News

Hong Kong boosts tourism efforts, extends downtown airport check-in hours

Cathay Pacific passengers to enjoy travel benefits as tourism hub Hong Kong extends downtown airport check-in hours until 11 pm Hong Kong will extend operating hours for its downtown airport check-in services as the city ramps up efforts to revive its tourism sector and reputation as an efficient travel hub. From Feb. 1, check-in counters at Hong Kong Station will be open until 11 p.m., the city’s mass railway operator MTR Corp. said Monday. That compares with a 3 p.m. closing time currently. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd passengers will continue to be the only people able to use the service, though MTR said it’s coordinating with other airlines on arrangements. The counters, which allow passengers to drop off their luggage in the heart of the city and then collect it at their final destination, once epitomised the financial center’s convenience and efficiency. Their limited return to service in July, after more than three years of closure during Hong Kong’s Covid isolation, has come to symbolize the the city’s struggles to entice visitors back. Hong Kong is one of only a few places in the world that has in-town check-in — others include Taipei and Kuala Lumpur. Express-train services from Hong Kong Station to the airport take about 24 minutes, with departures roughly every 10 minutes. A one-way ticket costs HK$110 ($14) to HK$115 for an adult. Porters will be deployed at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations to assist passengers, MTR said.

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Beating Retreat Ceremony today: Check travel advisory for Delhi roads here

As the Beating Retreat ceremony marks the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations, the Delhi Traffic Police has released comprehensive guidelines to manage traffic effectively around Vijay Chowk, the venue for the event. The ceremony will take place on Monday, January 29. To facilitate seamless traffic flow, prevent congestion, and minimise inconvenience for attendees and spectators, traffic restrictions will be in place on Monday from 2 pm to 9:30 pm. Vijay Chowk will be closed for general traffic during this period. Beating Retreat ceremony The "Beating Retreat" ceremony, with roots dating back to the early 1950s, was devised by Major Roberts of the Indian Army to showcase a distinctive display by massed bands. This centuries old military tradition involves troops ceasing fighting, holstering weapons, withdrawing from the battlefield, and returning to camps at sunset during the retreat. The ceremony includes encasing colours and standards, lowering flags, and evokes nostalgia for historical eras. Traffic restrictions in Delhi on Monday - Rafi Marg between R/A Surehet Masjid and R/A Krishi Bhawan will face traffic restrictions. - Rasina Road from R/A Krishi Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk will be restricted. - Traffic restrictions will apply beyond R/A Dara Shikoh Road, R/A Krishna Menon Marg, and R/A Sunehri Masjid towards Vijay Chowk. - Kartavyapath between Vijay Chowk and "C" Hexagon will experience traffic restrictions. Alternative routes to take during Beating Retreat ceremony Commuters are advised to consider alternative routes such as Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madarsa T-Point, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, Minto Road, among others. DTC bus routes DTC bus routes will be diverted around the main venue and India Gate. Connaught Place-bound buses will travel through Mandir Marg, Kali Ban Marg, GPO, Baba Kharak Singh Marg route. Buses from Connaught Place to India Gate will follow the route through Minto Road, DDU Marg, IP Flyover, Ring Road, and Sarai Kale Khan. Parking arrangements Parking for spectators attending the illumination at Vijay Chowk will be available behind the water channels between Rafi Marg and "C" Hexagon after 7:00 pm. Commuters can also refer to the Delhi Traffic Police website for latest updates or call the WhatsApp helpline number at 8750871493.

