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Karnataka: Kodagu is the 7th most searched travel destination of the year

Surrounded by captivating landscapes, Kodagu district in Karnataka continues to captivate tourists globally. It has now managed to secure a commendable 7th position among the world's top 10 tourist destinations. And that’s a great achievement! This recognition serves as a testament to the district's awe-inspiring natural beauty and popular attractions, which established this destination as one of the most coveted destinations for millions of travelers. Kodagu's enchanting scenery, featuring verdant hills adorned with lush green forests and glistening streams, turns into a winter wonderland during the cold and rainy seasons. During this time, it sees an influx of visitors from far and wide. In the year 2023, the district managed to clinch the 3rd position among the most searched tourist destinations by Indians, whereas Goa secured the 2nd place, and Kashmir was at 6th. Kodagu is blessed with a number of prominent tourist spots, including Abbi Falls, Madikeri Rajaseet, Cauvery Nisarga Dhama, Dubare Elephant Camp, Irpu Falls, and more. If reports are to go by, Kodagu witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with more than 1 lakh visitors on weekends and 30 thousand on weekdays. The district has plenty of homestays and around 1000 resorts, all bustling with activity, particularly during the year-end festivities. This also means that you will easily find a place to stay here as per your budget. Nagendra Prasad, President of the Hotel and Resort Owners Association, points out that the surge of tourists during the year-end festivities highlights the district's growing popularity. The 7th global ranking positions Kodagu alongside renowned destinations, such as Sri Lanka, Goa, Bali, Thailand, Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar, Italy, and Switzerland. The abundant green landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and winding rivers of Kodagu create a lasting impression on visitors, and plays a substantial role in making a mark. The Tourism Department of Kodagu acknowledges the importance of attractions such as Rajaseeti in Madikeri, the nature reserve, and Dubare. Plans are currently in progress to create user-friendly websites for tourists, aiming to improve accessibility to information about these sites. Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, expressed joy at Kodagu consistently captivating the world's attention in terms of tourism, highlighting the surge in Google searches for Kodagu's tourist destinations as a reflection of the district's universal appeal and a significant milestone in its tourism development.

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Thailand: Phuket introduces online visa extension system for tourists

Phuket, is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Thailand, and has been a favourite among the Indian travellers too. Now, as per the latest development, it has simplified the visa process for foreigners by introducing an online visa extension system. As per the reports, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai disclosed that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of the 12 specified visa types can now use an online platform to apply for visa extensions. This initiative is part of Lt Gen Itthiphon's broader mission to simplify the Immigration Bureau's operations and provide a seamless experience for tourists during the upcoming New Year holidays. The primary objective is to streamline the immigration process, making it both efficient and easily accessible. Phuket, being a key tourist destination in the upper southern region, has been a priority of the government. Policies facilitating movement, such as visa waivers for tourists from China and India to Thailand, have already been implemented and are proving to be highly productive, as indicated by tourist statistics. In December, Phuket Airport saw a substantial influx of tourists from Russia, averaging an impressive 3,600 arrivals daily. China, the United Kingdom, and India closely followed, with daily averages of 1,500, 780, and 720 visitors, respectively. Reportedly, the inflow of tourist through the airport for the month is projected to reach an impressive 350,000. The newly introduced online visa extension system, known as 'E-Extension,' aims to simplify the extension process for the 12 specified visa categories. Tourists will now be able to submit documents and schedule appointments online, and subsequently receive a physical stamp to extend their visas, reports added. The E-Extension Visa Service is currently operational at Immigration Bureau 1 in Bangkok and Immigration Offices in populous locations like Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. However, specific details regarding the E-Extension service for foreigners in Phuket are yet to be officially disclosed on the Phuket Immigration website. Lt Gen Itthiphon is scheduled to meet with local immigration officers to address potential issues, gather feedback, and consider necessary changes. Reports further add that Thailand is on track to reach pre-pandemic levels in tourism numbers, with approximately 24.5 million visitors in 2023. Despite meeting the government's goal for the year, this figure remains below the record of 40 million visitors recorded in 2019.

