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UAE leads regionally and 18th globally in Travel and Tourism Development list

In a recent update, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has topped the chart in the Travel and Tourism Development Index. The place has shown its leadership in the Middle East and North Africa region by securing the top spot and ranking 18th globally in the index.recently published by the World Economic Forum. This achievement reflects the UAE's remarkable progress, with a notable 4.4% increase in its score compared to the 2021 edition, propelling it seven places higher in the global ranking. Comprising 119 economies, the index evaluates various factors across five sub-indices, including the enabling environment, travel and tourism policy, infrastructure and services, natural and cultural resources, and sustainability within the travel and tourism sector. Serving as a vital strategic tool, the index aids businesses, governments, and international organizations in shaping the development of the travel and tourism industry. The United States leads the index, followed by Spain and Japan, maintaining their positions from the previous edition. Notably, among high-income economies, the UAE and Saudi Arabia stand out as the only two countries ranked in the top ten for showing significant improvements in their performance between 2019 and 2024. The Middle East region has showcased robust recovery rates, witnessing a surge in international tourist arrivals, which exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 20%. Additionally, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have demonstrated strong recovery trajectories, collectively regaining 90% of their pre-COVID-19 activity by 2023. Francisco Betti, Head of Global Industries at the World Economic Forum, underscored the significance of this milestone, emphasizing that 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the travel and tourism sector. The report forecasts a global tourism industry rebound, surpassing pre-crisis levels, driven by heightened demand, expanded flight options, enhanced international accessibility, and increased investments in natural and cultural attractions. In addition to its impressive global ranking, the UAE's commitment to sustainable tourism practices has garnered international acclaim. Initiatives such as eco-friendly infrastructure development, cultural preservation efforts, and community engagement programs underscore the nation's dedication to responsible tourism. This holistic approach ensures a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. As the world anticipates a resurgence in travel, the UAE's exemplary performance underscores its commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable travel and tourism landscape, positioning it as a beacon of excellence in the region and beyond.

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Delhi Police issues traffic advisory ahead of 2024 general election vote counting

The Delhi Police has released a detailed traffic advisory in preparation for the vote counting of the 2024 general elections, scheduled for June 4. The elections, conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, saw significant participation nationwide. Officials have designated seven locations across the city for the vote counting process. In northeast Delhi, the counting will take place at ITI Nand Nagri. As a result, traffic movement will be restricted on the stretch from Gagan Cinema T-Point to Nand Nagri Flyover on Wazirabad Road (Mangal Pandey Road) starting at 5 am. Traffic diversions will be implemented at the Bhopura border, Tahirpur T-point, and Gagan Cinema T-Point, with Wazirabad Road being closed to general traffic from 5 am onwards. In east Delhi, the Commonwealth Games Village, Akshardham, has been chosen as the counting centre. Similar traffic restrictions will apply from 5 am in this area. The advisory emphasises the importance of smooth traffic management and urges commuters to plan their journeys in advance and use alternate routes. The advisory instructs commuters from the Sarai Kale Khan/MGM side heading towards NH-24 to take the Akshardham Flyover and proceed via Pusta Road, ITO, or Vikas Marg to reach their destinations. Those travelling from the ITO/Pusta Road side should reach the Akshardham Flyover in front of Akshardham Temple and continue on NH-24 towards Delhi. The advisory also advises those travelling towards ISBT, railway stations, or airports to plan their travel carefully and allow sufficient time to avoid any inconvenience. An additional advisory has been issued, advising the public to avoid August Kranti Marg and Siri Fort Road from 6 am to 6 pm on June 4, recommending alternative routes such as Ring Road, Aurobindo Marg, and Josip Broz Tito Marg. In Dwarka, the vote counting will be conducted at Netaji Subhash University of Technology, Sector-03. Traffic movement will be regulated from 6 am to 8 pm in areas including Dwarka Mor at Najafgarh Road, Sectors 3/13 Dwarka Crossing, NSUT T-point on Azad Hind Fauz Marg, Om Apartment Chowk, Sector-14 Dwarka, and ISKCON Chowk, Sector-13 Dwarka. Roads to be avoided in Dwarka include Azad Hind Fauz Road from Dwarka Mor to Sectors 3/13 Dwarka Crossing; Main Najafgarh Road from Dwarka Mor to Uttam Nagar East Metro Station; and NSUT T-point to Vegas Mall, Dwarka. The advisory underscores the need for careful travel planning, particularly for those heading to major transit points like ISBT, railway stations, or airports. By adhering to these guidelines, commuters can help ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise disruptions on this crucial day.

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IMD issues yellow alert in Delhi, maximum temperature warnings.

