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Nepal: No RT-PCR test required for fully vaccinated travellers

In a recent development, Nepal has announced a number of measures to ease travel for fully vaccinated international travellers to boost tourism in the country. As per the reports, international travellers will now be able to easily travel to the Himalayan region without undergoing a pre-departure PCR test. All they will need now is to show their vaccination certificate. Keeping in mind the current situation in the country, the Covid-19 Crisis Management Coordination Centre (CCMC) of the Government of Nepal has recently decided to scrap the PCR test requirement for passengers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 . Reports have it that Nepal is cautiously moving ahead to revive its badly hit tourism sector with strategic action plans in place that are being formulated by the National Tourism Revival Committee, together with the public and private sector stakeholders of the tourism industry. For sustainable growth of tourism in the country, the tourism revival committee will be advising the government under various segments, including policy reforms, promotional events, branding, infrastructure, marketing and promotion, service standardisation, product development, and much more. The said committee has aligned certain initiatives to kickstart its engagement towards tourism revival, including: Waiving off mandatory PCR test for fully vaccinated travellers. The domestic flights will be offering special discounts to international travellers during this period of revival. Also, the hoteliers associated with the Hotel Association of Nepal will be offering at least a 20% discount to the international visitors for their services. Plus, the Nepal Ministry of Tourism has appointed Nirmal Purja, the record-breaking Nepalese Mountaineer, as the Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal’s tourism. Reports also added that the recovery committee will announce further action plans and recovery initiatives very soon within April 2022.

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Ladakh organises first 'Siachen ice climbing festival'

The Ladakh administration organised the first 'Siachen ice climbing festival' at the Nubra valley in Leh, officials said on Wednesday. The festival, organised with an aim to promote the glacier as an adventure spot, was inaugurated by Sarpanch Khemi Halqa in presence of officials from the Ladakh Police and residents of Tongsted village on Tuesday, they said. The festival will continue till March 20. A total of 20 youths participated during the opening ceremony, they said. The festival is organised to promote the Siachen valley as a adventure spot and boost tourism in Ladakh. It will also give people a window to appreciate the tough work done by army jawans and engineers in the extreme weather and inhospitable terrains, officials said. The base camp of Siachen glacier, the world's highest battlefield, was opened for tourists in September 2021, they added.

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German National Tourist Board’s current programme for accessible tourism is online now

At the 10th Day of Accessible Tourism, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) will once again offer numerous international experts and trade visitors, including representatives of federal politics and the associations, decision-makers from destinations and the travel industry, from research and academia, as well as journalists, to learn about the latest developments inclusive travel. The Accessible Tourism Day will take place on the so-called 'ITB Friday', on March 11, 2022, from 10:30 to 14:30 (CET). Participation is free of charge. Registrations for the online event as well as the current programme are available at www.germany.travel/tdbt Registered participants will thee receive the access data. In addition to opening statements by Claudia Müller, the German government's coordinator for maritime business and tourism, Jürgen Dusel, the German government's representative for the interests of people with disabilities, and Helena Dalli, the member of the European Commission responsible for equality issues, the programme includes keynote speeches by Mike Adams (UK), CEO of the Purple network, on the topic of "Changing conversation between business and disabled people," Christopher Patnoe (Google EMEA), and André Nowak, tourism representative of the General Association of Disabled People in Germany. "For self-determination and dignity" e.V. The Accessible Tourism Day is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. The state working group "Tourism for All", the Working Group "Easier Travel - Barrier-free Holiday Destinations in Germany" and the Messe Berlin support the implementation of the event. The GNTB is responsible for organising this special event for the eighth time in a row, following a decision by the German Bundestag. The GNTB is responsible for organising this trade event for the eighth time in succession responsible for organising this specialist event. Panel discussions with practical examples and trends How tourist facilities and events can be planned and implemented to be barrier-free. Matthias From, Tourism Central Rostock & Warnemünde, will discuss how tourist facilities and events can be with the Best Practice "Accessibility at the sea - accessibility and events at beaches", Sigrun Krapf, Erfurt Tourismus und Marketing GmbH with the example of the Federal Garden Erfurt (certified according to RfA) including the citadel "Petersberg" in Erfurt as well as Sven Albrecht, federal managing director, Special Olympics Germany e.V. on the basis of the preparations for the International Special Olympics 2023 Berlin. "Making sightseeing accessible" is the topic of another panel discussion with Kerstin Wiese, Bach Museum Leipzig, Dorothée Henschel from the City Museum Simeonstift Trier, and Maria Schöne, Energy factory Knappenrode. How barrier-free communication and technical assistance improve the possibilities for inclusive travel will be discussed by Anna Königseder (ZeroProject, Austria), Josh Loebner (Designsensory, USA), Linn Inga Bach (Tourism NRW), and Reiner Delgado (German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired). Rolf Schrader, Managing Director of the German Seminar for Tourism, reports on the current status of the status of "Travel for All", the nationwide labeling system for barrier-free offers.

