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What happens if you spill water on your passport?

Accidents happen, and one common mishap that most travellers have faced is spilling water on their passport. You won’t believe that this seemingly innocent spill can actually lead to significant consequences too, thereby causing inconvenience and stress during your travels. Well, passports are made from materials designed to withstand wear and tear, but they are not entirely waterproof. If water seeps into the passport pages, it can cause the paper to swell, warp, or even tear, which can eventually lead to compromising the essential information within the passport, such as your personal details and visa stamps. Apart from the physical damage, spilled water can also affect the security features embedded in modern passports. Water damage may render the biometric data, RFID chips, or other electronic components unreadable. This can lead to complications as authorities may have difficulty verifying your identity or accessing the electronic data stored in the passport. Therefore, in the event of water damage, it is crucial to assess the severity and act promptly. If the spill is minimal and the passport remains intact, you are good, and try to carefully dry the affected pages. However, make sure that you don’t go overboard in the drying process by using heat sources like microwaves and hair dryers that can further worsen the damage. So, exercise caution in this process. For more substantial water damage, you will have to seek professional assistance, and ensure that you replace it at the earliest. Many countries have strict regulations regarding damaged passports, and using a compromised document may lead to denied entry or other legal complications. So, if water spill has done grave damage to your passport, you will have to go ahead to apply for a fresh passport. For this, the applicant will have to apply under ‘re-issue’ category with reason as Lost/Damaged category. It’s safe to say that spilling water on your passport is not a trivial matter. Take preventive measures and handle water damage promptly, or else you will have to apply for a fresh passport to save yourself from unnecessary stress and complications during your journeys.

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95% Indian travellers prefer plastic money for a international shopping experience

According to a study conducted by VISA, acceptance, foreign exchange rates, and high on spending were key factors driving international card usage. The study found that 60% Indian travelers are keen on sustainable travel options and 43% say destinations promoting sustainability would encourage them to travel sustainably. Australia, UAE, US and Canada emerged as top international travel choices. Ninety five per cent Indian travellers prefer to use credit cards during their international travels to make their experience seamless, revealed the findings of Global Travel Intentions Study 2023, conducted by digital payment facilitator, VISA. Various offerings like travel miles, cashback, rewards, high acceptance, foreign exchange rates, and high limits on spending remain the key factors that drive international card usage, it found. Visa has been executing the Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study biennially for over a decade to understand travel and payment behaviours of its users, as well as to map the emerging trends in the travel landscape. “Consumers are increasingly wanting to substitute cumbersome procedures with secure, safe travel experiences,” said Sridhar Keppurengan, Business Head of Cross Border Payments, India & South Asia, Visa. “The security offered by a trusted brand’s card and the convenience of the widest global acceptance remain paramount, effectively removing complexities associated with exchanging and carrying the foreign currency,” said Keppurengan. Keppurengan said the Global Travel Intentions Study 2023 is a compass the company through the ever-evolving landscape of travel and payments. “It’s clear that cards are persistently simplifying cross-border transactions, emerging as the favored choice for consumers seeking to amplify their overall travel experience, particularly for those journeying outbound from India,” he said. The study identified sustainability, infrastructure, and experiential travel to be key drivers of the sector. As per its findings, 86% of individuals are highly interested in eco-friendly and sustainable travel and offerings and 60% look for such options actively. The study found that infrastructure is important to 65% of individuals and 43% say destinations promoting sustainable initiatives would encourage them to travel sustainably. 75% prioritise the social environment (including good environmental practices and safety) while choosing a destination and 73% of individuals look forward to local cultural experiences, it said. In terms of hospitality experience, 86% of travellers were found to prefer hotels,30% prefer bed and breakfast setups, and 24% prefer hostels as accommodation choices, it revealed. Among Indian consumers, international destinations like Australia, the UAE, the US, and Canada remain top preferences. The study found that 70% of travellers choose a destination based on leisure activities available, like entertainment and activities (35%), shopping options (27%), and local food and dining options (26%). Relaxation has been the main driver for travel (26%) and remains the top motivation (51%) for the next trip as well, it concluded.