Delhi weather today: The national capital on Monday, June 3, registered a minimum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to settle at around 44 degrees Celsius today. IMD forecast for June 3 suggests a partly cloudy sky with heat wave conditions in isolated areas. There's a possibility of thunderstorms, dust storms, or light rain towards the evening or night. Strong surface winds, with speeds of 25-35 kmph, may occur occasionally and become gusty during the day, the weather report states. The yellow alert will stay intact tomorrow as similar weather conditions will prevail on June 4. On June 5, the sky is predicted to be mainly clear with strong surface winds, with speeds of 20-30 kmph during the day. The Met department has lifted the yellow alert from June 5 onwards. Delhi can expect wet spell on June 3, 4 and 7, a major but short-lived relief from heatwave. IMD forecasted partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by very light rain. Moreover, strong surface winds with speeds ranging from 25-35 kmph, may occur and become gusty during the day. The weather agency issued a set of guidelines for the general public to prevent residents from getting ill due to heatstroke. The preventive measures notes, “Stay away from power lines or electrical wires. Stay indoors, close windows & doors and avoid travel if possible. Take safe shelters; do not take shelter under trees. Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls. Unplug electrical/ electronic appliances." As per the extended range forecast, the maximum and minimum temperatures in the capital city over the next five days are expected to range between 44 and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively.

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PM Modi Completes 45-Hour Meditation in Kanniyakumari

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his 45-hour-long meditation at the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, June 1. After rigorous campaigning for about two months across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took some time out to mediate as the seventh and last phase of polling was set to start on Saturday. He began his 45-hour meditation at the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday, after the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections ended. PM Modi meditated at the Dhyana Mandapam of the iconic tourist spot. It’s believed that it’s the same place where Swami Vivekananda realised his divine enlightenment. Apart from being a popular tourist spot, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial holds a significant place in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. According to a legend, the goddess Kanyakumari prayed to Lord Shiva atop this rock, making it an important place for the followers of the Hindu religion. There is a preserved part on the granite rock which is believed to be carrying the goddess Kanyakumari’s footprint. The memorial is also a beautiful combination of many architectural styles. The Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam are two structures to explore at the memorial. There is also a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda on the property. The rock is bordered by the Laccadive Sea, where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea converge. The memorial was built to mark Swami Vivekananda’s 100th birth anniversary. Swami Vivekananda, a 19th-century philosopher and spiritual leader, is celebrated for introducing India’s spiritual legacy to the world at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, United States. How and When To Visit? The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is nearly 90 km away from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and about 240 km away from Madurai International Airport. If you decide to take a train journey, it is about 1.3 km away from the Kanniyakumari Station. For a road trip you can take a bus from cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, Puducherry and Chennai to Kanniyakumari. The memorial is about 21 km away from the bus stand. The best time to visit Kanniyakumari is from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot due to the tropical environment in the region.

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India's first astro tourism campaign ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ organised in Mussoorie.

India's first astro tourism campaign "Nakshatra Sabha" was inaugurated at the George Everest peak in Mussoorie on Saturday, June 1. The venue of the event, George Everest Peak is a major tourist attraction in Mussoorie which offers spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in association with Starscapes - India's leading Astro tourism company, jointly organising the event, which concludes today, June 2.After this, astro tourism events will also be organized in places several other places across the country, including Harsil-Jadung, Benital, Rishikesh, Jageshwar and Ramnagar. Various activities like learning astrophotography from experts, star gazing through special instruments, solar observation through solar glasses and H-Alpha filter, navigation and timekeeping were organised as part of the event. It also featured expert talks on astro tourism, astrophotography competitions and astronomical demonstrations. The state tourism department has taken the initiative in line with Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami's vision to promote multidimensional tourism activities in the state apart from religious tourism. Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj, said the government is trying to ensure that the tourists who come to the state must return home with a better experience and the Nakshatra Sabha is a step in that direction. Emphasis is also being laid on developing new tourist destinations in the state, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj said.

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UP to convert historic forts and palaces into heritage hotels to boost tourism

As per the latest development, Uttar Pradesh is all set to boost its tourism sector. It will be converting historic forts and palaces into opulent heritage hotels. This endeavour aims to offer tourists unique accommodation options while preserving the state’s rich heritage. If reports are to go by, leading hospitality brands, such as Leela Hotels, Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group), Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels have shown interest in developing and managing these heritage properties. Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture in Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state's tourism's recent growth, witnessing a significant increase in both domestic and inbound tourism. To cater to tourists seeking experiential tourism, infrastructure and facilities are being developed to accommodate visitors from all economic segments. For travellers seeking a luxurious and unparalleled experience, discussions with several prominent hotel groups have begun, expressing strong interest in revitalising palaces and havelis in alignment with the new tourism policy on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. The state’s tourism policy stipulates a minimum investment ranging from INR 30 crores to INR 100 crores for the transformation of heritage properties into hotels. Depending on the level of investment, heritage buildings will be categorised, and investors will receive various incentives and concessions. Reports add that the first phase of transformation targets several iconic sites, including Chunar Fort in Mirzapur, Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi, Jal Mahal in Barsana, Chattar Manzil and Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula, and Shukla Talab Haveli in Kanpur. Following government approval, the project will expand to include Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace in Mahoba, Tehroli in Jhansi, TalBehat Fort in Lalitpur, and more. Beyond forts and palaces, the program extends to other historical buildings, including those at Akbar’s hunting ground in Kirawali, Agra, and Baradari in Bithoor. In Lucknow, Kothi Gulista-e-Iram, Kothi Darshan Vilas, and Baradari in Wazirganj, Gonda, are also slated for conversion. These heritage hotels will offer more than just lavish accommodations. Guests can anticipate wellness centres, museums, heritage restaurants, and thematic parks, creating a comprehensive cultural experience. The project is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities within the state.

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