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Delhi Metro: Good News! Now there will be unlimited travel in Delhi Metro for just Rs 200, know how

Tourist Smart Card: Through DMRC’s Smart Tourist Card, you can travel inside Delhi Metro for unlimited times. Let us know about it in detail. Delhi Metro is a great option to travel within the country’s capital Delhi. Apart from saving you from traffic, it also puts less burden on your pocket. In such a situation, if you use Metro to visit Delhi, then DMRC’s ‘Tourist Card’ can be a very economical option for you. Through this tourist card, you can travel throughout the day in low budget. Let us know what are the benefits of this tourist card. Where to get Delhi Metro’s ‘Tourist Card’? You can get this tourist card made by visiting any station of Delhi Metro (DMRC). With this card having validity of one day or three days, you can travel unlimited times inside Delhi Metro. You will not have to pay any extra charge for this. What is the price of the card? The price of Tourist Card with one day validity is Rs 150, of which Rs 50 is refundable and the price of Tourist Card with three days validity is Rs 500. This card also includes a refundable security deposit of Rs 50. This tourist card can be used unlimited times at all metro stations except the Airport Express Line. You can also take help of ‘Delhi Metro Rail’ app Tourists can also download the official app (DMRC App) of ‘Delhi Metro Rail’ to make their travel plans. The app also includes a dedicated section called ‘Tour Guide’ on the home page. In this, tourists can see the list of all the stations around any tourist destination in Delhi.

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Odisha all set to start world’s first-ever black tiger safaris

Odisha is gearing up to provide an unparalleled experience to visitors through its upcoming black tiger safari, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This exclusive safari of three melanistic tigers, will be one-of-a-kind for sure. The melanistic tigers are distinct for their dark and dense stripes that are reportedly found only in Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It's expected that this move will boost tourism in this region, wherein tourists will get the opportunity to catch sight of the rare big cat. While sightings of black tigers in Odisha have been documented since 2007, the launch of this safari marks a historic moment as the world's first melanistic tiger safari. Referring to this, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the groundbreaking initiative on X (formerly Twitter) recently, unveiling plans for the world's first melanistic tiger safari near the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj. This region is the exclusive habitat for pseudo-melanistic tigers, showcasing stripes that are notably darker and denser compared to their counterparts worldwide. The safari site, strategically located near Baripada and approximately 15 km from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, will sprawl across more than 200 hectares. Out of this expanse, 100 hectares will be dedicated to the display area, while the remaining area will be utilized for the establishment of veterinary care facilities, staff infrastructure, visitor amenities, and a rescue center. The primary objective of this ambitious project is to showcase Odisha's unwavering commitment to preserving and showcasing the unique biodiversity that graces the state. Additionally, the safari aims to raise awareness about the critical conservation needs of these rare wildlife species. The project is currently pending statutory clearances from relevant authorities, a feasibility study of the final site by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and approval from the Central Zoo Authority before commencing. Spanning across a vast area of 2,750 sq km, the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha stands as witness to the state's rich biodiversity. With 12 rivers coursing through its expanse, the reserve provides a sanctuary for over 50 mammal species, 300 avian species, 60 reptile species, and more. The addition of the melanistic tiger safari promises to elevate the reserve's allure, offering visitors an immersive experience amidst the wonders of nature. As Odisha ventures into this groundbreaking endeavor, the black tiger safari not only represents a milestone in wildlife tourism but will also serve as a guide for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting and celebrating the diverse and unique wildlife that graces the region.

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India celebrates National Tourism Day to raise awareness on importance of tourism

National Tourism Day is celebrated in India on January 25 to educate people about the importance of tourism. It was established by the Indian government to raise awareness regarding the importance of tourism for India's economy. This day promotes the tourism industry and also recognises its contribution to the growth and sustainability of tourist destinations and local communities. Moreover, the day also honours foreign visitors to come and explore the diverse Indian cultural heritage, traditional food, and history. Interestingly, in 2022, the National Tourism Day celebrations were a major part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative by the Government of India. History and significance National Tourism Day is observed to cultivate awareness among the global community on the importance of tourism. It also raises awareness related to tourism's social, political, financial, and cultural worth. India offers several forms of tourism such as cultural, natural, heritage, educational, and business. It has also made significant strides in sports, rural, medical, cruise and eco-tourism. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency in India to form national policies for the promotion and development of tourism. The ministry also coordinates with central, and state agencies and the public sector. India’s rich historical, cultural, and geographical diversity makes the country one of the most popular tourist destinations among foreign travellers. According to statistics, over 15.3% of Indian employees work in the tourism industry. Every year, the country is visited by millions of foreign tourists (for instance, 7.42 million in 2014). National Tourism Day was established to promote the tourism industry and recognise its contribution to the growth and sustainability of tourist destinations and local communities. India also participated in the celebration of the UN World Tourism Day (September 27, 2023). In 2008, India even hosted this event. Theme Every year, National Tourism Day is celebrated with a different theme as the centre of attraction. The theme for this year is 'Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.' It emphasises the concept of responsible and mindful travel. As a part of this day, seminars, cultural events, and other programmes are organised by the central government. On the other hand, several states organise events to promote tourism in their region.

