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Elevate luxury travel to paradise with a Christmas 2023, New Year 2024 trip to these destinations

Winter holidays are here and if you are luxury seekers, curating extravagance amidst unique landscapes, you have come to the right place as we got a few travel experts on board to reveal a list of tourist destinations where modern aesthetics meet timeless luxury to elevate your travel experience to paradise this Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024. Get ready to discover luxe at every turn as we spill the beans. Elevate luxury travel to paradise with a Christmas 2023, New Year 2024 trip to these destinations (Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels) Elevate luxury travel to paradise with a Christmas 2023, New Year 2024 trip to these destinations (Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Soufiane El Allam, Complex Commercial Director at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, shared, “For those who desire luxe at every touchpoint, Dubai is the answer and what better than the best-in-class luxurious hospitality? You can unwind in opulence as you experience the luxurious accommodations that seamlessly showcase modern aesthetics and timeless art and architectural inspiration from bygone times. Being located in close vicinity of regional attractions, you are never away from experiencing the innumerable immersive experiences that the destination has to offer. One can relish gourmet cuisines from across the world and local attractions and on top of them all, relax in luxury. Experience it all with the iconic skyline in the backdrop for a truly unforgettable visit to Dubai.” Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Travel & Tours, suggested, “The popular destination to experience luxury at its fullest in the Middle East has to be Qatar. From fun cultural activities throughout the country, Qatar has it all, unique desert, vast coastline and old-world charm architecture to contemporary skyscrapers and world-class facilities for entertainment. Qatar ensures a memorable luxurious journey for you from elaborate dining options at luxurious restaurants to rejuvenating in world-class hotels to retire for the day. Plan your trip to experience the ultimate extravagance. Go dune bashing at the desert or visit the nearby museum and pick up souvenirs from the local bazaars, there’s a lot that you can experience in Qatar. An ideal weekend getaway destination, Qatar offers a timeless charm that one must experience.” Bringing her expertise to the same, Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director at Tria Uma Wisata, recommended, “For the tropical retreat amidst the glistening waters and a pristine coastline, Bali must the on your list for the hassle-free luxurious getaway vacay. With quick e-visa services, Bali has become a popular destination for Indians to explore the lush landscapes, calming clean beaches and cultural attractions. Offering a wide range of luxurious accommodations, you can unwind in peace during your visit to the island destination. You can experience the vibrant local culture, sink your teeth into the scrumptious local cuisine and explore the calming, peaceful locales of the destination. From local markets to experiencing the Indian cuisine far away from India, Bali has a lot to offer which can be explored to the fullest.”

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Good news for Hajj pilgrims: Saudi Arabia launches unified visa application platform

To facilitate travel of Haj pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has launched a consolidated national visa application platform named KSA Visa. It’s a system that integrates more than 30 ministries, authorities, and private-sector entities. The system aims to streamline the visa application process for various purposes such as Hajj, Umrah, tourism, business visits, and employment. The initiative follows Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah's recent visit to India, and it is anticipated to particularly benefit the approximately 20 lakh Indian Hajj pilgrims this year. Using cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), KSA Visa assists users in identifying available visas. The centralised smart search engine offers comprehensive guidance on visa requirements and application procedures. The platform was officially launched at the digital government forum in Riyadh. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal to attract more tourists, aiming for 150 million visits annually by 2030. In 2023 alone, the country issued over 18.6 million visas, with the processing time for digital visas reduced to just 60 seconds. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is working on a system specifically tailored to enhance flexibility for Indian pilgrims, especially women on solo Umrah trips. The new measures include extending the Umrah visa duration to 90 days and introducing a four-day transit visa to accommodate the growing number of Indian pilgrims. The focus on promoting gender equality and creating a safer, more inclusive environment is expected to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for all travellers, as emphasised by Minister Al-Rabiah. He anticipates a surge in the number of Indian Umrah pilgrims, which will further contribute to the impactful initiatives designed to enrich the pilgrim experience. Looking ahead to the Hajj season in 2024, Saudi Arabia has set an estimated quota of 175,025 slots for Indian pilgrims, which highlight the country's commitment to facilitating and enhancing the pilgrimage experience for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Hajj, a sacred pilgrimage in Islam, draws millions of Muslims annually to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, mandatory for all capable Muslims to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage holds immense spiritual significance among Muslims worldwide as they gather to worship and seek forgiveness during this sacred journey in the heart of Islam.

