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Dubai's five-year multiple-entry visa: Essential information and application process

Dubai recently rolled out a game-changing initiative that aimed at fostering stronger ties with India and boosting tourism - five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Here's everything you need to know about the newly introduced visa for Indian tourists: Visa details: This groundbreaking visa is processed swiftly, within two to five working days after the service request is accepted. It grants a 90-day stay in Dubai, which can be extended once for an additional 90 days, with a maximum total stay of 180 days per year. Record visitor numbers: In 2023, Dubai witnessed a surge in Indian tourists, with a staggering 2.46 million overnight visitors recorded between January and December. This marks a substantial increase from the 1.84 million tourists in 2022 and surpasses the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hailed this initiative as a 'significant' step forward, offering tourists the flexibility of multiple entries and exits, catering to both business and leisure travel needs. Deepening UAE: India relations: This initiative points out Dubai's commitment to India and the abundant opportunities for collaboration between the UAE and the subcontinent. With enhanced flight connections and a continued focus on the Indian market, Dubai aims to raise awareness of its diverse offerings, multicultural environment, and plethora of hotels and attractions, solidifying its position as the preferred destination for Indian tourists. Tourism boost: Dubai experienced a remarkable surge in tourism in 2023, welcoming a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors throughout the year. This represents a significant 19.4% increase compared to 2022, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. ocuments required: Essential documents for the application include a colored photo, a copy of the passport, a bank statement, proof of health insurance, a tour itinerary, and a ticket for the next trip. Application process: The visa can be obtained through digital channels such as the GDRFA website and mobile application, or in-person at a Customer Happiness Centre. Regardless of the method chosen, applicants must ensure all requirements and paperwork are in order. Extend your stay: Holders of the visa can stay in the UAE for 90 days upon issuance, extendable once for a similar period, not exceeding 180 days in one year.

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Gulmarg authorities take action against illegal tourist guides

Officials have taken action against the illicit operations of guides in Gulmarg, Kashmir. As per officials, FIRs have been registered against those involved. In response to several complaints, a joint team comprising local and tourist police, alongside Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) officials led by the CEO, conducted a targeted crackdown on unregistered guides and other unlawful service providers in the region. These unregistered operators typically gather in groups at key entry points of Gulmarg, where they aggressively approach tourist vehicles, causing distress to visitors and tarnishing the reputation of this renowned destination. Authorities have been inundated with grievances from tourists regarding these activities. During the enforcement operation, these individuals attempted to physically confront civil and police personnel, resulting in the lodging of FIRs against them for their misconduct. The initiative has garnered praise from tourists and travel associations, who have long awaited such action against these unscrupulous elements. They advocate for a sustained effort to rid Gulmarg of these illegal practices. The CEO of Gulmarg has affirmed a commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at organizing and overseeing tourism services in the region. This signifies a dedication to maintaining order and ensuring the integrity of Gulmarg as a premier tourist destination.

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Srinagar: Asia’s largest tulip garden will open to the public from March 23

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, fondly hailed as Asia's largest tulip garden, is preparing to welcome tourists this upcoming weekend. Nestled between the serene waters of Dal Lake and the majestic Zabarwan Hills, this breathtaking garden, formerly known as Siraj Bagh, has become an iconic landmark in the region. Officials from the floriculture department have announced that the garden will open its gates to the public on Saturday, just in time for the blooming season of tulips of various hues. Officials further disclosed that this year's tulip display boasts the inclusion of five new varieties, augmenting the existing collection of 68 varieties. Additionally, the department has expanded the tulip garden's collection by incorporating an additional two lakh bulbs. With a staggering total of 17 lakh tulip bulbs now adorning the garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden spans across 55 hectares of land, as confirmed by the officials. In addition to the stunning tulip varieties, visitors to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden can look forward to being mesmerised by an enchanting array of other spring flowers. Among these are the hyacinths, daffodils, muscari, and cyclamens. This diverse floral display not only adds to the visual appeal but also provides a delightful sensory experience for visitors. With meticulously landscaped pathways, stunning vistas, and a myriad of vibrant tulip varieties on display, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden promises to offer an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. The establishment of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 2007 marked a significant milestone in the tourism landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Initiated by the visionary efforts of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the garden was conceived as a means to extend the tourism season beyond the conventional summer and winter months. By showcasing the beauty of spring blooms amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the region's natural landscapes, the garden has played a pivotal role in attracting tourists and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir throughout the year. Last year, the garden attracted over 3.65 lakh visitors, including both domestic and foreign tourists, while in 2022, it saw a footfall of 3.6 lakh people. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the garden has also become a preferred location for filming movies and videos, with numerous film crews from across the country choosing it as a backdrop for their projects. There is also a significant expansion of parking facilities, amounting to nearly 22,000 square feet of additional space. This expansion addresses the growing demand for parking due to the increasing popularity of the garden among tourists. With more parking space available, visitors can expect smoother access to the garden without concerns about finding adequate parking.

