News

This airline extends check-in deadline to 75 mins for international travellers

As per the latest development, Air India, which is one of the country’s prominent airlines, has revised the check-in counter closing time for international flights from Delhi. This initiative has already been put into place. So going forward, the check-in counter will remain open for 75 minutes, which was earlier 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If reports are to go by, this change is in line with extended effort to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers, especially during busy times when they need to pass the security and immigration, and where procedures usually take longer time. With regard to this, Air India took to social media to inform that for international flights from Delhi, the check-in counter will now close 75 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The airline further added that this 15-minute extension will offer enough time for check-in and security clearance, and will thereby help ensure a smooth travel experience for international passengers. Meanwhile, the airline asked passengers to not take undue advantage of the extended timeline, and act responsibly to reach the airport at the earliest. It added, "We appreciate your cooperation in getting us to the airport well in advance of this new closure." The primary reason to adopt this proactive approach aims to reduce unnecessary delays that are mostly caused by last-minute check-ins and crowded security lines, especially during peak departure times. Reports further add that the airline introduced the revised check-in time to address challenges such as long queues at security and immigration, which are common at busy airports like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Air India hopes that this change will help reduce the stress of last-minute check-ins and improve overall punctuality, ensuring that passengers have enough time to complete necessary formalities. Although according to some frequent flyers, there might be some issues cropping up in the airport due to extended timelines, they acknowledged that it might help in improving airline operations in a timely manner. By extending closing times at check-in counters and improving flight efficiency, Air India is working to enhance the overall travel experience of its international passengers while dealing with common hassles like the delay, safety and congestion management.

Read more

25 places in Kerala to become ‘Green Tourism Destinations’

In a recent development, the South Indian state Kerala is all set to designate 25 important tourist spots as ‘Green Tourism Destinations.’ This initiative is part of the broader 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign. The prime motive of this campaign is to make Kerala a garbage-free state by March 30, 2025. The announcement will be made on October 2, on the day of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’. The 'Green Tourism Destinations' initiative wishes to transform popular tourist attractions into models of environmental stewardship. These destinations will follow some strict measures for sustainable waste management, hygiene, cleanliness, and conservation practices. Kerala with these nature-friendly practices wishes to add to the appeal of its natural and cultural attractions while preserving their natural beauty. Some of the prominent selected sites include: Kite Beach Park, Kasaragod: It is a stunning beach park committed to eco-friendly practices. Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode: Lokanarkavu Temple in Kozhikode is a prominent heritage site that focuses on green practices while maintaining its cultural significance. Iritty Eco Park and Chal Beach, Kannur: Iritty Eco Park and Chal Beach are two places that emphasise sustainable tourism. Nilambur Teak Museum, Malappuram: Nilambur Teak Museum is a prominent educational site in Malappuram dedicated to sustainable forestry and conservation. Adichanalloor Chira Park and Meenmutti, Kollam: Adichanalloor Chira Park and Meenmutti are two prime natural attractions that prioritise environmental sustainability. Mangalam Dam Park and Kanjirapuzha Dam, Palakkad: Mangalam Dam Park and Kanjirapuzha Dam are two picturesque attractions in Palakkad which also promote responsible tourism. Peechi Dam, Hill View Park, and Malankara Dam, Idukki: These three are some of the most gorgeous and famous attractions in Idukki noted for their commitment to maintaining clean and eco-friendly recreational regions. Konni Eco Tourism - Elephant Shelter, Pathanamthitta: This is a unique eco-tourism site focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. Some of the other prominent attractions include Thenmala Eco Adventure Park, Alappuzha Beach, Ponmudi, Ponnumthuruthu, and Sasthampara, Thiruvananthapuram: A mix of beach and adventure destinations dedicated to maintaining eco-friendly operations and clean surroundings. Local Self Government (LSG) Minister M B Rajesh has said that maintaining cleanliness and attractiveness at tourism destinations is among the first priorities for the government. The 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign is designed to work closely with the tourism and forest departments. This is to implement sustainable waste management practices across Kerala’s prime tourism sites. With all this, Kerala aims at becoming a garbage-free destination by March 2025.

