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Thailand Extends Visa-Free Stay To Indian Passport Holders For 60 Days

If you've been craving an international escape, there's some good news! Thailand will allow Indian passport holders to travel to the country for two months without a visa. It does sound too good to be true, but in a bid to boost tourism, the Thai government has decided to allow tourists and travellers to extend their stay in Thailand visa-free. This includes a list of 93 countries, up from the previous 57. This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic had a massive negative impact on the Thai economy, which majorly depends on tourism and various measures are being undertaken to bring in tourists. The economy of Thailand made a strong recovery in tourism post-pandemic. According to a report published by Nikkei Asia, "the number of foreign tourists reached about 28 million in 2023, more than double the 11 million in 2022." The new rules were effective from June 1. Passport holders from the following countries, who were previously receiving a 30-day stamp on arrival, will now be allowed to stay for 60 days: 1.Asia: India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan, Cyprus. 2.Europe: Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia. 3.Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Fiji. 4.Americas: Mexico. Most of the measures to boost tourism includes introduction of different kinds of visas or relaxation of requirements for one. Thailand has also introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) " targets digital nomads remote workers and freelancers, as well as those who want to learn muay Thai [boxing] and Thai cuisine," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chai Wacharonke had announced in the month of May. For details on the visa do visit the official website of Thai Tourism or connect with the Embassy or consulate of your region.

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Egypt eyes on Germany, Italy, India and China as top source market for travel

At the Riyadh Travel Fair 2024, Egypt’s tourism sector showcased a robust strategy to bolster its appeal to travelers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt, highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to expand its market reach and introduce travelers to new and exciting destinations within the country. Focus on the Saudi Market Speaking at the fair, Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt emphasized the importance of the Saudi market for Egypt. He noted that Saudi Arabia is currently the third-largest source of visitors to Egypt, with over one million Saudi travelers visiting in the past year alone. This figure is expected to grow as Egypt intensifies its marketing efforts and strengthens travel connections between the two nations. “Saudi Arabia is a significant market for us,” he said. “We are not only maintaining but also expanding our reach in this market. Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and key destinations in Egypt, such as Sharm El-Sheikh, have already been established, making travel more convenient and attractive for Saudi tourists.” Introducing New Destinations One of the highlights of Egypt’s presentation at the Riyadh Travel Fair was the introduction of new destinations such as the North Coast. Known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, the North Coast is being promoted as a premier summer destination. “We are focusing on the North Coast as a year-round destination,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt explained. “It’s not just for summer; we are working to ensure that tourists can enjoy the North Coast’s attractions throughout the year.” Additionally, Egypt is enhancing its offerings in traditional tourist hotspots like Cairo and Luxor. In Cairo, new attractions and enhanced visitor experiences are being developed, including expanded city tours and cultural excursions. Strengthening Travel Connectivity To support the influx of tourists, Egypt is boosting its travel connectivity. The recent introduction of direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Sharm El-Sheikh is part of this initiative. These flights are expected to make Egypt more accessible and attractive, facilitating easier travel for tourists looking to explore the country’s rich cultural and natural landscapes. “We are constantly working to improve our connectivity with Saudi Arabia and other key markets,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt stated. “This includes both air travel and ground transportation, making it easier for visitors to explore all that Egypt has to offer.” Promoting Egypt’s Cultural Heritage Egypt’s unique cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. The country’s rich history, epitomized by the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the treasures of the Nile, continues to draw visitors from around the world. “Our cultural heritage is our strongest asset,” said Mr. Muhammad Al. “It is the dream of many to visit the Pyramids, explore the Valley of the Kings, and experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt. We are committed to preserving and promoting these sites, ensuring they remain accessible and captivating for future generations.” The Nile River cruises, in particular, are being heavily promoted as a quintessential Egyptian experience. These cruises offer tourists a unique way to explore the country’s historical sites while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Nile. Expanding International Market Reach Beyond the GCC, Egypt is targeting a diverse array of international markets. Traditional strongholds such as Germany, France, the UK, and Italy continue to be pivotal. However, Egypt is also focusing on emerging markets like China and India, aiming to attract a broader spectrum of tourists. “We are expanding our reach to include markets like China and India,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt explained. “These countries have shown increasing interest in our offerings, and we see great potential for growth in these regions.” The focus also extends to long-haul destinations, with strategic marketing efforts aimed at attracting tourists from countries like Brazil and the USA. Embracing the MICE Market Egypt is making significant strides in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. With new facilities and venues opening, including historic sites like temples and citadels now available for events, Egypt is positioning itself as a leading destination for international conferences and business events. “We are seeing a surge in the MICE market,” said Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt. “Egypt is hosting more conferences and events than ever before. This not only boosts our economy but also enhances our reputation as a premier business travel destination.” Looking Forward The Riyadh Travel Fair 2024 provided a glimpse into Egypt’s dynamic and forward-looking approach to tourism. With its blend of ancient heritage and modern attractions, coupled with enhanced connectivity and a welcoming approach to international visitors, Egypt is poised to strengthen its position as a top global travel destination. As Egypt continues to innovate and expand its offerings, travelers from around the world can look forward to a richer, more accessible, and more exciting experience. Whether for leisure, business, or cultural exploration, Egypt promises to deliver unforgettable journeys for all who visit.

