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Winter holidays travel plan: 5 family-friendly eco-adventures in Singapore

Singapore is a travel hub filled with cultural intersections, futuristic cityscapes, and enthralling adventures. The city offers a diverse array of quintessentially Singaporean experiences - ranging from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures - each of which carry a unique and playful charm, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. Whether you're an intrepid solo explorer or part of a group, these local escapades cater to everyone. Singapore's allure extends far beyond its tourist attractions. The city is passionately committed to sustainability. Renowned for its cleanliness and lush green spaces, Singapore fosters responsible eco-conscious tourism. Guided by the ambitious Singapore Green Plan 2023, this city actively reduces its environmental footprint, offering boundless possibilities for travellers from all walks of life. So, if you're planning a family getaway and seeking a city that seamlessly blends eco-consciousness with larger-than-life adventures, Singapore is your ideal choice. To enhance your journey to Singapore, in harmony with the city's green initiatives, here are five eco-adventures suitable for families: 1. ‘Sustainable Singapore Stories’: Explore the City in a Garden on foot "Sustainable Singapore Stories", is an immersive walking tour that unveils the city's green and eco-friendly initiatives. Beyond savouring breathtaking views of this city in a garden, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Singapore's most impressive eco-infrastructure during this 3-hour tour. Start your journey at the biophilic skyscrapers, nestled within the central business district. With soaring glass and aluminium facades, each of these skyscrapers seemingly burst open to reveal an urban farm which cumulatively grow over 150 different types of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Then, make your way to Marina Barrage- an innovative, calm reservoir which not only supplies water to Singaporeans and helps alleviate floods, but also doubles up as a place for family fun with some water sports. The climax of your adventure awaits at Gardens by the Bay, a living ecosystem that defies expectations, and showcases the essence of sustainable innovation. Here you can observe and stroll around Cooled Conservatories which enable lush greenery and Supertress which convert solar energy to electricity, lighting up the entire garden. Tailored for group travelers, including families, this walking tour offers a rewarding and low carbon footprint way to sightsee, making it a perfect choice for those looking to connect with nature while exploring the sustainable wonders of Singapore. 2. ‘Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour’: Take joyride across time Discover the sights and sounds of real Singapore on the Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour! This sustainable joyride across the city offers a multitude of experiences. As you pedal through key heritage sites, traverse historic streets, and marvel at architectural wonders, you'll find yourself immersed in a cultural extravaganza. This 4-hour tour guides you through some of the city's most renowned areas. From Singapore’s oldest urban quarters - Kampong Gelam, on Arab Street, to a ride along the pristine Singapore River in Southern Singapore, this breezy, low-carbon bicycle tour is the perfect way to explore Singapore’s popular sites. As you embark on this joyride, you'll encounter a diverse range of enchanting locations, guaranteeing an exhilarating eco-experience suitable for all ages. Check out the local wet market and take a coffee break while sampling local light bites. Marvel at the juxtaposition between the city’s old and new architecture at Singapore’s prominent landmarks and enjoy an experience like never before by cycling through the Formula 1 track! 3. ‘Botanical Gardens Tour’: Take a stroll in the heart of nature Embark on the Botanical Gardens Tour for a leisurely stroll that weaves together the tapestry of old-world charm and modern marvels. This UNESCO World Heritage site unfolds before you, revealing breathtaking landscapes where you and your family can bask in serenity. Roam amidst diverse species of natural flora, venturing into the very last vestige of the rainforest that once blanketed the entire island. Let your eyes feast upon a vibrant kaleidoscope of beautiful flowers, including the most exquisite orchids and lush tropical flora. It's not just a walk; it's an immersion into tranquillity, an experience tailor-made for families seeking to create lasting memories. Join us on this journey through time and nature, where old and new coalesce into something truly magical. 4. ‘Bird Paradise Specially Curated Tour’: Sneak peak to the Behind-the-Scenes action Newly opened in May 2023, Bird Paradise is Asia’s largest bird park which is home to over 3500 birds across 8 aviaries. The specially curated tour gives you an exclusive access to this magnificent park. You get to witness the daily routines of dedicated veterinarians as they care for the resident animals, providing you with a unique behind-the-scenes look into avian healthcare and conservation. That's just the beginning. Strap in for an adventure like none other as you embark on a guided trek through the all-new Bird Paradise. This journey takes you behind-the-scenes at the Avian Hospital, where you'll discover the inner workings of the park's commitment to avian welfare. What makes this experience even more extraordinary is that it extends beyond Bird Paradise. Bring your family along, and together, you'll delve into the world of bird conservation efforts. You can participate in some interesting feeding sessions, and, most excitingly, have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most majestic creatures in the park. It's a one-of-a-kind, day-long adventure that promises to leave you with a profound and unique perspective on wildlife conservation. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be a part of the wildlife vet experience, starting at the captivating Bird Paradise. 5. ‘Breakfast in the Wild’: Share a breakfast table with your family inside the Singapore Zoo Happy hour isn’t just about midday or end-of-day drinks- it comes down to enjoying some memorable moments with your loved ones. Begin your day with a delightful breakfast alongside your family at the Singapore Zoo. As you savour your meal, you can bask in the enchanting sight of orangutans and other animals. Immerse yourself in the surreal vistas and sounds of the Singapore Zoo's renowned open concept habitats, all while enjoying a diverse selection of both Western and Asian culinary delights. Singapore offers experiences which are far from ordinary outings; they are both sustainable and unforgettable. Dive into the vast array of activities our city has to offer, where each adventure presents an opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and one another. Whether you're bonding with orangutans during breakfast at the Singapore Zoo or embarking on eco-adventures in Bird Paradise, Singapore ensures that your family's moments together are nothing short of extraordinary.

