News

Goa’s New Cruise Terminal to Boost Tourism and Economy

Goa is poised for a significant tourism and economic boost with the upcoming development of the International and Domestic Cruise Terminal and its allied facilities. This initiative aims to foster sustainable practices, improve infrastructure, and position Goa as a key player in the global cruise market, according to a senior MPA official who shared the details with PTI. The project is expected to not only enhance the local economy but also attract more international tourists, solidifying Goa’s role as a premier cruise destination. The official made these remarks on the sidelines of the Maritime States Development Council meeting, held in Goa on September 12 and 13. This annual meeting brings together stakeholders from across India to discuss maritime development strategies. On the first day of the event, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the site where the state-of-the-art terminal will be built. His visit underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure. The proposed International and Domestic Cruise Terminal will include a variety of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Among the key features will be duty-free retail shops, offering a wide selection of products, lounges for travelers to relax before their voyages, and a food court with diverse culinary offerings. These modern facilities will cater to both domestic and international travelers, aiming to create a world-class cruise experience in Goa. In addition to boosting tourism, the project is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the region by creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. Moreover, the terminal’s design and operations will incorporate sustainable practices, aligning with global environmental standards and supporting India’s broader commitment to sustainability in its infrastructure projects. The official added that these improvements will further strengthen Goa’s standing in the highly competitive global cruise market, positioning it as a key destination for cruise liners from around the world.

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Greece increases Golden Visa investment threshold

In a recent update, Greece’s Golden Visa program has seen a major adjustment. It has increased the investment threshold from €250,000 to €800,000. It was initially set at one of the lowest levels in Europe. And this has made Greece an attractive destination for foreign investors. About the program The investment visa program was introduced back in 2013 for offering residency permits to non-EU nationals who invested in Greek real estate. It also added the perk of visa-free travel within the Schengen region. This favorable entry point contributed to a substantial influx of capital into the Greek property market, boosting the Greek’s economic recovery. But the program's success, coupled with the low investment requirement, had unintended consequences. The increased demand for properties led to a sharp rise in real estate prices, especially in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. As property values soared, local residents faced growing difficulties in affording housing, exacerbating a housing crisis in several regions. In response to these challenges, the Greek government decided to raise the investment threshold significantly. Beginning in September 2024, the minimum investment required for the Golden Visa program will be set at €800,000 for properties in high-demand areas. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to address the imbalance between foreign investment and local housing needs. By increasing the investment threshold, the Greek authorities aim to curb excessive pressure on the real estate market in popular regions and encourage investment in less saturated areas, promoting more balanced and sustainable development across the country. The new rules, which came into effect on September 1, 2024, reflect a major shift in Greece’s approach to managing foreign investment. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of the Golden Visa program contribute positively to the national economy while also mitigating the impact on housing affordability for Greek citizens. This move is expected to moderate the rapid escalation of property prices in high-demand locations and support the growth of real estate markets in less frequented regions.

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This Titanic Museum allows visitors to feel how cold the water was on that tragic night!

The tragic sinking of the world-famous Titanic ship remains one of the most notorious maritime disasters in history. Dubbed the ‘Ship of Dreams, ’ it was the largest ship ever built at the time of its construction and before its ill-fated voyage. The ship had all the extravagant amenities, you name it and you had it there! Its allure was such that it can rival those of any grand hotel. Yet, it met its tragic end during its maiden voyage. Now, the Titanic Museum in Tennessee, USA, is offering its visitors a unique experience that it’s gaining attention for all the right reasons. If reports are to go by, the museum is allowing visitors to feel the chilling cold of the Atlantic Ocean on the night the RMS Titanic sank. This museum, an elaborate half-sized replica of the infamous Titanic ship, is enhanced with interactive exhibits that allows visitors to immerse in the harrowing history of the ship. One of the most talked-about experiences involves a basin filled with water cooled to -2°C (30°F), which is actually the same temperature as the ocean on April 15, 1912, also the night when the Titanic met its tragic end. Apart from offering the chilling experience, the museum also houses more than 400 authentic artifacts from the Titanic and its passengers. Spread across more than 22,000 sq ft, the museum lets visitors get a peep into the history of the Titanic, further allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the ship’s grandeur and the tragedy that unfolded. A visit to this museum will let you check out artifacts ranging from personal belongings of passengers to parts of the ship itself, each carrying its own piece of history. The museum’s immersive exhibits actually go beyond just storytelling; they also allow visitors to step into the world of the Titanic’s passengers and crew. The basin filled with freezing water provides a visceral reminder of the extreme conditions faced by those stranded in the ocean that night. One user on X remarked, “At the Titanic Museum, you can actually feel how cold the water was that night—30°F, just like the survivors faced. It’s an eerie, hands-on way to experience a piece of Titanic history.” A viral video has brought widespread recognition to this exhibit. In the video, visitors are seen dipping their hands into the freezing water, attempting to endure the bone-chilling cold. While several visitors gave it a try, most could only keep their hands submerged for a few seconds before feeling the intense cold. The video, which garnered over two million views on social media, sparked numerous reactions.

