News

International Tourism Mart 2024 to highlight Northeast

The 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) will take place from November 26th to 29th, 2024, in Kaziranga, Assam. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event aims to showcase the tourism potential of the North Eastern region for both domestic and international audiences. This annual event serves as a platform for collaboration among tourism businesses and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Kaziranga, known for its UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park and rich biodiversity, will provide the perfect backdrop for the event. The park, home to the iconic one-horned rhino, adds significant appeal to the Mart. The event will see approximately 400 participants, including tour operators, hoteliers, homestay owners, tourism service providers, and media personnel, alongside government officials and international students. The event will feature several activities such as presentations by state governments, business-to-business (B2B) meetings, panel discussions, food demonstrations, cultural evenings, and a North East Bazaar. Key technical visits will include the Charaideo Moidam, Kaziranga National Park, Hathikuli Tea Estate, and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park. These activities will provide attendees with first-hand exposure to the region’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. Kaziranga’s ITM 2024 will also emphasise sustainability, aligning with the Ministry of Tourism’s Travel for Life initiative. The event will adopt energy-efficient practices, reduce single-use plastics, and provide shuttle transportation to minimise environmental impact. This commitment to sustainable tourism aims to leave a lasting, positive legacy while promoting the region’s tourism potential. By highlighting the unique cultures, traditions, and natural beauty of the North Eastern region, ITM 2024 will provide valuable insights to global influencers and international students studying in the area, enhancing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration in tourism.

Read more

New Delhi-Dehradun Expressway set to open in Jan 2025

Good news for travellers! The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is all set to open in January 2025. The expressway will transform the world of travel between Delhi and Dehradun. Spanning 210 kilometers, the road promises to reduce travel time from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. The expressway includes key features like an elevated wildlife corridor and enhanced safety measures for travellers. Here are 10 things to know about this expressway: Opening date: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will open in January 2025 and transform the way people travel between Delhi and Dehradun. Project: Led by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the expressway spans approximately 210 km. It will connect Delhi to Dehradun via towns like Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur. Reduced Travel Time: The expressway will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from the current 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. Heavy Investment: With a total investment of INR 13,000 crore, the expressway is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a government initiative aimed at enhancing road infrastructure across India. Wildlife Corridor: One of the prime features of this expressway is a 12 km elevated wildlife corridor over Rajaji National Park. This will protect wildlife while ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. Safety Features: To enhance safety, the expressway will include trauma centers, ambulances, fire brigades, and other emergency services. Additionally, the road will feature sturdy railings and wildlife fencing to prevent accidents. Infrastructure: Travelers will benefit from bus bays, truck stops, interchanges, and rest areas with recreational and refreshment facilities, improving the overall travel experience. Environment protection: The project includes eco-friendly measures, such as greenery along the central divider and wildlife protection features to ensure that the expressway is both safe and environmentally conscious. Improved Connectivity: Regions like Loni, Ghaziabad, Sonia Vihar, and Karawal Nagar will experience better connectivity, which is expected to boost local commerce and support economic growth in these areas. Tourism boost: The new expressway will offer a smoother and faster route for tourists heading to Uttarakhand, likely increasing the number of visitors to the state, which will help promote tourism and local economic growth.

Read more

Mumbai’s getting a new AC local train this Christmas

Great news for Mumbai’s train passengers! The city’s Western Railway is all set to introduce a brand new air-conditioned (AC) local train on December 25, 2024 – just in time for the holidays. The train, which was recently brought to the Kandivli yard, is currently undergoing some final checks and tests before it hits the tracks, and is ready for passengers. If reports are to go by, with 10 to 12 more AC local trips being added to the existing schedule, this will be a game-changer for many commuters. So, if you’re one of the many who prefer to travel in comfort and cool air, you’ll soon have more options to choose from. The new AC local has been made by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, and it's designed to meet the growing demand for these premium services. Right now, about 1.24 lakh passengers – roughly 4% of the 31 lakh daily commuters on the Western Railway – already choose to travel on the AC locals. The first AC local train was launched on Christmas Day back in 2017, and it was an instant hit. It was also reported that ever since the first launch, these trains became a preferred option that provided travellers a cooler and more comfortable travel experience. Now, the Western Railway boasts eight AC rakes, with seven already in service. For those who find themselves sweating it out during Mumbai's hot, sticky months, the new AC local train is going to be a huge relief. With more local trips on offer, now the local commute is soon going to be so much easier. Once can't ignore the fact that with this, the railways is also on the way to reduce the overcrowding of the local trains. With the festive season around, for the residents of Mumbai, it will be a lot easier to go shopping, local travel, or even work commutes.

Read more

Indian Railways unveils major projects: Enhanced connectivity to jyotirlingas and heritage sites

Good news for travellers! The Indian Railways is set to make travel to some of the most revered religious destinations in the country significantly easier, thanks to three new rail line projects in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. For those planning to visit the jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), they can look forward to smoother journeys, alongside better access to popular tourist destinations and improved freight transport. As per reports, the new projects involve the construction of the Jalgaon–Manmad fourth line (160 km), the Bhusaval–Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj–Manikpur third line (84 km), covering a total of 375 km. If reports are to go by, these developments are expected to reshape travel and logistics in seven districts across aforementioned Indian states, benefiting over 1,300 villages and a population of 38 lakh. For those planning to go on spiritual trips or pilgrimages, the new railway routes mean hassle-free access to the pilgrimage destinations, and also better connectivity to other popular religious sites such as Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. If reports are to go by, the additional infrastructure will also mean more passenger trains to operate on the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route. This move will not only reduce the total travel time, but also will help reduce congestion on one of the busiest corridors in India. As per reports, besides religious tourism, these new rail projects will also make it easier for travellers to access major tourist destinations like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khajuraho and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Visitors will also find it easier to explore historic landmarks like Devagiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, and Rewa Fort, or natural wonders such as Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary and the breathtaking Keoti and Purwa Waterfalls. Apart from pilgrimage and tourism, these new rail lines will also play a crucial role in boosting the country’s economy by facilitating the transport of agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, steel, cement, and containers. In conclusion, now the travellers will be able to visit some of India’s most sacred sites and cultural gems more quickly and easily. This is one of the many initiatives the Indian Railways is bringing to travellers, not just from India, but also from all over the world.

