News

World’s rarest all-white Omura’s whale spotted off the coast of Thailand

As per the latest news reports, the world's rarest whale, an all-white Omura's whale, has been spotted. It was captured on film, and that too only the second time in history. If reports are to go by, this extraordinary sighting occurred off the coast of Thailand. Reports further add, tourists aboard a charter boat near Phuket were all in luck to have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime moment, when they spotted a pair of rare Omura's whales swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which was completely white. This beautiful and remarkable footage of this unique all-white creature was shared with environmental conservation organization ThaiWhales and local authorities. ThaiWhales posted the video on Facebook, hailing it as a ‘first-of-its-kind and exciting marine discovery.’ In the footage, one can see the all-white whale swimming enthusiastically alongside the charter boat, leaving tourists in awe. Despite their uniqueness, scientists still have limited knowledge about Omura's whales, including uncertainties about their population size, distribution, and potential variations in appearance. This recent sighting of the Omura’s whale in Thailand adds to the ongoing efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding these elusive and rare marine creatures.

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A photographer's paradise: 10 Instagram-worthy spots in Kashmir to capture the unfiltered beauty

1. Dal Lake Sometimes, you need to visit places that are overdone by the tourists and Dal Lake happens to be one of them. Irrespective of how much the tourists talk about it, you can't deny the fact that Dal Lake is one of that eternal beauties that you need to capture and share on the gram. 2. Shalimar Bagh Moving ahead, the next spot that deserves to be captured and hailed is Shalimar Bagh. For those who aren't aware, it is a Mughal garden in Srinagar that boasts a symphony of colors and features a place that's adorned with vibrant flowers, terraced lawns, and intricate fountains. 3. Gulmarg No trip to Kashmir is complete without a visit to Gulmarg. If you are especially visiting during the peak winter months when there's snowfall and the surrounding areas are covered in a thick white blanket of snow, capturing the beauty of the spot is an experience like no other. 4. Betaab Valley If you often watch the popular Bollywood movies and wonder where the backdrops are from, Betaab Valley is one of those spots in Kashmir where the movie shootings have happened over time. 5. Pari Mahal As the name suggests, this is another picturesque spot that's perched atop a hill in Srinagar and makes for some of the most breathtaking pictures that you will be able to take of Kashmir. 6. Sonamarg When talking about stunning Instagram-worthy spots to explore in Kashmir, Sonamarg happens to be the next spot on the list. This pristine valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine meadows that make for a mesmerizing picture spot. 7. Awantipora Ruins Sometimes, the beauty of a place lies in its history and while you are on the hunt to find the best "vloggable" spot in Kashmir, the Awantipora Ruins deserve a mention here. 8. Tulip Garden If you are an avid Instagram user, you have likely witnessed the stunning tulip gardens, which are named the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Given the rarity of tulips in India, getting to witness them in front of you and such vibrant colors is nothing short of a treat to the eyes. 9. Aru Valley Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Aru Valley is a hidden gem surrounded by lush meadows, pine forests, and snow-capped peaks. Accessible by a picturesque drive from Pahalgam, this secluded valley offers photographers a tranquil escape. 10. Chatpal Chatpal, a lesser-known destination, is a canvas painted by nature's hand. Surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers, this offbeat spot is a paradise for nature photographers. Unless you have an idea of this place beforehand, chances are that you wouldn't even think of exploring this offbeat spot while exploring Kashmir.

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Everything you need to know about the Goa Carnaval

As the annual Carnaval approaches in Goa, anticipation mounts for what promises to be an unmissable event on the cultural calendar. Welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe, this lively festival is a testament to the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of the region. From February 9 to 13, the streets of Goa will pulsate with music, dance, and a kaleidoscope of colours as the Carnaval extravaganza unfolds. With each passing year, the Carnaval grows in popularity, drawing crowds eager to partake in its festivities. From the bustling streets of Porvorim to the historic districts of Panjim, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa, every corner of Goa comes alive with the infectious energy of the Carnaval. Locals and tourists alike don elaborate costumes, adding to the carnival atmosphere that permeates the air. But the Carnaval is not just about entertainment—it's also a celebration of Goan cuisine. Food stalls line the streets, offering a tantalising array of local delicacies that reflect the region's diverse culinary traditions. From savoury seafood dishes to sweet treats, there's something to tempt every palate. Visitors can also indulge in the Seafood Festival, a gastronomic extravaganza that coincides with the celebrations. Taking place from February 9 to 11 on Miramar Beach, the Seafood Festival offers a delectable array of dishes featuring the freshest catch from the Arabian Sea. From traditional Goan favourites to international delicacies, there's no shortage of culinary delights to sample.

