News

Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve closing dates announced

As per the latest latest development, the Divisional Forest Officer of Mangaldai Wildlife Division has issued a notice regarding the closure of tourist activities in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve of Assam. As per the release, effective May 15, 2024, the jeep safari and elephant safari will be suspended for the 2024-25 tourist season until further notice. This decision aligns with the conclusion of the tourist season, as customary for wildlife reserves in Assam. Furthermore, the authorities of Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve added that the temporary closure of both jeep safari and elephant safari starting May 15, stressing the importance of visitor safety and environmental conservation. Prior to this announcement, the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve had already declared the closure of elephant safari starting May 1, followed by the suspension of jeep safari from May 16. It's a recurring pattern in Assam that the tourist season for all national parks and wildlife sanctuaries typically commences in October and concludes in mid-May of the subsequent year, aligning with seasonal changes and wildlife migration patterns. Reports add that during the 2023-24 season, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) saw record-breaking influx of tourists, marking the highest number of visitors since its establishment. The recorded data for this period totaled 327,493, comprising 313,574 Indian tourists and 13,919 international visitors. Renowned for its iconic one-horned Rhinoceros, the park has become a favoured destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. In the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, there was a notable surge in both Indian and international tourist arrivals throughout 2023-24. Similarly, the Nagaon Wildlife Division and the Bishwanath Wildlife Division also witnessed significant increases in tourism and revenue during the same period. The main attractions during the tourism season included jungle safaris and elephant rides, which commenced post-monsoon in October 2023. Additionally, tourists had the opportunity to engage in activities such as cycling in the Karbi-Anglong area, observing dolphins through boat safaris, and trekking in the Panbari forest range and Chirang. The heightened tourist footfall also brought attention to many local restaurants and food joints, promoting eco-tourism in the region.

Read more

Dubai hit by heavy rainfall again; flights cancelled and advisories issued

As per the latest news reports, following severe flooding in April, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms struck Abu Dhabi and Dubai early on Thursday, which resulted in many flight cancellations and the suspension of bus services in Dubai. As per the reports, five inbound flights to Dubai were diverted overnight, with nine arrivals and four outbound flights cancelled. Emirates also cancelled several flights. Residents in Dubai awoke to strong winds, thunder, and lightning around 3 AM on Thursday. Approximately an hour later, the country's weather department issued an amber alert, indicating that rain-bearing clouds had covered most parts of the country. If reports are to go by, adverse weather conditions are expected until May 3, and residents have been advised to follow safety measures during rainy conditions. aterlogging was reported on streets in some areas of Abu Dhabi, while strong winds affected Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Investments Park, and Jumeirah Village Triangle. On Wednesday, Dubai Airports and two local airlines issued advisories for passengers, warning of possible delays at Dubai International Airport. Report also stated that the UAE had issued alerts for medium to heavy rains for two days, encouraging work-from-home arrangements for office workers and distance learning for schools in Sharjah and Dubai. The April storm in Dubai resulted in at least three fatalities and significant disruptions to daily life, including flight suspensions and transit halts. The desert city's infrastructure struggled to cope with the record storm, leading to flooded taxiways at Dubai International Airport and subsequent flight diversions, delays, and cancellations. While operations at Terminals 2 and 3 of Dubai International Airport returned to normal by Saturday, roads between Dubai and Abu Dhabi remained partially underwater. Some supermarkets and restaurants in Abu Dhabi faced product shortages due to delivery disruptions from Dubai. Extreme weather events like Tuesday's storm are increasingly linked to climate change, with researchers anticipating higher temperatures, increased humidity, and heightened flooding risks in the Gulf region. The lack of drainage infrastructure in countries like the UAE further adds to the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

Read more

IndiGo's future takes flight: CEO Elbers discusses A350 order, busines model flexibility & FSC plans

IndiGo plans to increase its international capacity deployment to 30 per cent with the introduction of longer-range aircraft, strategically leveraging hubs in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Elbers also highlighted the growing passenger traffic from Central Asia to Thailand, with transit via India becoming increasingly popular. In a recent press call discussing A350 order, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers shed light on the airline's strategic approach and plans for its widebody aircraft operations, particularly focusing on the Boeing 777s and the upcoming A350s. Elbers highlighted the pivotal role played by the Boeing 777 operations, which unexpectedly contributed to the low-cost carrier's decision to order A350s. Initially introduced to address capacity shortages, the damp lease of Boeing 777s provided valuable insights that turned necessity into a virtue for IndiGo. Elbers emphasised how effectively the domestic network from major metros like Delhi and Mumbai complemented widebody operations, paving the way for future expansion and optimisation. Currently, IndiGo has 50 A321XLRs on order, which will further enhance and complement the A350 operations. Elbers mentioned that the seat configuration and routes for the A350s are yet to be finalised, with the anticipated entry into service in 2027. Elbers stressed that IndiGo's business model is dynamic and will evolve based on customer demands. When asked about the potential Full-Service Carrier (FSC) model, he mentioned that all options are open, signaling the airline's flexibility and adaptability. "Ordering widebody aircraft is seen as a natural progression for IndiGo, a well-established airline aiming for a fleet of 550-600 aircraft by 2030. The introduction of longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR will provide additional operational capabilities, expanding the airline's reach to destinations in Europe and the Far East within the 7-8 hour flight range," he said. The focus remains on maintaining cost leadership and offering a competitive product to passengers, the airline's executive said. Elbers mentioned that the airline will explore all possible financing options for the A350 purchase, considering factors like aircraft tenure and operational efficiency.

