News

Azerbaijan sees huge tourists’ arrival from India

Azerbaijan sees record breaking influx of Indian tourists visiting the country. The year 2023 has been a breakthrough year for Azerbaijan tourism, particularly from the Indian market, as it welcomed a staggering 120,000 Indian visitors. This milestone reflects a 100% increase from the previous year, showcasing Azerbaijan’s growing appeal among Indian travelers. The momentum continued into January 2024, which saw more than 10,000 arrivals from India, marking a 140% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in tourist numbers is attributed to enhanced air connectivity between India’s major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, and Baku, facilitated by partnerships with Azerbaijan Airlines and IndiGo. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, shared these exciting developments at the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2024 held in India. SATTE, a leading event in the travel and tourism industry, has been a critical platform for Azerbaijan since it first participated in 2018. This year’s event saw active participation from 19 Azerbaijani partners, who engaged in meaningful discussions and business deals with their Indian counterparts, further strengthening the tourism ties between the two countries. Azerbaijan’s strategic efforts to attract Indian tourists have been multifaceted, focusing on enhancing flight connectivity, participating in key industry events like SATTE, and implementing targeted marketing strategies. These initiatives underscore Azerbaijan’s commitment to becoming a preferred destination for Indian travelers, offering unique cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich historical heritage. The Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism practices was also highlighted by Florian Sengstschmid. The board’s initiatives aim to ensure that the growth in tourism contributes positively to the local economy and environment, aligning with global sustainability goals. As Azerbaijan continues to solidify its position on the global tourism map, the remarkable increase in Indian visitors signifies a bright future for the country’s tourism sector. With ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences and promote sustainable tourism, Azerbaijan is poised to attract even more travelers from India and beyond, fostering mutual cultural appreciation and economic growth.

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Japan: 3 recently launched rules that you should be aware of

Japan is one of the popular tourist destinations that you can consider visiting this year. It will offer you a truly unique experience with an abundance of attractions for every traveller. Whether you're drawn to the serenity of ancient temples or just love the buzz of modern cities, Japan has everything to cater to every kind of traveller. However, do keep in mind that Japan has implemented these rules that you need to be aware of. Climbing Mount Fuji Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, attracts millions of visitors annually. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, ascending its peak is a thrilling adventure for nature lovers. However, with increasing tourist numbers, the Japanese Government has implemented certain changes to ensure safety and preserve the mountain's ecosystem. As per the new regulations, daily climbers have been capped at 4,000. Additionally, guides will enforce safety measures to prevent incidents. Encountering Geishas in Kyoto Kyoto, renowned as Japan's cultural capital, allures visitors with its historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. One of its highlights is the Gion district, home to the iconic Geishas. However, over-tourism and disrespectful behaviour have led to safety concerns for these cultural icons. To protect Geishas, tourists are now banned from certain areas of Gion, whereas strict fines will be imposed for unsolicited photography. Many establishments now exclusively cater to Geishas, their clients, and local residents. For those seeking a longer stay in Japan, exciting news awaits. Japan plans to launch a six-month digital nomad visa, removing the previous 90-day limitation. This visa will offer remote workers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's culture and lifestyle for an extended period. The introduction of this visa reflects Japan's commitment to welcoming international visitors and fostering innovation in its workforce.

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Sikkim: Pakyong Airport to resume flight operations from March 31

As per the latest reports, flight services will once again resume operations from Sikkim’s only airport in Pakyong. Referring to this, a senior official in the know-how added flight services at Sikkim's sole will recommence on March 31 after a six-month suspension. According to Pakyong airport Director RK Grover, low-cost carrier SpiceJet will operate two flights, one originating from Kolkata and the other from New Delhi. Grover stated that the airline will run daily flights between Kolkata and Pakyong, with the New Delhi-Pakyong route operating five days a week. 78-seater aircraft will be operating on these routes, he added. The suspension of services at the airport, featuring a table-top runway, occurred six months ago due to operational issues. Grover mentioned that although flight operations could have resumed earlier, ongoing airport maintenance had delayed the process; however, the work has now been completed. The said airline started flight operations at the airport in 2018, but services have been inconsistent due to various operational challenges, including visibility issues. The flight from Kolkata will take off at 8.05 AM and reach Pakyong at 9.35 AM. It will depart from there at 10.30 AM and reach Kolkata at 12.10 PM. These renewed flight services come just in time for the summer holidays, during which a significant number of tourists typically visit the Himalayan state. With the winter haze dissipating, this time brings clearer skies, and offers unobstructed views of the majestic mountain peaks, including the iconic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. You can plan to go out for wildlife sightings too, as many species come out of hibernation and are more active. You might spot rare Himalayan species like the red panda, snow leopard, and various bird species. Also, compared to the peak tourist season, this time will be less crowded, allowing you more space for a more serene and intimate experience with nature and the local culture.

