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EaseMyTrip Partners With Uttar Pradesh To Promote Eco-Tourism

EaseMyTrip, a leading online travel platform in India, and the Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Development Board (UPETDB) announced a strategic partnership today to promote eco-tourism within the state. This collaboration leverages EaseMyTrip’s extensive digital reach and technological expertise to shine a spotlight on Uttar Pradesh’s diverse and often unexplored eco-tourism offerings. Elevating Eco-Tourism Experiences The partnership will focus on several key initiatives: Promoting Sustainable Lodging: EaseMyTrip will actively promote all registered homestays in Uttar Pradesh on its platform, providing travelers with a unique and environmentally friendly accommodation option. Targeted campaigns will position homestays as a preferred choice for tourists seeking an authentic cultural experience. Curating Unique Itineraries: EaseMyTrip will curate special travel packages designed to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s hidden gems. These packages will highlight unexplored destinations, immersive cultural experiences, delectable local cuisine, and traditional crafts, catering to travelers interested in a deeper connection with the region. Developing Educational Content: The collaboration extends to the development of educational products related to Uttar Pradesh’s renowned bird sanctuaries. EaseMyTrip will draw inspiration from successful case studies to create engaging content for birdwatching enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state’s rich biodiversity. Leveraging Social Media Reach: The UPETDB will actively promote EaseMyTrip’s microsites dedicated to Uttar Pradesh eco-tourism on various social media channels, maximizing their reach and impact. Mutual Benefits and Sustainable Growth “We are excited to embark on this new project with the UPETDB,” said Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip. “Uttar Pradesh boasts a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage waiting to be explored responsibly. This partnership will not only benefit both parties but also contribute significantly to the growth and responsible tourism practices within the state.” About EaseMyTrip EaseMyTrip is India’s second-largest online travel portal, offering a comprehensive suite of travel solutions, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, rail tickets, and bus bookings. The company has witnessed significant growth in recent quarters and is well-positioned to play a leading role in promoting eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh.

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Pune Metro Sets New Ridership Records

Pune Metro achieved a ridership of 199,437 passengers on June 30th, 2024, generating a total revenue of ₹2,415,693, marking its highest ridership to date. Out of 199,437 passengers, 83,426 traveled on Line 1 (PCMC-District Court) and 116,011 traveled on Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). This achievement reflects the increasing trust and preference of the public for Pune Metro as a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. PCMC metro station witnessed the highest footfall of 19,919 passengers followed by PMC (18,079), Shivajinagar (17,046), Pune Railway station (15,378), and Ramwadi (14,770). In addition to it, around 51,026 passengers change their lines at the District Court interchange station. Prior to this, the highest ridership was recorded on 15th August 2023, with 168,012 passengers, and on 6th August 2023, with 131,027 passengers across both Line 1 and Line 2. Notably, Line 1 achieved its highest ridership of 36,932 on 16th June 2024, while Line 2 saw its peak with 64,378 passengers on 25th June 2024. These figures reflect a continual uptick in usage and the public's belief in the reliability of the service provided by Pune Metro. Pune Metro's continuous efforts to improve and expand its services are reflected in the growing ridership numbers. As more people choose metro travel, Pune Metro remains dedicated to offering an unparalleled commuting experience, contributing to the sustainable development of the city. The Pune Metro's NCMC Maha Card and Student Maha Card have also seen substantial sales, with 39,025 and 10,522 cards sold respectively. On the record-breaking day, the top 10 stations in terms of ridership were PCMC Metro Station, PMC, Shivaji Nagar, Pune Railway Station Metro Station, Ramwadi, District Court, Vanaz, Deccan Gymkhana, Nal Stop, and Bhosari. Traveling by Pune Metro offers numerous benefits, especially during the monsoon season. It provides a reliable and punctual mode of transport, unaffected by traffic congestion and weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey. Pune Metro's state-of-the-art infrastructure and safety measures make it a preferred choice for daily commuters, contributing to reduced road traffic and lower pollution levels in the city. In light of this achievement, the Managing Director of Maha Metro said, “We are committed to providing world-class services and ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for our passengers. As we continue to expand and enhance our network, we look forward to serving more citizens and making Pune Metro an essential part of urban mobility in Pune”.

