News

Munnar beckons tourists to enjoy the winter season

Munnar: The misty hill station is all set to welcome back visitors, after a fortnight of heavy rains and rogue weather. The lush green tea gardens and the mist covered hills of Munnar are ringing in winter in style. The temperature in Chenduvarai, Chittuvarai and Kundala tea estates nosedived to below 5 degree Celsius and it was 10 degree Celsius in Munnar town recently. Usually, the winter season in Munnar is from October to February. The temperature drops below zero degrees in months like December and January. However, this year, the winter came a little late due to the incessant rains. Those who work in the hospitality and tourism sectors say that bookings are rife from many places including North India. The District Tourism Promotion Council has joined hands with My Bike, a popular cycling group to rent out cycles for tourists who wish to explore Munnar on cycles. Besides, KSRTC sightseeing, camping and hostel facilities too are available in Munnar.

Read more

Tourism will be developed in Vizag region in a big way, says Kishan Reddy

Union Minister of Tourism and Culture G. Kishan Reddy said that there is immense potential for promotion of tourism in Visakhapatnam region and it will be developed in a big way. The Union Minister held a review meeting with officials from the the Central and the State Tourism departments, Visakhapatnam Port, Simhachalam Devasthanam, Railways, Archaeology, Revenue and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) at the Government Circuit House here on Tuesday evening. Later, speaking to the media along with State Tourism Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Mr. Kishan Reddy said that he had asked the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) officials to ensure early completion of the cruise terminal, being constructed at the port at a cost of about ₹100 crore. All the required clearances have been obtained and it would be completed in a year, he said. The cruise terminal would be able to accommodate 2,000 passengers at a time. Cruise tourism has gained patronage all over the world. On completion, the terminal would help in attracting international tourists. They would explore the popular tourist spots in Visakhapatnam like beaches, Buddhist heritage sites and Araku and promote those places back in their own countries, he said. Alluri’s birth anniversary Mr. Kishan Reddy said that the State government has already initiated some measures towards tourism and the Centre was ready to cooperate in this regard. He said that the Union and the State governments have decided to observe the 125th birth anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Delhi next year. The State government has agreed to complete the construction of Alluri Sitarama Raju Museum at Chintapalli by the 125 birth anniversary next year, he said. ‘Add more Vistadome coaches’ He said, “I have asked the railway officials to consider the demand for adding more Vistadome coaches to the Araku train. All the coaches should be Vistadome, based on the demand from passengers. I appeal to people of the region to travel in glass coach and also visit the Buddhist sites and popularise them on social media to attract international tourists.” Seaplanes Mr. Srinivasa Rao elaborated on the activities taken up by the State government for promotion of tourism. He apprised the Union Tourism Minister of the need to introduce seaplanes in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati, greater utilisation of the 13 ports in Andhra Pradesh and introduction of a train on the lines of the ‘Palace on Wheels’ between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to promote tourist attractions in both the States. The cruise terminal, sanctioned to Visakhapatnam by the Centre, would help in boosting tourism in a big way, he said.

Read more

Visit Brussels Organises Networking Lunch To Reconnect With Travel Trade

Visit.Brussels together with the Embassy of Belgium in India organized a networking lunch for 35 trade partners at the residence of François Delhaye, Ambassador of Belgium to India. The event witnessed interactions between the trade partners and representatives from the cultural, economic and visa sections of the Belgian Embassy. In fact, representing Visit.Brussels HQ was its Business Development Leisure - Pieter Callebaut, who was seen interacting with the travel fraternity, while reassuring them about the importance of the Indian market for Brussels’ tourism industry. A key highlight of the event was “Belgian gastronomy”, wherein participants were offered a spread of Belgian delights from waffles to beers and fries to Belgian beats. Delhaye, while addressing the trade fraternity, said, “During these last two years we have been missing our Indian friends, but now Belgium is open for tourism again and we see the number of visa applications going up. Another good news is that we’ll probably see an increase in the number of flights between India and Europe in the coming weeks. The vaccination level in Belgium is very high and our hope is that this latest wave of Covid will not last long. To our Indian friends I say: “Now is the time to start planning your next spring or summer trip to Europe” and there is no better place to start than Brussels, the capital and heart of Europe, a city rich in history and famous for its gastronomy and quality of life”. In 2022, Visit Brussels is planning on continuing to grow awareness and visibility of the European Capital through workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination trainings, consumer programs and much more. Training programmes are in the pipeline for agents from various key cities of India next year.

