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Bali to levy entry tax on all foreign tourists from February 14

In response to the pressing need for environmental conservation, improved infrastructure, and sustainable tourism practices, Bali, along with Indonesian tourism authorities, has launched a significant initiative. Set to be implemented from February 14 onwards, the introduction of an entry tax for all foreign tourists aims to address several critical issues while enhancing the overall visitor experience on the Island of Gods. Over recent years, discussions have revolved around safeguarding the environment, managing mass tourism, tackling the escalating trash problem, and ensuring equitable benefits for local communities from the burgeoning tourism industry. Integral to these discussions is the desire to foster greater respect for and participation in local culture among travelers. Understanding the Bali tourist tax The Bali Tourist Tax, amounting to Indonesian Rupiah 150,000 per person (equivalent to approximately $10), applies to all foreign tourists, irrespective of age. This levy seeks to contribute directly to initiatives aimed at preserving Balinese customs, traditions, arts, and the island's distinctive natural environment.

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6 newest countries offering visa-free travel to Indian travellers

Visa-free travel means entering a country without the necessity of obtaining a visa beforehand. It offers a straightforward approach to visiting nations without the complexities of visa procedures, as well as saving on visa fees. Some governments have agreements with India, which enables Indian citizens to travel to their countries without undergoing lengthy visa processes. Under regular visa-free travel, one can freely visit countries with just a passport. Typically, clearing customs in most visa-free nations requires only your passport, although some may request additional documents like proof of onward travel. And the latest countries that have joined the list of offering visa-free access to Indian travellers are as follows: Iran Starting from February 4, Iran declared the exemption of visa requirements for holders of Indian passports, with the objective of fostering tourism and luring more and more tourists into the country. This initiative underscores Iran's dedication to promoting global engagement. Those with regular passports can enter the country without a visa every six months, enjoying a maximum stay of 15 days. It's crucial to note that this 15-day duration is non-extendable. Malaysia Effective from December 1, 2023, tourists hailing from India and China can now enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia, and will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, while announcing this development, stressed that the exemption would be subject to thorough security screening. He added, "Initial screenings will be conducted for all tourists and visitors to Malaysia. Security is a different matter. If there are criminal records or the risk of terrorism, they will not be allowed to enter." Kenya Kenya became visa-free for Indian citizens from January 1. Kenya in fact eliminated visa requirements for all global visitors, a measure that is expected to boost the nation's vital tourism sector. This initiative aims to provide visitors with a seamless travel experience to partake in wildlife safaris and beach vacations. With regard to this, President William Ruto expressed, "It is no longer necessary for anyone from any corner of the globe to bear the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya." Thailand Earlier, the Thai government brought cheer to Indian travellers by declaring that, starting from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, those holding Indian passports will not require a tourist visa for entry into Thailand. Thai authorities implemented a temporary visa exemption, allowing a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. Vietnam As reported earlier, this year, Vietnam announced that it is all set to grant visa-free entry to Indians and Chinese nationals. This move comes in the wake of boosting tourism in the country. Currently, specific European citizens benefit from visa-free entry, while others have the option to obtain e-visas with a validity of 90 days and multiple entry allowances. Sri Lanka In a recent development, the Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka announced that visitors from seven countries, namely India, Russia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, will be granted access to the country without the need for a visa. If reports are to go by, this is a pilot project, which will remain in place until March 31, 2024.

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IndiGo Plane Halts Operations At Delhi Airport For 15 Min Due To Missing Taxiway

IndiGo has been taking a lot of flak recently for various reasons. From passenger protests to complaints – there are many reasons! Now, adding to their mounting troubles, an IndiGo plane encountered a landing mishap at the Delhi Airport. On Sunday morning, an Indigo flight from Amritsar missed the taxiway which led to a complete stoppage of operations at one of the runways at Delhi Airport for 15 minutes. Thankfully, the issue was quickly resolved and the runway became operational right after. Read on to know everything about this incident. An IndiGo flight from Amritsar veered off course at a runway at Delhi Airport and missed its designated taxiway on Sunday morning. This led to a brief runway block of 15 minutes and halted operations on that runway. This disruption was soon resolved and the aircraft was towed to a parking bay. IndiGo has yet to give any statement on this entire incident. The A320 plane reached the dead end of runway 28/10 after landing at the Delhi Airport. It is believed that the plane failed to locate the designated taxiway at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Thankfully, the airport authorities were quick on their feet and resolved the entire incident quickly. Also, since the Delhi Airport has four operational runways, it was able to divert and work smoothly despite this mishap. Min Due To Missing Taxiway IndiGo trouble continued to run deep as a landing mishap led to 15 15-minute halt in operation at the Delhi Airport on Sunday. by Tashika Tyagi Updated: February 11, 2024 Just Days After Passenger Protests, IndiGo Plane Halts Operations At Delhi Airport For 15 Min Due To Missing Taxiway IndiGo has been taking a lot of flak recently for various reasons. From passenger protests to complaints – there are many reasons! Now, adding to their mounting troubles, an IndiGo plane encountered a landing mishap at the Delhi Airport. On Sunday morning, an Indigo flight from Amritsar missed the taxiway which led to a complete stoppage of operations at one of the runways at Delhi Airport for 15 minutes. Thankfully, the issue was quickly resolved and the runway became operational right after. Read on to know everything about this incident. IndiGo Flight Misses Designated Taxiway, Delays Operation At Delhi Airport flight landingImage Courtesy: Canva An IndiGo flight from Amritsar veered off course at a runway at Delhi Airport and missed its designated taxiway on Sunday morning. This led to a brief runway block of 15 minutes and halted operations on that runway. This disruption was soon resolved and the aircraft was towed to a parking bay. IndiGo has yet to give any statement on this entire incident. The A320 plane reached the dead end of runway 28/10 after landing at the Delhi Airport. It is believed that the plane failed to locate the designated taxiway at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Thankfully, the airport authorities were quick on their feet and resolved the entire incident quickly. Also, since the Delhi Airport has four operational runways, it was able to divert and work smoothly despite this mishap. Also Read: Delhi-Mumbai IndiGo Flight Forced To Return Due To “Momentary Foul Smell”; Alternative Aircraft Arranged Flight Delays & Complains Mount IndiGo’s Trouble indigo delhi airportImage Courtesy: website/IndiGo While quickly resolved, this incident is yet another episode in the series that involved IndiGo. Passengers in a Deoghar-bound flight from Delhi created a major uproar after their flight was cancelled on January 31. Not to forget the one where a passenger was caught on camera hitting the flight pilot because of a delay. Also, in January, cricketer Mayank Agarwal filed a police complaint against IndiGo after he was hospitalised in Agartala. As per the report, the cricketer was served a ‘poisonous liquid’ onboard that led to this incident. Seems like the troubles aren’t ending for IndiGo anytime soon. Also, this incident not only puts a bad light on the airline but also Delhi Airport. We really hope the airport and airline improve their managing efficiency to minimise passenger inconvenience.

