News

Andaman and Nicobar welcomes tourists with extended beach hours, access to uninhabited islands

Andaman and Nicobar push for a vibrant tourist-friendly archipelago with expanding airline partnerships, exploring the unexplored islands and late beach nights The Andaman and Nicobar administration has taken numerous initiatives to attract more tourists to the archipelago, including granting access to uninhabited islands, allowing beaches to remain open till late night and reaching out to more airline operators, a top official said. Speaking to PTI, Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra said that there will also be eco-friendly tourism infrastructure in four islands and 11 tourist sites. "The administration has taken various initiatives towards promotion of tourism... like development of a five-star property at Megapode in Port Blair in PPP mode, leasing out land at Radha Nagar Beach in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)," he said. "Beaches are now being opened during late night hours for tourists to enjoy the heavenly sight of the landscape as well as the bio-luminescence. Efforts are being made to reach out to more airline operators that will lead to competitive and affordable pricing of tickets for tourists," he added. The administration is also exploring possibilities to have international connectivity from Port Blair, especially the Southeast Asian countries where the tourism sector is a significant part of the economy. This could enable cheaper air connectivity to these countries owing to their proximity to Port Blair, Chandra said. "We have also granted access to various uninhabited islands for tourism activities and as a part of it, Cinque Island has recently been opened for day tourism (in high value and low volume tourism categories). Seaplane services are going to be operated soon from Port Blair to various inter-island destinations. "Various policies for the promotion of tourism activities like bird watching, caravan, houseboat and luxury tent accommodation are also in the final stages," the chief secretary said. Measures are also being taken to improve the nightlife experience, and as part of it, a night-cruise dinner facility is already in existence at Port Blair, besides houseboat and night kayaking, Chandra added.

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German rail strike disrupts travel plans; tourists stare at nationwide disruptions

Members of the union representing German train drivers, GDL, are all set to launch open-ended strikes throughout 2024, intensifying an acrimonious dispute with the nation’s primary railway operator, Deutsche Bahn (DB). The contentious issues of the conflict revolve around working hours and compensation. Rail travel, in Germany, witnessed a series of disruptive strikes in 2023, and so far, the industrial action shows no signs of abating. The core of the dispute revolves around working hours, with GDL pushing for a reduction from 38 to 35 hours per week without a corresponding cut in pay. Additionally, the union is demanding a monthly pay increase of €555 (₹50,428.97) and an inflation compensation bonus for its members. The latest round of strikes commenced at 2 am on Wednesday and will continue till 5 pm on Friday. DB has raised alarms, indicating that its services are poised to face substantial disruptions on a nationwide scale during the ongoing period of strikes. Citing information from BTN Europe, the railway operator foresees significant delays and widespread cancellations. The impact of the strike extends beyond inconvenience for travellers; it also affects companies relying on rail cargo transport for raw materials or goods. DW reports that nearly 60% of DB’s freight transport services are conducted across Europe, with six out of 11 freight transport corridors in Europe passing through Germany, according to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). As Germany’s largest employer of train drivers, DB oversees a broad spectrum of services, including long-distance passenger trains such as ICE, IC, EC, and Nightjet trains, as well as regional trains and S-Bahn lines. DB has urged travellers to cancel or postpone non-essential trips, emphasising that millions of travel plans will be impacted, according to Reuters. DB has encouraged affected passengers to check travel connections 24 hours before their journey, as both long-distance and regional transport services are expected to experience significant reductions, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. To alleviate the impact on passengers, DB has temporarily lifted restrictions on train connections from January 10 to January 12. Passengers are allowed to use tickets at a later date, even if the route is modified, and seat reservations can be cancelled without charge, SchengenVisaInfo.com added. The strike comes at a challenging time, with ongoing road obstructions in certain areas due to farmers’ protests, further complicating travel across Germany. Tourists and commuters are advised to plan accordingly and stay updated on travel advisories during this period of nationwide rail disruptions.

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Travelling to Greece? Prepare to pay a new tax

Greece introduces a new tax for tourists that leans on tourism boom to financially support future disaster relief efforts, replaces previous hotel tax In 2023, the Greek island of Rhodes, known for sparkling beaches and ancient sites, nursed wounds of devastating wildfires in July where thousands of people were evacuated during the height of travel season, leaving Rhodes to weigh how the crisis will affect its vital tourism sector, which fuels most of its economy and some 20% of Greece's. The tourism sector was hit by heat waves and wildfires in other Mediterranean destinations too and Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia combined lost more than 1,350 square kilometers (520 square miles) to blazes that affected 120,000 people in late July, according to European Union estimates while Greece expected even more extreme heat in the later days. While travel to Greece overall was not hit too hard, fires chased away tourists in hard-hit parts of Greece and Rhodes saw mass cancellations of flights but even without the flames, summer heat intensified by climate change was a turnoff for travellers. Wildfires in the Mediterranean are not unusual but climate change has increased their intensity. A massive flooding in central Greece, that spawned from Storm Daniel in early September 2023, followed a summer of record heatwaves and wildfires with a "very clear climate change fingerprint, quantifying the contribution of global warming to these floods proved more challenging," according to Scientist Friederike Otto, a Climatologist at Imperial College London and Co-Founder of World Weather Attribution (WWA). Fierce rainstorms battered Greece, triggering flooding and leading the police to ban traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion and the resort island of Skiathos as record rainfall caused death, channelled thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away.