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Heavy rain delays flights, gives pax hard time travelling to Pune Airport

Due to heavy rain since yesterday, not only were several flights delayed at Pune Airport last night, passengers had to struggle to reach the airport as there was waterlogging and heavy traffic congestion across the city. Considering the heavy rain alert for the next few days, airlines have appealed to passengers to reach the airport two to three hours before their flights’ scheduled departure. Siddhant Malani, who flew from Delhi to Pune last night, said, “At one point, I just prayed that the ones in the air should be away from each other so that we don’t have any mid-air collision. Then finally our Delhi to Pune flight made an attempt to land. The rain was intense. I prayed for the first time for the safe landing of a flight and it finally touched down safely. This was followed by a Kolkata to Pune flight and that too landed safely.” Another flyer Akanksha Saini posted on X and said, “Disappointed with Pune Airport’s inefficiency! Landed more than an hour ago but still stuck on the runway due to parking clearance delays. Not the kind of welcome one expects.” In reply to Saini’s complaint, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) officially replied and said, “Adverse weather caused delays and diversions at Pune Airport. Improved conditions led to a rush of arrivals, causing apron congestion and parking delays. We regret the inconvenience caused.” At the same time, those who had to travel to Pune Airport yesterday to pick up or drop their friends and relatives faced heavy traffic congestion on Airport Road. Amit Paranjape, a citizen, said, “Crazy rain yesterday evening - took over two hours to drive to Pune Airport from Deccan Gymkhana, and almost the same amount of time to drive back. Major waterlogging yesterday, especially near the Lohegaon Airport and Viman Nagar areas.” Considering the heavy rain alert for the next couple of days, several airlines have appealed to passengers to reach the Pune Airport early to avoid any flight misses. Vistara Airlines issued a statement which read: “Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected enroute to Pune Airport on June 9 and 10. Customers are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport.”

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Beaches in Goa become deserted and quieter with first pre-monsoon showers

As Goa has started receiving pre-monsoon showers, the beaches in the state, which are otherwise teeming with tourists and locals alike, are now wearing a deserted look. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued an 'orange' alert for Goa, forecasting heavy rains over the next four days. Although the south-west monsoon is yet to arrive in Goa, the coastal state has started witnessing rains since Friday. "This is the best time to be on the beaches. But it is not the right time to swim. One can go up to knee-deep water, but swimming is strictly prohibited," said Pele aka Fransisco Fernandes, a local fisherman from Benaulim beach. The sea is rough and fishing activities have stopped, he said. "There is an official ban on fishing using motorised vessels from June 1 till July 31. Traditional fishermen are allowed, but for some period, they also stay away from the sea as it is rough," Pele said. Drishti Lifesaving Services, a state government-appointed lifeguard agency, has installed red flags along the coast. Its personnel are seen patrolling the beaches. Due to the change of season, the number of tourists has dwindled drastically and there is hardly any visitor on the beach. "Goan beaches are cleaner during the monsoon. There are no shacks and no hurdles. You can walk freely on the beaches," said Rahul Gaikwad, a tourist from Mumbai, who has come with his family. The tariff of hotels drop down drastically during the rainy season, making the stay affordable for the tourists. A senior official from the state tourism department said Goa is focussing on round-the-year tourism. "There is nothing called off-season (in Goa). We want travellers to come to Goa even during the rainy season. Goa is greener during the monsoon," he said. He said the concept of regenerative tourism introduced by the state government encompasses highlighting of the state's hinterlands. "People can visit beaches, but they can at the same time spend more time in our hinterlands," the official said.

