News

Madhya Pradesh Tourism is launching the Sarsi Island Resort on December 14th

India is doing some excellent work in the field of eco-tourism and Madhya Pradesh’s Sarsi Island Resort is the latest example. The resort, developed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, will be inaugurated on December 14 by the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Set on picturesque backwaters of Bansagar Dam in Shahdol district, the resort features unique eco-friendly accommodations. Eco-friendly huts: Sarsi Island Resort features 10 eco-friendly huts. These beautiful huts are designed to offer visitors an experience of a lifetime and the accommodations are a perfect amalgam of comfort with sustainability. Water sports: The resort also boasts three boat clubs which offer some thrilling water sports to adventure seekers. On-site restaurant: There is also a contemporary restaurant serving a range of sumptuous delicacies to the foodies in the resort. Other offerings: There’s also a gym, a library, and a kid’s play zone. A conference room is also provided where business meetings and other events can also be organised. It’s a unique amalgam of natural beauty and modern facilities.

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Free KSRTC bus travel for women on Mangaluru-Karkala route with shakti scheme

MANGALURU: Very soon, women traveling on the Mangaluru – Moodbidri – Karkala route will be able to benefit from the govt's Shakti Scheme, which allows free travel in KSRTC buses for them. This route has long been dominated by private bus operators, with KSRTC buses absent for many years. After numerous requests from women beneficiaries for KSRTC services, the govt approved the immediate deployment of four buses. MLC Ivan D’Souza mentioned that additional KSRTC buses will be introduced on this route soon. Welcoming the govt’s decision, the MLC said that the KSRTC Mangaluru division will be operating the buses on the route. “The women beneficiaries, who are commuting on the Mangaluru – Moodbidri – Karkala route, were deprived of the Shakti Scheme benefit because of the lack of KSRTC buses.

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Radisson Hotel Group Introduces Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach

Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach is a dynamic haven for content creators, offering more than just a stay—it’s a vibrant hub where creativity, style, and social connection converge. With photogenic interiors, rooftop celebrations, and interactive art installations, the resort redefines the travel experience, inviting guests to engage with a fresh, artistic approach to leisure. From the striking art-filled lobby and the bold, modern RED rooms to collaborative spaces like hot desks and private pods, every corner of the resort is designed to spark inspiration. Guests can also tune into Radio RED 91.5 & 102.5 FM, the resort’s exclusive music station that keeps them in tune with both local events and international trends. Culinary and nightlife enthusiasts will find a rich variety of experiences, with eight unique venues to explore, including the legendary Hard Rock Café Phuket, a chic rooftop beach club, and live DJ performances in the lobby. Wellness-focused travelers can enjoy the cutting-edge Atlas Gym, rejuvenating hydrotherapy services, and an upcoming red-light therapy spa. Families are well taken care of, with a dedicated Kids’ Club, hand-picked local tours, and personalized concierge services designed to craft memorable family vacations. The resort is also a top choice for events, offering five versatile meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, and state-of-the-art technology for both corporate and social gatherings. Nestled in a prime location close to the lively Bangla Road, the Andamanda Phuket water park, and cultural treasures like Wat Chalong temple, Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach is the perfect base for exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Phuket. Stacey Walton, Vice President of Destination Hospitality Management, added: “This resort will redefine the social scene in Patong, serving as a hub for live entertainment, signature dining, and cultural events. Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a destination designed to inspire.” Gary Murray, CEO and Owner of Destination Hospitality Management, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to introduce Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach as the brand’s first resort in Asia. Our vision is to blend Thai hospitality with Radisson RED’s dynamic DNA, creating an experience that’s as inspiring as it is unforgettable.”

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Traditional Travel Agency Market to See Substantial Growth

The global traditional travel agency market, valued at $143.9 billion in 2022, is set to experience significant growth, with projections indicating it will reach $212.9 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to occur at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2023 to 2032, driven by increasing demand for personalized travel experiences, flexible booking options, and collaborations with local service providers. The resurgence in travel following the COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted a renewed interest in traditional travel agencies as consumers seek expert guidance for their journeys. The market growth is being fueled by several factors, including the growing need for customized itineraries and travel packages. Consumers are increasingly turning to traditional travel agencies for curated experiences, whether they are seeking luxury vacations, adventure tours, or wellness retreats. These agencies, which are able to offer specialized knowledge and personalized services, have become invaluable in catering to the diverse and evolving needs of modern travelers. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in consumer preferences, with travelers seeking more flexible and adaptable booking policies. Traditional travel agencies, recognizing this change, have adjusted their policies to accommodate last-minute itinerary changes and cancellations, offering peace of mind to travelers. This shift towards flexibility, combined with an increased focus on health and safety, has led to a growing reliance on travel professionals who can provide expert advice and personalized service in navigating the complexities of international travel. Additionally, many agencies are increasingly offering integrated travel experiences that include packages combining transportation, accommodations, and leisure activities. This shift toward providing comprehensive services has made traditional travel agencies an attractive option for travelers looking to save time and ensure a seamless journey. By offering everything from luxury packages to wellness tours, these agencies are positioning themselves as experts in crafting unique and memorable travel experiences.

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Saudi Arabia set to host FIFA World Cup 2034

Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034 on Wednesday while the 2030 edition will take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Also, the 2030 World Cup, which will also be the 100th anniversary of the showpiece will be hosted in six different countries, on 3 different continents. This is the latest caveat that Saudi Arabia has received after being named as hosts for the 2034 Asian Games as well as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. In October 2023, FIFA set a 25-day deadline for countries to express interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup with both Australia and Saudi Arabia putting their names in the hat. Australia would, however, pull out after a few days in order to secure the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup hosting rights. This would leave Saudi as the lone candidate with FIFA even giving it a glowing review, scoring its bid 4.2 out of 5 — more than the 2026 bid of USA, Canada and Mexico, which received 4 out of 5.

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Thailand to roll out e-visa for Indian travellers from January 1

In a significant move, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi announced the implementation of e-visa facilities for Indian passport holders starting from January 1, 2025. The new system aims to streamline visa applications, allowing applicants to pay through an offline payment method, as per a statement released by the embassy. The embassy highlighted that, until further notice, Indian regular passport holders are still eligible for a 60-day visa exemption for tourist and brief business travel. Applicants who choose the e-visa must, however, pay a non-refundable visa fee, for which the relevant Embassy and Consulate-Generals will provide information on offline payment options. The e-visa processing time will take approximately 14 days from the receipt of the visa fee. Applicants are required to submit their applications through Thailand’s official e-visa portal. The embassy also clarified the deadlines for transitioning to the new e-visa system. As per the order, ordinary passport applications submitted via processing agencies will only be accepted until December 16, 2024. For diplomatic and official passport holders, applications submitted directly to the Embassy or Consulate-Generals will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

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