News

Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary to become new tourist hotspots

As the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya continues to draw devotees from across the globe, efforts are underway to extend the spiritual journey of these pilgrims into neighboring Gonda district. Authorities are focusing on developing two natural gems—the Tikri Forest and the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary—as new destinations for tourists and pilgrims alike. One of the main attractions in Gonda is the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, which spans 1,084 hectares. It is a part of the Ramsar project and serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. During the winter months, the sanctuary is abuzz with the presence of feathered visitors from across the world, including regions like Siberia, Tibet, China, and Europe. The sanctuary is home to over three dozen local bird species, as well as migratory species like Eurasian coots, mallards, greylag geese, northern pintails, and red-crested pochards. This diversity has made it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Declared a bird sanctuary back in 1990, Parvati Arga is now being groomed as a key spot for eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to witness this vibrant avian spectacle. Just a few kilometers from the bird sanctuary lies the expansive Tikri Forest, covering about 7,500 hectares. This area is known for its lush greenery, dominated by valuable trees like Sal and Teak. Efforts are currently underway to transform Tikri into an eco-tourism destination.

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IITM Elevates Your Brand and Network at India’s Largest Travel Exhibition

The India International Travel Mart (IITM) stands as a pioneering hub for the travel and trade industry, offering a premier platform where global travel enthusiasts, professionals, and experts converge to network, showcase innovations, and explore future trends. With its focus on facilitating business connections, IITM is designed to foster growth and collaboration within the travel community. Participants at IITM gain access to a unique space where they can connect with potential clients, collaborators, and industry leaders, making it the perfect opportunity to elevate brand presence and visibility. Whether you’re looking to conduct business, introduce new offerings, or establish yourself in the travel industry, IITM provides the ideal setting to achieve your goals. IITM Mumbai: A Premier 3-Day Event for the Travel Industry Dates: October 23, 24, 25, 2024 Location: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400018 Join us for an exciting three-day event at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) in Mumbai, a leading platform for travel trade professionals, exhibitors, and industry enthusiasts. With over 23 years of business experience, IITM continues to bring together thousands of trade visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.

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UP steps up security for Maha Kumbh, adds AI and chatbots for real-time assistance

The Uttar Pradesh Government is all set to host Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025. It is anticipated to attract millions of pilgrims from across India and the world. The 45-day event will necessitate careful logistical and security planning. More than 6,000 members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been sent out by the state government to maintain safety and order in the city and along the riverbanks in response to the expected situation. Ten flood companies will also be positioned alongside the rivers to prioritise the security of worshippers when performing ceremonies close to bodies of water. To ensure that the security is effective, the UP Police, under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a training programme titled ‘Sankalp Training Pandal' at Parade Ground, Prayagraj. With the motto ‘Surakhsha Aapki, Sankalp Humara" (Your safety, our commitment), this initiative trains police personnel not only in security protocols but also in soft skills and gender sensitisation to ensure polite and respectful interactions with pilgrims. Officers will be trained to assist devotees with directions, parking, transport, and accommodations, ensuring a seamless experience for all. Additionally, the police are learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like the Bhashini app, a language-translation tool made to interact with visitors from different parts of India and overseas tourists, in order to accommodate the diverse flood of guests. Chatbots will also be available for real-time assistance, enhancing the use of technology in the management of this massive event.

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No more physical passports required at Singapore's Changi Airport

As per the latest developments, passengers arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport will be able to enjoy a seamless travel, thanks to the new ‘token-less clearance’ program. As per this program, those eligible will be able to enter the country without passports, and instead use the eye and facial biometric process. Designed for Singapore residents, this system will allow travellers to clear immigration using advanced biometric processing—eye and facial recognition, which means there will be no need for them to carry physical passports. During the trial period, those arriving in Terminal 3, the lanes of which have been designated for this innovative process, will be able to enter the country without physical passports. The program is set to expand to all terminals, including Seletar Airport and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024. Those eligible for the program will include citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders. Interestingly, while foreigners can use biometric clearance when departing Singapore, they must enrol their iris, facial, and fingerprint biometrics at manual immigration counters first. Notably, children under six years old are excluded from using biometric clearance altogether.

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Goa Tourism introduces 5 exciting new activities for adventure seekers

Good news for adventure lovers! Goa is all about adventure, sun and sea. Goa Tourism has introduced some exciting activities for adventure seekers. These thrilling activities are designed to cater to adrenaline junkies visiting Goa. These new offerings aim to make a trip to Goa even more exciting, allowing visitors to enjoy unique, high-energy activities in the coastal region. The 5 newly launched adventure options include: Bungee jumping Paramotoring Shooting ranges White-water rafting Scuba diving With the trend of seeking out fearless, exhilarating experiences on the rise, Goa’s latest additions are attracting more people waiting to try something new and unforgettable. Adventure enthusiasts can now look forward to heart-pounding moments and unforgettable memories, right in the heart of Goa. The decision to expand the array of adventure activities comes in response to the growing demand for such experiences across India. Goa has always been a prime destination for tourists, with a steady stream of visitors throughout the year, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

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Dunedin Airport in New Zealand introduces a 3-minute goodbye rule

In a bid to reduce traffic, Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has introduced a unique policy, which has a three-minute time limit for farewell hugs in its passenger drop-off zone. Sounds interesting, right? The policy aims to keep the flow of traffic smooth. The airport might be small but it serves over 135,000 residents on New Zealand’s South Island. The interesting details were shared by Dan De Bono, the airport’s CEO. He said that the decision was taken to avoid traffic that is because of prolonged farewells. The drop-off region now has a sign reading Max hug time three minutes. It also advises those who wish to spend more time saying goodbye to move their farewells to the parking zone. De Bono also said that the three-minute limit was seen as a more lighthearted alternative to stricter measures. In some airports in the United Kingdom, for instance, drivers must pay a fee even for brief drop-offs. Other airports have wheel clamping or issue fines for overstaying in drop-off zones. De Bono also said that three minutes is more than sufficient for most passengers to bid farewell to their loved ones.

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