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Foreign mountaineers to be permitted to climb Mount Everest from China after 4-year hiatus

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, China has opened access to Mount Everest via Tibet to foreign climbers. Adrian Ballinger, an experienced climber who has conquered Everest eight times, favours the Tibet route over the more popular Nepal route. This year, his company, Alpenglow Expeditions, will lead a group of climbers to the summit. All permits for using the Chinese route, known as Qomolangma in China, are managed by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) rather than by tourism officials in Beijing. However, the Chinese government has not officially announced the distribution of these permits to the public. Non-Chinese climbers typically learn about the opening of the Tibet side of Everest when the CTMA releases a price list for the season, which includes costs for yaks carrying gear, local guides, translators, and transportation from Tibet's capital, Lhasa, to Everest Base Camp, as explained by Ballinger. Foreigners planning to climb Everest must obtain separate visas for Tibet, a semi-autonomous region of China, in addition to their tourist visas for China. The climbing season for Everest usually spans from late April to mid-May, and Ballinger's team will arrive in China on April 25 after pre-acclimatizing at home to save time. The reputation of the Chinese route as safer led to its popularity over the Nepali side from 2000 to 2007, according to Ballinger. However, this changed in 2008 when China hosted the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Despite the presence of tourists prepared to ascend Everest, the mountain was closed for the entire season just eight days before climbers arrived, resulting in significant financial losses for many. Consequently, business shifted to the Nepali side, which has since become more renowned and frequented. While Nepal's route to the peak of Everest is more famous and photographed, the higher number of visitors has led to increased environmental issues such as trash, erosion, and human waste. Now, with foreign climbers once again able to access Everest via Tibet, the trend of overcrowding on the Nepali side may gradually reverse.

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Thailand: Single-visa initiative targets long-haul travellers, promotes seamless ASEAN travel

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is spearheading an initiative to establish a joint-visa program with countries that collectively welcomed approximately 70 million tourists last year. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance Thailand's appeal to long-haul travellers who tend to spend more during their visits. In recent months, Srettha, who has committed to transforming Thailand from a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub, has engaged in discussions with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam regarding the implementation of a Schengen-type visa system. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth and unrestricted travel among the six neighbouring countries, promoting seamless mobility for travellers. The single-visa initiative stands out as one of Srettha's most ambitious tourism strategies, although its implementation is aimed at the long term. With the industry playing a significant role, contributing to approximately 20% of total employment and comprising about 12% of the nation's $500 billion economy, tourism has proven to be a vital economic pillar. Apart from the pandemic years, tourism has consistently thrived, offering a buffer against downturns in manufacturing and exports, which traditionally serve as the economy's mainstays. There is optimism within the tourism industry, as Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, believes that with a shared visa around, just like the Schengen visa, long-haul travellers can make more streamlined decisions. She also adds that, in order to enhance its appeal, the visa validity should be changed from the standard 30-day period to 90 days.

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This country is offering 5,000 free passports worth $5 billion!

Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, has announced the allocation of 5,000 free passports worth $5 billion. If reports are to go by, these complimentary passports will be offered to highly skilled professionals. This initiative, valued at $5 billion within the country's passport program, aims to attract scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers from abroad. Referring to this, Bukele added that this will account for less than 0.1 percent of the country’s population. And since it’s a small number, granting them full citizenship, including voting privileges, will not pose any logistical challenges. Additionally, he pledged facilitation of their relocation, ensuring zero taxes and tariffs on the transfer of families and assets, including valuable items, such as equipment, software, and intellectual property. Despite the modest numerical scale, Bukele stressed about the substantial impact these individuals could have on society and the nation's future. Although small in number, these professionals will have a huge impact in their society. Moreover, El Salvador commits to exempting taxes and tariffs on the relocation process for the beneficiaries of this passport initiative, thus fostering an environment conducive to their integration and contribution. As for El Salvador, it is notable for being the smallest country in Central America, with a population of less than ten million. Its capital city is San Salvador, and it shares borders with Guatemala and Honduras, along with a lengthy Pacific Ocean coastline. Often referred to as the ‘Land of Volcanoes’ due to its frequent volcanic activity, the country has also been facing challenges with regard to gang violence. As per the reports, official data indicates that more than 1,000 fatalities occurred in El Salvador in both 2021 and 2020, while the toll surpassed 2,000 in 2019. Addressing this challenge, Bukele's administration has implemented a state of emergency to combat crime gangs, which as per the records, have resulted in a significant decline in violent incidents. Despite previous years witnessing high homicide rates, El Salvador is working towards a more secure future under Bukele's leadership.

