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Indian Railways to mandate e-Aadhaar for tatkal tickets to curb illegal bookings

The Railway Ministry has authorised the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) to authenticate a passenger’s Aadhaar ID to establish his or her identity. A Gazette notification dated May 27, 2025, said, “The Ministry of Railways, Railway Board, hereby notifies that the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) be allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on a voluntary basis, to establish the identity of ticket-checking staff, crew members and passengers, using Yes/No or eKYC authentication facility.” Almost a week after the notification, on June 4, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on his X account, “Bharatiya Railways will soon start using e-Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets.” “This will help genuine users get confirmed tickets during needed,” Vaishnaw added. Railway officials say that at present, IRCTC does get Aadhaar authentication done through a third party, but after the Gazette notification, it will be much easier and faster to get the authentication done. “Ticket-checking staff and crew members have also been brought under its ambit for official purposes,” the official added. The Ministry also issued a press statement in which it said that currently, there are more than 130 million active subscribers on the IRCTC website, of which only 12 million are Aadhaar-verified. “IRCTC has decided to conduct special verification for all accounts that are not authenticated with Aadhaar. Accounts found to be suspicious will be closed. The railways aim to ensure that genuine passengers receive all types of Tatkal tickets,” it said. “Account holders who link their accounts with Aadhaar will get priority booking during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal ticket sales. Even authorized IRCTC agents are not allowed to book tickets within the first 10 minutes of the Tatkal window opening. Therefore, it has become necessary to verify your IRCTC account through Aadhaar,” it added. The Ministry said that the Railways is planning to make the Tatkal ticketing process more robust by making some of the rules more stringent, like only Aadhaar-verified accounts will be allowed to book online Tatkal tickets, and Aadhaar-based OTP authentication shall also be required for booking. Sources said that counter-based tatkal tickets may also be booked after Aadhaar verification to control malpractices. According to the Gazette notification, the process for Aadhaar authentication is voluntary, and a passenger has to give his or her consent for it. PTI

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New Border Tourism initiative to welcome visitors to Himachal Pradesh’s remote regions

Tourists from across India will now be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the border areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts along the Indo-China border, as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launches the Border Tourism initiative. The Chief Minister is set to inaugurate the initiative from Shipki-La, a prominent frontier village, during his upcoming two-day visit to Kinnaur district. A government spokesperson highlighted that the Border Tourism initiative, launched in coordination with the Union Government, marks a significant milestone for the State Beautiful. This move will allow regulated tourist access to strategically sensitive yet culturally vibrant destinations, including Lepcha-La, Shipki-La, Gue Monastery, Khana, Dumti, the Rani area of Sangla, and Chitkul in Kinnaur district, along with selected locations in Lahaul-Spiti. The spokesperson added that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has consistently pursued this matter with the relevant authorities. “This long-standing effort has now begun yielding positive results, paving the way for responsible tourism and inclusive development in these remote tribal regions,” he said. The objective of the initiative, he further explained, is to promote sustainable border tourism while safeguarding national security and preserving the unique tribal heritage of the region. “Access to these areas, which previously required special permissions from the ITBP and Indian Army due to their strategic locations and security sensitivities, has now been streamlined under revised protocols,” he noted. Under the new guidelines, local residents and bona fide tourists can visit these sites by presenting valid identity documents. The ITBP and Army will continue to facilitate secure and smooth movement in accordance with established protocols. The initiative is expected to boost local infrastructure, create livelihood opportunities through responsible tourism, and foster a stronger sense of national integration for communities living in these remote tribal belts. “This marks a transformative step in the state’s developmental roadmap, blending security, sustainability, and socio-economic inclusion. The State Government remains committed to integrating India’s remotest villages into the mainstream, without compromising their distinct cultural identity,” the spokesperson concluded.

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Eurostar to launch high-speed trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva

Eurostar has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce three new direct routes in the early 2030s. These routes, London to Frankfurt, London to Geneva, and Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva, will be made possible by the addition of up to 50 new trains, expanding Eurostar’s network and enhancing international rail connectivity. The reinstatement of direct services between London, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in February 2025 will see a fourth daily service added from September 9 and a fifth from mid-December. Eurostar also shared its 2024 financial results, reporting an EBITDA of €346 million despite economic challenges, including high inflation and increased fixed costs. Passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, a 5 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting the continued demand for international rail travel across Europe. This brings Eurostar closer to its target of carrying 30 million passengers annually. To support this growth, Eurostar plans to invest approximately €2 billion in the new fleet, which will operate across its entire network alongside the existing 17 e320s, bringing the total fleet to 67 trains, a 30 per cent increase from today. Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar CEO, said, “We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide. Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future. Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality, notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.” Alain Krakovitch, President of the Eurostar Group, Director of TGV-INTERCITÉS at SNCF Voyageurs, said, “2024 is an exceptional year, crowned by the successes of the Olympic Games.  Eurostar is in good shape to serve 30 million passengers and the ambition to develop our European services remains strong.” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “I am pleased to welcome this exciting investment into Eurostar services, which is a huge step in promoting green travel across Europe and boosting our international rail connections. Last month, I signed a landmark agreement to deliver a direct rail link between London and Switzerland, paving the way for direct commercial services. Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in countries across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise.”

