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Schengen Visa: Europe Trip Gets Costlier As Fee Hiked By 12% From Today

Schengen Visa 12% Fees Hike Effective Today: Travelers to Europe will now have to pay higher visa application fees as the European Commission’s 12 per cent hike in Schengen Visa fees becomes effective today, June 11, 2024. This increase is applicable worldwide. This move coincides with the bloc’s efforts to promote tourism in the region. Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will pay €90 (previously €80), and children aged 6-12 will pay €45 (previously €40). Countries deemed uncooperative with the EU’s efforts to repatriate their citizens will face steeper hikes, with fees reaching €135 or €180. Currently, one euro (€) is equal to nearly Rs 90. “The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. This increase will apply globally starting June 11, 2024,” the Slovenian government stated in May. The European Commission cites inflation and rising civil servant salaries as justification for the increase. The previous fee hike occurred in February 2020.

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Heatwave alert in Greece: The country faces rising temperatures and wildfire danger

In a recent weather update from Greece, the country is going to undergo a three-day heatwave starting today. According to Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection of Greece, during this time, the temperatures will touch or go above 40 degrees Celsius. The minister has cautioned about the heightened risk of wildfires as well. Kikilias has also informed reporters of the peak heat expected on Wednesday and Thursday, prompting Greece to elevate its fire risk warning to a "very high" level of four out of five. Meteorologists had also predicted temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius before subsiding over the weekend. Greece, experiencing its warmest winter on record followed by unseasonably high temperatures in April, has already witnessed forest fires starting as early as March, even at altitudes exceeding 1000 m. This month alone, firefighters have been tirelessly fighting several daily forest blazes. He also stressed the fire season's challenges, prompting Greece to impose harsher penalties for both accidental and deliberate arsonists, with perpetrators facing up to 20 years in prison and a fine of €200,000 since May 1st. According to the National Observatory of Athens, wildfires in 2023 ravaged nearly 175,000 hectares of forest and farmland in Greece following an unprecedented two-week heatwave. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change attributes the prolonged fire seasons and increased land destruction to rising temperatures resulting from human-induced fossil fuel emissions. A look at some of the must visit places in Greece: Greece is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are five beautiful places to visit in Greece: Santorini: Known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and crystal-clear waters, Santorini is a must-visit destination in Greece. Explore the charming villages of Oia and Fira, perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.. Athens: As the capital city of Greece, Athens is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modernity. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, one of the most famous ancient monuments in the world. Meteora: Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and monasteries perched atop towering cliffs. Explore the monasteries, which date back to the 14th century, and marvel at the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Crete: As the largest island in Greece, Crete offers a diverse range of landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged mountains and ancient ruins. Visit the Palace of Knossos, the legendary Minoan archaeological site, and explore charming villages like Chania and Rethymno, with their Venetian-era architecture and picturesque harbors.

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Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism breaks all records: WTTC report

Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue growing at pace in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach SAR 498BN, while jobs will increase by more than 158,000 jobs to reach nearly 2.7MN. International visitor spending is projected to almost double reaching SAR 256BN. Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector is now soaring past all previous records, testament to the country’s commitment to becoming a global tourism hot spot, a report stated. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed a record-breaking year for travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia, with new records in GDP contribution, sector jobs and visitor spend. Last year, the sector grew by more than 32% to contribute a record-breaking SAR 444.3BN to Saudi’s GDP, representing 11.5% of the entire economy. This exceeded the previous record by almost 30% and underscores the sector’s pivotal new role in the nation’s economic framework. Jobs supported by the sector grew by 436,000 to reach more than 2.5MN, representing almost one in five jobs in the country. Although the jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, this announcement shows sector employment in Travel & Tourism has increased almost 24% since the previous peak. International visitor spending surged by almost 57% to reach SAR 227.4BN, breaking the previous record by SAR 93.6BN, while domestic visitor spending grew by 21.5% to reach SAR 142.5BN. Seven years ahead of its target, Saudi Arabia welcomed 100MN tourists in 2023. Today, the country is surging toward even greater heights and has set a more ambitious aim of attracting 150MN tourists by 2030. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said, “Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector’s extraordinary achievements last year mark a pivotal moment in its journey towards becoming a global tourism leader.” “This success is a direct result of the Kingdom’s visionary commitment to the sector, showcasing an impressive fusion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism initiatives. As the sector continues to expand, it promises to play a crucial role in the nation’s diversified economic future, while contributing significantly to global Travel & Tourism development.” Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, “The latest data from WTTC provides further evidence of the rapid success we have achieved in transforming Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.” “Tourism is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plans and we have made great strides promoting investment in the sector – with more than $800 billion earmarked by 2030 – as well as creating new jobs and growing the contribution of tourism to GDP.” 2024 forecast: Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue growing at pace in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach SAR 498BN, while jobs will increase by more than 158,000 jobs to reach nearly 2.7MN. International visitor spending is projected to reach SAR 256BN, almost double the previous high point, and domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach SAR 155.2BN The global tourism body is also forecasting that the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to a staggering SAR 836.1BN by 2034, almost 16% of the Saudi Arabian economy, and will employ more than 3.6MN people across the country, with one in five people working in the sector. What does the region look like? The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 25% in 2023 to reach almost $460BN. Jobs reached nearly 7.75MN and international spending grew by 50% to reach $179.8BN. Domestic visitor spending grew by 16.5% to reach more than $205BN. WTTC is forecasting that the Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector will continue to grow throughout 2024 with the GDP contribution set to reach $507BN. Jobs are forecast to reach 8.3MN, international visitor spending is forecast to reach $198BN and domestic visitor spending is expected to reach more than $224BN.