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UAE: Inaugural Hatta Festival continues to captivate crowds with exciting lineup of community events and activities

Celebrations are in full swing at the inaugural edition of the Hatta Festival with plenty more in store, as community events and sports activities bring together residents and visitors by the thousands to partake in the rich experiences of Dubai's picturesque mountain region. The festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, sports and family entertainment in the heart of Dubai's scenic town, serves as the centrepiece of the third edition of the Dubai Destinations winter campaign. Running until December 31, the event is being organised by Brand Dubai in partnership with the Supreme Committee Overseeing Hatta Development. Amina Taher, Member of the Hatta Festival's Organising Committee Representing Brand Dubai, said, "Against the breathtaking backdrop of Hatta's majestic mountains and amid the beautiful winter weather, visitors are being treated to an array of interactive and entertainment experiences at the inaugural Hatta Festival. A showcase of the area's unique heritage, the festival provides a platform for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions, flavours and artistic expressions that define this enchanting part of the city. We are extremely happy with the huge turnout and the enthusiastic response to the festival, which captures the essence of Hatta's cultural identity and contributes to further strengthening Dubai's position as one of the world's best winter destinations." She added, "A stunning lineup of activities awaits visitors, catering to all age groups and interests. We extend a warm invitation to everyone to explore Hatta's natural wonders and participate in the event's diverse programmes and activities." For enthusiasts of hiking and adventure, the festival presents a golden opportunity to indulge in their passion and relish the breathtaking natural beauty of Hatta. An exhilarating mountain trek spanning a distance of 7 km will offer participants a unique journey amid the area's historical landmarks. The two-hour hike, organised by HAT Hatta, a Hatta-born business that arranges hiking adventures in the area, is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 23rd December, promising an unforgettable experience for both adults and children. Sports enthusiasts can embark on a fitness adventure like no other with StormCycling, a thrilling collaboration with the boutique indoor cycling studio, Storm, at the heart of the Hatta Festival. On 23rd December, participants can gear up for a dynamic spinning session at 10:00, set against the mesmerising vistas of Hatta. The session promises an unparalleled fusion of fitness and scenic beauty, offering a unique opportunity for fitness enthusiasts. The festival unfolds with a dedicated bicycle parade on December 24, from 8:00 to 10:00. Against the stunning backdrop of Hatta's scenic landscapes, a group of 20 cycling enthusiasts from the Alkhawaneej Cycling Club will embark on a thrilling journey. The route will wind down from Hatta, culminating at the picturesque Leem Lake--a three-hectare oasis that stands as the heartbeat of the festival, promising an adventure that merges cycling, nature and festive vibes in perfect harmony. Adding a dynamic and thrilling element to the festival, a motorcycle procession is set to kick off on December 29. A convoy of 30 avid riders from the Dubai Rider motorcycle club will rev their engines in Dubai and embark on an exciting journey to Hatta, converging at the festival site. This motorcycle march not only showcases the passion for biking but also contributes to the high-energy atmosphere of the first edition of the festival. In another exciting event, December 30 will witness a spectacular parade featuring classic cars embarking from Dubai at 7:00 to reach the festival site in Hatta. This classic car procession, led by vintage car enthusiasts under the Flat12 banner, will feature several classic models that are only showcased on rare occasions. The event is sure to add vintage charm to the festivities, promising a visually captivating spectacle for attendees. In essence, Hatta Festival goes beyond traditional festivities by catering to a diverse range of interests, ensuring that everyone, from hikers and adventurers to classic car enthusiasts, motorcycle riders and cyclists, finds a space to celebrate their passion amidst the natural wonders of Hatta. The latest Dubai Destinations campaign encourages residents and visitors to discover Dubai's diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make the city a distinctive winter destination. The campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Brand Dubai is implementing the Dubai Destinations campaign in cooperation with various stakeholders and the creative media community. Dubai was named one of the world's top winter sun destinations, according to Travelbag's best winter sun destination rankings for 2023. In 2022, the city was also ranked as the world's best winter-sun destination, with the most Google searches and the most things to do in a city during winter, according to The Winter Sun Index issued by travel package provider ParkSleepFly. Dubai has been tagged on Instagram more than 111 million times and has the most winter-related 'things to do' Google searches in the world, reaching 55,000.