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Sourav Ganguly to sign agreement for becoming Tripura tourism brand ambassador

The state government is expected to spend INR 350 crore to develop tourism destination such as Neer Mahal, Unakoti archaeological site, Chhabimura, Dumber Lake and Tripures Temple under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under Swadesh Darshan, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned INR 70 crore eac the development of tourism circuits in Agartala and Unakoti, while the ADB has sanction INR 58 crore for the development of tourism in Chhabimura. Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly will visit Tripura on December 11 to formally sign an agreement with the Tripura Tourism Department for becoming its brand ambassador, a senior minister said. The former BCCI president will also shoot a few tourism promotional videos at iconic monuments in the state on December 12. "Ganguly is scheduled to arrive in Tripura around 6 pm on Monday (December 11). From the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, he will go to Ujjayanta Palace, where an agreement for making him the brand ambassador of state tourism will be signed," Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury told reporters on December 10. Ganguly will meet Chief Minister Manik Saha at his official residence and shoot promotional videos at Chhabimura, a rock sculpture on the banks of the Gomti River, and the iconic Ujjayanta Palace, a symbol of the Manikya dynasty, on Tuesday, before leaving the state, Chowdhury said. "Ganguly's appointment as Tripura tourism's brand ambassador will have a positive impact on the state's strive for sustainable development through tourism," the minister said. The state government is expected to spend INR 350 crore to develop tourism destinations such as Neer Mahal, Unakoti archaeological site, Chhabimura, Dumber Lake and Tripureswari Temple under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under Swadesh Darshan, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned INR 70 crore each for the development of tourism circuits in Agartala and Unakoti, while the ADB has sanctioned INR 58 crore for the development of tourism in Chhabimura.

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Uttarakhand: India’s first-ever gyrocopter safari to be launched soon

Uttarakhand is all set to launch India's first-ever gyrocopter safari by the year's end to redefine the concept of adventure tourism in the state. This was unveiled during a tourism session at the Uttarakhand Investors' Summit this announcement guarantees a thrilling experience, which will allow visitors to marvel at the majestic Himalayan landscape from an entirely new perspective. Referring to this, Manish Saini, the CEO of the private sports company overseeing the air safari, highlighted that this is not only the inaugural service of its kind in India, but also across South Asia. Set to take flight by the end of this month, this development will mark a significant move in the state's tourism offerings, according to Saini. A gyrocopter is distinguished by the absence of an engine turning the rotors, and resembles a small helicopter. It will offer a distinctive and exhilarating experience. Saini further added that since 2014, they have been conducting air safaris in Rishikesh with the support of the state government. Gyrocopter safaris will also originate from Rishikesh, which will offer tourists with a bird's-eye view of the region's natural splendour. During the summit, State Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj emphasised the government's commitment to facilitating accessible and seamless journeys for tourists, with a specific focus on promoting adventure sports and pilgrimage. He elaborated plans for the development of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat as Shiva Nagari, and Corbett and Sitabani as a comprehensive animal kingdom. Tourism Department Secretary Sachin Kurve stressed the sector's substantial contribution to both the state and the country's GDP, citing Uttarakhand's recognition as the safest destination for female travellers. Meanwhile, Star Scape founder Ramashish Ray urged the government to tap into the vast potential of astro-tourism in the state, and develop it as a source of employment and revenue generation. With 64 observatories nationwide, including one in Kausani, Ray's insights hint at the unexplored celestial wonders waiting to be discovered in Uttarakhand.

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Transformative tech: The next era of airport lounges