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Kerala: Beach tourism activities banned in Kannur due to rough seas

In the wake of the rough seas, Kerala's Kannur has temporarily banned beach tourism activities at various tourist centres in the district.Due to the rough seas in many coastal areas, beach tourism activities have been halted in Kerala's Kannur. Muzhapilangad floating bridge has been dismantled as per precautionary measures by DPTC and also asked locals to be alerted to be careful if visiting coastal areas. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), has found that as a result of the low-pressure system moving into the Indian Ocean, very high waves - which reached 11 meters at some places - were created and reached the Kerala coast. The rough sea causes coastal erosion and high tides and surges in the water level also get experienced. Strong waves and rough seas wreaked havoc in several coastal parts of Kerala on Sunday flooding houses and roads and damaging boats and fishing equipment.

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Sydney and southeast Australia on alert as torrential rains trigger flood warnings, travel caution

Torrential rains pummelled Australia's southeast on Friday, dumping almost a month's worth of rainfall on Sydney and triggering flood warnings, with authorities urging people to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors. Sydney, home to more than 5 million people, received 111mm (4.4 inches) of rainfall over the 24 hours to Friday morning, data at Australia's Bureau of Meteorology showed, just shy of mean rainfall of 121.5mm for the month of April. Rains could intensify through Friday with up to 200mm expected in some regions before a coastal trough drifts east towards the Tasman Sea on Saturday, the weather bureau said. "This is a significant weather event ... it is most important that you don't take unnecessary risks at the moment," New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns said during a televised media conference. The heavy rains damaged rail equipment at a major train station in Sydney, delaying morning commuters. Emergency crews in New South Wales received more than 500 calls, and seven people were rescued from flood waters as warnings were issued for several rivers in the east. Warragamba Dam, which supplies 80% of Sydney's water supply and is currently at around 96% of capacity, could spill over on Monday after the storm eases, officials said.

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 travel: From Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, 7 top destinations to experience festive vibes

Eid al-Fitr is a joyous and festive occasion that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It's a time when friends and family come together to pray, give gifts and eat together. It's also a great opportunity to spend an entire weekend exploring, relaxing and creating lifelong memories. Check out the best places to go for an enjoyable Eid holiday to make sure your long weekend is one to remember.(Unsplash) Male, Maldives: The Maldives is a popular destination due to its beautiful beaches, pristine waters and opulent resorts. Male, the capital of the Maldives, comes alive with celebrations during Eid al-Fitr as residents mark the occasion with lively parades and traditional entertainment. Every night there are fireworks displays and the streets are decked out with lights. Indonesia: Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation. The nation is made up of more than 17,000 islands, each with its own culture and customs. The nation's diverse population celebrates Eid in different ways, but the custom of 'mudik' is widely shared. Mudik is an annual exodus of people from the cities to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. During this time, the roads and airports are packed with travellers, creating a festive atmosphere. Malaysia: Another nation with a large Muslim population that celebrates Eid is Malaysia. Festivities and vibrant street decorations are a familiar feature of Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital. Traditional Malay dishes such as lemang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) and rendang (spicy beef curry) are served to guests while they watch cultural performances and fireworks. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for Muslims during Eid as it is the birthplace of Islam and home to Mecca and Medina, the religion's two holiest sites. The government organises huge fireworks displays in the capital, Riyadh, which light up the sky and add to the festive atmosphere. Souks and malls offer discounts and promotions, making this the ideal time to indulge in some retail therapy. Jeddah is home to the country's biggest carnival, with rides, games and street food.

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