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Fly91 Airline: Special inaugural fare of Rs 1,991; Services to Lakshadweep from April

Goa-based Fly91, the latest airline to hit the Indian skies, has launched an inaugural special fare of Rs 1,991, which is inclusive of all charges. The maiden flight of the airways took off from the Manohar International Airport at 7.55 am for the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 18. The new airline aims to operate services not only from big cities but also from tier 2 and tier 3 towns in India. The airline flew two flights on the first day of operation and the second service was between Bengaluru and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. In the first phase, Fly91 would offer flight services to Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Sindhudurg. Plans are on the anvil to start flight services to Agatti, Jalgaon, and Pune in April. Fly91 Managing Director and CEO Manoj Chacko said that the airline also aims to take the flying experience to the common man. The airline has plans to operate commercial flights between important centers at regular intervals. The airliner will operate three services on Monday, Friday, and Saturday between Goa and Bengaluru and a similar frequency of flights is expected in the Bengaluru-Sindhudurg sector. The Goa-Hyderabad and Sindhudurg-Hyderabad routes will have bi-weekly flight services. Initially, the airline will operate services with two ATR 72-600 airplanes and four more aircraft will be added to its fleet in the next few months. The first set of routes was fixed as per the Center’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). The flight services to destinations such as Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded, and Agatti will augur well for the flyers. 10-year-old dream comes true Through the launch of Fly91 airline, the 10-year-old dream of Manoj Chacko has become a reality. He approached more than 200 investors to park their funds in the airline but in vain. The majority of investors might have shied away from investing in his company as he was a founding member of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Manoj Chacko wanted a seed capital of Rs 200 crore to kickstart his dream project and Convergent Finance gave an assurance to invest Rs 100 crore in the airline a few years ago. The real struggle was to raise the remaining Rs. Fly91 Airline: Special inaugural fare of Rs 1,991; Services to Lakshadweep from April. Challenges About 60% of domestic air passenger traffic revolves around cities such as Delhi, Mumbai Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, and these numbers have remained unchanged for the past 10 years. The fact that 46% of flight services, which were started under the Regional Connectivity Scheme with government subsidies, had been grounded is not at all encouraging. The greatest challenge is to operate services with tier 2 and tier 3 cities on the radar. The business mantra of Fly91 is to work in tandem with big and established airlines instead of competing with them. Fly91’s mission is to chalk out flight timings in such a way that the airways would be able to carry passengers to small towns from big cities where the seasoned airlines have a presence. Positive signals are on the horizon for the airline industry as there is a 30% jump in Srinagar and 15 to 20% spike in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in passenger traffic.

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87% of Indians want sustainable travel

As Indian travellers embark on new journeys, they are increasingly conscious of the potential impact of their travel choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 87% of Indian travellers express concern about sustainable travel practices. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel practices could motivate them to make more sustainable choices on their upcoming trips. The survey, conducted on Agoda’s platform with over ten thousand respondents from ten markets across Asia, revealed that nearly 8 in 10 travelers are willing to make more sustainable travel choices. Among them, 18% indicated their commitment to always ensuring they travel sustainably. However, 22% of travelers admit to rarely considering sustainability in their travel decisions, with Japanese travelers showing the least concern (45%), contrasting with only 8% of travellers from the Philippines. Financial incentives emerged as a key factor in encouraging more sustainable choices, with 45% of respondents across all markets expressing interest in incentives such as discounts. This sentiment was particularly strong in countries like Singapore (58%), Taiwan (54%), and Indonesia (47%). In India, 41% of travellers opted for incentives or discounts as a primary driver for sustainable travel. The availability of sustainable travel packages ranked second, appealing to travellers interested in activities like guided conservation hikes and supporting local initiatives. Clear guidelines on sustainable travel practices, education and awareness on environmental impact, and relevant sustainability policies from local governments completed the top five factors motivating sustainable travel choices. Enric Casals, Associate Vice President, Agoda, emphasized the growing desire among travellers to make sustainable choices and introduced Agoda’s Eco Deals Program, offering value deals on selected properties. For every booking made through the program, Agoda donates one US dollar to local conservation projects of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), aiming for a total donation target of up to one million US dollars. When asked about sustainable travel practices prioritises by Indian travellers, supporting local communities and conservation projects emerged as the top choice, selected by 29% of respondents. Similar sentiments were echoed across Asia, with over a quarter (26%) of respondents on average choosing this practice. Additionally, recycling and waste reduction, opting for more sustainable transportation, and participating in conservation-focused activities and tours were identified as key sustainable practices prioritised by travellers across Asia. Since its launch on World Wildlife Day in 2024, Agoda’s Eco Deals program allows travelers to book sustainable travel options in Southeast Asia, with one dollar donated to WWF conservation projects for every booking.

