News

Mumbai to get Gold Line Metro soon to connect with Navi Mumbai

Mumbai will soon get the Gold Line Metro, also known as Metro 8, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, as the new Maharashtra government is planning to decide on the executing agency for this crucial infrastructure project. Right now, there is no mass rapid transport system (MRTS) to link the two airports, and the Metro 8 corridor will be designed to bridge this gap. It should be noted that the Gold Line Metro project was the main topic of discussion ahead of the assembly elections to determine which agency would handle its execution, as the route spans both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The MMRDA and the Maharashtra government said they supported the execution of the project by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) through the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro). As the Navi Mumbai International Airport is all set to open next year, the newly-formed government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is now expected to expedite the Metro 8 project.

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Russia may soon allow visa-free travel for Indian tourists

For all those planning a trip to Russia, here is some good news. They might soon be able to enjoy the convenience of visiting Russia without the hassle of applying for a visa, with the possibility of this visa-free arrangement being implemented as early as spring 2025. As reported earlier, in June 2024, Russia and India held discussions regarding a bilateral agreement aimed at easing visa requirements, particularly through the introduction of visa-free group tourist exchanges. As of now, Indian tourists are currently required to undergo a rigorous visa application process in order to visit Russia. Depending on the reason for their trip, Indian travellers need to apply for various visa categories, including tourist, business, employment, student, and humanitarian visas. This means they need to attend to the frequent calls for extensive documentation and careful planning. However, if the new initiative is brought in place, this procedure might become considerably easier. Evgeny Kozlov, the chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, estimates that as of the first half of 2024, 28,500 Indian visitors visited Moscow, a 1.5-fold increase over the previous year. Most of these travellers visited Russia for work-related or business-related purposes. Russia has already instituted a similar visa-free arrangement for Chinese and Iranian citizens through a tourism exchange program that began on August 1, 2023. Russia is now considering providing Indian passport holders with the same benefits as a result of the program's success. Currently, Indian nationals can visit 62 countries without a visa, and as of August 2023, they can apply for a Unified E-Visa (UEV) to enter Russia. Entry into all of Russia for personal, professional, or recreational reasons is possible with this visa, which usually takes four days to process.

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Marriott and Al Ali Property Investments to Bring Moxy to Al Barsha Dubai by 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has partnered with Al Ali Property Investments (API) to introduce Moxy Hotels to Dubai’s vibrant Al Barsha district. The transformation of an existing property into Moxy Al Barsha Dubai is set to be completed by the summer of 2025, following a comprehensive refurbishment and rebranding process. This new addition will represent Moxy’s debut in the UAE, bringing the brand’s signature industrial-chic design, lively social hubs, and dynamic programming to the heart of one of Dubai’s most energetic areas. Since its launch a decade ago, Moxy Hotels has disrupted the traditional hospitality model, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the upper midscale lifestyle segment with over 135 properties in more than 25 countries. The Moxy brand is known for its playful and unconventional approach to hospitality, catering to a global audience seeking modern, affordable accommodations with a lively atmosphere. The Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will feature contemporary, smartly designed rooms ideal for youthful, adventure-driven travelers. Guests can expect vibrant public spaces, immersive local experiences through bold programming, and communal areas that invite social interaction and collaboration. The hotel will also offer a variety of spaces where guests can work, relax, and connect with others. Jassim Al Ali, Managing Director of Al Ali Property Investments, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Moxy Hotels is a perfect match for Dubai’s dynamic Al Barsha district, offering an energetic and stylish hospitality experience. The opening of Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will be a valuable addition to our diverse property portfolio, and we’re excited to continue working with Marriott International on this new venture.” Conveniently located, Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will be easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and the nearby metro station. It will be just minutes from the Mall of the Emirates, popular public beaches, and key business hubs such as Dubai Media City and Internet City, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers.

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Intercity travel and international tourism see growth in year-end surge

Online travel agency firms are observing a shift in consumer preferences, with year-end travel data highlighting a surge in both intercity bookings and international tourism. According to data from Yatra Online, international bookings are increasing for destinations like Dubai, Bali and Thailand during Christmas and New Year, while long-haul destinations such as London, Paris and Istanbul continue to be popular among Indian travellers. Travellers are gravitating towards culturally rich destinations that offer a diverse mix of experiences, including beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions, explained Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo. Elaborating on the trend, he added, “For the first time, Maldives has not featured in the top 10 most-searched destinations for year-end travel, signalling a shift towards more varied and immersive vacations, moving away from traditional hotspots.” Despite this broader trend, some exceptions remain. In India, Goa remains a top choice, with bookings expected to increase by 12-15 per cent compared to last year, says Sabina Chopra, COO of Corporate Travel at Yatra Online. In addition to traditional vacation spots, there has been a noticeable rise in spiritual travel. More travellers are opting for spiritual journeys over leisure getaways. Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer at AbhiBus, shared that “for every leisure traveller, six are opting for spiritual journeys,” highlighting this emerging trend. Spiritual destinations are growing in popularity, indicating a shift from the usual beach and resort-driven travel.

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Lemon Tree Hotels Expands with the Opening of Lemon Tree Resort in Thimphu, Bhutan

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the opening of its newest property, Lemon Tree Resort, located in Thimphu, Bhutan. This marks the second Lemon Tree property in the capital city and the country, following the success of its first property. The resort offers 60 well-designed rooms along with a luxurious villa, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine coffee shop, and Slounge, a vibrant recreation bar. For business and event needs, the resort features spacious banquet areas with a connecting pre-function zone, as well as modern meeting rooms. A dedicated kid’s room ensures that younger guests remain entertained while parents unwind. In its first phase, 48 rooms and a villa have officially opened to guests. The second phase will include the remaining rooms, alongside a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, and Fresco, a rejuvenating spa designed to enhance the guest experience. The resort’s design harmoniously integrates with its surrounding environment, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual tranquility, and the resort reflects this connection to nature. Visitors can explore nearby landmarks, including the iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue, which overlooks the city, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s rural culture and traditions.

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Global Railway Travel Industry Set for Skyrocketing Growth Prediction in 2025

The global railway travel industry is on the brink of unprecedented growth, fueled by technological advancements, increased urbanization, and a shift toward sustainable transportation. According to recent industry reports and projections, railway travel is becoming a cornerstone of global transport, contributing to environmental conservation, economic development, and enhanced connectivity. The integration of cutting-edge technologies is revolutionizing railway systems worldwide. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global smart railway market was valued at USD 16.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 40.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2022 to 2030. These advancements include: IoT and AI Integration: Enhancing operational efficiency and passenger services. Predictive Maintenance: Reducing downtime and operational costs through real-time monitoring. High-Speed Rail Developments: Offering faster, more competitive alternatives to air travel for short to medium distances.

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