News

Sky-high views and zero traffic: Sikkim’s new ropeway will change how you explore Gangtok

In a move to address urban traffic challenges and to boost tourism, the Sikkim government has unveiled a plan to introduce a modern aerial ropeway system in Gangtok, an official statement said on Thursday.The initiative, discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister P S Tamang during the day, aims to transform the city's transport infrastructure and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional road-based commuting. The meeting, attended by officials from the Urban Development Department (UDD), key stakeholders and potential investors, focused on the implementation of the ropeway project under the Sikkim Ropeway Act, 2023.Gangtok, the state capital, has been grappling with increasing traffic congestion due to rising private vehicle ownership, limited road space, and longer trip lengths. The ropeway system is expected to alleviate these issues while enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal and accessibility, it said.

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IRCTC new rules: Missed pre-booking your meal? Vande Bharat travellers can now buy food onboard anytime

Passengers of Vande Bharat trains can purchase food onboard even if they do not select any food options at the time of ticket booking, the Railway Board said on Friday."In order to provide options, choice of services and adequate catering facilities to current booking & non-optee passengers in Vande Bharat trains, sale and service of food items in Vande Bharat trains may be resumed by the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation)," the Railway Board said in a circular addressed to the chairman and managing director of IRCTC on Friday. It added, "For current booking and non-optee passengers, the option of cooked meal may also be resumed (if available) which would be in addition to customised Ready to Eat (RTE) meal option." Railway officials said a lot of passengers used to complain frequently that IRCTC staff did not offer them food even if they wanted to pay only because they had not opted for it during ticket booking.

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Taiwan sees 20% growth in Indian visitors from Jan–Oct 2024

Latest official figures from Taiwan Tourism administration (TTA), the national tourism agency of Taiwan, show that Indian market has registered a strong 19.46 per cent growth in visitor arrivals in the first 10 months of 2024. Taiwan has registered a total arrival of 31,766 visitors from India during the January – October 2024 period, a robust near 20 percent growth over 26,591 visitors from India registered during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile international arrivals has soared to 6,206,267 visitors for the period January – October 2024, 24.55 per cent growth over the corresponding January – October 2023 period when arrivals had reached 4,983,081 international visitors. With two more months to add to inbound arrival number of last year, total year-end Indian arrival number is expected to be over 38,000 visitors, whereas total year-end international visitor arrival number is expected to be in the region of 7.5 million visitors in 2024. Taiwan had recorded 6.48 million tourist arrivals in 2023.

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UN Tourism opens call for Best Tourism Villages 2025

Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained global recognition. Across the previous four editions, UN Tourism has received more than 800 applications from over 100 countries. Today, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network includes 254 members worldwide, over 180 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing almost 60 countries across five world regions. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says, “The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good.”

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Vietnam’s Tet 2025 Shatters Tourism Records with Unstoppable Growth in Domestic and International Travel

Vietnam’s Tet 2025 saw a record tourism surge with millions of visitors, boosted by relaxed visas, expanded flights, and soaring travel demand. Vietnam experienced a significant increase in tourist numbers during the nine-day Tet Lunar New Year holiday, which took place from January 25 to February 2. Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) indicates that both domestic and international tourism saw notable growth compared to the same holiday period in 2024. During Tet 2025, an estimated 12.5 million domestic travelers explored the country, marking a 19% rise from the previous year. International arrivals surged by approximately 30%, a boost credited to improved visa policies and targeted promotional efforts led by tourism authorities and private sector stakeholders.

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Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF) 2025 To Foster Cross-Continental Partnerships And Sustainable Tourism Growth In Rome, Italy

AETEF 2025 in Rome will strengthen Africa–Europe tourism ties, promoting partnerships, investment, and sustainable growth through collaboration and exchange. The Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF) 2025 is set to take place from March 27 to 29 at The Hive Hotel in Rome, Italy. This landmark event is designed to enhance collaboration between Africa and Europe by fostering sustainable tourism development, strengthening cross-continental partnerships, and creating new investment opportunities. With the theme “Bridging Africa and Europe through Tourism Exchanges,” AETEF 2025 will serve as a premier platform for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industries to connect, share insights, and explore innovative solutions for the future of tourism between the two regions.

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