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VFS Global launches its first Sign Language Contact Centre in India

Visa service information in sign language now available for applicants of 16 countries in India– Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (including Finland Residen Permit), Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland in the first phase. The Contact Centre was launched on the International Day Persons with Disabilities. VFS Global, the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has launched its first sign language contact centre for people of determination in India. Through this initiative, VFS Global aims to bridge the communication gap for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, empowering them to access visa service information more easily and independently. Launched on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this innovative service not only underscores VFS Global's steadfast commitment to foster an inclusive environment but also highlights the company's dedication to ensuring that all customers have equal access to their services, as part of its Diversity Equity and Inclusion programme of the Sustainability Strategy. The sign language contact centre provides information for visa services to Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (including Finland Residence Permit), Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland as part of the first phase of this project’s implementation plan. How to access the sign language contact centre: Step 1 – Visit www.vfsglobal.com Step 2 – Click on the ‘Contact Us’ button on the top right corner of the home page Step 3 – Select the source and destination countries by using the dropdowns and click ‘Go’ Step 4 – Click on the ‘Call Sign Language’ widget Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, "After the MENA region, we are truly excited to bring this solution to visa applicants in India as well, making information on our services and processes more accessible to all. Technology has been at the core of VFS Global's journey since inception and this innovation, which will aid in fueling an accessible and equitable world, is a step ahead in delivering inclusive and enhanced customer experience. While this service is being launched for 16 destination countries in the first phase, with more destinations to be added gradually in phases.” Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Ukraine. This service is accessible for applicants in seven countries in the region - Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The organisation has consistently enhanced the informational services on its website to ensure ease of access to information for applicants worldwide, regardless of their language or geographical location. The organisation's Information Services support operations globally through 59 contact centres, offering relevant information in 52 languages and maintaining 1,670 websites in 57 languages. In 2018, VFS Global introduced its chatbot Viva to provide quick and seamless automated responses to applicants in 175 countries.

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Iftar included in the UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list

The United Nations cultural agency has officially acknowledged Iftar, which refers to the evening meal that Muslims eat to break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and added it on its list of intangible cultural heritage. If reports are to go by, the joint proposal for this sociocultural tradition was submitted to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation by Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. According to UNESCO, Iftar, also known as eftari or iftor, is a practice observed by Muslims at sunset throughout the month of Ramadan, following the completion of all religious and ceremonial obligations. This tradition is closely linked to the sunset call to prayer during Ramadan, and is recognised for fostering gatherings that strengthen family and community bonds, while also promoting values such as charity, solidarity, and social exchange. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, meeting in Botswana since Monday, granted official recognition to this age-old communal practice. In various Muslim nations, it is customary to commence iftar by consuming a date along with tea, although recipes for dishes and pastries associated with iftar vary widely across countries. UNESCO emphasized that the transmission of the iftar practice typically occurs within families, with children and youth often taking on the responsibility of preparing components of traditional meals. In addition to iftar, Italian opera singing, an art passed down solely through oral means from teacher to pupil, has also been included in UNESCO's list of intangible global heritage. This art form, attracting students globally, received official acknowledgment, with Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano expressing pride in the confirmation of opera singing as a world excellence. Originating in Italy, the birthplace of Verdi and Scarlatti, Italian opera holds historical significance, with patriots singing it, and some of the world's most notable arias originating from the peninsula. UNESCO described Italian opera singing as a physiologically controlled method that enhances the voice's carrying power in acoustic spaces such as amphitheatres and churches.

