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COVID: Curbs Eased In Lakshadweep Islands

With COVID-19 cases declining, the Lakshadweep administration has decided to ease some restrictions imposed in the islands. The administration said no COVID-19 test result was now required for inter-island travel for those who have taken both vaccine doses 14 days prior to movement. Inter-island travel was hitherto restricted to those carrying RT-PCR/True Nat negative certificates from the health department. It said that all passenger ships/HSCs under the Lakshadweep Administration can operate with 100 per cent passenger capacity. The island administration had on January 21 suspended classes and restricted the number of passengers in the ships to and from the island due to the worsening pandemic situation. All those who wish to come to Lakshadweep should carry a negative test report of RT-PCR obtained within 48 hours of the travel and need to undergo three days mandatory quarantine, District Collector Vikranth Raja A said in an order. The order said that, however, no shore leave shall be allowed for ships/HSC crews at mainland as well as in islands. "No political, social and religious functions and gatherings shall be allowed without prior permission of the District collector. Night curfew shall be enforced in all islands from 10 PM to 6AM," it said.

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Travel agencies see increased interest in getaways

Travel bookings are on the rise as the feeling of missing out and the rescheduling of special events increases industry spending to near pre-pandemic levels. Total travel spending for December 2021 reached $92 billion, just 2% below December 2019, according to the US Travel Association. Industry experts nationwide and in Norman say the travel landscape looks much different in 2022 as people get back to planning getaways. More than 70% of American travelers have engaged in travel planning the past week, a 7% increase over the last month, according to Destination Analysts. Brenda Hunsberger, senior vice president of travel services for AAA Club Alliance, said the agency has seen a considerable increase in new bookings in January 2022. “People are indicating an interest and a willingness to talk about travel that they may have not felt before,” Hunsberger said. Hunsberger cited pent-up demand and the desire to escape from pandemic-related stressors as the main reasons for the recent increase in travel planning and booking. Shelly Ramirez, owner of Michelle’s Destinations, said her Norman-based travel agency began seeing an uptick in travel interest last summer. “We’ve been booking travel, whether it was domestic or international, pretty much this whole time, we’re just being very cautious and making sure customers know what to expect because traveling during COVID is a different travel experience,” Ramirez said. Ramirez said businesses domestically and abroad are shorthanded, so traveling with patience is paramount. The most common questions right now for Ramirez and many other travel agents are, where is it safe to travel and what’s the best value? The answer to that can change, and Ramirez advises potential travelers to consider speaking with an agent to help navigate the new travel landscape. “We have enough uncertainty right now in general, and we work very hard to make sure our customers feel at ease with travel, and a lot of that is education,” Ramirez said. Hunsberger said cruising has been impacted more than any other method of travel since the onset of COVID-19, but that cruise lines continue to work closely with the CDC to ensure the resumption of cruising is done in a responsible way. A popular concern among cruise travelers is ensuring pre-cruise documentation is in order. Hunsberger, who took a cruise in the Caribbean last week, said passengers were required to take at-home proctored tests and receive a negative result. “We had to show our vaccination status as well as those test results in order to board,” Hunsberger said. Capacity on the ship was reduced from 2,700 to less than 900. Hunsberger said some positives that came from the capacity restriction were no lines or reservation troubles with ample room for social distancing. Masks were required on the ship except when actively eating and drinking, she said. “We felt very safe,” Hunsberger said. “I would say if you’re going to cruise now, expect a great experience, but be flexible.” Hunsberger said in recent weeks, the CDC has warned travelers against cruising; however, many choose to regardless of that advisory.

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Kolkata airport: Ready for pre-Covid flyer count, domestic terminal shops open during wave 3

