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Vietnam’s smart tourism revolution: Digital ecosystem unveiled

Vietnam enhances tourism with a digital ecosystem, introducing an app, smart card, and e-ticketing for a seamless visitor experience. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is spearheading the digital transformation in the travel sector by developing a comprehensive smart tourism ecosystem. This initiative is aimed at enhancing governmental oversight and enriching the travel experience for visitors. The initiative has been spotlighted by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), emphasizing its crucial components such as a comprehensive travel management and business system, the innovative Vietnam Travel application, a convenient smart tourism card, and a notable electronic ticketing feature. In a recent development, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the VNAT’s Tourism Information Technology Centre, introduced an electronic ticketing feature. This new system allows for a more efficient visitation process by eliminating the need for physical queues at ticket counters, providing various effortless self-check-in alternatives. This electronic ticketing initiative has also been successfully implemented at other significant cultural sites including the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace relic site, and the Quan Thanh Temple, further streamlining access for tourists.

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Kerala Govt says priority is to develop beach tourism and enhance hostility standards

The Kerala government has affirmed its commitment to align beach tourism projects with current demands, leveraging the significant potential of this specialised sector while enhancing hospitality standards. Speaking after opening the renovated Samudra Kovalam, the beachside resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) that now flaunts a whole range of world-class features on Tuesday, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said that it is important to adopt novel ideas in the tourism sector. "The refurbished sea-front resort will boost Kerala's standing as a fast-emerging hub of destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism," the Minister was quoted as saying in a release here. He said at a time destination weddings are becoming a global trend, the state has picturesque locations for promoting this niche area, with the government making all efforts. The current round of renovation has added another 40 rooms, completed on a budget of Rs 12.68 crore provided by the state government, turning the property and its surroundings into an ideal locale for high-end weddings and MICE tourism, the release said.

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After Ayodhya SpiceJet Plans to connect more tourist, religious places

After Ayodhya, SpiceJet plans to expand its business over the next two years and increase connectivity between various tourist and religious destinations including Lakshadweep, the airline's chief Ajay Singh said. The domestic carrier has also plans to operate seaplanes and is awaiting infrastructure development for water ports, the CMD told PTI in an interaction. "I think this is the time to expand. SpiceJet will do its utmost to expand its business over the next two years. We want to connect many tourist destinations, religious tourism, medical tourism, places like Lakshadweep," Singh said in reply to a question .. On February 1, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Minister of State V K Singh jointly inaugurated SpiceJet's direct flight service connecting Ayodhya with eight cities. Asked about the company's plan to connect Ayodhya with more locations through its network, Singh said every large and small city today wants connectivity with Ayodhya. So the plans are in the works.

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Domestic tourism in Rajasthan up 12 times since 2020, huge spike in foreigners' numbers

The number of domestic tourists visiting Rajasthan has increased about 12 times in the last four years, with the footfall of foreign tourists also witnessing a sharp uptick since the Covid-induced slump. According to the Tourism Department, in 2020, more than 1.51 crore domestic tourists visited the state. The number shot up to over 17.90 crore in 2023. “During the corona pandemic, the number of foreign tourists dropped, while domestic tourists still came in large numbers. After the French President’s visit, new opportunities will come as French tourists used to come in large numbers before the corona pandemic,” said Jaipur hotels association President M Hussain A total of 32.44 crore domestic tourists visited Rajasthan from January 2020 to December 2023. On the other hand, over 22.20 lakh foreign tourists visited the desert state to witness its historical heritage during the same period. “Rajasthan has been a major tourist attraction among the tourists. After the corona pandemic, a large number of domestic tourists have started visiting the state. The number of foreign tourists have also significantly risen,” Deputy Director of Tourism Department, Daleep Singh Rathore, said.

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Should you buy travel insurance when travelling abroad?

If you are planning a visit to some international place, apart from taking care of the visas and other things, should you consider checking travel insurance? Well, this question of whether to invest in travel insurance may have bothered many at times. While some travellers might see it as an additional expense, the value and peace of mind that travel insurance can provide during international trips can also not be underestimated. If you need more reasons to convince you, here are some. Medical emergencies One of the foremost reasons to consider travel insurance is the potential for unexpected medical emergencies. A sudden illness or injury abroad can lead to exorbitant medical expenses, potentially straining your finances. Travel insurance often covers medical treatment, hospitalisation, and evacuation costs, ensuring you receive the necessary care without worrying about the financial burden. Trip cancellation or interruption Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances may force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Travel insurance can safeguard your investment by covering non-refundable expenses, such as flight tickets, accommodation, and tour bookings in the event of trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, family emergencies, or unexpected work commitments. Emergency evacuation In the event of political unrest, natural disasters, or other emergencies, travel insurance can cover the costs of emergency evacuation. This ensures you have access to safe and timely evacuation services, allowing you safe and hassle-free experience. Personal liability Accidents can happen, and if you accidentally cause damage to property or injure someone while abroad, travel insurance may offer coverage for personal liability. This can be crucial in avoiding legal complications and financial repercussions in unfamiliar legal jurisdictions.

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IMD Predicts Heavy Snowfall In Some Parts Of Himachal Pradesh; Hailstorm Is Expected

Travelling to Himachal Pradesh and witnessing its natural beauty has been on most travel enthusiasts’ bucket lists. Winter season is surely the best time of the year to explore the majestic state, witness snowfall, and wake up to surroundings covered in thick blankets of snow. Visitors are having a spectacular time enjoying a heavenly travel experience in Himachal Pradesh. Most parts of the state are receiving snowfall making it a splendid time for locals and tourists to enjoy the magnificence of the winter season to the fullest. Looks like the intensity of snowfall and temperature is about to increase in the next couple of days. According to the predictions of the India Meteorological Department, most parts of Himachal might receive light to moderate snowfall. Some isolated places in the higher regions are likely to receive heavy snowfall, according to a report by Times Now News. Also, for the upcoming two days, an orange alert has been issued seeing the weather forecast. Not only is snowfall turning Himachal into a snowy paradise, but the predictions also state that the places in the lower parts are likely to receive hailstorms, lightning, and thunderstorms. On top of all these, there are even some chances of a wet spell until February 6. According to the predictions, a lot is likely to happen weather-wise in different parts of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is currently thronged by visitors from all around. In between all the crowd and congestion, snowfall is now impacting the smooth flow of traffic on some roads. 4 national Highways and 481 roads are already shut down for any sort of vehicles. In Shimla, 161 roads are currently blocked. The numbers of blocked roads in Lahaul, Kullu, and Chamba district are 153, 71, and 58 respectively. The concerned authorities are currently working to make the roads suitable for vehicular movement.

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