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China relaxes visa norms for business, education & tourism

In an effort to revitalise a sluggish economy, the Chinese government will be relaxing certain visa requirements, aiming to facilitate smoother travel experiences for foreigners engaging in business, education, and tourism activities. According to a Bloomberg report, citing China’s state broadcaster on Thursday, the National Immigration Administration outlined five steps including letting foreigners apply for re-entry visas, simplifying visa application, and allowing those who need to enter China urgently for work or other reasons to apply for port visas, or visa on arrival. As part of its extensive initiatives to allure international tourists, China has implemented various measures since reopening its borders in early 2023 following the easing of pandemic restrictions. Over the past year, China has expanded visa-free entry to additional countries and increased the frequency of direct flights to various overseas destinations. Additional measures include permitting travelers to apply for visa extensions or replacements at the nearest police station and exempting those transiting within 24 hours from border inspection at airports such as Beijing and other international hubs. This policy applies to nine international airports, including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi’an Xianyang. Travelers with international connecting flights within 24 hours can transit through any of these airports to a third country or region without going through immigration procedures and enjoy visa-free transit. Last month, China rolled out a one-year visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from six countries – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia – starting from December 1, 2023. The move also aims to further facilitate cross-border people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries, and serve the country’s high-quality development and opening-up. (Source: Bloomberg)

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Switzerland or wonderland? You decide!

Switzerland, often known as the ‘Land of the Alps,’ transforms into a magical wonderland when the winter brings snowfall. This picturesque country, with its snowy peaks, charming villages, and beautiful lakes, becomes a perfect getaway for winter enthusiasts seeking adventure and harmony. The main attraction during the winter months is Switzerland's world famous ski resorts. Resorts like Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz are nestled in the heart of the Alps offering a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The slopes and well-maintained trails provide a thrilling experience for adrenaline rushers, while beginners can take advantage of the excellent ski schools to take a new skill back home. Beyond the thrill of winter sports, Switzerland's vintage villages add a touch of charm to the place. Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets adorned with lights, surrounded by traditional ski huts covered in a blanket of snow making it a delight for the sight. The Swiss hospitality, combined with the cozy aura of local cafes and restaurants, creates a perfect setting for a vacation retreat. For a more relaxed experience, the country's winter landscapes offer breathtaking views. Take a scenic train ride through snow-covered valleys or embark on a cable car journey for panoramic views of the Alps. The serene beauty of frozen lakes like Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, adds an extra layer of peacefulness to the landscape. Switzerland's commitment to winter tourism extends beyond skiing and snowboarding. For those with a love for trekking the country hosts a well-developed network of winter hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of nature at a slower pace. Snowshoeing is another popular activity, providing a unique way to explore the snowy landscapes while enjoying the crisp winter air. Switzerland offers a variety of cultural and culinary delights. Indulge in Swiss kitchen like fondue and raclette, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow. Don’t forget to take home some souvenirs as during the season winter markets showcase local crafts, delicious treats, and traditional Swiss specialties, creating a festive atmosphere that captures the holiday spirit. Switzerland in winter is nothing less of a heavenly destination. Whether you're an adventure seeker or looking for a peaceful getaway in the alps, this paradise has something to offer for everyone. So, bundle up, and discover the magic of Switzerland during the most enchanting season of the year.

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Ras Al Khaimah Breaks Record with 1.22 Million Tourists in 2023

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 8 January 2024: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its best year for tourism ever, welcoming a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals to the nature Emirate in 2023, up 8% on 2022 numbers and bolstered by a significant 24% year-on-year pick-up in international visitors. The robust performance is underscored by RAKTDA’s strategic growth plans. From investment in tourism infrastructure, targeted initiatives to drive more visitors to the emirate, to developing an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as a destination of the future. Its key 2023 achievements include: - A 24% increase in international visitors, supported by over 2,200 international activities from roadshows, trade fairs to media events across 30 countries. - Cemented status as a business and social events hub with a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings. - Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s world-leading Sustainable Destinations programme – the only destination in the Middle East to receive this level of certification alongside more than 20 tourism partners from hotels and attractions. ·Featured in CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023; Condé Nast Traveler’s best places to go in Asia 2024; Travel + Leisure India’s Forget Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah Is The Place To Be In The UAE; and Forbes’ Why You Should Visit Ras Al Khaimah Now. - Boosted international air connectivity with the introduction of direct flights with Qatar Airways, Indian carrier IndiGo’s, Smart Wings, Centrum Air and SmartLynx. - Launched borderless travel with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) for cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, boosting visitor arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam. - Debut of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort with the start of 2024 and the reopening of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah following an extensive refurbishment. - Staged multiple headline-grabbing events, including the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup, DP World Tour, RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference and the Global Citizen Forum. - Set two new Guinness World Record titles and attracted over 65,000 visitors at its 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display. - RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year and ranked 4th in Best Workplaces in the Public Sector for the GCC in 2023.

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