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8 Hidden Gems in J&K for a memorable experience

Jammu and Kashmir, often hailed as the Paradise on Earth,’ is dotted with breathtaking landscapes and iconic tourist destinations. While most remain crowded during the peak season, there are some lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. These hidden gems offer a unique blend of natural beauty, and cultural richness, making them perfect for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. If you also want to skip the crowd, and enjoy the beauty of this place, visit these eight hidden gems that promise a truly memorable vacation. Naranag Tucked away in the Ganderbal district, Naranag is an archaeological and historical treasure trove. This place is renowned for its ancient Shiva temple, believed to date back to the 8th century, and is a must-visit. When here, explore its rich cultural heritage, scenic meadows, against the backdrop of stunning Himalayan vistas, and the crystal-clear Wangath River that further add to the allure of this hidden gem. Bungus Valley Set in the northern part of Kashmir, Bungus Valley is a remote and relatively untouched paradise. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pristine meadows, and dense forests, the valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The tranquillity of Bungus Valley, coupled with its panoramic views, creates an ideal setting for a peaceful retreat. Ambaran Ambaran, locally referred to as Pambaran, is a quaint village nestled in the Akhnoor tehsil of the Jammu district. Believed to have been established by Amba Jagdev Pawar, a descendant of the Pawar dynasty from Dhar Ujjain, Ambaran holds historical significance as the original capital of Akhnoor. Initially named Ambari in reverence to the family deity Amba, an alternative name for Goddess Durga, the village eventually adopted the name Ambaran over time. Pogal Paristan Pogal is a valley in the Banihal district, drained by the Sundari or Pogal stream. This stream originates on the southern slopes of Nandmarg mountain, flowing southwestward until it joins the Peristan stream, a tributary of the Bichlari River. Paristan is the name of a narrow valley located in the southeast corner of the Banihal district. The mountains on its southern side boast significant elevation, adorned with forested slopes, while the hills on the northern side are less lofty, characterised by a barren and stony terrain. Despite the absence of large villages, the valley is dotted with numerous hamlets and a small town. Basantgarh The scenic village of Basantgarh is situated around 101 km from Ramnagar and 126 km from Chenani. Basantgarh, along with its neighbouring regions, such as Punara, Khaned, Loudhra, Berli, Chochru Galla, Lalaon, and various other picturesque yet underdeveloped sites, holds significant potential for winter sports, ecotourism, and adventure tourism. Ransoo Ransoo, located in the western part of Jammu and Kashmir near Kangar, is a small village, where there will be no crowd to bother you. This village has approximately 150 households, and despite its modest size, the community is highly engaged and industrious. Visit this place for sure if you are eager to explore off-the-beaten paths. Doodhpathri Doodhpathri, located in the Budgam district, is a mesmerising valley often referred to as the 'Valley of Milk.' Surrounded by dense forests, meadows, and gushing streams, Doodhpathri offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The pristine landscapes and cool climate make it an ideal destination for a tranquil getaway. Daksum Tucked away in the Anantnag district, Daksum is a pristine destination that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by dense coniferous forests and snow-capped peaks, Daksum is known for its charming meadows and the gurgling Bringhi River. The picturesque setting and tranquillity make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

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