News

India becomes 5th tourism-generating market for Singapore, free-visa travel takes Indonesia at the top

In 2023, Singapore welcomed 1.1 million Indian tourists, marking a substantial 115% increase in overall visitor numbers, reaching 13.6 million from the pandemic-affected 6.3 million in 2022, Singapore Tourism (STB) said on February 1. The upswing in visitor arrivals was due to robust demand from key markets, However, India was not the primary tourism generating market for Singapore. In fact it fell to the fifth spot, with markets such as Indonesia (2.3 million), China (1.4 million), and Malaysia (1.1 million), becoming the top three markets. India was ranked fifth, after Australia, from where 1.1 million tourists visited the Asian country in 2023. Earlier in November 2023, India was the third tourism-generating market for Singapore. However, after the city-state announced visa-free arrival for Indonesian passport holders, the country witnessed highest arrivals from there.

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Balttour 2024 curtains up today to boost Baltic travel market

Ķīpsala becomes the focal point for the travel industry with Balttour 2024, the largest trade fair and show in the Baltics, from February 2-4, 2024. This travel trade fair promises an immersive journey into the world of travel, offering visitors the best deals from almost 300 exhibiting companies across more than 26 countries. From popular destinations like Egypt, Greece, and Spain to emerging hotspots like Morocco and Malaga, and exotic locales such as Thailand and Vietnam, Balttour 2024 caters to every type of traveller. The Baltic travel trade fair not only highlights international destinations but also celebrates the beauty and diversity of Latvian regions. With unique accommodations and attractions, such as the ‘Dunava Water lily’ and oversized chairs on the Daugava bank, Latvia showcases its rich cultural and natural heritage. All regions of Latvia will have dedicated sections, presenting new outdoor attractions, accommodations, and cultural sites, promising visitors a deep dive into the country’s exclusive travel experiences. Balttour 2024 also becomes a stage for inspiring stories from renowned travel enthusiasts and professionals. Figures like Kristīne Virsnīte and Aigars Lauzis will share their thrilling adventures, offering insights into diverse experiences from BeachTrail to ForrestTrail and the heritage of Latvian castles. The event provides a rare opportunity to engage with these adventurers firsthand, enriching the visitor experience with their tales and tips. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Balttour 2024 introduces a jubilee lottery, giving attendees the chance to win an all-inclusive family vacation to Greece. This exciting draw, in partnership with Tez Tour, highlights the event’s festive atmosphere and the industry’s spirit of generosity. For those interested in the Baltics’ offerings, Lithuania and Estonia present their best. From the SPAs of Palanga to the cultural richness of Tartu, the European Capital of Culture, visitors can explore a range of leisure and cultural activities. The trade show also caters to families, with interactive stands like VIZIUM science centre and the innovative BeTriton amphibious camper-trike, ensuring entertainment for all ages. A taste journey awaits at the Smiltene region stand, among others, where local delicacies and homemade wines offer a gastronomic exploration of the region’s flavors. The fair also serves as a professional platform, hosting discussions on travel trends and unveiling new destinations by airBaltic, fostering meaningful industry connections. Balttour 2024 is more than a travel fair; it’s a celebration of global and local tourism, promising a weekend of discovery, inspiration, and networking for travel enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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Emirates to offer visa-on-arrival to Indian passport holders for Dubai

Dubai-headquartered Emirates Airline has partnered with VFS Global to launch a pre-approved visa-on-arrival initiative for specific Indian passport holders who have made bookings with the airline. The announcement, made on February 1, specifies that the exclusive service is available to Indian passport holders who have a valid six-month visa for the US, a US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. Implemented by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) and issued as a 14-day single entry visa, the program allows Emirates customers to skip immigration queues upon arrival in Dubai. The airline's goal is to simplify the arrival process, enabling passengers to smoothly navigate through customs before exploring the city. However, the airline clarified that visa issuance remains entirely at the discretion of the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.

