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Winter Travel Trends: Indians preferring domestic getaways; searches for Malaysia & Thailand skyrocket

The recent changes in visa policies have also sparked a remarkable interest among India travellers in international destinations offering visa-free entry. Searches for December tra to Malaysia and Thailand have skyrocketed, boasting over 100 per cent Month-over-Mont increase, following the implementation of a 30-day visa-free stay for the Indian visitors. As the winter season takes hold, Indians are charting a new course for their holiday travels, leaning heavily towards domestic destinations over international jaunts. A notable surge has been witnessed in both metro and non-metro cities, marking a shift in travel preferences this year. According to Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder & Group CEO of ixigo, popular hotspots for Christmas and New Year holidays include Goa, Jaipur, Pondicherry, Pune, and Coorg. The trend indicates a preference for beachside getaways over urban adventures, with beach destinations topping the list. The spotlight isn’t confined to domestic locales alone, said the trend report. Recent changes in visa policies have also sparked a remarkable interest among Indian travellers in international destinations offering visa-free entry. Searches for December travel to Malaysia and Thailand have skyrocketed, boasting an impressive over 100 per cent Month-overMonth increase, following the implementation of a 30-day visa-free stay for Indians. Recently, Malaysia joined the ranks of Sri Lanka and Thailand by introducing visa-free travel for Indians, permitting a maximum stay of 30 days starting December 1. Sri Lanka had previously implemented this policy, set to remain in effect until March 31, 2023 while Thailand's parallel initiative extended until May 10 Presently, the Indian passport grants visa-free travel access to 26 countries, offers visa-on-arrival privileges in 49 nations, and necessitates a visa for travel to 123 countries. The report by ixigo also revealed that for international travel, Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Colombo, Bali, and Male remain the top picks among Indian travellers. Meanwhile, the most sought-after domestic destinations, based on bookings, include Goa, Jaipur, Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Pondicherry.Echoing this surge, Confirmtkt has also observed a 13 per cent rise in search queries compared to the previous year. Pune, Goa, Delhi, Jammu Tawi, and Thiruvananthapuram have emerged as key destinations witnessing a surge in both bookings and search queries. Moreover, specific travel routes are gaining traction, exemplified by increased interest in journeys like Mumbai to Pune, Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, Delhi to Jammu Tawi, Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai to Goa. Anticipating further growth, Confirmtkt forecasts an 11 per cent increase in bookings and searches until the year's end compared to figures from September and October. This shift in travel preferences, influenced by visa policies and a renewed focus on domestic beauty, signals a winter holiday season characterised by a different travel landscape for Indian explorers.

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Indonesia likely to extend visa waiver to 20 countries, including India

Indonesia is contemplating the possibility of offering visa-free entry to citizens from 20 countries, including India, the United States, China, Australia, South Korea, Germany, Britain, and France. This initiative will be a part of a plan that is looked upon to stimulate tourism and provide a boost to the economy. The country's Tourism Minister Sandiago Uno recently announced the development. If reports are to go by, the list of countries will likely be finalised within the next month. Indonesia's Tourism Minister further added that the government has provided directives to explore the option of a visa waiver with the overarching goal of enhancing economic growth, attracting more tourists, and fostering increased foreign investment. If we go by pre-pandemic statistics from 2019, it can be seen that Indonesia welcomed more than 16 million foreign visitors. In the current year, from January to October, the country experienced a noteworthy surge in foreign arrivals, totaling 9.49 million visitors—a substantial 124.3% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Following a global trend, both Thailand and, more recently, Malaysia also implemented visa waivers for visitors from China and India. Moreover, in September, Indonesia unveiled a golden visa program designed to entice foreign individuals and corporate investors. According to Silmy Karim, Director-General of immigration, the golden visa entails the issuance of a residence permit lasting between five to ten years. To qualify for the 5-year visa, an individual must establish a company valued at $2.5 million, while a $5 million investment is required for those seeking a ten-year visa. Corporate investors aiming for five-year visas for directors and commissioners are obligated to invest $25 million, with the investment doubling to $50 million for a 10-year visa. As reported earlier, Vietnam is also in line to consider the possibility of introducing visa-free entry for Indian tourists as part of its efforts to boost its tourism sector. Nguyn Van Jung, Vietnam's Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is pushing for short-term visa waivers for key markets, including China and India. This initiative will provide the required boost to recover the country's tourism industry.

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5 lesser-known facts about Notre-Dame cathedral