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Odisha Travel Bazaar to begin today with focus on increasing int’l tourists

BHUBANESWAR : Odisha Travel Bazaar, the flagship event of the Tourism department, will this year witness a congregation of over 100 national and international tour operators and other stakeholders. The three-day event organised by the department in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will take place from February 7 to 9 at the Konark eco retreat this year. Informing this to mediapersons on Tuesday, additional chief secretary of Tourism department Surendra Kumar said the event is aimed at bringing national and international travel and tour operators and destination management companies under one platform to let them explore the state’s tourism products and collaborate on taking them to various domestic and international markets. As many as 55 foreign tour operators from 16 countries including South Africa, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Singapore, Spain and 70 domestic tour operators from 18 states will take part in the event as prospective buyers. Close to 3,000 business to business (B2B) meetings between the tourism fraternity of the state with domestic and foreign tour operators will be held over the three days, said director of tourism Sachin R Yadhav. Speaking on the occasion, head of Hotels and Restaurants Association of Odisha, JK Mohanty said the tourist footfall in the state almost doubled in 2022 from what it was in 2021. “We have been organising travel bazaar since 2017 and its benefits are being seen now. The footfall of domestic tourists increased to 78,67,909 in 2022 from 37,42,221 in 2021. And many national hotel chains are in Odisha already and several international hotel chains have also applied for permission to set up their properties,” he said. Sports and religious tourism are the highlights of Odisha now, he added.

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Turkey’s tourism soars: 56.7M visitors, $54.3B revenue in 2023

Turkey, renowned as one of the premier global tourism destinations, continued its impressive growth trajectory by hosting 56.7 million international visitors in 2023, marking a substantial 10% increase from the previous year. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country witnessed a remarkable 17% surge in tourism income, totaling $54.3 billion, with an average expenditure per overnight visitor reaching $99. These figures represent record-breaking milestones for Turkey in terms of both visitor numbers and tourism revenue. Breaking Records in Tourism Demand Turkey, celebrated for its diverse offerings spanning culture, art, gastronomy, cycling, religious tourism, as well as traditional beach holidays, enjoyed an unprecedented year in 2023. Building on this success, the country has set ambitious targets, aiming to attract 60 million tourists and generate $60 billion in tourism income by 2024. Emphasizing the importance of market diversity, Turkey plans to continue its efforts in established strategic markets while also exploring new target markets in the coming year. Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives At the heart of Turkey’s tourism triumph lies a strategic commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Through responsible and sustainable policies, the country has transformed its tourism sector into a resilient and environmentally conscious industry. In a groundbreaking move, Turkey became the first country globally to formalize an agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) at the governmental level in 2022. This agreement, implemented as a sectoral requirement, led to the establishment of the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program in cooperation with the GSTC. This program not only recognizes and rewards practitioners of sustainable tourism but also fosters trust and credibility among visitors. By offering diverse sustainable experiences, including eco-friendly accommodations, cycling, and trekking, Turkey aims to deepen the connection between its rich heritage and those who appreciate it. Turkey: A Year-Round Gem Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and blessed with stunning natural beauty and a wealth of historical sites, Turkey shines as a year-round destination for travelers. The country’s diverse attractions, ranging from vibrant city escapes to thrilling sports activities and cultural festivals, continue to captivate visitors worldwide. Beyond its renowned landmarks, Turkey boasts hidden archaeological treasures, which are meticulously preserved through ongoing excavation and restoration projects. As a testament to its commitment to heritage preservation, Turkey expanded its archaeological endeavors to 720 projects in 2023, with plans to further increase to 750 in 2024. Additionally, the country offers enchanting night visits to popular archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, Patara, and Side, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Turkey’s cultural heritage under the stars.

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Planning a trip to Europe? Your Schengen visa might soon cost you more

Travellers planning a visit to the Schengen area are likely to face a substantial increase in their overall trip expenses, primarily due to the forthcoming surge in Schengen visa costs. As per the latest news reports, the European Commission has proposed an increase in the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024, which will make trips costlier for prospective visitors. Targeted fee hike Notably, the entity responsible for revising Schengen visa fees every three years is considering an additional increase in fees for countries displaying ‘insufficient cooperation on readmission.’ This will include nations that accept the re-entry of individuals expelled from Schengen member states, adding an extra layer of financial burden for certain travellers. Commission's initiative The European Commission presented the draft of the revised Schengen visa fee on February 2, opening it up for feedback until March 1. This initiative gained momentum in December 2023 during a meeting with member states, where experts expressed overwhelming support for the revision of visa fees. Rationale behind the hike The driving force behind the proposed surge in Schengen visa prices is attributed to the escalating inflation rate in the European Union. As per the insights provided by the European Commission, this necessitates an adjustment in visa fees to accommodate the economic realities. Also, in line with the proposed revision, external providers of Schengen visas will also be authorised to elevate their service fees. Visa agencies, as external providers, can charge a maximum fee of €45, up from the previous €40, representing half the value of the standard fee. It's important to note that the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain unchanged at €30.

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