The future of airport lounges promises to be a remarkable travel experience, where every aspect is catered to ensure passenger comfort and satisfaction. As technology advances customer expectations evolve you should therefore prepared to be amazed by the potent of transformational technology the next time you enter an airport lounge. Conventionally, airport lounges primarily served as waiting areas for transit passengers. Now, envision an airport lounge that not only foresees your every requirement but also offers a customised experience that effortlessly combines relaxation, productivity, and entertainment. This represents the concept of the "smart lounge," the future generation of airport lounges that harness technology, artistic design, and inventive thinking to redefine how we experience our time in transit. The future airport lounge combines technology and artistic ingenuity, transforming the conventional lounge from a uniform space into a dynamically tailored environment. The seating layout is customised to cater to a wide range of customer preferences, providing personalised seating arrangements. Efficient space management ensures that every square foot is maximised for optimal utility, for example whether accommodating a family group with infant & kids or meeting the distinct seating requirements of a working professional. Modern airport lounges are tapping into the power of digitalisation to provide travellers with an immersive and personalised journey. Applications like 'Priority Pass' enable passengers to access lounges seamlessly, allowing for paperless check-ins. These digital advancements, combined with automated check-ins and AI-driven concierge services, contribute to a frictionless experience. Enhanced security measures are seamlessly integrated with technology, including biometric authentication for efficient access control. This not only ensures the safety of passengers but also significantly reduces waiting times. Let’s explore some aspects of a Smart Lounge: A Smart Lounge offers an exceptional experience to its guests through various innovative features: Blazing-Fast Connectivity: Smart Lounges provide passengers with rapid and seamless internet access via 5G networks, catering to both workrelated tasks and entertainment. This ensures that travellers can stay connected and productive during their time in the lounge. culinary adventure tailored to their individual tastes. Using a dedicated app, passengers can conveniently order their preferred meals, ensuring a delightful and customised dining experience. Tailored Entertainment: Smart Lounges provide Personalised entertainment options to suit different traveller demographics. Modern technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are used to provide guests of the lounge with immersive and interesting entertainment alternatives. Wayfinding Assistance: Augmented Reality (AR) is utilised to assist travellers with wayfinding within the lounge itself, ensuring that they can navigate the space with ease and never feel lost. Wellness and Relaxation Zones: These lounges feature wellness and relaxation zones equipped with the latest technology to provide a rejuvenating experience. These areas offer travellers the opportunity to unwind and recharge, enhancing the overall enjoyment of their journey. Smart lounges go above and beyond traditional offerings. They leverage their unique spaces to form partnerships with brands, creating innovative retail areas that offer exclusive products and immersive experiences to enhance the overall traveler experience. Technology plays a crucial role in the operations of smart lounges. Predictive analytics can forecast traffic surges and the need for additional staff, food, and beverage supplies. The use of smart sensors and cameras transforms airport lounges into highly efficient, customercentric spaces. It facilitates real-time reporting on lounge occupancy, data visualisation, and reporting, allowing managers to make informed decisions. The future of airport lounges is even more promising. Installation of interactive LED wall systems and directional carpets will simplify navigation to gates and other airport amenities. Passengers will walk guided by their smartphones, synced with these LED directional carpets, and satisfaction. As technology advances and customer expectations evolve you should therefore prepared to be amazed by the potential of transformational technology the next time you enter an airport lounge. Your airport lounge is now a comfortable living environment created particularly for you, not merely a place to wait.

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Indian travellers 2nd among APAC's most assured; Booking.com region head shares trends, platform's growth strategy

Indians tend to have shorter booking windows, said Santosh Kumar, Country Head (India Sub-Continent & Indonesia), Booking.com, adding that for domestic travel, it is somewhe around 27-28 days, and for international travel, the window is three times higher than the other. He also spoke at length about the platform's emphasis on alternate accommodation a segment constituting 33 per cent of their global room nights. At a fireside chat at ET Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards, Santosh Kumar, Country Head (Indian Sub-Continent & Indonesia), Booking.com delved into the platform's distinctive approach within the Indian market and across the globe. He highlighted several aspects that set the Indian market apart while discussing emerging traveller behaviours, company's innovative strategies, focus on sustainability and alternate accommodations ruling over traditional hotels. Platform’s approach to the Indian Market vs Global Indian travellers have earned the second position among APAC's most assured travellers, according to a Booking.com report. Speaking during the session, Kumar highlighted Booking.com's adaptable platform, “We started with the pay-at-hotel model, which is still popular here because it suits Indian travelers who like flexibility. Most of our global transactions use a different payment model. Presently, 55 per cent of our global transactions stem from the merchant model, wherein we handle payments for travellers. But in India, the pay-at-hotel system is still a big hit,” he said. This model, he added, offers flexibility and convenience and aligns closely with the Indian consumer psyche, particularly for domestic and outbound travel consistent across countries but also tailored to unique factors in India, given its burgeoning appeal. Another unique facet is India's wide parity market, stated Kumar. “As a fulfillment provider, we maintain consistent pricing across partner platforms, ensuring uniform rates, availability, and conditions, which differs somewhat from global norms. Additionally, the emergence of value-added services and bundled rates caters well to the value-driven preferences of Indian travelers. They seek not only accommodation but also crave inclusive add-ons such as spa treatments, meals, and diverse experiences, making bundled rates a hit in India,” he added. Emerging Traveller Behaviours Kumar also discussed evolving travel patterns in the Asia Pacific, emphasising a normalisation of travel behaviours post-pandemic, a rise in experiential travel, and an increased awareness of responsible tourism. “Now, when focusing specifically on the Indian market, we see some distinct behavioural traits. Indians are notoriously late bookers; they tend to have shorter booking windows, meaning they often book closer to their travel dates compared to other nationalities. For India, it is somewhere around 27-28 days, and for international booking the window is roughly three times higher than the domestic booking window,” he revealed.

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