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Govt plans to attract both desi and international couples to make India the global wedding destination

According to a report by KPMG, the Indian wedding market was estimated to generate R lakh crore annually a few years ago, and the current figures are believed to be even higher considerable portion of this spending occurs during lavish destination weddings held ab The govt plans to launch a campaign to woo desi and global couples to wed in India. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a "wed in India" movement, the Union Tourism Ministry is gearing up to launch a new campaign, "India says I do", on a large scale for not only encouraging affluent Indian families to host weddings within the country but also to draw foreign couples to tie the knot on Indian soil, a TOI report stated. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian wedding market was estimated to generate Rs 3-4 lakh crore annually a few years ago, and the current figures are believed to be even higher. A considerable portion of this spending occurs during lavish destination weddings held abroad. Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had predicted a staggering expenditure of Rs 4.7 lakh crore on 38 lakh weddings during the period from November 23 to December 15, marking a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. This includes expenses on various wedding essentials such as jewelry, attire, venues, gifts, and catering. The "India says I do" campaign is being planned by the Ministry of Tourism, emphasizing the vast infrastructure and diverse venues available across the country. These range from enchanting palaces, forts, and havelis to banquet halls catering to different budget brackets. The objective is not only to position India as a premier wedding destination for its citizens but also to attract a global clientele. An anonymous senior government official affirmed the impending launch of the campaign, stating, "The ministry is finalizing contours of 'India says I do' which will showcase the massive infrastructure and available venues ranging from dreamy palaces, forts and havelis to banquet halls in all price brackets. The aim is to showcase India as a wedding destination for not just the desis but foreigners too." Indian families have been known to splurge on weddings abroad, reserving entire five-star hotels in European capitals for their celebrations. With neighboring international destinations actively courting rich Indian families, the local tourism industry has also recognized weddings as a significant draw for Indian travelers. Prime Minister Modi's push for "wed in India" has already influenced some affluent families. An aircraft charter operator, speaking anonymously, disclosed receiving cancellations for wedding charters from South India to the Gulf. These cancellations came from business families unwilling to take any chances, indicating a shift in preferences due to Modi's initiative. The surge in wedding charters from India, witnessed post-COVID, has declined as affluent families now seek to break away for 3-4 days within the country.

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Govt spending INR 1.5 lakh cr to improve connectivity to tourist, religious places: Gadkari

In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, 2 projects worth INR 540 crore are underway, while Andhra Pradesh has 5 projects covering INR 2,588 crore. Arunachal Pradesh sees 7 projects totali INR 7,648 crore rupees, while Assam has 9 projects for INR 1,861 crore. Other states/ UTs include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand and more. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up 321 NHs projects in a length of about 8,544 km and amounting to INR 1,49,758 crore for improvement of important tourist / religious connectivity. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said that the Ministry is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs). The development of NHs is carried out after network planning on PM Gati Shakti principle with the whole of the government approach. While planning the development, important economic, tourist and religious connections are invariably taken up with special focus on Way Side Amenities (WSAs), adequate signages and road side / median beautifications and more. Thus, there is no requirement of dedicated funding / scheme for development of tourist / religious destinations, the minister stated during his Lok Sabha session. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken several projects across various states and union territories aimed at enhancing connectivity to important tourist and religious destinations. In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, 2 projects worth 540 cr are underway, while Andhra Pradesh has 5 projects covering INR 2,588 crore. Arunachal Pradesh sees 7 projects totaling INR 7,648 crore rupees, while Assam has 9 projects for INR 1,861 crore. Ladakh has 8 projects aiming for INR 2,368 crore. Other states include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and more.