A number of retail and food outlets inside Kolkata airport, which were shut for several months owing to low footfall after the second wave of the Covid pandemic, haven’t gone the same route after the third wave, as they are hopeful of a pre-pandemic footfall, thanks to the slow increase in passenger count after the decline in Covid numbers. Between April and October last year, a number of major brands had suspended operations and had kept the outlets shut for months, inconveniencing passengers. But these had reopened, with the airport starting to clock 50,000-plus passengers on an average till the fourth week of December. Then, however, came the third wave, immediately cutting down passenger footfall and airlines adjusting daily flights accordingly. But the retail and food outlets still remained open, even with fewer takers over the past six weeks, hopeful of a business turnaround in the coming weeks, anticipating the footfall to soon reach pre-pandemic numbers. ‘Int’l flyer count still 10% of pre-Cov levels’ In the initial stages of the pandemic, many shops were shut due to lack of business,” said C Pattabhi, airport director. “But then on, almost all shops opened at domestic terminal. When the third wave struck, it immediately impacted passenger count, but the stores continued operating. That paid off, as by January-end, Covid cases started coming down, the government eased curbs and footfall also started to rise slowly.” He, though, said a “bare minimum” shops were open at international terminal. The international flyer count is still just10% of pre-Covid levels. Welcome Retail, a joint ven- ture of Travel News Services India (a subsidiary of Future Retail) and Flemingo Retail, which individually operates duty-free shops at the airport, had won the “master concessionaire” contract four years ago. While in 2019 it used to operate 51 retail outlets that sold goods ranging from apparel to jewellery and shoes to luggage and cosmetics, there are now only 37 retail spaces, domestic and international. Of the 37, all 30 in the domestic section are operational. The food and beverages section is operated by M/S Travel Food Services Kolkata Private limited. But, the opening of outlets at international terminal depends on picking up of footfall.

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Greece will not require COVID 19 tests for European vaccine certificate holders

Travellers from Europe holding European vaccine passports will not be required to undergo COVID 19 tests before entering the country. This rule will apply from next week, according to the Greek Health Minister, Thanos Plevris. The country eased its travel restrictions, and has aimed towards a 4.5 percent economic growth this year. Plevris said in a televised statement, "As of Monday, those with active European (vaccination) certificates will enter without obligatory testing." The Greece Tourism Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, has also said that the country is already preparing to welcome tourists from March 1. Greece is quite an important destination for tourists, as it offers unique experiences, and gives a taste of the Mediterranean. The country largely banks on tourism, which accounts for about a quarter of its economy. The Tourism Minister has also mentioned that the country is expecting an all-time record in cruise ship arrivals this year. Some of Greece’s most important places of interest are Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Meteora, Rhodes, and Milos, among others. Greece is also home to the historic Greek empire, and its ruins and structures are still standing, attracting tourists from across the world. The country is also a great place to visit for those who want to explore Mediterranean cuisine. Greece has had over 2 million COVID 19 cases, and 23000 deaths over the pandemic.

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The world’s oldest hotel has been in business for over 1000 years!

Did you know that the world's oldest hotel is more than 1000 years old? As per the Guinness World Records, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan spa hotel in Japan is the world’s oldest hotel, and was opened in 705 AD (currently 1311 years old). Reportedly, the hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for 52 generations since its inception. It has been gradually modernised as it passed on to generations, but retained its unique demeanour and prismatic charm. As far as the modernisation of the hotel goes, its rooms now come equipped with all modern and enhanced amenities that guests can think of, and the improvisations have been done without compromising on the relaxing and calm ambiance. As per the records, Fujiwara Mahito founded the inn more than 1300 years ago, and has stayed in the family. Although the hotel has undergone modernisation over the years, the prime highlight of the spot remains the scenic views and soothing hot springs. Situated not far from Mount Fuji, the hotel has been a favourite to even A-list celebrities, who have been to this place for its healing waters and rich history. If reports are to go by, Keiunkan’s famous bath, Mochitani no Yu, has water that is fed directly from the hot springs, and guests are also invited to drink directly from the springs as well. The hotel is decorated in traditional Japanese style and has 37 rooms. Prices begin at $470 per night; for more information on booking a stay, you can visit the hotel’s website.

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Qatar is launching a luxury yacht cruise for travellers

Travellers going to Qatar will be happy to know that Qatar Tourism is launching new super-yacht luxury cruises for an experience to remember. The superyacht luxury cruises are being launched in partnership with Emerald Cruises, and they will set sail from Doha starting January 2023. The cruise called Emerald Azzura will be offering a seven-night, and eight-day trip. Your itinerary includes places such as Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Khasab, Oman; Fujairah, UAE; Zighy Bay, Oman; and Dubai. Apart from this, guests can also opt for a three-day package as part of pre, or post cruise tours, wherein you will be able to explore Qatar in depth. Some of Qatar’s greatest sites are on the itinerary for you, such as the National Museum of Qatar, and the Souq Waqif where you can check out local souvenirs, and spices. Travellers will also be able to go to the desert, and the Inland Sea, and then there is the exciting dune bashing. Qatar Tourism is working to expand its tourism value proposition, and the latest yacht launch is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Travellers are welcome from around the world to experience the hospitality of this beautiful destination on both land, and sea. Qatar is a dashing destination with a lot to offer for visitors. The country is your step into a world of obscure travel experiences, such as camel race, and falconry. With new experiences such as a superyacht, the country is all set to become one of the greatest attractions in the middle-east.

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