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Paytm partners with travel aggregators to strengthen its travel segment

One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm, on Monday announced that it has partnered with travel aggregators such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Wego, driving towards growth in its travel segment. During the fourth quarter of FY24, Paytm had maintained its upward trajectory in market share among OTAs, with flight bookings showing year-on-year increase of around 19 per cent, surpassing the industry’s growth rate of around approximately 3 per cent. This growth, it added, is further underscored by around 15 per cent on-year rise in international ticket bookings in April showcasing Paytm Travel as the preferred destination for competitive prices and seamless services in travel bookings. Paytm has also witnessed growing preference among travelers, including those from small cities and towns, for their commuting needs. The recent NDC integration with Amadeus, featuring Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways as the first two airlines on NDCx and on-boarding of Eva Airways, marks a significant milestone. This integration offers artificial intelligence-powered capabilities, enhancing the booking experience by providing more tailored travel options and packages directly from the airlines. To provide further selection to international flyers, Paytm Travel has also onboarded three new carriers including Cambodia Angkor Air, SalamAir, and FlyDubai. The company said that it now hosts new bus operators including Mettur expanding its service offerings and providing more travel options to customers. Further, the introduction of a Free Cancellation service has seen high growth in trains and buses, followed by flights, offering customers greater flexibility and peace of mind. Paytm spokesperson said, “We are committed to expanding our travel business offerings and enhancing the overall customer experience. Our partnerships with global travel aggregators and leading airlines, combined with the integration of artificial intelligence, underscore our dedication to providing seamless, convenient, and competitive travel solutions. As we continue to innovate and grow, we aim to deliver exceptional value and a superior travel experience to our customers.”

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Visa-free travel: Maldives sets record with 1.8 million new international tourists; leaves Seychelles behind

There’s no doubt that the Maldives and Seychelles are two tropical heavens on Earth noted for their natural beauty. These two destinations have become iconic global destinations for those looking for visa-free entry. The welcoming policies opted by these places have boosted their tourism sectors significantly. As per records, as of mid-2024, the Maldives has recorded notable tourist inflows, with China leading the pack followed by Russia, the UK, Italy, Germany, and India. The country's attractiveness lies in the world-class destinations like Soneva Jani, Hurawalhi Ocean Villa, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, drawing visitors averaging a stay of 7.8 days. On the other hand, Seychelles, while also offering visa-free access, reported fewer arrivals compared to the Maldives in 2023, totaling 384,204 visitors. The nation's growth outlook remains positive, supported by stable tourism and advancements in information technology. Seychelles International Airport serves as an important hub. Tourism constitutes a substantial portion of the GDP in both nations, with the Maldives at 30% and Seychelles slightly higher at 31%. The Maldives, particularly, has seen robust growth, buoyed by strategic increases in goods and services tax rates. Both destinations stress on sustainable tourism practices to preserve their natural beauty and cultural heritage. Top hotels like Raffles Seychelles and Kempinski Seychelles Resort contribute significantly to Seychelles' hospitality sector, enhancing its appeal to global travelers. In summary, while the Maldives leads with record-breaking arrivals and robust tourism infrastructure, Seychelles continues to attract visitors with its pristine landscapes and strategic tourism initiatives. As both nations navigate economic challenges and strive for sustainable growth, their commitment to welcoming global travelers remains steadfast, ensuring continued prosperity in their tourism sectors. Seychelles, an Indian Ocean archipelago, entices visitors with pristine beaches and lush landscapes. It offers visa-free entry, fostering tourism growth crucial to its economy. Top attractions include Raffles Seychelles and the vibrant Seychelles International Airport. The Maldives, renowned for its azure waters and luxury resorts, leads in global tourism with visa-free access. It boasts iconic destinations like Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Velana International Airport, pivotal in sustaining its booming hospitality sector.