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Long-awaited Mangaluru Rameswaram train sanctioned, but no stop in Malappuram

Malappuram/Kannur: After years of anticipation and fervent hopes, the announcement of the newly sanctioned Mangaluru-Rameswaram train has left the residents of Malappuram district a disappointed lot as there would be no stop for the train within the district’s bounds. The Railway Board sanctioned the Mangaluru-Rameswaram train the other day, after the service was first recommended back in 2015. Since then, recommendations were submitted to the board several times. During the many meetings with railways authorities, all the MPs from the state had sought the sanctioning of the train in one voice. The demand, ignored for years, was finally accepted by the Railways the other day. It has been allotted as a weekly train. However, the train does not have a stop in Malappuram district while stops have been allotted in all other districts through which it passes. MPs from the district E T Muhammed Basheer and M P Abdussamad Samadani had demanded stops for the train at Tirur and Kuttipuram in the last Palakkad Railway Division meeting. Accordingly, the Palakkad Division submitted the recommendation to the Railway Board, but the same was ignored. As per the Railway Board’s decision, the new train will have stops at Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Shoranur, Palakkad, Pollachi, Palani, Oddanchatram, Dindigul, Madurai, Manamadurai and Ramanathapuram. The train service mainly aims to cater to pilgrims as a large number are expected to depend on it to travel to Rameswaram and Palani from the district, which has many temples like Thirumandhamkunnu, Kadampuzha, Thriprangode, Thirunavaya and Alathiyur. There will also be considerable passenger traffic to places like Pollachi. Yet the district has been excluded, and a wave of protests has erupted over it. The passengers demand that the railways allot a stop in the district as well by the time the train starts running. Grave injustice Meanwhile, Muhammed Basheer and Abdussamad Samadani protested against the railway authorities not allotting a stop at Tirur. As per the order of the Railway Board, issued just before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, no halt is allotted for the train in the district while it has stops at other districts, they pointed out. “This is nothing short of grave injustice. No stop has been allotted anywhere in the district, including in Tirur, where a lot many pilgrims visit Hindu pilgrim centres such as Alathiyur Hanuman temple, Thirunavaya Navamukunda temple, and Kadampuzha. The authorities should take measures to allot a stop for the train, which was a long pending demand of the people of Malappuram,” they said. Weekly service via Pollachi, Pazhani With the sanctioning of the weekly train to Rameshwaram, another long wait of the North Malabar denizens is coming to an end. It will leave Mangaluru at 7.30 pm on Saturdays and reach Rameswaram at 11.45 am on Sundays. On its return leg, it will leave Rameswaram at 2 pm on Sundays and reach Mangaluru at 5.50 am on Mondays. Since the journey is via Pollachi and Palani, the train will benefit pilgrims travelling to Palani as well as tourists visiting Kodaikanal. However, since the service is only once a week, it will be difficult for those who reach Rameswaram by this train to visit the temples, do other things like sightseeing, and return on the same train. It would have proved more beneficial if at least three services were operated a week. Besides, if the train schedule is revised to facilitate its departure from Rameswaram in the evening instead of the current 2 pm, it would have catered to a lot of pilgrims and travellers. The construction of the Rs 535-crore Pamban bridge is expected to be over by May last. The railways plans to operate the service till Ramanathapuram until then.

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