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Bhubaneshwar: Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary launches night safari for wildlife lover

In a significant development for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhubaneshwar has started night safari. The initiative, spearheaded under the Bharatpur Section, was recently announced by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda. Running from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day, this novel night trail provides a unique opportunity for tourists, students, and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the sanctuary in the nocturnal hours. The initiative kicked off with great excitement, especially among school children who were treated to an exceptional wildlife experience in the heart of Bhubaneswar City, as highlighted by PCCF Susanta Nanda on his personal 'X' handle. Reports add that to facilitate the night safari, a fleet of at least 12 vehicles has been arranged for visitors to take them to the jungle after dusk. However, it should be noted that the safari will remain off-limits for regular visitors from 9:00 PM until 9:30 AM the next morning. Adding more to this, DFO Sarat Chandra Behera elaborated about the potential benefits of the night safari, stating that wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and students stand to gain valuable insights by observing animals up close. The initiative promises not only an enthralling experience but also serves as a platform for learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse flora and fauna inhabiting the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.

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India to cut financial aid to Maldives by 22%; Bhutan, Nepal to receive majority share

In the recent budget document released by the government on Thursday, India has proposed a 22% reduction in aid to the Maldives for the 2024-25 financial year. The Maldives now is slated to receive INR 600 crore for developmental assistance, ranking it as the third-highest recipient of aid from the government for foreign countries. It was also outlined that Bhutan and Nepal are slated to be the top two recipients of government grants. Bhutan is allocated INR 2068.56 crore for developmental assistance, while Nepal is earmarked INR 700 crore. Several other countries are also witnessing decreases in their allocations for the 2024-25 fiscal, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Latin American nations. But surprisingly, budget allocations for Sri Lanka, African countries, Mauritius, and the Seychelles have seen increases. Coming back to the Maldives, in the previous fiscal year (2023-24), the Maldives was granted INR 770.90 crore in aid, marking an increase of more than 300% from the INR 183.16 crore allocated in 2022-23. Notably, the initial allocation for the Maldives in the 2023 Budget was INR 400 crore, but it was later revised to INR 770.90 crore. India has consistently been a key aid and assistance partner to the Maldives, contributing to sectors such as defence, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Government data indicates that in 2018, the Maldives received 2.1% of the total foreign aid allocation, a figure that rose to 6.8% in 2019 and reached 6.84% in the fiscal year 2023-24. The reduction in aid is not exclusive to the Maldives, as the government plans an overall 10% cut in aid to foreign countries for the upcoming fiscal year. India has earmarked INR 4883.56 crore for foreign aid in 2024-25, a decrease from the INR 5426.78 crore allocated in the 2023-24 budget. India and the Maldives have found themselves entangled in a diplomatic dispute triggered by disparaging remarks made by certain Maldivian ministers directed at the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This dispute resulted in a wave of cancellations for myriad hotel bookings and flight tickets bound for the Maldives

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In A Bid To Boost Connectivity, Malaysia Airlines Doubles Flight Frequency Between Trivandrum & Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is one of the most popular travel destinations for Indians. Scores of Indians travel to this underrated country. And the demand for flights to this country has only increased. Keeping in mind this increasing demand, Malaysia Airlines has risen to the occasion by doubling the flight frequency from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Here are all of the important details about this important new update. Malaysia Airlines has recently announced that it is doubling the flight frequency from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This is being done with the aim of boosting connectivity between the two regions. This means that instead of having four flights per week between the two cities, it will now have a total of eight. It will have two flights on Sunday and one flight on every day of the week. This new update will come into effect from April 3, 2024. This new update in the frequency of flights comes at the heels of another similar update on the Amritsar-Kuala Lumpur route. On January 15, 2024, flights between Amritsar and Kuala Lumpur were also increased. The route between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum was first announced in November 2023. Since then, the route has witnessed a significant increase in demand. Hence, to cater to this growing demand, this increase in flight frequency was announced. Counting this latest increase in flights, the airline now offers a total of 71 weekly flights to India. The airline is also very hopeful about this new update and is excited to expand on its already growing network of flights to the Indian subcontinent.

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