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IATO urges the Prime Minister to initiate steps to revive inbound tourism into the country

The letter draws attention to the statement recently made by the Union Tourism Minister Krishna Reddy, in Parliament, which stated that only 85.9 lakh Foreign Tourist Visitors visited India in 2022 as compared to 3.14 crore in 2019. The letter lists multiple reasons for decline in numbers, such as the withdrawal of incentives to the inbound tour operators of their foreign exchange earnings, which were being used for overseas marketing and promotions The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), has written to the Prime Minister of India, seeking his intervention to revive the inbound tourism industry in the country. In the letter, the tourism body hashighlighted the reasons for the decline in the industry and suggested steps that can be taken to revive it, which has remained much below the 2019-20 levels. The letter draws attention to the statement recently made by the Union Tourism Minister, G Krishna Reddy, in Parliament, which stated that only 85.9 lakh Foreign Tourist Visitors (FTVs) visited India in 2022 as compared to 3.14 crore in 2019. The letter lists multiple reasons for the decline in numbers, such as the withdrawal of incentives to the inbound tour operators on their foreign exchange earnings, which were being used for overseas marketing and promotions. It also cites a lack of trained tourism manpower in Indian Embassies, who are also not able to do regular interaction and follow-up with the foreign tour operators. Besides, it mentions the lack of marketing and promotion of tourism in overseas markets, as budgetary support for overseas promotion like Fam Trips to India and overseas road shows were withdrawn. Further, it mentions that the non-availability of funds with the Ministry of Tourism for participation in overseas travel marts and approval required from the Ministry of Finance for participation in each mart is a significant hurdle in promoting inbound tourism. According to Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, "FTV numbers falling during Covid was understandable, but now things are absolutely normal, but our numbers are nowhere near the 2019 level. These, in no way, do justice to our country, which has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and rich cultural history." In the letter, IATO has suggested multiple steps that can be taken to revive the numbers. They have requested the government to offer financial support to the inbound tour operators by providing a 5 per cent incentive on their net foreign exchange earnings on the condition that this be utilised for overseas promotions and marketing for at least five years or until the time inbound tourism to India reaches the 2019-20 level. They have also suggested that trained Ministry of Tourism officers be posted at Indian consulates or embassies for regular interaction and follow-up with the foreign tour operators. Additionally, they have suggested that advance planning of at least one year and dedicated budgetary funds be provided to MOT for aggressive overseas promotion through electronic and print media, travel marts participation, Fam trips, and other measures required for the revival of tourism. Further, they have suggested the immediate formation of a National Tourism Board, which is to be headed by a person whose heart beats for tourism.

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First cruise ship of the season, Seven Seas Navigator arrives at New Mangaluru Port