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IndiGo Unveils New Route Connecting Delhi to Sacred Tirupati

IndiGo, India’s top airline, is launching a new route connecting Delhi, the nation’s capital, to the temple city of Tirupati, famous for its religious significance. Starting from October 5, 2024, this route will provide easier access for pilgrims from Delhi seeking spiritual refuge in the sacred city. With this addition, IndiGo will directly connect Tirupati to 10 cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolhapur, Madurai, and several others. The government’s focus on promoting spiritual tourism by improving connectivity between major pilgrimage sites has played a significant role in boosting religious travel. The new Delhi-Tirupati route highlights the growing demand for spiritual journeys, offering passengers a reliable and efficient travel option. In addition, IndiGo is increasing its flight frequencies on two northeastern routes. The Delhi-Aizawl route will see an increase from 5 to 10 weekly flights, while the Delhi-Dimapur route will expand from 5 to 7 weekly flights, giving travelers more flexibility and convenience when flying to these important northeastern destinations. Tirupati, nestled in the picturesque hills of Andhra Pradesh, is world-renowned for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the wealthiest and most visited temples globally, attracting millions of devotees each year. Besides its religious significance, the city is known for its famous laddoo prasadam, the scenic Tirumala hills, and nearby attractions like Talakona Waterfalls and Chandragiri Fort. Tirupati is also growing as a center for education and business, with its expanding infrastructure and modern amenities. Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. Located in the hilly terrain of northeastern India, the city offers stunning views of valleys and greenery. Aizawl is steeped in Mizo traditions and Christianity, with landmarks like Solomon’s Temple and the Mizoram State Museum attracting visitors. The city is also known for its bamboo crafts, lively markets, and vibrant festivals like Chapchar Kut. Aizawl is fast emerging as an educational and commercial hub with growing urban development. Dimapur, Nagaland’s largest city, offers a blend of cultural depth and natural beauty, with a rich history reflected in landmarks like the Kachari Rajbari ruins. The city is famous for its local markets, handicrafts, and the Hornbill Festival, which celebrates the region’s diverse heritage. With modern infrastructure, including an airport and improved roadways, Dimapur is becoming an important center for business and education. The opening of the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC) has further fueled opportunities for startups, solidifying Dimapur’s role as a key commercial gateway in northeastern India.

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Bhutan open to unlimited tourists, confirms Tourism Chief

As per the latest news reports, there will be no limit to the number of visitors visiting Bhutan. With regard to this, Chief Marketing Officer of Bhutan Tourism Carissa Nimah assured this and addressed all concerns about putting a cap on visitors. As international tourism continues to grow, with the reopening of borders, Bhutan is committed to its ideology of ‘high value, low impact’ tourism model. The official further stated that Bhutan is not a mass tourism destination, but rather one that caters to high-value guests. Their goal is to attract a big number of high-value tourists looking to enjoy the country's unique offerings. This ensures that every traveller enjoys a high-quality, authentic experience while also conserving Bhutan's environment and cultural heritage. Bhutan has earlier imposed the sustainable development fee (SDF), according to which a visitor is required to pay USD 100, or INR 1,200 for Indian visitors, which helps the destination to achieve its sustainability goals. Although there is a cost associated with visiting this destination, reports add that tourism in Bhutan continues to thrive, especially as eco-tourism gains appeal around the world. Nimah dispelled the myth that Bhutan had a visitor limit, citing 2019, when the country received approximately 350,000 people, as an example of the government's ability to manage large tourist arrivals. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bhutan's opening its borders to international tourism. It has been welcoming travellers since 1974 to discover its unique spiritual, cultural, and natural assets. Although this sector accounts for less than 5% of Bhutan's GDP, it plays an important part in its development. If reports are to go by, Indian travellers account for the majority of visitors, closely followed by the United States and the United Kingdom. Nimah also underlined Bhutan's goal of generating repeat visitors, adding that many people regard Bhutan as a ‘bucket list’ destination, visiting once but never returning. She advised visitors to go beyond popular destinations like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, as Bhutan has much more to offer. Bhutan, the world's first carbon-negative country, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and all for good reasons. Its natural beauty, adventure tourism, and well-preserved culture are some of the highlights of this place. Bhutan has something for everyone, from historic trekking routes to one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences.

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Ayodhya emerges as the top destination in Uttar Pradesh with over 11 crore visitors

In a recent update, Ayodhya, the temple town, has emerged as the top tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh with over 11 crore visitors. The city has overtaken Varanasi to bag the top position. The number includes both domestic and international visitors in the first six months of 2024 as compared to 4.61 crore visiting Varanasi. The whopping number was shared by the state tourism department on Saturday. These numbers are of tourists visiting the state in the first six months of the year. The figures mention that nearly 33 crore tourists visited UP during this time. According to Jaiveer Singh, UP tourism and culture minister, “A total of 32, 98, 18, 122 ( 32 crore 98 lakh 18,000 and 122) people visited various parts of the state in the first six months of 2024, compared to 31.86 crore tourists who visited in the entire year in 2022.” This number includes 32, 87, 81, 348 (32 crore, 87 lakh, 81 thousand and 348) domestic tourists, and 10, 36, 774 international visitors. The minister further said that the hike is quite evident when compared with the first six months of last year which saw 19,60, 34, 967 tourists. This also shows a boost of over 13 crore visitors this year. As per the tourism department, Ayodhya secured the first spot with 10.99 crore visitors, which includes 2851 foreign visitors. Next was Varanasi with 4.61 crore tourists, which included 1,33,999 international travellers. The other top destinations in UP are Prayagraj, Mathura, and Agra, attracting millions of travellers every year. Prayagraj saw a footfall of 4,53,94,772 domestic and 3,668 foreign visitors arriving in the first six months of 2024. Mathura followed closely with 3,07,02,513 domestic and 49,619 foreign visitors. The minister also said that Uttar Pradesh is making its presence felt on the global arena as a top tourist destination with its development of tourist attractions and improved facilities. Apparently, Ayodhya garnered a lot of international as well as national attention in the first month of 2024, thanks to the inauguration of the much-awaited Ram Mandir. Today, the city stands as one of the most revered destinations in the country.

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