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New Year 2024 in Shimla: One lakh tourists expected, here's what you should know

Nearly 1.5 lakh tourists have visited Shimla on Christmas and around 80,000 to one lakh tourists are expected for New Year celebrations, a senior police officer said. "On the pattern of Christmas and winter carnivals, we will manage the same for December 31st. We had nearly 1.5 lakh tourists on Christmas and we are expecting 80,000 to one lakh people and nearly 2,50,000 vehicles on year-end," Shimla Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said. "In the capital city of Shimla, during the past 10 to 11 days, we have recorded 1,60,000 vehicle movements through the Shoghi Barrier. We have nearly 3 lakh locals, and we are also welcoming tourists. We have planned a one-minute traffic plan as per our potential and the results are positive and on the internal road we have allowed free movement," he added. The Shimla SP further informed that the department is monitoring the traffic with CCTV and drone."We have made arrangements at the main tourist points in Shimla, the Ridge, Kufri, Narkanda and other places. We have CCTV and drone monitoring for both traffic conjunction and also the human movements. We are trying to ensure security, safety and traffic arrangements, and we are guiding the tourists also," he said. The tourists are rushing for winter carnival and New Year celebrations in the hills here in Himachal Pradesh. "This new year we have come here with the hope of snowfall. The mountain view is very good. Due to the tourist inflow, it is taking a long but we are enjoying it," Gulshan, a tourist from Noida said. The tourists also said that due to overcrowding, hotels are charging three times higher. "We faced problems in getting hotels due to the tourist rush here. It was disappointing that we got three times higher prices of the hotels. We enjoyed it and we are exploring more stations here," Anchal, a tourist from UP said.

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Different New Year's traditions around the world

Froma daring ice-cold plunge in Scottish rivers to a glittery ball-drop in NewYor k, here’s howthework bids adieu to the old andwelcomes the newinunique ways. From eating a spoonful of lentils in Chile to daring an ice-cold plunge in Scotland, communities across the globe unite in a shared spirit to celebrate New Year in unique, traditional ways, bidding farewell to the old and embracing the new with a resounding cheer. Brazil and Chile In Brazil and Chile, beach celebrations take centre stage. Following the stroke of midnight, locals partake in a unique ritual: jumping seven waves while making seven wishes. This homage to Yemanja, the water goddess, requires participants to wear all-white attire, symbolizing purity. Chile shares a similar coastal tradition, rooted in the customs of Italian immigrants. As the clock strikes twelve, lentils, believed to attract prosperity due to their coin-like shape, become a focal point on dinner tables. A peculiar twist follows—after indulging in lentils, participants ascend to a higher spot and consume seven forkfuls. This practice is thought to secure financial fortune throughout the upcoming year. How to partake: Visit the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro or Viña del Mar in Chile, donning white attire to join locals in the tradition of jumping seven waves while making seven wishes. Plan a homestay in Chile to join a local family as they eat three plain spoonfuls of plain lentils to bring in wealth. Japan In the Land of the Rising Sun, the onset of the New Year can be clocked with the practice of Hatsuhinode, which can be described as inviting the locals and visitors alike to welcome the dawn of the new year by witnessing the first sunrise. Believed to herald good fortune, people rise early and converge on beaches or hills to absorb the symbolic beginning of a prosperous year. Post Hatsuhinode, millions embark on visits to temples and shrines during the following three days, Fushimi Inari Taisho in Kyoto being one of them. Another tradition is indulging in a warm bowl of soba noodles takes centre stage, with origins dating back to the Kamakura period. Tied to a compassionate gesture of a Buddhist temple distributing noodles to the less fortunate, the tradition signifies a literal break away from the old year. How to partake: Join locals in the annual tradition of hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Choose a popular shrine like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto for a vibrant celebration. Queue up for a prayer at Tsuruoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. Embrace Japanese entertainment by tuning in to the popular music program "Kohaku Uta Gassen" on New Year's Eve. New York, USA The heart of New York City is a pulsating destination where people flock with anticipation to see the iconic ball drop at Times Square—an emblematic tradition that has defined the since 1907. A minute before the stroke of midnight, the world watches as thousands of New Yorkers converge at Times Square to witness the colossal ball gracefully descend, marking the exuberant commencement of the New Year. How to partake: After attending this unmissable event, go on to see the glittering lights of Central Park, take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, or dine at one of the city's diverse restaurants offering special New Year feasts. Edinburgh, Scotland Scotland extends its New Year's celebration into a three-day extravaganza. Commencing on the 30th of December, the festivities kick off with a candle-light procession, where locals and visitors alike parade through the historic streets, creating a river of light that winds its way to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. As night falls, the sky over the castle erupts into a brilliant display of fireworks. On New Year's Eve, the streets teem with thousands of revellers, joining in the jubilation and singing the timeless "Auld Lang Syne" as the clock strikes midnight. How to partake: The Loony Dook, an annual New Year's Day event, sees participants taking a daring plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth. Named for the combination of "Loony" (short for "lunatic") and "Dook" (Scottish for "dip" or "bathe"), this tradition begins with a must-watch Dookers' Fancy Dress Parade. Greece Podariko—a Greek New Year tradition can be defined as a series of symbolic rituals involving pomegranates—a symbol of luck, prosperity, and fertility. As midnight approaches, homes go dark and empty. An individual, chosen by fate, reenters the house with their right foot, believed to usher in blessings for the family. The ceremony extends as a second participant cradles a pomegranate, smashing it against the door. The abundance of juicy seeds measures luck, promising greater fortune for the household in the new year. How to partake: Hop to the Acropolis in Athens as the clock strikes midnight and join locals in cities and villages for community-led celebrations. Observe Saint Basil the Great on January 1 with the vasilopita tradition, cutting a special cake in the first minutes of the New Year, with a hidden trinket blessing the finder with good luck for the year.

