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Visa-on-arrival in UAE for Indians on US, UK, EU visa

There’s no doubt that Indians are travelling more than ever. This travel is not just limited to domestic destinations; travelling overseas is growing as a preference for them. Recent data shows that the number of Indians taking two or more international trips has grown by 32 per cent, over the past year, to destinations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, and the USA. The UAE, which is already one of the preferred locations for Indians travelling abroad, now seems set to welcome even more Indian travellers due to recent changes in its visa policy for additional Indian nationals. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced on Thursday that an increased number of Indian nationals will now be eligible for visas on arrival in the UAE. Indian citizens with tourist visas for the UK and EU countries can now obtain a visa on arrival, which was previously available to individuals holding residence or tourist visas for the US, as well as those with residencies in the UK and EU.

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Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) 2024: Championing Adventure Tourism in India

The Presenting Partner of ATM 2024 was Meghalaya Tourism in association with Incredible India. ATM 2024 was powered by Gold Partners Odisha Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism, Bodoland Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism. The Financial Express.com Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) 2024 was held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, on October 4, 2024 and highlighted the vast potential of adventure tourism in India. The Presenting Partner of ATM 2024 was Meghalaya Tourism in association with Incredible India. ATM 2024 was powered by Gold Partners Odisha Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism, Bodoland Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism. The event kicked off with a session themed “Revitalising Local Economies Through Adventure Tourism”. Esteemed panellists Mr Oken Tayeng, MLA from Arunachal Pradesh and Member, National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr Ajit Rana, Director of Overlander India; and Mr E. Banlumlang Blah, President, North East India Tourism Confederation (NEITC) and Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), discussed the transformative power of adventure tourism in boosting local economies. The panel, which was moderated by Mr Raj Basu, Convenor, Association for Conservation & Tourism, discussed the role of tourism in creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and preserving the environment. Special emphasis was placed on how adventure tourism can attract visitors seeking unique, authentic experiences while contributing to the socioeconomic upliftment of local communities.

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Why the Pushkar Camel Fair is a must-visit in Rajasthan

From November 9 to 15, the serene town of Pushkar will come alive with excitement and welcome tourists from across the globe. Pushkar is set to host the much-anticipated Pushkar Camel Fair 2024, and the excitement is already building. The Pushkar Fair is a true reflection of the vibrant cultural heritage and rich traditions of this captivating state. The Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as Pushkar Mela, is a unique annual celebration that attracts enthusiasts from across the globe, with many returning year after year. Given the vibrant nature of the fair, it's easy to wonder what exactly makes it such a magnetic event that draws crowds annually. The Pushkar Fair is primarily known for its large-scale livestock trading, but for tourists, it offers much more than that. The Pushkar Camel Fair goes beyond the buying and selling of animals, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience spiritual rituals and immerse themselves in the unique culture of the Rajasthani people. Historically, the Pushkar Fair served primarily as a livestock market where traders and farmers from the Thar Desert region would buy and sell camels, horses, cattle, and other animals. Its main purpose was to facilitate these transactions, with a simple agenda focused on procuring or selling livestock. While this aspect remains, the fair has now transformed into a multi-faceted extravaganza that offers much more.

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India’s Travel Boom To Grow Unabated As Middle Class Joins The Bandwagon

Eleven years after he started working, Mumbai-based Ramesh Rajguru took his first family vacation ever with his mother, two children and wife to Kerala. This was in 2022, two years after the pandemic hit, and a year after the lockdown ended. “When we were stuck at home, I realised that I hadn’t taken a family vacation, except visiting temples or weekend trips to Alibaug. When we were children, summer vacations were trips to granny’s home in the village, or uncle’s home in Nasik. But now I want to travel and explore,” he said. He kept up with his promise. They covered the east as they visited West Bengal in 2023. He is now busy making plans to head to Rajasthan this year for their annual holiday. “It’s not just a post-pandemic thing. I want to make it an annual affair and it’s a great time to relax and enjoy,” he said. While most post-pandemic consumption trends have wound out, Indians’ love for holidaying is the only trend that’s chugging along unabated. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, domestic tourism has picked up very well since the pandemic. “The sector’s contribution to India’s GDP reached just over Rs 19.13 trillion in 2023—almost 10% ahead of 2019 levels,” WTTC said. It also predicts that as of 2024, travel and tourism will contribute almost Rs 21.15 trillion to the Indian economy in 2024, an increase of 21% from 2019.

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Goa to spend Rs 2 crore to lure tourists from Poland, Georgia, Kazakhstan

In an effort to boost tourism, Goa plans to make a significant investment in attracting visitors from Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The Goa tourism department is investing Rs 2 crore to promote the state as a tourist destination in Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, as per ET TravelWorld. A six-member delegation will participate in roadshows and tourism conferences in these countries to establish sustained international tourist flow. The initiative targets various tourist segments including independent travelers, wellness tourists, and MICE tourism. Goa aims to promote its culture through Goan food and cashew feni during the events. The roadshows will be day-long events in five-star resorts, involving travel operators and Indian embassy officials.

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NHAI’s announces two new flyovers to ease travel on Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer route

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to build two new flyovers and an underpass on the Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer route, aiming to ease traffic congestion and significantly reduce travel time. This project, estimated to cost over ₹200 crores, is a major step towards improving the travel experience on this crucial route. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes: NHAI is currently developing a detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of the two flyovers and the underpass. This report is expected to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval by the end of next month. The project focuses on streamlining traffic flow and reducing the heavy congestion often experienced by commuters. Additionally, plans include upgrading the Ajmer Road intersection, which is known for being a bottleneck during peak hours. These improvements are expected to smooth the flow of vehicles along the busy route. If approved, the project is set to progress quickly, with tenders expected to be released in January 2025. The construction of the new infrastructure is anticipated to take around one and a half years to complete, with NHAI working closely with various agencies to meet this timeline. By aiming for an efficient tender and construction process, the authorities hope to minimize disruptions and expedite the completion of the project. The Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer route is a vital link for commuters, especially those traveling for business or tourism. During peak hours, traffic congestion can cause delays of up to 198 minutes. The new flyovers and underpass aim to significantly cut down on these delays, making travel faster and more predictable for thousands of daily commuters. Once completed, the project will ease the flow of vehicles on key sections, particularly at Jaipur’s Bhankrota and Kamala Nehru Nagar intersections, where congestion is especially severe.

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