option of visa on arrival for Indian travellers. This move is seen as a step to attract more and more travellers from India. As regarding relaxing the COVID-19 travel rules, the Southeast Asian country has announced relaxing of mandatory virus tests on incoming fully vaccinated travellers beginning May 1. Lithuania attracts more international travellers from Europe and United Kingdom. From May 1, all travellers can enter Lithuania without restriction, even if they do not have a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate. Lithuania has the reverence of tradition throughout the country and its capital city Vilnius. This is a spirited counterculture, particularly in compact capital Vilnius. Bulgaria is one of the southernmost European countries which lie in the Balkan peninsular region of the continent. This country shares its borders with five other European countries like Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia. The tourists to this country will find themselves in some of the most vibrant cities of Europe which co-exists with peaceful villages and monasteries. The rich history of the country has made this country a popular tourist destination for those who yearn to know more about east European countries. From Sunday, May 1, Bulgaria is welcoming the international travellers. The requirements for travellers to provide a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate will be repealed in Bulgaria. All fully-vaccinated travellers visiting Fiji will no longer have to provide a pre-arrival negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, which will be effective from May 1. This good move for tourism comes in the wake of facilitating travel of visitors, as well as reducing their expenses, as per a statement released by the Fiji Government. As per the news reports, this change will apply to all visitors entering Fiji by air or sea, who were earlier required to take PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to their arrival. Switzerland is one of the European country is welcoming travellers from in the post-pandemic. You will soon be allowed to do so, as Switzerland, one of the most famous global tourist destinations, has lifted all entrance limitations that had been in place during the pandemic, with effect from May 2.

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COVID digest: New Zealand reopens its doors for tourists

New Zealand on Monday welcomed tourists from the United States, Canada, Japan, and over 50 other countries for the first time since the country went into a strict COVID-induced lockdown more than two years ago. The country, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism, attracted roughly 3 million tourists each year before the pandemic hit. The numbers accounted for 20% of New Zealand's foreign income and more than 5% of the overall economy. However, international tourism came to a standstill in early 2020, when Auckland imposed some of the world's toughest border restrictions. The restrictions were eased after the spread of omicron when more than 80% of New Zealand's 5 million population was vaccinated. "Today is a day to celebrate, and is a big moment in our reconnection with the world," said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, as the borders reopened to about 60 visa-waiver countries. All incoming tourists will need to be vaccinated and test themselves before and after arrival. Travelers from India, China and other non-waiver countries are still not allowed to enter.

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Portugal welcomes back Indian visitors

Portugal welcomes all visitors, regardless of their country of origin or reason for visiting. With its mild climate, 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and magnificent contrasting landscapes within its seven regions, as well as superb cuisine, fine wines, and hospitable people, Portugal is the ideal year-round vacation destination. Portugal is known for its mild, sunny climate and diverse landscapes, which range from the magnificent coastal beaches to the golden plains of the Alentejo, the verdant mountains of the interior, and the peaceful, lush nature of the Azores and Madeira islands. It is also known for its long history and imposing heritage, for its dynamic culture, for its unique, comforting cuisine full of flavours and aromas, and for its relaxed, simple, and unrivalled setting, with open arms for those who visit and return. Portugal is home to the world's oldest demarcated wine region - the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Port Wine is produced - as well as one of Europe's oldest universities, the magnificent University of Coimbra, which was founded in the 13th century and is also classified by UNESCO. The land of the Discoveries, Fado, and age-old traditions bound together by a vast sea. "India has always been a strong source market for us, and in the pre-covid period, we saw a significant increase in tourists from India. We can't wait to welcome back Indian visitors to Portugal," says Claudia Matias, Director, Visit Portugal India. With over eight centuries of history and a happy mix of cultures and traditions, we are one of Europe's oldest nations. Portugal is a modern, cosmopolitan country with a plethora of leisure activities and places to visit and explore with your family, partner, or on your own. Visitors arriving on the mainland Portugal from India, will be required to present the following documents as mandate & no quarantine will be obligatory upon arrival. The document includes: A negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test- 24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list) Exception, children under 12 do not need to present certificate or test.