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Agreement signed between India-Italy to grant Indian students 1-year residency in Italy

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet recently granted ex-post facto approval for India to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement with Italy. This landmark agreement, inked on November 2 by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, is set to empower Indian students with a unique opportunity – temporary residence in Italy for up to one year after completing their studies to gain professional experience. The primary objective of this agreement is to strengthen people-to-people contacts and foster mobility among students, skilled workers, business professionals, and young talents between India and Italy. This will notably solidify the existing Italian visa regime, which will include mechanisms for post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training, offering India a distinct advantage within the current labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree. For Indian students aspiring to gather initial professional experience after their academic or vocational training in Italy, the agreement will offer them a temporary residence in the country for a period of up to 12 months. Italy, in turn, has outlined specific provisions related to professional training, extracurricular internships, and curricular internships, providing a platform for Indian students and trainees to align with Italian skill and training standards. Further as per the reports, the agreement allocates quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, amounting to 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000, as well as 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000, respectively, for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 under the current Flows Decree. This provision will further open avenues for Indian workers to contribute to the Italian workforce and gain valuable international experience. The agreement goes beyond student and worker mobility, formalising joint efforts in advancing mobility pathways through agreements on Youth Mobility. It also addresses the facilitation of recruitment of Indian qualified professionals in the healthcare and medical services sectors. Cooperation between the two parties to fight against irregular migration has been outlined and formalised in the statement as well. To ensure effective implementation, the agreement establishes a joint working group, facilitating periodic meetings in virtual or physical modes. This mechanism will monitor and oversee the agreement's execution, adding a layer of transparency and accountability to this milestone initiative between India and Italy.

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Tourists in Nepal cross one million mark; Indians highest number of visitors

Nepal received one million foreign tourists in 2023, with Indians being the highest number visitors to the Himalayan nation where the tourism sector was badly affected by the COVID pandemic, a senior official said on Wednesday. Maniraj Lamichhane, director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), said that the target of bringing in one million foreign tourists in 2023 has been achieved. Nepal received one million foreign tourists in 2023, with Indians being the highest number of visitors to the Himalayan nation where the tourism sector was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior official said on Wednesday. Maniraj Lamichhane, director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), said that the target of bringing in one million foreign tourists in 2023 has been achieved, MyRepublica newspaper reported. "There are still a few days left in December. However, the government's target was achieved three days ago. This is the highest number of arrivals since 2019," said Lamichhane. "It has added excitement to the tourism sector." All these are foreign visitors who entered by air. For the first time since 2019, the tourism sector, which was badly affected by the coronavirus infection, has risen to this size. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the arrival of foreign guests was affected until the previous year. Previously, the highest number of foreign guests entered Nepal in 2019. In 2022, this figure was 614,148. In 2021, 150,962 foreign guests entered Nepal. The number of foreign visitors entering Nepal in 2020 was 230,085, the paper said. "The tourism sector that was weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic has recovered in a short time. If we could do better marketing, the arrival would have increased this year," said Lamichhane. He said that if international flights are resumed from the international airports operating in Pokhara and Bhairahawa, the number of arrivals will further increase. "It is not that the tourism sector has not been affected due to some conflicts at the international level, but the target set by the government for this year has been fulfilled," he said. According to him, among those who entered Nepal in 2023, the highest share was 30 per cent of Indian guests. He said that although the size of Indian guests entering Nepal is around 20 per cent, Indian arrivals have increased significantly this year. According to him, the number of Indian guests who entered Nepal in 2019 was 254,000, but now it has exceeded 300,000. Similarly, in 2019, the number of American tourists was 93,000, but this year, around 100,000 arrived. "The arrival of guests from American, Chinese and other countries has also increased," he said. While unveiling his achievements in the first year of the government, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Tuesday said that the Nepal government has achieved success in receiving tourists.

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