News

Maldives Prez Muizzu Bowled Over by 'Mesmerising' Taj Mahal

Visiting Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the Taj Mahal on Tuesday and found hard to find words to describe the 17th century monument’s architectural marvel. “It is tough to describe this mausoleum’s beauty as words simply cannot do it justice. This mesmerising intricacy and attention to detail is a testament to love and architectural excellence,” Muizzu, who is in India on a four-day bilateral visit, wrote in the visitors’ book. After being welcomed by Uttar Pradesh minister Yogendra Upadhyay on behalf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the airport, the visiting president was accorded a warm welcome at the Taj Mahal. The president and the first lady, who were presented a replica of Taj Mahal by Upadhyay, also posed for photographs with the grand monument on the backdrop. Taj Mahal remained closed for public from 8 am to 10 am due to Muizzu’s visit, said an official from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Muizzu also visited Shilpgram, an open air crafts village where he was greeted by a performance by artistes from the Braj region before leaving for the airport.

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Delhi to Kashmir in 13 hours: Vande Bharat sleeper to Srinagar announced

The Indian Railways is all set to finally connect Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, with the rest of India. The railways is launching a third variant of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which is set to travel from Kashmir to the national Capital Delhi. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to be launched from Delhi to Srinagar, once the route becomes operational, likely by January 2025. A senior official while talking to ETNOW.in stated, “The train will connect the national capital with the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.” It is expected that the train would later be extended to Baramulla, towards the North of Kashmir. According to reports, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will cover longer distances and that too in overnight journeys. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed the prototype of such a train in September 2024 which will be manufactured by BEML. Once the railway line to Srinagar is operationalised, the people will be able to directly travel to kashmir in a train, which is expected to reduce the distance to the valley from about 20 hours currently to 13 hours. The railway is set to transform the Kashmir travel experience, making the journey far faster and cheaper than ever before. The revolutionary new mode of transportation is expected to boost the economy and help the tourism industry, enhancing the connectivity of the valley with the rest of India.

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Karnataka to get 15 new Airavat Club Class 2.0 ultra luxury buses

These new buses are named as Airavat Club Class 2.0 and will enhance the travel experience of Karnataka passengers with all ultra luxurious facilities. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is all set to add another 20 luxury Airavat Club Class buses to its fleet in the state. These new buses are named as Airavat Club Class 2.0 and will enhance the travel experience of the passengers with all ultra luxurious facilities. Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday inspected the latest buses at Volvo manufacturing unit located in Hoskote. These buses have advanced facilities than the previous version and also come in a longer size. The new bus will have a 3.5 per cent increase in overall bus length, providing more space between passenger seats. In a statement, KSRTC said, “Windshield glass is 9.5 percent wider, improving driver visibility and reducing blind spots. Larger luggage space, offering 20 per cent more capacity compared to previous buses, making it the first bus with such ample luggage space, pantographic design, making vehicle maintenance easier, rear fog lights for improved safety during nighttime driving, easy-to-reach driver controls and switches for greater driver convenience.”

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64% Indian travellers booking 2 months ahead; eyeing visa-free destinations

While early planning rules, there’s a noticeable rise in spontaneous travellers making last-minute plans, with 36% of this cohort being young travellers. Travellers are notably spending an average of INR 2.6 lakhs per trip, reflecting a shift toward higher investment in unforgettable travel experiences, shows a Pickyourtrail report. With 64% of travellers planning two months ahead, Indians are opting for stress-free, pre-planned holidays over last-minute scrambles, shows Pickyourtrail’s first International Getaways Travel Trends Report – Festive Edition. In contrast, only 14% of travellers are finalizing their plans within one month of their travel dates. These trips vary in duration, from shorter getaways of 3-4 nights to extended, immersive vacations lasting 14-15 nights, offering travellers a more enriching and relaxed experience, the report says. It offers a deep dive into how India’s travellers are approaching their holidays between October and December 2024, revealing trends like early bookings, a strong preference for visa-free destinations, and a notable shift toward luxury experiences. With 41% of travellers opting for premium holiday packages, the report highlights how Indian travellers are ‘investing’ in their festive getaways like never before. It also notes that while early planning rules, there’s a noticeable rise in spontaneous travellers making last-minute plans, with 36% of this cohort being young travellers. Travellers are notably spending an average of INR 2.6 lakhs per trip, reflecting a shift toward higher investment in unforgettable travel experiences.

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Digital Travel Summit 2024 Opens Today, Navigating the Future of Travel Distribution in a Changing Landscape

The travel industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented transformation. As consumer behavior evolves and travel preferences shift in response to global events, technological advancements, and new market demands, businesses must adapt quickly to remain competitive. One of the key pillars in this new era of travel is the role of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). These platforms have emerged as powerful strategic partners, bridging the gap between customers and accommodation providers, and are integral to driving visibility, growth, and customer satisfaction. The Digital Travel Summit 2024, celebrating its 11th year, will be held on October 7-8, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, TX. This premier event has solidified its reputation as the go-to gathering for senior executives in the travel sector. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and experts, the summit offers a platform for attendees to explore cutting-edge digital strategies that drive growth, enhance customer experiences, and foster innovation in the travel industry. Key topics include personalization, AI integration, data analytics, and sustainable travel, providing actionable insights into the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality. With expert panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Digital Travel Summit ensures that participants leave equipped with new strategies to navigate today’s challenges and seize future opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices and shape the future of digital travel. In this comprehensive report, we’ll explore the vital role OTAs play in shaping the future of travel distribution, how hotels and other stakeholders can leverage OTAs for maximum impact, and how aligning with these platforms can ensure long-term, sustainable success. With insights from industry experts, including Traci Mercer, Senior Vice President of Accommodations, Flights, and Strategic Projects at Priceline, we’ll dive into key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the travel landscape today.

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Visa demand rises in tandem with outbound travel growth

At a time when outbound travel is seeing a surge a fact well supplemented by the growth in visas, Yummi Talwar, COO – South Asia, VFS Global spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about this trend, and the segments that are driving traffic abroad. Q. What is your overview of the outbound travel market considering your half yearly performance of 2024? In recent years, the Indian outbound market has experienced remarkable growth, and its upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. According to a joint study by FICCI and Nangia NXT, this market is poised to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, reaching a staggering USD 55.39 billion by 2034. This reflects not only the growing affluence of Indian travellers, but also their increasing aspiration for global experiences. A significant driver of this growth is the rising number of Indian students seeking educational opportunities abroad. The Indian Student Mobility Report 2023 reveals that 1,090,000 students travelled overseas in 2019. By 2022, this number had surged to approximately 1,320,000, and projections indicate that by 2025, around 2 million Indian students will be pursuing higher education in foreign institutions. Mirroring this trend, VFS Global saw its application volumes in the first half of this year exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2%, with an 11% growth in the same period in 2023. It highlights VFS Global’s role in supporting India’s growing global mobility. Q. What are the factors driving the growth in visa applications from India? The demand for overseas travel from India has surged, driven by leisure, business, Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), employment, and student travel. Rising disposable income and increased spending power are key factors, with Indians ranking among the top spenders in many destinations.

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