Read more

Uttarakhand Tourism launches India’s first Astro Tourism campaign in partnership with Starscapes

Scheduled to kick off in early June at George Everest, Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will run until mid-2025, offering a series of captivating events at various locations across Uttarakhand. These events will cover potential Dark sky sites in districts such as Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Chamoli, alongside seminars and webinars featuring expert insights. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in partnership with Starscapes, India's leading Astro tourism company, is set to unveil 'Nakshatra Sabha,' India's inaugural annual campaign dedicated solely to promoting Astro Tourism. Nakshatra Sabha promises an immersive Astro Tourism experience, featuring activities such as stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, camping under the stars, and much more. Scheduled to kick off in early June at George Everest, Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will run until mid-2025, offering a series of captivating events at various locations across Uttarakhand. These events will cover potential Dark sky sites in districts such as Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Chamoli, alongside seminars and webinars featuring expert insights. The initiative aims to bring together astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and global travelers to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos. The campaign also includes professional training and skill development opportunities for local residents, aimed at boosting local economies. Moreover, it advocates for dark sky preservation, fostering a community of ambassadors dedicated to conservation efforts throughout Uttarakhand. This encompasses the formulation and implementation of a dark sky preservation policy throughout the region over the next year. Starscapes will collaborate closely with local communities, travel partners, and homestay communities, providing training and ongoing support to ensure the success of these initiatives. Tourism, accessibility to major cities, and a well-developed hospitality sector, including Homestays, Nakshatra Sabha is another step towards that goal. This campaign invites global visitors to experience the wonders of the universe while showcasing Uttarakhand's unique heritage. We anticipate hosting more campaigns like this to place Uttarakhand on the global astro-tourism map," Secretary of Tourism, Govt of Uttarakhand said. Ranashish Roy, Founder, Starscapes, shared insights, saying, "Over the years, we have collaborated closely with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, hosting numerous astronomy-related camps and promoting them through our Experience centers and Observatories in the state. The overwhelming response led us to curate an annual Astro

Read more

Dubai to invest $35 billion to build world's largest airport

Dubai is all set to build world’s largest airports, with 400 terminal gates. If reports are to go by, the administration is embarking on a monumental expansion of an airport, which will be around five times the size of its current international airport. Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate's ruler, unveiled plans for the upgraded Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world's largest airport that will be capable of handling 260 million passengers. In a statement shared on X, Sheikh Mohammed stressed about the importance of this endeavour for future generations, which will further position Dubai as the epitome of global connectivity and urban sophistication. He outlined ambitious plans for the airport, including the construction of five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, at an estimated cost of AED 128 billion or $35 billion over the next decade. If reports are to go by, this monumental project will not only transform Dubai's aviation landscape, but will also lead to the development of an entire city around the airport. He estimated that the construction cost over a decade at AED 128 billion, equivalent to $35 billion, and outlined plans for the emirate to develop "a complete city around the airport," anticipating the need to accommodate housing for one million people. The airport, designed to be the nucleus of Dubai South, will be a planned economic zone spanning across a vast area of 55 square miles, and is poised to emerge as a thriving hub for commerce and innovation. Referring to this, Sheikh Mohammed further stressed about the prominent role of advanced aviation technologies in shaping the airport's future, heralding a new era of efficiency and connectivity. Furthermore, he also emphasised about the airport's strategic importance which extends beyond mere transportation, and serves as a dynamic nexus for global trade, commerce, and culture. As Dubai charts a course toward this bold vision, the announcement comes amid a resurgence in air travel, with international visitor numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels. With the Al Maktoum International Airport poised to become the cornerstone of Dubai's aviation infrastructure, the emirate is poised to solidify its status as a global leader in air transportation and urban development.

Read more

Sikkim witnesses record tourist influx; projected to reach 1.2 million visitors by year end

Sikkim, known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and enchanting weather, experienced an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024. The Himalayan state's allure lies in its unique blend of culture, weather, and scenic locales, attracting nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural aficionados alike. Tourism and Civil Aviation Department statistics reveal that Sikkim welcomed a record-breaking 290,401 tourists—256,537 domestic guests and 30,864 overseas visitors—up to March 31, 2024. This surge is attributed to the rebuilding of Sikkim's hospitality industry, which suffered greatly from the devastating flash floods in October 2023. Over the past decade, Sikkim has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, with figures rising from 576,749 in 2013 to 1,625,573 in 2023. With a strong start in 2024, estimates suggest that if the current growth rate continues, the destination might receive 1.2 million tourists by the end of the year. A primary factor driving the surge in footfalls is Sikkim's vibrant cultural tapestry. Home to diverse ethnic communities such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese, Sikkim boasts a rich heritage reflected in its festivals, traditions, and cuisine. Additionally, the state's favorable weather conditions year-round make it an all-season destination. While summer offers respite from the scorching heat elsewhere, winter transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Whether trekking in Himalayan trails or paragliding over picturesque valleys, Sikkim offers activities for travelers of all interests. Gangtok, the capital city, serves as the gateway to Sikkim's wonders, blending modern amenities with traditional charm. Its bustling markets, vibrant monasteries, and panoramic viewpoints provide a glimpse of Sikkim's essence. While Sikkim's tourism industry has been growing steadily, the surge in arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 has been unprecedented. With its unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness, Sikkim continues to captivate the hearts of travelers, promising memorable experiences for all who visit.

Read more