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Happy Valley Adventure Bureau allocates record-breaking $1.1 million in tourism grants for 2025–26

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), in collaboration with the Centre County Commissioners, has allocated over USD 1.1 million in tourism grant funding for the fiscal year 2025–26. This marks the highest grant distribution in the program’s history, supporting a total of 81 projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing travel experiences and encouraging visitation to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. “Topping the one-million-dollar mark is a tremendous milestone for the Tourism Grant Program,” said Fritz Smith, President and CEO of HVAB. “It’s a visible example of how a strong tourism economy, particularly through overnight stays, benefits our entire community.” The announcement took place at Rolling Rails Lodge in Port Matilda under the theme “Tourism in Bloom.” The initiative underscores HVAB’s commitment to nurturing local attractions, cultural events, and hospitality-focused development across the region. Out of the 81 projects funded, 11 come from first-time applicants, including the Happy Valley Latin Festival, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. “We’re thrilled to receive this Tourism Marketing Grant. Thanks to this support, we’ll be able to reach a wider audience for our bilingual, inclusive celebration of Latinx and Hispanic culture, taking place on September 20 during Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Ady Martinez, Festival Director. The Centre County Commissioner Chair, Mark Higgins, emphasized the scale of the region’s tourism growth. “It is exciting to see total tourism revenue for Centre County exceed $1 billion and the Tourism Grant pool cross $1 million. These grants directly enhance visitor experiences and enrich local life,” he stated. Other beneficiaries include the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, which received dual grants to market its heritage train rides, especially the Christmas rides that draw significant local participation. “These funds are vital for attracting visitors from beyond the region,” noted Dan Durachko, President of the Society. The HVAB Tourism Grant Program is funded by the county’s hotel occupancy tax, reinvested to support initiatives that drive overnight stays and long-term tourism growth.

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Visit Maldives names Katrina Kaif as Global Brand Ambassador

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has appointed Katrina Kaif, lifestyle icon, as the Global Brand Ambassador for the Maldives. This collaboration comes on the heels of Visit Maldives’ special Summer Sale Campaign, designed to entice more travellers to discover the breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and exclusive luxurious experiences that the Maldives offers. Katrina Kaif is a globally recognised icon, a distinguished performer, and an award-winning entrepreneur whose influence spans industries and continents. With an acclaimed portfolio of blockbuster films and many prestigious awards, her contributions to Indian cinema are prolific. Beyond her on-screen success, she has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen—redefining the role of women in business. As a recipient of the prestigious Forbes Icon of Excellence honour, Katrina has firmly established herself as a leading voice at the intersection of business and entertainment. Speaking about her new role as the Sunny Side of Life’s Global Brand Ambassador, Katrina said, “The Maldives represents the pinnacle of luxury and natural beauty, a place where elegance meets tranquillity. I’m honoured to be chosen as the face of the Sunny Side of Life. This collaboration is about bringing the finest travel experiences to global audiences, and I’m excited to help people around the world discover the unique charm and world-class offerings of this extraordinary destination.” Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, commented on the appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Katrina as our Global Brand Ambassador. Her vibrant personality and strong connection with audiences worldwide make her a perfect representative for the Sunny Side of Life, the World’s Leading Destination for the past 5 consecutive years, especially as we start our Summer Sale push in key markets around the world.” The Summer Sale Campaign features exclusive offers and value-packed deals across luxury resorts, boutique guesthouses, and family-friendly accommodations throughout the Maldives, currently live across key global markets including the UK, Russia & CIS, the DACH region, Italy, Poland, Spain, and India. Collectively, these diverse and well-timed initiatives, tailored for travellers seeking unforgettable summer escapes, underscores Visit Maldives’ commitment to strengthening global destination presence and driving bookings for Summer 2025 and beyond.

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Indian tourists can now visit the Philippines without a visa

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has announced that Indian nationals will be granted visa-free entry for tourism purposes starting June 8, 2025. This policy aims to boost tourism arrivals from India, aligning with the Philippine Government’s efforts to expand tourism engagement with Indian travellers. According to the DFA, Indian nationals may now enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days, provided they present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to another destination. Furthermore, Indian nationals who hold valid and current visas or residence permits from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area, Singapore, or the United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) will be allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free for a non-extendible period of 30 days for tourism purposes. These travellers must also present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay and a return or onward ticket to their next destination. The DFA emphasised that these visa-free privileges are strictly for tourism and must be availed of at any Philippine port of entry. They are not convertible to other visa-based stays or admission status categories. Additionally, Indian nationals must not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to qualify for visa-free entry. Indian travellers who wish to transit through the Philippines or stay for longer periods, as well as those traveling for non-tourism activities, are still required to apply for an appropriate visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their home country, country of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals. For eligible travellers, the DFA also noted that Indian nationals can apply for e-Visas through the official Philippine e-Visa website (evisa.gov.ph). However, e-Visas cannot be extended or converted to other visa-based stays or admission status categories.

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