News

Domestic cruise tourism active again in Kerala

By rendering new hope for domestic cruise tourism, a luxury cruise ship docked at Kochi port. In view of the third wave of Covid, the central ministry of shipping had introduced restrictions for cruise ships in January. The cruise ship had arrived at the port on Wednesday after the ministry relaxed the restrictions. The luxury cruise MV Empress reached the port with 579 passengers. The ship connects the coasts of Mumbai, Kochi and Lakshadweep and the travellers returned only after visiting major tourist sites in Kochi. Monthly two trips have been scheduled to Kochi in the cruise and apart from rejuvenating the tourism sector of the state, it provides an opportunity for the local entrepreneurs to thrive. The journeys were conducted abiding to Covid protocols. 100 per cent travellers will be allowed after the Covid spread recedes. Though the ships can permit only 50 per cent travellers, the concessions granted in tariffs by the ministry of shipping has turned out to be a relaxation for the ship owners. Meanwhile, talks to launch more ships are proceeding as it will boost the tourism sector in the state.

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Bulgaria is easing its travel restrictions

Bulgaria has decided to ease its COVID-19 restrictions and lift the green certificate in order to gain entry into restaurants, shopping malls and other public venues. Bulgarian Prime Minister, Kiril Petkov said the relaxation will start from March 20 as coronavirus infections ease. The Bulgarian Prime Minister in a statement said, “We managed to pass through the Omicron wave without massive closures of schools or businesses… Our forecasts show that around March 20 it would be possible to end all restrictions in the country linked to the Green Certificate.” As of now, Bulgaria has a rule wherein digital or paper certificate needs to be shown for indoor spaces. Such a certificate reflects the status of vaccination; whether the person has recovered from the virus; or tested negative. The introduction of this green certificate has not gone down well with bar and restaurant owners, and even anti-vaccine activists. Bulgaria has seen a drop in coronavirus cases, as it reported 1235 new daily infections last Monday, in comparison to 12000 new cases that was reported on January 26, 2022. Furthermore, it has been reported that starting March 5, foreign travellers with a green certificate will be permitted to enter into Bulgaria, which should boost its tourism. As of March 20, if all goes according to the plan, the health pass will only be used to facilitate travel abroad, the country's chief health inspector Angel Kunchev said.

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UAE, Kuwait, and Singapore update travel guidelines for Indian travellers

Planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, or Singapore? If yes, you need to check out the revised travel guidelines issued by the said countries. As per the reports, they have announced certain changes in the travel protocols, and here are all the details that you need to know to travel to these nations. UAE travel guidelines UAE has updated its travel guidelines for those from India. Those who have fully vaccinated, they will now be free from RT-PCR testing before their departure for travel to India from the UAE. Passengers are, however, advised to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued in India on the Air Suvidha portal, while others are required to carry a negative report of the COVID-19 RT-PCR test, which they have undergone 72 hours prior to their travel, and also upload it on the Air Suvidha portal. Also, passengers will be undergoing thermal screening, and if anybody is found to be symptomatic, they will be treated as per the new guidelines. Singapore travel guidelines Reports have it that Singapore Airlines (SIA) has updated its guideline for those arriving from India via VTL (vaccinated travel lanes) flights. They will also have to provide their travel history for the past 7 days. Also, if they have been in Singapore in the past 7 days, their stay in Singapore will be counted in the 7-day travel history requirement. Kuwait travel guidelines Kuwait has also updated its travel guidelines. As per the updated guidelines, passengers with valid travel documents will be allowed to enter Kuwait irrespective of their vaccination status.

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Delhi Zoo is all set to open from March 1

Delhi Zoo is all set to reopen to the public from March 1 with an online ticket system. This has been informed by the zoo authorities. As reported earlier, the zoo had to be shut down on January 5 temporarily as the national capital started registering a high number of COVID cases. As regarding booking tickets online, the said link was also disabled on January 4. Reports have it that all section supervisors have been advised to ensure that strict compliance of COVID-19 protocols are maintained, and make sure visitors are following all social distancing norms. Before this, the zoo was opened on August 1, 2021, for visitors, after it was again shut down for COVID-led crises in the country. The National Zoological Park is a popular attraction in Delhi that is home to a large number of varied species of reptiles, birds, and mammals which live in an environment that resembles their natural habitat in many ways. The highlights of this zoo are white tiger, jaguar, gaur, rhinoceros, brow-antlered deer, lion-tailed Macaque, so don’t miss to spot them when here. How can you book tickets online? First, visit the official website of the National Zoological Park. Then, go to the Buy Tickets section on the homepage After this, a new page will open which will let you select your preferred slot and book the tickets at ease.

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Intrepid Travel launches £1 deposits on holidays including Costa Rica, Peru and Japan

There are some truly incredible once-in-a-lifetime holidays to be had, from hiking the Inca Trail to seeing the Northern Lights; but the more bucket-list worthy the trip, the less budget-friendly it's likely to be. However, adventure holiday firm Intrepid Travel is giving explorers the chance to spread the cost of their holiday - and secure a booking with a deposit of just £1. We're talking some seriously amazing trips to the likes of Costa Rica, the USA, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Japan, Italy and Iceland to name a few. For example there are Costa Rican adventures with a chance to zipline through the rainforest, culinary tours of Japan, and even trekking through Nepal. You can see the full list of holidays included in the £1 deposit offer on the Intrepid Travel website, but you'll need to do so by March 31, 2022, when the deal ends. (You can also find the full T&CS here). There's a generous window of travel dates too, with the offer valid for trips departing before December 31, 2022. There are trips ranging from £782 up to over £2,000 depending on the adventure and length of trip you pick, with prices including your accommodation, ground transport, selected meals and activities, and access to a local guide. International flights won't be included.

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Travel Agents of India to Meet Soon in Sri Lanka

The 66th convention of the Travel Agents Association of India, TAAI, will be held in Sri Lanka from April 19 to 22, 2022. This is good news for all the stakeholders in the two neighboring countries of Sri Lanka and India, which have enjoyed close ties for many years in a number of areas including culture and tourism. With the event taking place on the seeming heels of the pandemic, it acquires even greater significance. According to the leaders of the travel bodies of both India and Sri Lanka, the convention will not only boost bilateral tourism but will also help the travel and tourism industry at the macro level. TAAI is one of the oldest and biggest travel bodies in India. In the past, conventions of TAAI have been held on the island nation of Sri Lanka, but this year it acquires even greater importance as most nations have been hit by COVID-19 and are keen to revive travel and tourism. A memorandum to hold the event has been signed by the TAAI leadership and important trade bodies of Sri Lanka, which have assured support and assistance to make the event a success. TAAI conventions, also known as the India Travel Congress, generally attract about 1,000 delegates. It will be watched with interest how many opt to go abroad for this event. Traditionally, the conventions were held in cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. However, in recent years events have also taken place abroad. TAAI has a large membership of over 2,500 leading Indian companies that are actively involved with tourism. The association is actively involved with domestic and international airlines through its Airlines Council and also works closely with the India Government Ministry of Tourism as well as state tourism boards. It is a member of IATA’s Agency Program Joint Council (APJC) where matters on airline practices are actively debated.

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