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‘Shocking’ discovery reveals 30 ancient Egyptian tombs near Aswan, a top tourist spot in Egypt

As per the latest development, archaeologists have uncovered more than 30 ancient Egyptian tombs spread across a hill in Aswan, an ancient city on the Nile. These burials, dating back to the Greco-Roman period, offer insights into the lives of those who once inhabited this bustling trading port. The discoveries include mummies likely representing families buried together, coffins, amphorae (clay vessels) adorned with vine-leaf designs, cartonnage (a paper-mâché material made from recycled papyri or fabric), and artifacts such as offering tables. "It was a rich place, an important place," said Patrizia Piacentini, an Egyptologist and archaeologist at the University of Milan who leads a joint Egyptian-Italian mission at the site. "All the people who intended to make trade between Northern Africa and subtropical Africa, this was the place [for them] and it was a place for all the history of ancient Egypt," she said. The burial site came to light in 2015 following a series of illegal excavations. The government enlisted local archaeologists to survey the area, leading to the discovery of tombs from the late Greek and Roman periods (approximately 332 BC to AD 395). Former Egyptian Minister of antiquities, Khaled el-Enany, subsequently contacted Piacentini, who began surveying the site with a team of Egyptian and Italian archaeologists in 2019. They found terraces of ancient tombs layered across multiple levels on the hill near the modern Mausoleum of Aga Khan III. Among the finds were ancient oil lamps likely left behind by mourners. The tombs were used for approximately 900 years, from the sixth century BC to the second or third century AD, spanning a significant portion of history, including Persian rule, the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty initiated by Alexander the Great's general Ptolemy I Soter, and Roman rule, when Egypt became a province of the empire. The tombs on the hilltop were occupied by elites, while middle-class individuals were buried in the lower strata. Analyses revealed that 30% to 40% of the mummies in the newly discovered tombs were children as young as 2 years old and newborns, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "We found many families, in fact, mother, father, and children," Piacentini said. "Probably there was some infection that killed the family or one died after another." Two mummies initially thought to be a mother and son were later identified as brothers buried with their parents. To learn more about the causes of death, the team partnered with doctors at the University Hospital in Aswan to perform X-rays, CT scans, and DNA analyses, revealing that anemia and infectious diseases were common causes of death, even among the affluent. The doctors confirmed tuberculosis in some mummies, which may have decimated entire families. The team continues to conduct biological analyses to understand more about the diseases of the time. The discovery has been ‘exceptional’ and very promising with many, many new aspects we are trying to understand, Piacentini said. The team plans to continue their mission to uncover the history of the diverse populations that inhabited the city. They have mapped out at least 300 tombs in the necropolis area, covering about 215,000 sq ft, with the potential for even more discoveries.

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China grants 5-year travel visa for Hong Kong, Macau residents

Non-Chinese permanent residents of Macau and Hong Kong will soon be able to apply for five-year travel permits to enter mainland China starting from July 10, as announced by Beijing. This move is expected to encourage foreign companies and talent to settle in these cities. The National Immigration Administration stated on Monday that permit holders would be able to use self-service clearance at control points after completing procedures such as fingerprinting. These multi-entry permits will allow entry into the mainland for short-term purposes including investment, tourism, visiting relatives, seminars, business, and exchanges. Permit holders can stay for up to 90 days per visit, though they are not permitted to work, study, or engage in news gathering activities. As per the reports, applications are open to all eligible residents, regardless of nationality or occupation, through China Travel Service (Holdings) in Hong Kong and Macau. Successful applications will result in permits being issued within 20 working days. The application fee is HK$260 (US$34), while renewals or replacements on the mainland will cost 230 yuan (US$32). The central government aims to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Macau, Hong Kong, and the mainland, thereby supporting the integration of both cities into the broader national development framework. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasised that this new policy, announced on the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, showcases the country’s support for Hong Kong. Lee highlighted that many non-Chinese permanent residents have deep roots in Hong Kong and are eager to take advantage of the opportunities presented by China’s rapid development. Lee expressed confidence that this permit would provide significant convenience for international talent working in Hong Kong, allowing easier northbound travel. He noted that the lack of restrictions on nationality or occupation shows Hong Kong’s unique status under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and enhances its international character and diversity. This, in turn, is expected to attract companies and talent from around the world. This new travel permit is part of a series of more liberal visa measures granted by Beijing to Hong Kong since early 2023. Other measures include launching and expanding the Greater Bay Area exit endorsement for talent in Beijing and Shanghai, extending business visit durations in Hong Kong from seven to 14 days, and introducing multiple-entry ‘northbound’ visas for foreign employees in the city.

