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Affordable flights for another decade, as Indian Govt. extends UDAN

As per the latest development, the Indian Government has announced an extension of the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) for another 10 years. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu informed about this during an event. In areas that previously had few or no flights for connectivity, the government is attempting to increase regional air travel, enhance connectivity, and foster economic growth with this strategy. While speaking at an event in the national capital marking eight years of UDAN, the Minister highlighted that this scheme of the government has contributed significantly to the growth of regional airlines. Not only this, this initiative also gave a boost to job creation, and tourism. Since its launch on October 21, 2016, UDAN has effectively run flights on about 601 itineraries and 71 airports, increasing the affordability and accessibility of air travel for the typical Indian tourist. Connecting smaller towns and cities with larger hubs is the main objective of this plan, which also aims to make air travel more accessible to people living in remote places. Originally intended to last for ten years, the UDAN initiative will now view an extension as a step towards improving regional connections and maintaining the momentum of aviation industry development.

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Marine-Goa Superhighway - Check this!

The New Marine-Goa Superhighway is set to transform travel between Mumbai and Goa, offering a faster and more scenic route along the stunning Konkan coast. Spanning nearly 500 kilometers, this ambitious project includes seven impressive bridges and aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and boost tourism. With an investment of Rs 26,000 crore, the highway promises smoother journeys, breathtaking ocean views, and improved access to coastal towns and trade hubs. Here are 10 key facts about the New Marine-Goa Superhighway: Enhanced Connectivity: The Marine Goa Superhighway is a nearly 500-kilometer-long highway designed to improve the road connection between Mumbai and Goa, providing an alternative route that runs parallel to the existing path. Investment and Purpose: With an investment of Rs 26,000 crore, the project aims to reduce congestion on the current Mumbai-Goa route, offering travelers a smoother, more scenic journey. Scenic Drive: The highway's design is inspired by California’s Pacific Highway, offering breathtaking coastal views and a picturesque drive through the Konkan region, including glimpses of the Sahyadri mountains.

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The Vessel, a Manhattan tourist site reopens with new safety features with

NEW YORK (AP) — The Vessel, a towering, honeycomb-like sculpture in Manhattan that was popular with tourists before a series of suicides forced its closure in 2021, will reopen Monday with new safety features. The 150-foot (46-meter) structure opened in 2019 as the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards development on Manhattan’s West Side. The climbable sculpture with zigzagging stairs drew crowds of tourists, but was closed to the public in 2021 after several people took their own lives by jumping off the structure. Related Companies, which owns Hudson Yards, confirmed Sunday that the Vessel will reopen Monday with floor-to-ceiling steel mesh barriers installed on parts of it. Only the upper level sections that have been fitted with mesh will reopen and the top level will remain closed. Tickets are required. “Not a day goes by that we don’t have visitors walking up to our staff asking where they can buy tickets and when it will reopen,” Related CEO Jeff T. Blau said in a prepared statement, “that interest hasn’t diminished during the time we’ve been closed and we’re excited to welcome guests from all around the world back to Vessel with additional safety measures in place.”

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Travel & Tourism Fair Patna (TTF) in India Introduces Emerging Travel Trends

The Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Patna is a premier travel exhibition scheduled for 22 & 23 October 2024, serving as a vibrant meeting point for key players in India’s travel industry and surrounding regions. This dynamic event showcases a rich variety of tourism offerings, ranging from spiritual journeys and wellness retreats to thrilling adventure travel experiences. A particular focus is placed on eco-tourism, highlighting sustainable practices and nature-friendly destinations. TTF Patna not only fosters meaningful collaborations but also paves the way for new opportunities, making it an essential platform for growth and innovation within the travel industry. 22 & 23 October 2024: A Must-Attend Travel Expo at Samrat Ashok Convention Centre, Gyan Bhawan, Patna Event Date: 22 & 23 October 2024 Venue: Samrat Ashok Convention Centre – Gyan Bhawan, Patna Event Overview: The Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) is a prestigious event bringing together key stakeholders from India’s travel industry and neighboring regions. Tourism Highlights: Spiritual journeys Wellness retreats Adventure travel experiences Focus on Eco-Tourism: Special emphasis will be placed on eco-tourism, promoting sustainable and nature-friendly travel options. Purpose: TTF Patna serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and opening new growth opportunities within the travel industry.

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Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma invites UK investors to boost tourism

Continuing his investor outreach in United Kingdom for Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit to be held from December 9 to 11 in Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that "every third tourist that visits India, visits Rajasthan." At the Rising Rajasthan Tourism Meet held at the Taj Hotel in London on Saturday, Sharma addressed a gathering of tourism professionals, investors, and enthusiasts from across the UK, inviting them for the summit. During the event, CM Sharma highlighted that Rajasthan is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks and scenic beauty. "Tourism industry not only plays important role in India's economy but also essential globally. Every third tourist that visits India visits Rajasthan as any traveller feels incomplete if he doesn't visit the state. Rajasthan is not only known for its tourism, but also for its historical and cultural heritage," CM Sharma said. Rajasthan CM informed that for FY 2022/23 Rajasthan welcomed 180 million domestic tourists, 65 per cent more than FY 2021/22. "Today Rajasthan is a shining star in tourism. Rajasthan tourism industry has important contribution in state's GDP. In Financial Year 22/23 Rajasthan welcomed 180 million domestic tourists, which is 65 per cent more than previous year. This reflects that the attraction and opportunities in tourism are increasing." CM Sharma said.

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UDAN initiative drives infra growth at Assam’s Lilabari Airport

Launched to boost aviation in underserved regions, the airport has played a vital role in improving transportation options, raising the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic growth, especially in the tourism sector. Under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, Lilabari Airport in the Lakhimpur district of Northern Assam has significantly enhanced air connectivity and benefitted local communities. Launched to boost aviation in underserved regions, the airport has played a vital role in improving transportation options, raising the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic growth, especially in the tourism sector. Vijendra Yadav, Airport Manager and ATC in charge at Lilabari highlighted the positive developments at the airport in a conversation with ANI. “We’ve witnessed a marked increase in passenger numbers, from 33,000 last year to over 39,000 this year. Lilabari Airport has handled more than 1,100 flights in 2024,” Yadav said. He emphasized that the airport’s growing infrastructure, under the UDAN initiative, is transforming regional development by making smaller towns like Lilabari more accessible and promoting economic growth. Yadav further explained how the Lilabari Airport has contributed to the region’s economic upliftment and tourism. By offering convenient travel options, the airport has shortened travel times, which has had a positive impact on local tourism. “The terminal’s seating capacity has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of passengers,” he noted. Lilabari’s transformation into a regional hub has boosted local commerce, offering new growth opportunities for businesses in the area.

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