Read more

TAT New Delhi Connects With Travel Trade In Kolkata

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi supported by Royal Thai Consulate Kolkata, recently organized the Amazing Thailand presentation and networking in Kolkata. The objective was to update on the gradual re-opening of Thailand for tourism from India. Around 75 guests including travel agents, media and wedding planners attended the event. Welcoming the audience, Kasemsan Thongsiri, Acting Consul General - Royal Thai Consulate, Kolkata, updated on the consulate matters focusing on their efforts and procedures to assist travel to Thailand for Indians. He also informed the trade about updated guidelines on entering Thailand, protocol for travelers from India as well as documents and process for obtaining Thailand pass and visa. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director- Tourism Authority of Thailand - New Delhi talked about the re-opening of Thailand. He also highlighted TAT’s new marketing campaign “Visit Thailand Year 2022” that will emphasize Thailand’s strength in biological diversity and cultural richness under the Amazing New Chapter’s concept. This was followed by a product presentation promoting popular destinations in Thailand like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai. The presentation also introduced new products and activities in Thailand that Indian travelers could enjoy. Highlighting the importance of East India travel market to Thailand tourism, Sirisumpan said, "I would like to thank all our travel trade partners in Kolkata & East India for their continuous support towards Tourism Authority of Thailand and Royal Thai consulate. Kolkata is one of our most important markets and we eagerly look forward to welcoming travelers from here, to Amazing Thailand once again.”

Read more

Thailand's AWC targets luxury, long stays in tourism recovery

Thailand's Asset World Corporation Pcl (AWC) said on Monday it expects luxury travel to be one of the first sectors to recover as the country's tourism sector revives, confirming plans to double its number of hotel rooms to 10,000 by 2026. AWC would also continue its five-year investment plan of 100 billion baht (USD 3.04 billion), Chief Executive Wallapa Traisorat said in an interview, while noting some smaller projects had been pushed back. Wallapa announced on Monday plans for a 3.4 billion baht "wellness resort" in Bangkok covering 1.28 hectares (3.16 acres) of riverfront, including hotels, branded residences and spas. In November, AWC opened its 19th property in time to receive arrivals under Thailand's reopening plan for vaccinated tourists. Foreign arrivals in the past two years to Thailand plummeted to a fraction of the nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, with tourism losing USD 50 billion in annual revenue, an 82 per cent plunge. The government expects 200,000 arrivals this year and five million in 2022. "40 million is large base with many segments... we're targetting the luxury segment," Wallapa said. "Tourist behaviour is changing - there are longer stays with a focus on well-being... not only bringing back good memories but also feeling refreshed and healthy." In April last year, occupancy slumped to 1 per cent, though it has recovered to 20 per cent thanks to domestic demand, she said. The company has a strategy of securing prime locations and then partnering with brands for management. AWC is owned by tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Thai Beverage Pcl, one of Southeast Asia's biggest drinks makers. His daughter, Wallapa, oversaw the family's real estate interests and reorganised the portfolio before listing AWC in an IPO in 2019.

Read more

Uttarakhand To Orgainse Training Session For Reflexology In Uttarkashi And Rudraprayag

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will be organising one training session for Reflexology (Foot Therapy) at Uttarkashi for a month and in Rudraprayag for 15 days free from charges. This also aims to generate employment opportunities near Char Dham Yatra and 13 Trekking Traction Centre. Four experts from Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Jammu, Katra will be organising the training program which will benefit nearly 70 people which will be starting from November 23, 2021. Briefing the media, Satpal Maharaj, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, said, "Reflexology (foot massage) is our ancient technique. Reflexology is a type of alternative medicine, which is quite popular in other Asian countries including India. Reflexology works on a theory that is related to the organs and systems of the body. Giving pressure to certain parts of the body has many benefits for the body. The gentle art of reflexology focuses on massaging specific reflex points located on feet, hands and ears that correspond to every area of our body. This initiative will be beneficial for the pilgrims and tourists coming for trekking including our Dhams." Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, “Many people seek reflexology treatments to help with the physical symptoms of illness, such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. It is also said that the knowledge and techniques of this 2,000-year-old massage therapy were the hidden secrets of Buddhist monks. Those were kept alive and passed down through the generations. Along with this, the doors of employment will also open for the local people. Additional Chief Executive Officer (Adventure Tourism), UTDB Col Ashwini Pundir, said, "Trained foot therapists charge Rs 150 to 300 for reflexology and can earn Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per day. Not only will this it also provide great relief to the pilgrims/tourists/trekkers while walking on the mountains of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. A large number of reflexologists around the world are offering such facilities."

Read more