The majestic "Seven Seas Navigator" gracefully docked at New Mangalore Port on Friday, marking the official commencement of the 2023-24 cruise season. The momentous occa signifies a resurgence of maritime tourism in the region, much to the delight of local businesses and stakeholders. The majestic "Seven Seas Navigator" gracefully docked at New Mangalore Port on Friday, marking the official commencement of the 2023-24 cruise season. The momentous occasion signifies a resurgence of maritime tourism in the region, much to the delight of local businesses and stakeholders. The arrival of the "Seven Seas Navigator," carrying a vibrant contingent of passengers and crew, is a testament to the growing popularity of New Mangalore as a compelling cruise destination. The port expects to welcome a total of 10 cruise vessels during the current season, with arrivals continuing until the second week of May 2024. This influx of visitors is anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy, generating revenue for various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and transportation. The Bahamas-flagged ship docked alongside berth no.04 carrying 500 passengers and 350 crew members to the Port at 0700 am. The vessel's last port of call were Fujairah and Mumbai and Mormugao Port. The overall length of the ship is 173 meters with a carrying capacity of 28,803 Gross Tonnage and a draft of 7.5 meters. It is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Upon disembarking from the ship, the cruise passengers were given a traditional welcome with "chenda" and "Yakshagana" performance. Tourists enjoyed taking photos of this Karnataka art form. Various arrangements were made to ensure the comfortable and pleasant experience of the cruise passengers, including medical screenings, multiple immigration and customs counters for swift movement, and buses and special taxis for transportation around Mangalore city. The chairman of New Mangalore port felicitated the master and the GM of the vessel in the presence of the Deputy Chairman and other senior port officers. In a reciprocal gesture, the master presented the chairman with a memento. The port further entertained the passengers with a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance, delighting them and immersing them in India's rich cultural heritage. For the first time the passengers were welcomed by a dedicated VR (Virtual Reality) Experience Zone in the International Cruise Lounge allowing them to embark on a virtual journey showcasing the modern infrastructure & handling at New Mangalore Port. Selfie stand by the Ministry of Tourism depicting "Yakshagana" rich culture of Dakshina Kannada was a special attraction for the passengers to take selfies. The passengers visited different tourist destinations, such as the Gomateshwara statue in Karkala, the 1000 Pillar Temple at Moodabidri, Soans farm, Achal Cashew Factory, Gokarnanatha Temple, St Alloysius Chapel & Local Market. The ship departed at 6pm for its next destination, the Cochin Port. The passengers were gifted with souvenirs as token of remembrance of their travel to Mangalore.

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Tourists revel as season's first snowfall blankets Bengal's highest point Sandakphu

In a burst of seasonal exuberance, tourists embraced the season's first snowfall at Sandak the highest point of West Bengal, engaging in playful snowball fights that painted the landscape with colourful moments against the majestic backdrop of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. News of the first snowfall in Sandakphu and Tonglu prompted tourists flock to the elevated regions of the district. In a burst of seasonal exuberance, tourists embraced the season's first snowfall at Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal, engaging in playful snowball fights that painted the landscape with colourful moments against the majestic backdrop of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. As temperatures dipped in the higher reaches of Darjeeling district, the Meteorological Department anticipates a decrease of three to five degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures across eastern India over the next three days. News of the first snowfall in Sandakphu and Tonglu prompted tourists to flock to the elevated regions of the district.Situated at an elevation of 11,930 feet on the Singalila ridge in the Himalayas, Sandakphu stands as the highest point in West Bengal, offering panoramic views of the Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and the Kanchenjunga peaks. In the 24 hours till Friday morning, Darjeeling town, often referred to as the "queen of the hills," recorded a minimum temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius and received 4.8 mm of rainfall, according to the weather office. The snowfall has become somewhat regular since 2018, with the hills experiencing snowfall at periodic intervals during the winter seasons of 2021 and 2022. In 2018, the region received snowfall after a hiatus of nearly a decade, as noted by local tour operators. Amid the snowy spectacle, tourists were spotted relishing the winter wonderland at Sandakphu, engaging in moments of joy and delight. Raj Basu, the convenor of the Siliguri-based Association for Conservation of Tourism, revealed an upsurge in inquiries from across India after reports of the first snowfall in the Darjeeling hills. He emphasised that the initial snowfall marks the commencement of the winter tourism season in the region encompassing North Bengal and Sikkim. "The first snowfall acts as a kickstart for the winter season for tourism in the region, encompassing north Bengal and Sikkim," he told PTI. Anil Punjabi, a national committee member of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), reported nearly full occupancy in hotels and homestays.He expressed optimism that "the occupancy, currently at around 90 percent, would reach full capacity in the coming days", attributing the high demand to increased queries and escalated rates for various accommodations. Ajay Guha, a tourist from Kolkata, shared his elation at witnessing the snowfall, recalling his last visit to Darjeeling in 2014. "The last time I visited Darjeeling was in 2014. For the past few years, we have read about snowfall in the hills, but we didn't expect snowfall at this time. It is a really memorable trip," he said. Darjeeling, historically marked by statehood agitations since 1980, is home to thriving tea, timber, and tourism industries. The Meteorological Department, noting the dissipation of cyclonic storm 'Michaung,' which brought light to moderate rain to South Bengal, predicts a further decline in minimum temperatures across the region. Kolkata, registering a minimum temperature of 19.8 degrees Celsius and 26.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours till 8:30 am on Friday, reflects the changing weather patterns in the wake of the recent cyclonic activity.

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