News

Karnataka plans beach makeover

Karnataka is all set to adopt certain changes, and go Goa way in a move to attract more tourists. For this the tourism department is considering numerous options to ensure tourists make the most out of their Karnataka trip. Read on to find out more. The Karnataka tourism department is considering significant changes to boost beach tourism, similar to the success seen in Goa. One of the key changes under review is the introduction of shacks on Karnataka's beaches. These shacks are popular attractions in Goa, offering tourists a relaxed beachside experience with food, drinks, and music. As per the reports, the tourism agency will likely permit consumption alcohol on Karnataka's beaches in addition to shacks, which would likely draw more tourists. Alcohol consumption is not permitted as of now, and removing these limits will likely help to improve beach tourism, particularly in places like Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Referring to this, Rajendra KV, Director of the Karnataka Tourism Department and Managing Director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), stated that these changes will likely be part of a new tourism policy aimed at increasing the footfall of tourists. The primary goal is to make Karnataka’s beaches as popular as those in Goa by providing a more relaxed and safe atmosphere for visitors.

Read more

Kazakhstan’s citizens can now visit 41 countries visa-free

Kazakhstan is gradually making a mark on the global tourism map. Kazakh citizens can now enjoy visa-free access to 41 countries, as reported by Kazinform. In the last 10 years, Kazakhstan has expanded its visa-free access, adding over 30 new destinations. As per the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, there are now 81 countries where Kazakh citizens can travel without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival, with six more agreements awaiting implementation. Some countries offer particularly long stays for Kazakh citizens. Georgia leads with a visa-free period of up to one year. Armenia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines permit up to 180 days of stay, while around 15 other countries, such as Russia, Türkiye, Mongolia, Albania, and Moldova, allow stays of up to 90 days. Shorter visa-free stays of 14 days are available in destinations like Hong Kong, Iran, and Oman. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working to improve the global standing of the Kazakh passport. Kuanysh Zhaikov, an economist and head of the DESHT Institutional Transformation Group analytical center, emphasized the long-term benefits of securing visa-free agreements. He noted that these deals can help Kazakhstan negotiate similar arrangements with larger, more economically significant nations. In 2023, Kazakhstan continued expanding its list of visa-free countries, establishing agreements with Bangladesh, Seychelles, San Marino, China, and Vietnam. Ongoing discussions with the European Union aim to simplify visa procedures, potentially reducing fees, expediting processing, and extending the validity of multiple-entry visas.

Read more

South Africa to simplify visa rules for Indian travellers to boost tourism

If you are planning a visit to South Africa, now is the right time. As per the latest reports, South Africa is all set to simplify visa procedures for travellers from India and China, in a move to boost tourism in the country. Starting from January, the country will launch a Trusted Tour Operators system, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Reports add that this new system will ease entry processes for tourists from India and China, which are both key BRICS countries, by allowing vetted tour operators to manage entry requirements for organised tour groups. By reducing visa-related administrative burdens, South Africa hopes to become a more attractive destination for tourists from these high-potential markets. Schreiber stated that the new visa will increase the allure of tourism, which is one of South Africa's greatest advantages. He added that traditionally, it has been difficult for travellers from other areas, such as China and India, to travel there due to complicated visa requirements, like for example, travellers from China and India are required to get authorisation before to their visit, which is a hurdle, whereas travellers from the US and the UK do not need a visa for brief stays. The strategy used by South Africa is similar to effective methods from other nations that have streamlined visa requirements in an effort to increase travel. For example, Thailand's relaxation of visa requirements has resulted in a notable surge in Indian tourists. In a move to boost Indian tourist visits, Saudi Arabia is also now expanding its visa services, offering choices such as a four-day transit visa. These modifications are a part of a larger trend among countries looking to streamline travel procedures and draw in Asian tourists.

Read more

Shillong tops the bucket list destination for Indian travellers in 2025

According to recent news sources, Meghalaya's capital, Shillong, has become the most popular travel destination for Indians in 2025. It's noteworthy that this Northeastern destination has outperformed even well-known international destinations like Baku and Azerbaijan. According to Skyscanner's most recent 'Travel Trends Report,' Shillong is the only Indian city to be featured on this esteemed list of popular travel destinations. Many Indian tourists who are looking for natural beauty and cultural diversity closer to home have fallen in love with Shillong, affectionately known as the "Scotland of the East" for its picturesque hills and verdant landscapes. As per the said report, Indian tourists seeking to combine adventure and leisure are drawn to Baku, Langkawi, and other lesser-known foreign destinations like Tromsø in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. This change in tastes reflects a larger tendency to visit unusual and largely unexplored locations. As per the report, Indian tourists are also prioritising affordability in their travel plans. According to Skyscanner’s travel and destinations expert, cost plays a deciding factor for Indian travellers, with nearly two-thirds considering hotel, flight, and food prices while planning their trips. To assist budget-conscious travellers, the report features a ‘Best Value Destinations’ category, spotlighting destinations with significant drops in airfare over the past year.

Read more

This autumn, Northeast blushes in cosmos

Sunsets are hazy and fog blankets the faraway woods, hills, and valleys. Autumn’s calling as we take a cab to Mylliem, a nondescript village about 17 kilometres from Meghalaya’s capital Shillong, which has the best expanse of pink blossom — cosmos. With October, among all things autumnal, comes cosmos, the ephemeral blossom that shrouds different parts of the Northeast in mostly pink, but also yellow, orange and white. In any other season, Mylliem stands as a roadside stop en route more popular destinations of Meghalaya, but this time of the year one can spot the spreads of cosmos growing on hilltops, random roadside areas and in the villagers’ patios — making it a destination on its own. Mylliem has several roadside restaurants, cafes and local Khasi eateries offering travellers a scope to cherish good food amidst stunning backdrops. The cosmos and the wild kans grass contrast the yellowing paddy by the hills. Our chase for the cosmos in Mylliem brought memories of our very first encounter with this flower, on a trip to Manipur in 2022 before turmoil hit the state. Manipur boasts several specific locations for cosmos sighting such as the Naamai Zho in Koide village of Senapati district and the Paorei village in Ukhrul. Locals in different parts also organise festivals to celebrate the bloom. Our sighting of its bounty, however, was at the Ramva village en route Ukhrul. The driver had halted the Sumo for a tea break, and we were left to exalt at the beautiful sighting of the cosmos. With a marketplace for local produce and food at the entrance, the Ramva Village looked yellow and orange in an abundance of cosmos. We ran to the neighbourhood courtyards and gardens to soak in the sighting in the brief window we had before we continued to Ukhrul.

Read more

Germany woos Indian tourists with exclusive experiences

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is intensifying its efforts to tap into the rapidly growing Indian outbound travel market, unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with Indian travellers and the tourism industry. According to GNTB, during a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, GNTB CEO Petra Hedorfer discussed the organization's plans to build on the strong foundation of nearly two decades of engagement in India, highlighting the expansion of market-specific activities and collaborative programs with the German travel industry. Hedorfer said, "We have been working the Indian market with a sales agency for two decades. In 2015, we initiated an India pool for the first time, which has been extremely successful in supporting the activities of German partners in India. The number of overnight stays by Indian guests in Germany rose by almost 40 per cent from 693,000 to 962,000 by 2019." He added, "With a new edition of the India Pool and market-specific activities, we are building bridges between the demand from Indian travellers and the tourism offering in Germany. In view of the changing conditions - especially technological developments - we are also organizing a high-profile delegation trip with top managers from the German travel industry next spring with the GNTB India Digital Travel Knowledge Tour."

Read more