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Tourism boom propels Spain, Greece and Portugal to economic success

Derided as "Club Med" nations during the European debt crisis 15 years ago, the economies of Spain, Greece and Portugal are now outperforming their northern peers thanks to a rebound in tourism. The three nations had to endure harsh austerity measures in the early 2010s imposed by their European Union partners, who were quick to blame their fiscal laxity and lack of competitiveness for their economic woes. But "the situation has changed" since the Covid-19 pandemic ended, said Zsolt Darvas, an economist at Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank. "Today, those countries are growing faster than the European Union average, they are no longer seen as black sheep." Spain's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 2.5 percent last year, while Portugal's economy grew by 2.3 percent and Greece by 2.0 percent. That compares to growth of 0.4 percent for the entire 27-member European Union, which was weighed down by Germany's 0.3 percent contraction, making it the world's worst-performing major economy in 2023. The International Monetary Fund expects the three nations to continue to outperform this year, although at a more modest pace. It sees growth this year of 2.4 percent in Spain, 1.7 percent in Portugal and 2.0 percent in Greece. Spain's economy is taking off "like a rocket", Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said recently. The country is "the locomotive" of job creation in the EU, he added on Thursday. - 'Great efforts' - Economists say this turnaround is largely due to a strong rebound in tourism, which reached record levels last year following the lifting of pandemic travel restrictions. The sector is key for the three nations, accounting for almost 25 percent of Greece's economy, and 12 percent in both Portugal and Spain. The trio of nations are also benefiting from the EU's massive pandemic recovery fund, whose mix of grants and loans in exchange for structural reforms will largely go to southern countries. Spain -- the biggest beneficiary of the fund after Italy -- has so far received 38 billion euros, Greece 15 billion euros and Portugal eight billion euros. The three nations have also made "great efforts to improve their economic attractiveness" with structural reforms that have boosted their competitiveness and improved their labour markets, said Darvas. The reforms have helped draw foreign investment, especially in renewable energy and cloud computing. Amazon's cloud computing division AWS announced last month it would invest over 15 billion euros to expand its data centres in Spain. Many automakers such as Volkswagen and Stellantis, whose brands include Peugeot, Fiat and Jeep, have chosen to assemble their new electric vehicles in Spain, Europe's second largest automobile producer after Germany. - Challenges remain - The growth spurt in the three countries, however, is partly catching up after the steep falls in GDP during the financial crisis. Greece's GDP for example plunged 25 percent. Economists warn they still face challenges. While they have all seen joblessness fall, the unemployment rate in Greece and Spain sits above 11 percent, way above the EU average of 5.9 percent. And former European economic and monetary affairs commissioner Olli Rehn told AFP that "deficits and debt levels remain large in some cases" even though "divergences between euro area countries have decreased compared to 10 years ago". Portugal swung to a budget surplus of 1.2 percent of GDP last year while Greece's public deficit declined to 1.6 percent in 2023 from 2.5 percent in the previous year. The EU average is 3.5 percent. This has helped its 10-year borrowing rate to drop to 3.5 percent from 13 percent during the financial crisis. Darvas said the "convergence" of southerrn European nations with northern ones "is likely to continue" but at a "slower pace". Spain, Portugal and Greece still have "work to do," he added.

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IMD forecasts increased rainfall in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra

The IMD has announced a notable increase in rainfall activity along the coastal regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra starting June 8. According to the forecast, heavy rainfall is expected to impact several states. Goa, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Sikkim are all anticipated to experience heavy rain until June 10. In Kerala, heavy rainfall is forecasted for June 9, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts today. Additionally, a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to experience rainfall on June 9 and 10. Madhya Pradesh will witness rainfall and strong winds in some parts. An orange alert has been issued for Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Betul, Ujjain, Jhabua, and Alirajpur districts. Meanwhile, Delhi will have a partly cloudy sky with chances of dust storms or thunderstorms, accompanied by light rain. A yellow alert has been issued for the national capital, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 42°C and 29°C, respectively. The weather change is due to a fresh western disturbance, providing relief from the recent heatwave. In Mumbai, residents will experience a partly cloudy sky with light rain and thunderstorms. The IMD forecasts maximum and minimum temperatures of approximately 35°C and 29°C, respectively. The city is poised to see the onset of the monsoon between June 9 and 10, marking a significant change in the weather pattern. Heatwave conditions are predicted in several regions, prompting the IMD to issue alerts. Northeast Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand will experience isolated heatwave conditions from June 8 to 11, while Bihar is expected to face heatwave conditions on June 9 and 10. Similar conditions are forecasted in Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana from June 9 to 11. In Uttar Pradesh, certain regions will face heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from June 8 to 11. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed.

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