Read more

Kerala Houseboats In Spotlight As Tourists Demand Astonishing Variety

Overnight tours on houseboats are losing their charm for international tourists, primarily because of restrictions on nighttime sailing and the lack of appealing anchoring spots for relaxation and entertainment. This trend has led to a noticeable decline in foreign bookings for overnight houseboat experiences, according to travel and tour operators. While a day cruise across the expansive backwaters of Kochi, Alappuzha, and Kottayam offers a captivating experience, especially for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers often find the nighttime stay less engaging. With no sailing permitted after dark, houseboats are typically moored to trees along the shore, leaving guests confined to their cabins for the night. This limited activity has contributed to the growing disinterest among tourists seeking more vibrant and engaging experiences. As a result, many tourists visiting Kerala now prefer day tours, which typically last four to five hours and include a serene mid-lake lunch. Over the years, the actual time spent sailing has gradually decreased, with most houseboats beginning their cruises at 11:30 a.m. or even as late as 1:00 p.m. Currently, about 1,200 houseboats operate across the picturesque backwaters and lakes in Kerala’s popular destinations like Alappuzha, Kochi, and Kottayam. Tour operators have called for government intervention to revitalize the houseboat experience. Suggestions include relocating stake nets to expand navigable areas and introducing more scenic and relaxing nighttime anchoring spots. While many modern houseboats are equipped with five-star interiors and can host conferences, business meetings, private events, and family gatherings, the overall approach to these tours remains largely unchanged since the first modified kettuvallams began catering to tourists in the 1970s. For Kerala’s iconic houseboats to regain their allure, operators argue that innovation and modernization are essential. The government should work closely with fishermen to relocate stake nets, permit appropriate lighting, and expand sailing zones for houseboats, according to India Destination Tours. Creating designated anchoring spots in the middle of the lake and providing spaces onshore for music and entertainment programs could significantly enhance the experience for tourists during overnight tours. In earlier times, houseboats were allowed to sail at night, offering a more dynamic experience for travelers. Despite the growing concerns, Kerala Tourism has yet to implement measures to make houseboat tours more engaging. A district tourism official explained that night tours remain prohibited as they could interfere with fishing nets, which has prevented any changes in the current operations.

Read more

Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area in January 2025

Two more countries, Romania and Bulgaria, are set to join the Schengen Area by January 2025, according to Hungarian officials cited by Economic Times. This significant development comes after years of partial membership following their European Union accession in 2007. Both nations have long awaited full Schengen integration, which promises to simplify travel and bolster connectivity across Europe. A Long-Awaited Inclusion Although Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, their full integration into the Schengen Zone was delayed due to concerns over illegal migration, particularly voiced by Austria, which had opposed their entry. While air and maritime border checks were removed as of March 2023, land borders remained restricted. Recent diplomatic efforts appear to have resolved these longstanding issues. During a meeting in Budapest, attended by interior ministers from Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, Austria agreed to lift its opposition. This agreement is expected to pave the way for a final decision by EU interior ministers in December 2024, formally approving Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership in the Schengen Area. Expanded Schengen Zone: Current and Future Composition The Schengen Zone, a unique area allowing passport-free travel between member states, currently comprises 29 European countries: EU Members: Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Non-EU Members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. With the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen Area will become even more expansive, making it easier for travelers to explore these regions seamlessly. Security Measures to Facilitate Membership To address security concerns, particularly along Bulgaria’s borders, the integration process includes deploying at least 100 border guards along the Bulgaria-Turkey border. Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér confirmed this step, noting it as a crucial move toward achieving full membership. The decision has been well-received by EU officials. Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as a historic moment, emphasizing that Romania and Bulgaria “fully belong” in the Schengen Zone. Johansson remarked that the decision represents greater freedom for citizens of these two countries and aligns with the EU’s commitment to fostering mobility within its borders. Impact on Global Travelers and Tourism Expanded Travel Opportunities The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Area will allow travelers holding Schengen visas to visit these two nations without additional border checks. This development is expected to: Simplify travel: Tourists and business travelers will benefit from seamless cross-border movement. Boost tourism: Romania and Bulgaria’s integration will position them as attractive destinations, increasing visitor numbers and enhancing local economies. Strengthen trade ties: The move will facilitate smoother transportation of goods across European markets. Enhanced Benefits for Indian Travelers The expansion coincides with a cascade visa regime introduced in April 2024 for Indian nationals. Under this scheme, Indian travelers with an established travel history can be granted: Two-year multi-entry visas after utilizing two visas within three years. Five-year multi-entry visas upon meeting specific criteria, such as valid passports. This policy aims to simplify the visa process for Indian citizens, encouraging more frequent visits to Europe and potentially including Romania and Bulgaria in their itineraries. Implications for the Travel Industry The full integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area represents a significant milestone for the European travel industry. By eliminating border checks, the move is expected to: Streamline travel logistics: Making multi-destination trips within Europe more efficient. Increase demand for tourism services: Airlines, hotels, and tour operators in Romania and Bulgaria stand to benefit. Encourage global travel: The simplified Schengen visa process, coupled with expanded travel options, will attract international visitors.

Read more