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Kozhikode in Kerala becomes India’s first UNESCO City of Literature

Kozhikode is celebrating a historic day today! The city has created history by becoming India's first city to be designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. The announcement, scheduled for 5:30 PM at the Kandamkulam Muhammad Abdu Rahiman Memorial Jubilee Hall in Tali, Kozhikode, marked a significant recognition of the city's rich literary heritage. UNESCO conferred this prestigious title on Kozhikode on October 31, 2023, affirming its status as a cultural hub for literature. Over the next four years, Kozhikode will host a series of literary and cultural activities to celebrate and promote its newfound status. Iconic locations such as Mananchira, Tali, and Kuttichira will be transformed into vibrant centers for literary events, fostering a dynamic environment for literary exchange and creativity. Even before receiving the UNESCO recognition, Kozhikode had been adorned with sculptures commemorating renowned literary figures. At Mananchira's Ansari Park, sculptures paying homage to dramatist KT Muhammad and the beloved goat from Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's famous story "Pathummayude Aadu" proved the city's literary legacy. Looking ahead, Kozhikode envisions leveraging its UNESCO status to attract global recognition and promote cultural tourism. Plans are underway to expand the literary circuit, connecting significant literary landmarks from Thunjath Ezhuthachan's Tirur to Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's Beypore. The designation as a UNESCO City of Literature not only honors Kozhikode's past contributions to Malayalam literature but also sets the stage for future growth and international collaboration in the literary arts. It is expected to attract writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe, fostering cultural exchange and enriching the city's cultural tapestry. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a colourful city in Kerala that holds a rich historical and cultural significance. The city is renowned for its role as an ancient trading hub and the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. Today, Kozhikode blends its illustrious past with modern developments, offering visitors a unique experience of Kerala's coastal charm and cultural diversity. The city is famed for its pristine beaches like Kozhikode Beach and Beypore Beach, where one can enjoy picturesque sunsets and traditional wooden boat craftsmanship. Kozhikode is also celebrated for its culinary delights, especially its Malabar cuisine known for its aromatic spices and seafood delicacies. Today, Kozhikode continues to attract tourists and scholars alike, making it a fascinating destination in Kerala.

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H-1B visa: How new rules could affect Indian applicants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is on the verge of announcing significant changes to H-1B visa regulations, a move poised to reshape the landscape for employers and professionals, particularly those from India. The new regulations are scheduled for release on July 8, initiating a public commentary period before they become official. The proposed changes include the introduction of a $4,000 fee for extending H-1B visas and a $4,500 fee for extending L-1 visas. These fees align with the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, which currently applies only to initial visa petitions and changes in employers. Initially proposed by the USCIS on October 23 of the previous year, the rule is currently undergoing a 60-day commentary phase. Reports from Forbes indicate that the Biden administration may finalise the rule by the end of this year or after the upcoming election. These changes could disrupt the plans of many Indian H-1B visa holders and prospective applicants, affecting thousands who seek to live and work in the US. A particularly contentious aspect of the proposed regulations is the redefinition of specialty occupations. The new definition would require that job roles necessitate specific degrees closely tied to the job’s specific specialities. This mirrors a policy from the Trump administration, which faced litigation over concerns that it excluded numerous skilled international professionals. Under the revised definition, individuals with degrees in business administration might be categorised as holding a 'general degree,' which could be deemed insufficient for specialty occupation status. Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is contemplating imposing substantial fees on employers for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions, especially targeting entities with over 50 percent of their workforce on these visas. These visas allow US companies to import skilled talent for specialised roles that are challenging to fill locally, underscoring their importance in the American job market. Indians, who hold the highest number of H-1B visas, are likely to be significantly impacted by these proposed amendments. Companies that depend on visa extensions may face sizeable financial ramifications, prompting a reevaluation of their hiring strategies concerning foreign employees. As the USCIS gears up for the release of these new regulations, the potential impact on both employers and international professionals remains a focal point of discussion. The proposed changes highlight a broader effort to balance the need for skilled foreign labour with the administration’s regulatory goals, setting the stage for a potentially transformative period in US immigration policy.