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Uzbekistan points mountain tourism to boost adventure travel

Uzbekistan is setting its sights on mountain tourism as a key component of its strategy to diversify its travel and tourism sector. Amidst its renowned historical and cultural attractions, the nation is now promoting its spectacular mountainous regions, especially around the Tashkent area, to appeal to adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the globe. With its world-class, all-season mountains, Uzbekistan offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The development of infrastructure in these regions, including ski resorts and trails, has been a priority for the country, ensuring that visitors can experience the natural beauty of Uzbekistan’s landscapes with modern amenities and safety. The initiative to boost mountain tourism is part of a broader effort by the Republic of Uzbekistan to showcase the diverse attractions it has to offer beyond its famed Silk Road cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ahror Validjanov, Director of the Silk Road Office at The Republic of Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, emphasized the country’s readiness to welcome tourists seeking unique and enriching experiences. “Uzbekistan’s mountains are a hidden gem that we are eager to share with the world,” Validjanov stated. “Our commitment to enhancing our tourism infrastructure means that visitors will have access to world-class facilities, whether they’re looking to explore our scenic trails or enjoy the thrill of winter sports.” The promotion of mountain tourism also aligns with Uzbekistan’s strategy to attract a wider range of visitors, including those interested in MICE events and destination weddings, showcasing the country’s versatility as a travel destination. As Uzbekistan continues to open its doors to international tourists, its focus on mountain tourism is expected to carve a niche for the country in the global adventure travel market. With an invitation extended to travelers worldwide, Uzbekistan is poised to become a new favorite destination for those seeking to combine adventure with cultural exploration. This strategic move is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing Uzbekistan’s tourism sector and highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. By inviting visitors to discover its mountainous terrains, Uzbekistan not only aims to enhance its tourism offerings but also to promote environmental conservation and the preservation of its natural landscapes. As the world seeks new and exciting travel destinations, Uzbekistan’s emphasis on mountain tourism positions it as an emerging hotspot for adventure tourism, ready to captivate the hearts of travelers seeking the road less traveled.

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Patna, Varanasi feature in most searched travel destinations; still Goa tops chart.

India's love for travel is evident with Delhi and Mumbai ranking among the world's top 50 busiest airports. Apart from that, the pace at other major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata (rank among the world's top 50 busiest airports) reflects the nation's enthusiasm for exploration. However, to understand where Indians are travelling or which are the favorite travel destinations, Wowtickets.com, a UK based platform for booking affordable flight tickets that recently launched in India, conducted a survey that show - apart from popular places like Goa and Srinagar, many Indians are traveling to tier two cities like Pune, Patna. The spiritual tourism trend is also growing as many people are traveling to such destinations, like Varanasi. Top 15 most searched Indians destinations that Indians want to travel nationally Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Pune, Patna, Kolkata, Leh, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Guwahati, Bagdogra. The top 15 destinations Chennai travelers searched nationally Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Port,Blair, Goa, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Pune, Kochi, Guwahati, Madurai, Patna, Srinagar Total searches were 90.5 lakh. The top 15 destinations Kolkata travelers searched Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Guwahati, Bagdogra, PortBlair, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Agartala, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar Total searches were 10.97 lakh. Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Director & CEO of wowtickets.com, said “Predictions indicate that by 2023, the global tourism market will reach a value of $16.9 trillion, with India's tourism sector making substantial contributions. This is largely driven by the enthusiastic travel aspirations of India's youth, who prioritize exploration and adventure. " Total searches were 3.6 crores.

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PM holds talks with Bhutanese counterpart; Modi to travel to Bhutan next week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhutan next week, announced the visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay after the two leaders met in Delhi on Thursday night. Mr. Tobgay is on a 5-day visit to India, and expected to return to Thimphu on Monday, after which Mr. Modi will travel there, officials said. No press statement was made after the meeting, but Prime Minister Modi posted on social media platform “X” that he had “productive discussions encompassing various aspects of [India-Bhutan’s] unique and special partnership” and thanked the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Tobgay for the invitation to Bhutan next week. Mr. Tobgay said that he had thanked Mr. Modi for his “steadfast support to Bhutan” during their meeting and confirmed the Prime Minister’s acceptance. “We discussed a range of issues to strengthen relations between Bhutan and India. Prime Minister Modi Ji also agreed to visit Bhutan soon … next week, in fact!” he added. Model code The announcement is significant as it not only indicates the strong ties between Bhutan and India, with their Prime Ministers exchanging back-to-back visits, but could cast a shadow on when dates for general elections would be announced. According to the model code of conduct, no major policy decisions can be made after the election dates are declared, and by convention, the Prime Minister doesn’t travel abroad once they are declared. Reports had indicated that the announcement of dates by the Election Commission could come as early as Friday. If they are announced prior to Mr. Modi’s travel, however, officials said that might mean no major agreements would be signed during the visit to Bhutan. Mr. Tobgay is in India on his first international visit after winning elections in January this year. During his visit to Delhi, where he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and is due to meet Ministers of Finance, Trade and Energy on Friday, and subsequently to Mumbai where he will meet business leaders, Mr. Tobgay is expected to discuss strengthening bilateral trade, raising investment levels in infrastructure projects, and Bhutan’s plans for a mega “Gelephu Mindfulness City [GMC] on Bhutan’s southern border with Assam. India is watching Bhutan-China talks on boundary demarcation closely as well, and talks on the new Bhutanese government’s strategy on the issue are understood to have been part of the agenda. Ahead of Mr. Tobgay’s visit to Delhi, the Cabinet cleared two agreements on Wednesday, including an MoU between India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Bhutan’s Department of Energy for cooperation on energy conservation and standardisation of climate change mechanisms. The Cabinet also approved an agreement between the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for cooperation in food safety so as to facilitate more trade between the two neighbours. In a post welcoming the Bhutanese Prime Minister, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said his visit demonstrated the “exemplary” ties between India and Bhutan.

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