News

China: Visa-free transit stays extended to 10 days to boost tourism

In a move to boost tourism, China has announced a significant expansion of its visa-free transit policy. As per the latest development, the latest transit program will allow eligible travellers to extend their permitted stay to 240 hours, or 10 days, up from the previous 72-144 hours. Under the revised policy, travellers from 54 countries, such as Russia, Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, can transit through China without a visa when heading to a third destination. The program is available at 60 ports across 24 provinces, as long as visitors stay within designated regions. For example, those arriving in Shanghai are permitted to explore the extended Shanghai area, which includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. However, Tibet still requires additional permits for foreign visitors. This policy adjustment aligns with China’s broader strategy to boost inbound tourism following its border reopening in 2023 after three years of strict COVID-19 measures. Recent data indicates that foreign visitor arrivals to China have significantly increased. The visa-free transit program, which witnessed a 78.6% growth in its own right, permitted more than half of the 8.2 million international visitors reported in the third quarter of 2024, a 48.8% year-over-year increase. Reportedly, as of December 1, Shenzhen residents are now eligible to apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong. This overturns earlier limitations that only allowed for one excursion every week. The revised regulation reinstates a mechanism that allowed for unlimited visits and was first put into place in 2009. As per the reports, protests over parallel trading, in which mainland consumers bought items in Hong Kong to resell for a profit, prompted the limitations. Officials anticipate that the policy's reinstatement will boost travel and business between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

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Gwalior-Agra Expressway to cut travel time and boost connectivity

In a recent update, the Gwalior-Agra Greenfield Expressway is all set to change the world of travel and boost connectivity between Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. This 88.4 km expressway will increase connectivity between three prime states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Not only this, the expressway will also reduce travel time between Agra and Gwalior from 2-3 hours to just one hour! As per report, the upcoming expressway will link Deori Village on Agra's Inner Ring Road to Susera Village on the Gwalior Bypass. The six-laned road will go through Bhind and Morena. The access-controlled highway will allow vehicles to travel at speeds up to 100 km/h. The project will use 502 hectares of land at an estimated cost of INR 2,497.84 crore. The design of the highway includes 47 culverts, four small bridges, and five major bridges. The expressway will pass through 14 villages in Agra, 30 in Dholpur, and several areas in Morena, eventually linking with the Gwalior Expressway at Surera Village.

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Shimla’s historic 104-year old ice skating rink opens for the season

Great news for winter lovers! The iconic 104-year old ice skating rink is now open for the season in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. A historic landmark and an important part of winter tourism in the state for over a century, the rink was built in 1920. It is counted among Asia’s oldest ice rinks. Its open-air design has made it a popular spot for ice skating, attracting visitors of all ages every winter. The Shimla Ice Skating Rink is set in the heart of the picturesque hill station, is not just a place for skating but also a testament to the rich colonial-era heritage of the region. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Shimla’s cultural and historical significance, with its continued operation adding to the town's charm. Skating enthusiasts and tourists eagerly await the rink’s opening each year, making it a significant part of the town’s winter appeal. Despite its historical importance, the rink faces numerous challenges that threaten its long-term viability. One of the major issues is the outdated infrastructure, which has not kept pace with the growing number of visitors. While the rink holds immense sentimental value for many, the lack of modern facilities and amenities often detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the rink has struggled with inadequate government support, which has hampered efforts to upgrade and maintain its facilities. These challenges have led to concerns about the future of this beloved venue. The rink’s management and the local community continue to call for greater attention and investment to preserve this heritage site. The hope is that with proper support, the Shimla Ice Skating Rink can be revitalized and maintained as a key part of the town’s tourism infrastructure, offering an enhanced experience for generations to come.

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France And Italy Strengthen Their Bond As Mont Blanc Tunnel Reopens

The Mont Blanc tunnel, linking France and Italy, will reopen to traffic on Monday following a 15-week closure for essential renovations. The Mont Blanc tunnel is set to reopen at 10 PM on Monday, December 16th, subject to the successful completion of final security tests following its renovation. The tunnel was closed on September 2nd for 15 weeks of refurbishment, strategically scheduled during a period of lower traffic volumes. During this closure, heavy trucks traveling from France were rerouted through the Fréjus tunnel in Savoie, while other vehicles used the Fréjus tunnel and various Alpine passes, including Grand and Petit Saint-Bernard, Mont Cenis, and Montgenèvre. Renovations focused on a 600-meter section of the tunnel’s vault. A second phase of work, scheduled for 2025, will address another 600 meters of the tunnel, though the precise timing remains undecided. This refurbishment is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the 11.6-kilometer tunnel, which has been undergoing regular overnight closures since 2018 for structural improvements. The final phase of renovations on the supporting structure of the carriageway was completed in June 2024.

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Air India Deploys Upgraded Airbus A320neos And Boeing 787s On Key Gateways

The pace of change at Air India is relentless, and the best thing for customers is that the airline is making changes that lift the onboard experience, which often leaves the most impression on passengers. Today, the full-service carrier released details of changes coming in 2025 that will see Air India's best aircraft on its key gateways and schedules optimized to enable better global connections. Air India has also announced significant updates to its international network starting in 2025, which includes upgrading cabins, optimizing schedules and utilizing former Vistara aircraft on key routes. The airline is deploying its best aircraft to key gateways in Southeast Asia and Europe, complementing the deployment of its Airbus A350 and B777 with upgraded cabin interiors on multiple US and UK routes. The key takeaways from today's announcement include: All Delhi-Bangkok flights will be operated by Air India's retrofitted A320neos Flights to Frankfurt and Singapore from Delhi and Mumbai to offer modern cabin interiors Optimized flight schedules to enable two-way connections between East and West via India From January 16, all flights on the Delhi-Bangkok route will use the retrofitted Airbus A320neo, featuring fully refreshed interiors across the economy, premium economy and business class cabins. They also feature Vista Stream, Air India's free wireless inflight entertainment, which allows access to more than 1,600 hours of rich entertainment on personal devices.

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Canberra Tourism Sector to Soar with Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is preparing to resume daily services to Canberra, Australia’s capital, enhancing connectivity and fostering more competitive options for the benefit of residents and customers across Australia. These daily services to Canberra will be routed through Melbourne to the airline’s central hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, acclaimed as the World’s Best Airport. This stopover offers passengers a premier experience and smooth transitions to over 170 destinations globally in the Qatar Airways network. Scheduled to start in December 2025, the flights will be facilitated by Boeing 777 aircraft, equipped with the airline’s celebrated Q-suite Business Class cabin* and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all onboard. Following a suspension during the global pandemic, the reinstatement of the Canberra route marks a significant development for Qatar Airways as it re-establishes its presence in the city, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and neighboring areas. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to be able to serve Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and I am proud that we are able to play our part in that. Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.”

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