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Paris’s Eiffel Tower ticket price increased by 20 percent to meet the maintenance cost

In a bid to meet the maintenance cost, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has increased its ticket price. This gorgeous 330 m tall monument is among the world's most visited monuments and attracts millions every year. But sadly the cost of maintaining the tower has gone up to unprecedented heights, which lead to recent adjustments in ticket prices So now those visiting Eiffel Tower in Paris, will have to pay €35 (INR 3,127) for admission, marking a 20% increase from the previous €29.10 (INR 2,600) fee. This price hike applies across all ticket types and is intended to stabilise the financial health of the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the public entity managing the iconic landmark. The decision comes amidst financial turbulence created by long shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted SETE's revenue streams. The tower's closure in February due to a labor dispute underscored deeper economic challenges. Unionized staff halted operations earlier in December 2023, coinciding with the centenary of Gustave Eiffel's death. Despite these issues, the Eiffel Tower continues to attract global tourists. In 2023, the monument welcomed a record 6.3 million visitors, the highest since 2015. However, SETE, predominantly owned by the City of Paris, faced a staggering financial shortfall, with revenues plummeting fourfold to €25 million in 2020 compared to €99 million the previous year. Compounding financial pressures are escalating maintenance costs, exceeding €130 million, created by delays in critical refurbishment projects. Originally, Gustave Eiffel mandated the tower's repainting every seven years to preserve its structural integrity. However, the 20th repainting cycle commenced in 2020, eleven years overdue, due to funding and logistical challenges. As SETE and Paris City Hall face these challenges, the recent price hike aims to aid financial resilience while ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this enduring symbol of engineering prowess and artistic grandeur. Also, Paris is all set to host Paris Olympics 2024. The 2024 Summer Olympics, formally titled the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and widely referred to as Paris 2024, are set to be held as a global multi-sport event from July 26 to August 11.

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This European country is the best Schengen alternative for Indian passport holders; know all details

For Indian passport holders facing Schengen visa delays this summer, Georgia emerges as an easier alternative for a holiday destination, provided an e-visa application is processed successfully through patience and strategic timing. Georgia attracts travellers for its seamless visa process for those holding Schengen or Japan visas, and has direct flights from Delhi. Georgia, straddling both Europe and Asia, offers a unique experience distinct from both continents. This former Soviet republic is both a revelation and a mystery to travellers opting to explore beyond Europe or Southeast Asia. Indian passport holders can enter Georgia visa-free if they possess a valid Schengen or Japan visa. For others, an e-visa can be obtained through the Georgian Government’s immigration portal. The e-visa application process, although seemingly straightforward, requires patience due to frequent errors at the payment gateway stage. After overcoming the initial application hurdle, applicants need to dedicate sufficient time for the visa to process, considering the high rejection rate of 72%. Applicants usually receive a revert within five working days, and in case of rejection, a new application can be started within ten days. You can also book a low-cost airline that offers direct flights from Delhi to Tbilisi three times a week. Upon landing at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, Indian travellers may feel apprehensive given reports of seemingly arbitrary deportations of Indians. However, passing through immigration with a Schengen or Japan visa generally ensures a smooth journey. Once out of the airport, the crisp Tbilisi air greets travellers, with temperatures markedly cooler than in Delhi. The city centre is only a 25 min drive from the airport and is easily accessible. Tbilisi is known for its hilly landscapes, historic old town, and key landmarks such as the Freedom Square and Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Throughout Tbilisi, travellers encounter warm, hospitable locals. A short drive from the capital leads to the Jvari Monastery, situated atop the 653 m Jvari mount. From here, visitors can view the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers and overlook Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. In Georgia, wine holds a significant cultural and historical value. The Kakheti region houses ancient vineyards and is recognized as the birthplace of winemaking, with early evidence dating back 8,000 years. The qvevri, an earthen pot used to store wine underground, was invented here, maintaining the wine's flavour unlike previous storage methods in animal-leather cases. In short, Georgia has endless options to keep you occupied, and is affordable too. Tbilisi, the capital, serves as a primary tourist destination due to its accessibility and extensive attractions. Batumi, located on the Black Sea coast, is another popular spot, known for the moving metal sculptures of star-crossed lovers Ali and Nino. Other notable destinations in Georgia include Kutaisi, the ski resort Mestia, the 'City of Love' Sighnaghi, the renowned wine region Kakheti, and Mtskheta. The Georgian Military Highway offers a picturesque route through Kazbegi National Park, showcasing the Caucasus Mountains’ beauty. For Indian travellers, Georgia requires an e-visa unless holding a US, UK, Schengen, or Japan visa for visa-free entry. E-visa applications take five days to process, and due to high rejection rates, ample time should be allocated for potential reapplications. Each application costs 20 USD plus a service fee. May to June and September to October are ideal months to visit Georgia, avoiding extreme summer heat and winter cold.

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