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Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 likely to remain shut for a month after the roof collapse incident

After a roof collapse by heavy rainfall, Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) is likely to remain shut for a month. The sad incident took place on June 28, which caused the death of one person and injuries to six other individuals. The accident prompted a comprehensive technical assessment before operations could resume. As of now, structural engineers from IIT Delhi are conducting a study to evaluate the safety and structural integrity of T1. This assessment is expected to take nearly a month, after which a decision will be made regarding the reopening of the terminal, as informed by a senior government official to PTI. T1 used to handle domestic flights operated by IndiGo and SpiceJet, has temporarily stopped all the operations. All flights originally scheduled at T1 have been redirected to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), managed by the GMR Group-led consortium DIAL. The shift ensures continuity in flight operations, with IndiGo relocating 72 flights to T2 and T3, and SpiceJet scheduling its Delhi flights from Terminal 3 until July 7. While DIAL’s cross-functional teams collaborate with stakeholders to assess and manage the situation, a spokesperson emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and operational continuity at T2 and T3. The closure of T1, which recently expanded its capacity to accommodate 40 million passengers annually, underscores the current suspension of all activities pending further notice. The incident also showcases the impact of severe weather conditions, with Delhi recording exceptionally heavy rainfall—228.1mm in 24 hours at Safdarjung, the highest June rainfall in over 85 years, compared to an average of 75.2mm over the past three decades. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a technical committee convened by DIAL are investigating the incident to ascertain its cause and implications. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been instructed to conduct mandatory inspections of structural integrity across all airports, aiming to enhance safety protocols and mitigate future risks. As stakeholders await the findings of the technical study and investigations, the temporary closure of T1 serves as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety and operational resilience amidst challenging weather conditions.

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Mount Fuji in Japan introduces entrance fees to overcome excessive crowding

In a bid to control excessive crowds, administration at Mount Fuji has introduced an entrance fee of ¥2,000 (INR 1033). This is Yamanashi Prefecture’s latest measure to manage the challenges posed by overtourism on Mount Fuji, which is an iconic landmark in Japan. The measure is effective immediately as the climbing season begins, all climbers intending to ascend via the popular Yoshida trail. This fee aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety on the mountain, which has faced issues such as overcrowding near the summit, environmental damage from littering, and inadequate management of climbing activities. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki highlighted the urgency of managing overtourism, which has intensified since Mount Fuji was designated a World Heritage Site in 2013. He also said that the new initiative is crucial for the preservation of Mount Fuji's natural environment and cultural significance. The new fee will be collected at a booth near the trail's entrance, with payment options available in cash or by credit card. Climbers who pay the fee will receive a wristband granting them access through a temporary gate set up for this year's climbing season. This gate will be monitored by staff from 3 AM to 4 PM, restricting entry during these hours to manage the flow of climbers effectively. To further regulate visitor numbers, only 4000 climbers will be permitted to start their ascent each day. This daily cap, along with the timed entry restrictions, aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safer climbing experience for all participants. Updates on the number of climbers starting their journey will be provided through the mountain's official communication channels to inform prospective climbers and avoid situations where climbers are turned away at the 5th Station. Governor Nagasaki expressed optimism that these measures will help safeguard Mount Fuji's World Heritage status by minimising environmental impact and bolstering infrastructure and facilities with the funds generated from entrance fees. The initiative aligns with global efforts in other tourist destinations, such as Venice, where entry fees for day visitors have also been implemented to manage tourist numbers and protect local resources. The ongoing adjustments reflect a commitment to sustainable tourism practices and ensuring Mount Fuji remains a cherished destination for future generations to enjoy responsibly.

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