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island unveils first look following expansive multi-million dollar renovation

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island revealed the first look into its completed multi-million dollar refurbishment programme ahead of the official ‘Grand Relaunch’ later this month. The pioneering twin-island resort continues to lead the way in offering first-class service as it delivers its latest chapter of authentic barefoot luxury, following an extensive two-year transformation. The renovations at Rangali Island have now been completed, resulting in 50 refurbished overwater villas and Spa, as well as a brand-new Gym. The revitalised spaces will allow for further connection with the natural habitat, resonating with the aspirations of a new era of luxury travellers whilst providing a modern setting for loyal guests to craft new memories. With these new offerings, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to evolve and adapt to the expectations of its discerning jet-set clientele. Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, commented, “We are delighted to unveil the first of the refurbishments in Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s next chapter. As the ‘Island of Firsts’, having been the first international brand to arrive in the Maldives, home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa and first underwater bedroom set within the two-level THE MURAKA residence, we pride ourselves on remaining innovative and offering a level of personalised service unique to our resort. The extensive renovations which began in 2019 demonstrate our commitment to investing in guest experience which continues to build on our legacy.” Superior enhancements across Rangali Island include: 50 Refurbished Overwater Villas Elegantly reimagined and spacious overwater villas sit effortlessly above the resort’s lagoon. Dedicated to couples and honeymooners, the overwater villas on Rangali Island have been transformed into luxurious havens of comfort and style. All villas have been fully revitalised to include stylish new interiors, combining integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to a private sun deck. From the spacious Sunrise and Sunset Water Villas (86 square metres), oceanfront Premier Water Villas with Pool (152 square metres) to the ultimate overwater haven Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion with Pool (451 square metres), this adult-only island caters to the evolving needs of the sophisticated traveller. Refreshed Over Water Spa Guests visiting in 2022 will be amongst the first to experience the newly renovated Over Water Spa at Rangali Island which aims to inspire and invigorate the body, mind, and soul. Spa-goers will enjoy a brand-new indoor and outdoor lounge which is an ideal sanctuary in which to while away the hours to the sound of the waves. This space has been further enhanced with a new reception area, elegant changing rooms, and spacious showers. Brand-new Gym With an emphasis on optimum health and wellbeing at Rangali Island, a brand-new and fully equipped gym has been incorporated into the adults-only setting. Complementing the gym on the main island, adults will have access to a sophisticated workout space. The final chapter of the refurbishments will bring elevated dining offerings with transformations taking place across three of the resort’s celebrated restaurants and bars, the introduction of a brand-new Teens Club, and an enrichment of the Kids Club and Dive Centre.

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Cordelia celebrates its 50k milestone; announces special offers for Defence Personnel and their families

Cordelia Cruises commenced operations in India in September 2021. Inching close to serving 50k guests since their launch, Cordelia Cruises has announced special offers exclusively for defence personnel and their families. With the strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, India is the world’s second-largest military force and has the world’s largest volunteer army. It also has the third-largest defence budget in the world. “We remain indebted to our Indian Navy, Army, and Airforce. They guard and guide us selflessly. At Cordelia, this is our humble effort to extend courtesies and welcome them on board. We hope to serve them with all our hearts” says Vijay Kesavan, Marketing Director, Cordelia Cruises. Cordelia Cruises offers an experience that is beyond traditional travel. It makes every guest feel the epitome of everything premium luxurious, warm, and fabulous. Delicious cuisine, engaging entertainment options and all day around activities on board! Cruising is safe and in fact the safest holiday EVER! When you choose to cruise with Cordelia, you are opting for what could easily be one of your ‘safest’ travel options. Every crew member is double vaccinated. As for our guests, a double vaccination certificate is mandatory as is a negative RT-PCR report. This report is scanned on arrival. All Covid protocols are being strictly adhered to on board. From wedding and private events to a family holiday, Cordelia Cruises caters to experiences of all shapes and sizes. They are not only 6 months old but have also served over 50000+ happy guests.

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Sri Lanka to issue longterm visas to tourists willing to invest

Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved a proposal to issue long-term visas for tourists interested in investing in the island nation. Minister of Youth and Sports, Namal Rajapaksa, said, in a statement, that the proposal was submitted by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and approved by the cabinet, reports Xinhua news agency. Rajapaksa said that the option of long-term visas for keen investors will not only significantly increase Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), but also encourage more professionals and experts to invest, work, and live in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's state-owned investment agency the Board of Investment (BOI) last week said the country is aiming to attract USD 3 billion in the FDI by 2026, and the BOI has finalised a strategic plan for the period of 2022 to 2026. As per the BOI's plan, export revenue with new investments would reach USD 15 billion by 2026, and more than 100,000 jobs would be created in the country.

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