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Tourists Traveling To Europe Rejoice! After Greece, Italy Also Relaxes COVID-19 Restrictions

Rome: Summer vacations just got a whole lot easier for travellers heading to Europe. After Greece, Italy has also relaxed some COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday before Europe’s peak summer tourist season, in a sign that life was increasingly returning to normal. Now, visitors to Italy no longer have to fill out the EU passenger locator form, a complicated online ordeal required at airport check-in.Also Read - 5 Reasons Why PM Modi's Visit To Germany Is Significant Italy also did away with the health pass that had been required to enter restaurants, cinemas, gyms and other venues. The green pass, which showed proof of vaccination, recovery from the virus or a recent negative test, is still required to access hospitals and nursing homes. Also Read - PM Modi's Europe Visit LIVE Updates: PM Modi Meets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz In Berlin Some indoor mask mandates in Italy also ended, including inside supermarkets, workplaces and stores. Masks are still required on public transport, in cinemas and in all health care facilities and nursing homes. Masks also remain highly recommended in Italy for all indoor activities, and private companies can still require them. Also Read - Covid Travel Update: 9 Countries to Ease Restrictions From May 1 In Greece, where tourism accounts for about 20% of its GNP, enforcing the rules had already fallen off prior to Sunday. Greece’s civil aviation authority announced that it was lifting all COVID-19 rules for international and domestic flights except for the wearing of face masks during flights and at airports. Previously, air travellers were required to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or a recent recovery from the disease. Vaccination certificates in Greece were abolished, not permanently, but from May 1 to August 31 and it will be determined in August whether to bring them back. Also suspended were restrictions on the number of customers in indoor spaces. But masks are still required indoors and in vehicles in Greece, and experts recommend using them outdoors in crowded situations like concerts. Like Italy, Greece saw tourism revenues plunge in 2020 and only partially rebound in 2021. Greece is now hoping for a record tourism year in 2022 — and so does neighbour Albania, where restrictions were also lifted Sunday.

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Hawaii's longest suspension bridge hangs at 1600 ft above the Maui coastline!

Here’s a huge opportunity for all the thrill seekers out there! Maui in Hawaii has the perfect way to offer some memorable adrenaline-filled moments. The Kapalua Bridge, a suspension bridge towering 1600 ft above the Maui coastline, has become Hawaii's latest adventurous sensation. As per Kapalua Ziplines' official website, the bridge is the very recent addition to Kapalua Resort's renowned mountain adventure course, a world-class facility including several thousands of feet of zip lines. Spanning 360 ft, the bridge is also the longest suspension bridge in Hawaii. One can enjoy some breathtaking views of the surroundings. The best part is that people can climb it year-round even in the rainy season! Not only this, visitors can also look out from the bridge deck and see the beautiful Molokai and Lanai islands. If you are fortunate, you’ll also be able to see some spectacular rainbows above. Sounds great, right? One can enjoy some breathtaking views of the surroundings. The best part is that people can climb it year-round even in the rainy season! Not only this, visitors can also look out from the bridge deck and see the beautiful Molokai and Lanai islands. If you are fortunate, you’ll also be able to see some spectacular rainbows above. Sounds great, right? Do not worry about safety when on the bridge as safety has been taken well care of by the developers. According to the website, “The Kapalua Bridge was designed with heavier components and internal sway bracing so that it can withstand hurricane-force winds exceeding 105 mph." But there’s one little thing; to gain access to the suspension bridge, visitors must take part in the company's zipline tours. One can choose between a four, or six-line zip that traverses across 8500 ft over three hours!

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IRCTC launches budget-friendly tourism package from Lucknow to Nepal

As per the latest developments, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a budget-friendly international religious tour package from Lucknow to Nepal by air. As per an official in the know-how, the package will benefit those who have been keen to visit this place for a long time, and that too at an affordable cost. As per the reports, the six-day-five-night package will start from June 19, while the trip will end on June 24. Referring to this, IRCTC Chief Regional Manager (Lucknow) Ajit Kumar Sinha said that as a part of the programme, people will fly from the Amausi airport here to Kathmandu. And when in Nepal, they would be taken to some of the popular places, such as the Pashupatinath temple, Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, along with several other prominent locations in Pokhara. Revealing more about this package, Sinha added that while individuals will be charged INR 48500 for the tour, the cost for two people booking together would reduce the cost to 39000 per person, which will further come down for three people in a group. Reports further suggest that the package will include Indian food, and accommodation in a three-star hotel. Sinha also added that based on the response, they will be planning more such trips from Lucknow to Nepal in the near future. Those interested in this package can book the same at the IRCTC website or at IRCTC Gomtinagar office, Sinha stated.

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