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Uttar Pradesh tourism to launch QR code audio tours

Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is coming up with a new QR Code-based Audio Tour Portal. This initiative aims to boost tourism and enhance visitor experiences at historical and cultural sites. These audio guides can be accessed by tourists at over 100 key attractions. If reports are to go by, very soon, sites including the Taj Mahal, Varanasi’s ancient temples, Ayodhya’s spiritual landmarks, and other iconic destinations in the state will soon have the aforementioned audio tours The audio tour system is part of a broader effort by the state to make its rich heritage more accessible to both domestic and international travellers. Visitors will be able to access immersive audio content on these digital platforms. The hope is that this experience will help provide in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each location. Tourists will be able to use their smartphones to scan the QR codes placed at various sites. As per reports, the aforementioned audio content will initially be available in English and Hindi. There are plans to add regional and international languages later on. The aim is to reach out to a diverse range of visitors, from all over the world. The audio tours will range from 1 to 15 minutes, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while gaining a richer understanding of each destination. Earlier this year, from January to June, Ayodhya saw a tremendous rise in the number of visitors, thanks to the recent construction of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The state tourism is expecting this flow of tourists to continue in the state.

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Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates FHRAI’s 54th Annual Convention in Goa

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third largest hospitality association in the world, began its 54th Annual Convention at the Taj Cidade de Goa, Horizon. The three-day event, running from October 16th to 18th, was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of India, in the presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa. The convention has brought together approximately 800 delegates to discuss the future of India’s tourism and hospitality industry. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. D.S. Advani, Chairman of the Convention Organizing Committee (COC), and Mr. Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI. The theme for this year’s convention is “Tourism @2047: Incredible to Inevitable India – Driving Growth and Sustainability in a Mission Mode.” The focus is on identifying strategies that will foster sustainable growth and innovation in India’s tourism sector, aligning with the national goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Discussions emphasised on how tourism can drive economic growth and sustainability in a mission-oriented way. During the inauguration, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism highlighted the importance of tourism in shaping India’s future. He said: ” The challenges faced by the tourism industry were clear, and there was a strong consensus on the necessity of granting industry status by the state government to effectively address these issues. Over the years, we have collaborated with various states, sharing best practices and government policies. On World Tourism Day, we compiled these insights and disseminated them widely, urging states to implement these strategies to bolster the sector. Our follow-ups have been consistent, emphasising the importance of these practices. Regarding our ongoing GST and infrastructure challenges, I took the initiative to request a meeting with the Finance Minister before this event. Even amidst her commitments at the World Bank Summit. Our in-depth conversation about infrastructure status to this industry and its implications was met with genuine attentiveness, and I am optimistic about positive outcomes from our discussions”. “Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, India’s global standing is on the rise. Initiatives like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Chalo India’ aim to empower the Indian diaspora to promote our country. Notably, we recently offered one lakh visas for free in celebration of World Tourism Day, and we are actively working with the Ministry of External Affairs to attract key international markets. As we strive to decongest popular tourist destinations and develop new offerings, I am committed to collaborating with states to propose large-scale projects. We must also focus on cultivating new tourism destinations, particularly in rural and lesser-known areas, to diversify our tourism landscape. In closing, I extend my gratitude to the Government of Goa and the Chief Minister for hosting this conference, and I commend FHRAI for its relentless efforts. It is an honour to be part of this vital conversation.” he added.

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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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