Read more

Fujairah is Surging The Tourism Sector with Visa Free Travel for 55 Countries

Fujairah is making a major impact on the tourism industry with its new visa-free travel policy, which now includes 55 countries as of September 2024 such as Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Brazil, and Schengen nations. This strategic move aims to simplify travel, boost tourism, and strengthen global connections by allowing easier access to the UAE for millions of international visitors. Fujairah City, the capital of the Emirate of Fujairah, is distinct as the only Emirati capital located on the UAE’s east coast along the Gulf of Oman. As the seventh-largest city in the UAE, it offers a unique geographical and cultural perspective compared to the other emirate capitals along the Persian Gulf. Renowned for its scenic coastal views and milder climate, Fujairah City boasts picturesque beaches, rugged mountains, and rich historical sites, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. As the administrative and economic hub of Fujairah, the city plays a pivotal role in regional trade, with important infrastructure like Fujairah Port reinforcing its maritime significance. Additionally, Fujairah City is a vibrant center for tourism, featuring attractions such as ancient forts, traditional souks, and natural beauty, making it a notable and attractive destination in the UAE. UAE Sees Surge in International Tourism, Cementing Its Status as a Top Global Travel Destination In 2022, the United Arab Emirates experienced a notable rise in international tourism, attracting approximately 22 million visitors. This increase highlights the UAE’s expanding reputation as a premier global travel destination. Contributing to this growth are the country’s significant investments in infrastructure, luxury accommodations, and diverse attractions. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, celebrated for their contemporary skylines, high-end shopping, and exceptional entertainment options, remain major draws. Additionally, the UAE’s cultural and historical sites continue to captivate tourists. Ongoing enhancements to the tourism experience have played a crucial role in strengthening the UAE’s global appeal. India Leads in Tourist Arrivals to the UAE, Followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom Most visitors came from India, followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. India is the leading source of tourists, contributing the largest number of visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, which also made significant contributions to the influx of international travelers. G.D.P of United Arab Emirates: In 2022, the total value reached 50,706.4 crores USD, reflecting significant impact in the global financial landscape. This impressive amount underscores the scale of financial activity and economic influence within the year. The total value represents a considerable investment, revenue, or economic measure, highlighting its importance in shaping market trends, driving business decisions, and influencing economic policies. Such a substantial figure not only indicates robust economic performance but also underscores the key role this financial metric plays in the broader context of global finance, showcasing the interconnectedness and dynamism of the financial world. UAE Launches Free Visa Policy for 55 Countries Starting August 2024, Boosting Tourism and Global Connectivity The UAE is enhancing its appeal to international travelers with a new free visa travel policy for 55 countries as of August 2024. This initiative allows citizens from these nations to visit the UAE without the need for a visa, simplifying the entry process and fostering greater tourism and business exchanges. By removing visa requirements, the UAE aims to attract more visitors, strengthen global ties, and showcase its diverse cultural and economic opportunities. This policy marks a significant step in positioning the UAE as a more accessible and welcoming destination on the global stage. Fujairah, positioned uniquely on the UAE’s east coast, enhances the country’s diverse landscape with its scenic coastlines and historical sites. As a key gateway on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah complements the UAE’s overall allure. The UAE’s combination of modern marvels like the Burj Khalifa and the cultural treasures of Abu Dhabi creates a premier global destination. Fujairah’s charm and strategic location enrich the UAE’s appeal, offering travelers a mix of natural beauty, historical depth, and contemporary sophistication.

Read more

Kerala Designates 25 Destinations as New ‘Green Tourism’ Hubs

Kerala is preparing to designate 25 notable tourist locations as ‘Green Tourism Destinations.’ This initiative seeks to convert these tourist spots into eco-friendly destinations that emphasize sustainable waste management, hygiene, cleanliness, and environmental preservation. The initiative is part of the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign, which aims to make Kerala garbage-free by March 30, 2025. The official announcement of these ‘Green Tourism Destinations’ will coincide with the launch of the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign on October 2. Some of the chosen locations include Kite Beach Park in Kasaragod, Iritty Eco Park and Chal Beach in Kannur, Lokanarkavu Temple in Kozhikode, Nilambur Teak Museum in Malappuram, Mangalam Dam Park and Kanjirapuzha Dam in Palakkad, Peechi Dam, Hill View Park and Malankara Dam in Idukki, Konni Eco Tourism-Elephant Shelter in Pathanamthitta, Adichanalloor Chira Park and Meenmutti in Kollam, Alappuzha Beach, Thenmala Eco Adventure Park, Ponmudi, Ponnumthuruthu, and Sasthampara, located in Thiruvananthapuram, are among the selected destinations. “Cleanliness is a top priority,” according to LSG Minister M. B. Rajesh, who noted that maintaining cleanliness at tourist locations is central to the government’s plans, with the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign placing significant emphasis on these areas.

Read more

Malaysia Sees 19% Surge in Domestic Tourism for Q1

Malaysia welcomed 58.6 million domestic tourists in the first quarter of this year, reflecting a 19% increase from the 49.26 million recorded during the same period in the previous year. Domestic tourist spending soared to RM24.1 billion, representing a 25.3% jump from RM19.21 billion in 2023. Today’s travelers are showing a growing preference for ‘healing’ experiences, prioritizing relaxation and family-oriented activities over luxury offerings. Commenting on the TOK programme, rural tourism provides one-of-a-kind experiences, such as engaging in traditional sports, exploring cultural arts, and discovering local handicrafts, offering tourists unforgettable and unique memories. Key attractions at the TOK programme include traditional sports like tarik upih and galah panjang, coconut scraping, pottery crafting, weaving kercut mats, and making tengkolok and singgora roofs, along with a range of sales exhibitions.

Read more

Indonesia Gears Up for Tourism Boom: 2025 Programs Announced

Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is gearing up for an ambitious set of programs aimed at strengthening the country’s tourism and creative sectors in 2025. These initiatives, focused on digitization and talent development, were presented to the House of Representatives (DPR) by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. During a meeting with the House’s Commission X on September 6, Uno highlighted the importance of digitization in boosting tourism villages and enhancing human resource quality in the creative sector. “Digitization has been instrumental in fostering creativity, promoting local wisdom, and boosting sales,” said Uno. The minister expressed optimism that these programs would elevate living standards and increase capacity for those involved in tourism and the creative economy. The ministry is also committed to promoting sustainable and quality tourism destinations while enhancing intellectual property-heavy creative products. Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Creative Talent Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo reiterated the ministry’s focus on improving the quality of Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy talents in 2025. The ministry will prioritize sustainable tourism activities and destinations to ensure long-term growth for the sector. The initiative received strong support from the House of Representatives. Syaiful Huda, Speaker of Commission X, emphasized the importance of the tourism sector to Indonesia’s economy, pledging to push for an additional Rp3 trillion ($194.7 million) to the ministry’s budget for 2025. Enhancing Indonesia’s Global Competitiveness With tourism contributing significantly to Indonesia’s economy, the government aims to address key challenges such as improving infrastructure, fostering innovation, and developing human resources. As Indonesia continues to attract foreign tourists, programs like these will help solidify the country’s position as a global tourism hotspot.

Read more