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EaseMyTrip to launch five-star hotel in Ayodhya with INR 100 crore investment

EaseMyTrip is set to enter the hospitality business with the board of the online travel aggregator approving the proposal to open a five-star hotel in Ayodhya, close to the vicinity of Ram Temple, which was inaugurated on January 22. The company said in a statement, "The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Easy Trip Planners Limited (“Company”) in its meeting held today, i.e., on February 11, 2024, has, inter alia considered and in-principally approved the proposal to open a 5-star hotel in Ayodhya which is less then 1Km from Shree Ram Mandir through an investment of an amount of up to ₹100 crores in Jeewani Hospitality Private Limited, a company under incorporation for 50% of the aggregate share capital of the said company on a fully diluted basis through swap i.e., fresh issuance of the Company’s own equity shares on preferential basis." Meanwhile, EaseMyTrip reported a 9.6 increase in net profit at ₹45.6 crore in the December quarter of FY24 up from ₹41.69 crore during the same period a year ago on the back of robust growth in travel demand.

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Switzerland Tourism honours Neeraj Chopra with a plaque at Jungfrau’s Ice Palace

Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, who has excelled in the sport of javelin, received a fitting tribute at Jungfraujoch, famously known as the 'Top of Europe'. Nestled within a glacier, the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch features stunning ice sculptures, tunnels, and caverns, offering visitors a mesmerizing glimpse into a frozen world crafted by nature's hand. Recognising Chopra's remarkable achievements as a source of inspiration in the realm of sports, Switzerland Tourism and Jungfraujoch proudly honored the sports icon by unveiling a commemorative plaque. Neeraj further enhanced the allure of the Ice Palace by donating one of his iconic javelins, ensuring that visitors, particularly those from India, can experience a unique connection to his legacy. Jungfrau Railways is poised to celebrate sporting excellence by adding Neeraj Chopra to its Wall of Fame, alongside esteemed figures such as Roger Federer, Rory McIlroy, and others. This prestigious recognition underscores Neeraj's exceptional accomplishments, elevating him to the ranks of distinguished individuals commemorated at this lofty destination. The Wall of Fame at Jungfraujoch stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence and perseverance, with Neeraj Chopra's inclusion further enriching its legacy and inspiring all who encounter this extraordinary site. Neeraj captivated attendees by demonstrating his javelin-throwing prowess, further endearing himself to the audience. Additionally, he presented his javelin as a gift to the Ice Palace, marking his second gesture of generosity for his country, following his earlier donation of a javelin to the Olympic Museum in Switzerland.

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How to stay safe from FAKE visa scams?

Asian Destinations See Fully Booked Flights, Clogged Highways Due To Lunar New Year Festivities Lunar New Year celebrated in many Asian nations like South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and more has peaked travel and even clogged highways. Residents have booked flights back home to celebrate the one-week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Here’s what you need to know about travelling for a holiday to any of these Asian nations now. A report by the Hindustan Times states that travel has hit a peak thanks to the Lunar New Year festivities in Asian nations. Thus festival commences with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. And 15 days later, it ends on the first moon. The holiday is mostly celebrated between late January and mid-February as it follows the cycles of the moon. On this day, people burst firecrackers, give kids red envelopes stashed with cash and prepare special food that honour their deities. Nations like China and Taiwan witnessed fully booked flights. Residents travelled all the way home to celebrate the New Year with their loved ones. In South Korea, there were highways clogged for hours as millions of people began driving out of the densely populated Seoul to visit their relatives. Royal palaces and other tourist regions in South Korea were packed. Visitors wore the country’s traditional attire, “hanbok”, a flowing robe. As per VN Express, the Civil Aviation Authority stated that 90 per cent of domestic flights were booked. On the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, between Feb 1 and Feb 9, Vietnam’s domestic flights had high booking rates. Hanoi to Vinh route flights were 99 per cent booked. Whereas flights of the HCMC-Hue route were 92 per cent booked. This is Vietnam’s biggest holiday of the year where a massive number of people went on vacations or travelled back to their hometowns for family reunions.

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