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Emirates to resume flights from India to Dubai from June 23

As Dubai eases travel curbs for passengers from India, Emirates airline said it will resume flights connecting India, South Africa and Nigeria to the city from June 23. "Emirates welcomes the latest protocols and measures announced by Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to allow the safe resumption of passenger travel from South Africa, Nigeria and India to Dubai and onwards," said the airline's spokesperson in a statement. On Saturday, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai said that the passengers from India with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine will be allowed to travel to Dubai, Gulf News reported. They should also present a negative test certificate from a PCR test taken 48 hours before departure. We will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from 23rd June," said Emirates. "We thank the Supreme Committee for their continuous efforts in monitoring the development of the situation and announcing the appropriate guidelines and protocols to protect the community and safeguard the travel sector," it added. Emirates had suspended passenger flights from India effective until July 6, 2021. However, UAE nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas, and members of diplomatic missions who comply with the revised published COVID-19 protocols were exempted from these travel restrictions.

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UP Tourism signs key MoUs to boost rural tourism; 229 villages identified for development

The Directorate of Tourism will focus on identifying and addressing infrastructure gaps in selected villages, developing tourism infrastructure, mobilising communities for tourism activities, organising capacity-building programs and promoting homestays. In a significant step towards enhancing rural tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today at the UP Tourism Directorate in Lucknow. The first MoU was signed between the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, represented by Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), represented by Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director. This five-year agreement aims to promote tourism and develop tourism infrastructure while empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihood development and improved access to financial services. Under the MOU, the Directorate of Tourism will focus on identifying and addressing infrastructure gaps in selected villages, developing tourism infrastructure, mobilising communities for tourism activities, organising capacity-building programs and promoting homestays. Short term training programs will be run for various beneficiaries including Self-help Groups, homestay owners, tourist guides and more. They will also work on social media management, content creation, and familiarisation trips. Meanwhile, UPSRLM will identify potential Self-Help Groups (SHGs), mobilise communities, and build the capacity of SHG members through training programs. They will also support village cleanliness, promote tourism villages through social media, share relevant data with the DoT, and maintain tourism infrastructure as required. The second MoU was signed between UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. This partnership aims to develop a sustainable model for promoting food service enterprises in the state. UPSRLM will develop replicable models of sustainable food service enterprises with technical support, including capacity building, from the Institute. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, UP Tourism aims to transform the state’s tourism landscape and create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both tourists and local communities. Promoting rural tourism will significantly boost local economies, provide diverse livelihood opportunities, and enhance infrastructure to host a variety of tourism experiences. These initiatives aim to offer tourists an authentic taste of village life while uplifting rural communities across Uttar Pradesh. To this end, 229 villages have already been identified for tourism development. These efforts will empower rural communities through skill development training and promoting their art, craft, culture, and cuisine, to give them the recognition and support they deserve. “These MOUs are a proof of our commitment for elevating the entire tourism ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. By encouraging rural tourism, we are not only boosting the local economies but also providing rural populations with various means of livelihood and employment,” said Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, added, “Our collaboration with UPSRLM and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute is a significant stride towards sustainable tourism and community empowerment. This initiative will enhance facilities and infrastructure, offering tourists an authentic experience of rustic village life.” “This partnership will empower rural communities by integrating them into the tourism value chain. It will create new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development in the villages,” said Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, UPSRLM. Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, mentioned, “We are focused on developing a comprehensive tourism strategy that benefits all stakeholders. The synergy between tourism development and rural livelihood enhancement is crucial for the holistic growth of our state.”

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How much should I tip in: Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand

To tip or not to tip – and how much – is a question on many American travelers’ minds as they venture abroad this summer. The U.S. is known around the world for its generous tipping culture, but that standard, as much as 20% on some bills in some cities, hasn’t exactly been exported to other locations. In fact, according to Justin Chapman, a travel expert who specializes in safaris at Go2Africa, tipping in some locations may actually be seen as offensive. Here are his rules of thumb depending on where you’re visiting this summer. How much to tip in Europe It varies from country to country, but in general visitors don’t need to leave a huge tip in most of Europe. In some countries it’s becoming increasingly common for a 10-15% service charge to be included in the bills in places like restaurants, while in others, it’s up to the visitor’s discretion. How much to tip in Africa In most of Africa, Chapman said, a 10-15% gratuity on restaurant bills is customary, as are tips equivalent to $10-20 per day for staff at your lodging or any tour guides you may do business with. How much to tip in Central and South America A 10-15% tip is customary in most restaurants in Central and South America, but tips are even more important for tour guides, who Chapman said rely heavily on the extra income. In Colombia, he said, $10-20 per day is appropriate for guides, while $5-10 is alright in most of the rest of the region. Chapman said it’s especially important to tip generously for guides in Brazil. Taxi drivers across the region don’t necessarily count on tips, but rounding up to the nearest whole currency amount is often appreciated. How much to tip in Asia Tipping is not widely expected in Asia, and can actually be seen as offensive in some countries, particularly in China and Japan. In Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, tipping is becoming more common and around 10% is generally seen as an acceptable gratuity there. How much to tip in Australia and New Zealand Tipping isn’t generally expected in Oceania, but Chapman said 5-10% or rounding up to the nearest Australian or New Zealand dollar can be appreciated, especially in high-end establishments. Travel tipping advice If you’re planning to tip but aren’t sure of the etiquette, Chapman said here are some key things to keep in mind: Tip in cash whenever possible Consider the cost of living: more expensive areas, or places with high tourist traffic, are more likely to expect higher tips Ask a local if you’re not sure what the regional custom

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