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Airlines and NDC: Pioneering the next era of travel

NDC enables more personalised traveller experiences and generates significant increment revenue for airlines (over USD 60 billion was projected for 2022 as per a report by IdealWo Kumar feels that it is no surprise that airlines seek to accelerate NDC adoption by travel agencies and, in particular, the lucrative corporate market. The discussion of today’s airline landscape and traveller experience would be incomplete without addressing the significance of New Distribution Capability (NDC). NDC represents a new and more sophisticated “distribution pipe” that enables airlines to deliver more robust and differentiated offers to travellers purchasing through online travel agencies (OTAs), travel agencies, and corporate booking tools. From extra-legroom seats to priority boarding and dynamically-priced offers, NDC is essential to endeavours to modernise airline retailing and distribution, with the ultimate goal of creating superior, more personalised experiences for travel sellers, corporations and their NDC enables more personalised traveller experiences and generates significant incremental revenue for airlines (over USD 60 billion was projected for 2022 as per a report by IdealWorks. It is, therefore, no surprise that airlines seek to accelerate NDC adoption by travel agencies and, in particular, the lucrative corporate market. Some airlines are taking a proactive stance by removing their fares and packages from traditional corporate travel channels, aiming to gain more control over pricing and service distribution. A recent notable example is American Airlines, which announced its decision to limit access to over 40 per cent of its fares for travel management companies not using NDC-enabled technology. This shift in content availability in corporate booking tools has farreaching implications for business travellers and travel managers alike. It can lead to confusion among travellers who suddenly find certain flights or fares unavailable through their usual booking tools or apps. For travel managers, this underscores the growing importance of collaborating with NDC-enabled technology platforms for online booking. Through customer satisfaction and loyalty. For Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), embracing NDC translates to improved access to airline content, empowering them to offer travellers a broader range of options and more personalized experiences. This advancement in travel e-commerce creates a mutually beneficial scenario for both airlines and OTAs, fostering improved customer service and increased revenue opportunities.Here post-booking automation also steps in that enhances the traveller's experience by providing comprehensive information on fare rules, specifically explaining CAT 16 fare rules, and ensuring smooth execution of changes and cancellations. Refund and exchange procedures are seamlessly automated for each Travel Order, allowing supported NDC offers a number of benefits for both airlines and travellers, including: Greater flexibility and control for airlines: NDC gives airlines more control over how they sell and distribute their products and services. This allows them to offer more personalized and tailored experiences to their customers. Improved customer experience: NDC can help to improve the customer experience by making it easier for travellers to book and manage their flights. For example, NDC-enabled bookings can be made on a variety of different channels, including airline websites, travel agent websites, and mobile apps. Increased efficiency and reduced costs: NDC can help to streamline the booking process for both airlines and travel sellers. This can lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs. Unlocking a New Era in Airline Retailing in 2024 The future of airline distribution is shaped by emerging trends in New Distribution Capability (NDC). Central to this evolution is personalization, as NDC empowers airlines to seamlessly integrate individual preferences, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilizes customer experience. Virtual Reality (VR) transforms how customers engage with travel offerings by offering immersive glimpses into travel experiences. To navigate this evolving landscape, airlines are encouraged to stay informed through industry engagement, embrace innovation, maintain agility, and cultivate collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. By staying attuned to trends and harnessing the power of NDC, airlines can confidently shape the future of distribution with innovation and adaptability.

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