The Notre-Dame cathedral is Europe's most-visited historic monument, drawing some 12 to 14 million people each year. Here are some lesser-known facts about the Gothic cathedral that is being painstakingly rebuilt after being partly engulfed by fire five years ago: 1. One-time wine cellar In the 1790s, during the French Revolution, the cathedral was plundered and seized as public property. Anti-clerical radicals attacked the facade, removing biblical statues and decapitating them in the cathedral's square, in acts reminiscent of the guillotining of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Over the next few years, before Napoleon crowned himself emperor there in 1804, the cathedral was used for a variety of purposes, including storing barrels of wine for the Revolutionary Army. Stay tuned with breaking news on HT Channel on Facebook. Join Now 2. Saved by a novel Salvation came in the form of a novel -- Victor Hugo's 1831 "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". The hugely popular novel triggered an outpouring of emotion among Parisians over the state of disrepair into which the cathedral had fallen, leading to a major restoration. Between 1844 and 1865, it was revamped by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, who added the spire that collapsed in the 2019 blaze. 3. Modern monsters The fearsome-looking guardian-demons adorning the upper gallery of Notre-Dame's twin towers -- including a winged, horned creature cupping his head in his hands -- are relatively recent additions. While the leering gargoyles that spout rainwater from their open mouths were there from the start for drainage, the chimeras, which are purely decorative monsters, are Viollet-le-Duc's inventions. He was inspired by the work of renowned French caricaturist Honore Daumier as well as descriptions in Hugo's novel. The gargoyles and chimeras mostly survived the 2019 blaze. 4. Protest spire The image of the spire in flames crashing to the ground made front-page news around the world. But it wasn't the first time the 96-metre (315-foot) steeple had grabbed headlines. In January 1969, during the Vietnam War, Communist activists raised a North Vietnamese flag atop the spire after sabotaging the staircase leading up to it. Firefighters needed a helicopter to remove the flag. A chopper was needed again a few years later in October 1972 to remove another flag, this one hoisted by separatists from the northwestern French region of Brittany. 5. 2,000 oaks One of the biggest losses in the 2019 fire was the medieval beamed roof known as the "forest", most of which dates from the early 1200s. To rebuild the roof and spire the government ordered the felling of 2,000 oak trees. Drones were used in some places to select mature oaks with long, straight trunks. After being cut, they were left to dry for between 12 and 19 months before being used in the restoration.

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Visa study on CricketWorld Cup 2023: Inbound tourism booms, 12.5% rise in contactless cross-border transactions

The 46-day World Cup period witnessed a significant rise in international visitors from participating and non-participating nations. Top venues like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata experienced surges in airfare prices ranging from 30 per cent to 60 per cent. According to Skyscanner's Travel in Focus Report, 75 per cent of respondents expressed a willingness to expand their travel budgets to witness live cricket matches The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted in India, not only thrilled cricket enthusiasts but also catalyzed a substantial influx of international tourists, resulting in a remarkable 12.5 per cent increase in contactless cross-border transactions, according to a recent report by Visa, the global digital payments player. While the World Cup matches were the primary draw, international visitors seized the opportunity to explore India's rich culture and tourist destinations extensively. Cities like Jaipur, Agra, Goa, Varanasi, and Udaipur emerged as top favorites among travelers. Spending Patterns During their stay in India, international travellers directed their spending predominantly towards clothing and accessories, restaurants, and retail goods. A notable revelation was the surge in contactless transactions, constituting 36 per cent of cross-border transactions. This marked a substantial increase, almost double the rate of domestic contactless transactions during the same period. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, a global spectacle, triggered a surge in travel to India, echoing the impact of major sporting and cultural events worldwide. Earlier instances, such as the UEFA Final in Istanbul and Taylor Swift tours, also witnessed a profound influence on travel patterns and expenditures The 46-dayWorld Cup period witnessed a significant rise in international visitors from participating and non-participating nations. Top venues like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata experienced surges in airfare prices ranging from 30 per cent to 60 per cent. According to Skyscanner's Travel in Focus Report, 75 per cent of respondents expressed a willingness to expand their travel budgets to witness live cricket matches. Coinciding with the festive season of Diwali, the World Cup's timeline prompted international visitors to extend their travel itineraries beyond match venues. Popular destinations included Jaipur, Agra, Goa, Varanasi, and Udaipur. Among the participating nations, England, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh emerged as the significant contributors to expenditures during the World Cup matches in India.

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"We have big plans for Indian market": Top Saudi tourism official

The president of Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Alhasan Aldabbagh, said foraying into the Indian market is the 'biggest ambition' of Saudi Arabia his country has big plans in that regard. "This country is home to a large urban market an it's growing as one of the fastest emerging destinations today. We have big plans for the Indian market," he said. The president of Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Alhasan Aldabbagh, said foraying into the Indian market is the 'biggest ambition' of Saudi Arabia and his country has big plans in that regard. "Our biggest ambition or expectations are around the Indian market. This country is home to a large urban market and it's growing as one of the fastest emerging destinations today. We have big plans for the Indian market," he said in Mumbai on Wednesday. "Last year, we welcomed 1 million Indian visitors to Saudi and I'm glad to say that this year, the number of Indian visitors to Saudi has grown by more than 50 per cent. By 2030, our target is to attract 7.5 million visitors from India to Saudi," he added. His remarks coincided with the ongoing India visit by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The minister had embarked on his India visit on Monday. His official visit to India is part of a series of international tours aimed at showcasing Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to serving Umrah pilgrims. This visit also aims to achieve significant advancements in streamlining procedures, enhancing services, and outlining comprehensive plans for hosting pilgrims and Umrah visitors, aligning closely with the outlined objectives of "Saudi Vision 2030", according to an official release. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah said, "We are here to make it easier for Muslims in India to go to Mecca and Medina and have a great experience doing Umrah." "We are here to hear comments, and suggestions to enrich the experience and make it easier for Muslims in India to go to Mecca and Medina and have a great experience doing Umrah and visit Al Medina," he added. This visit aims to achieve significant advancements in streamlining procedures, enhancing services, and outlining comprehensive plans for hosting pilgrims and Umrah visitors, aligning closely with the outlined objectives of 'Saudi Vision 2030', the official release stated. (ANI)

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Year-end travel 2023: 10 best resorts in the world

The calendar is about to turn a page to another year and there is no better time to pack the bags and head to an exotic location to ring in 2024. From oceanfront retreats to tents in the middle of wilderness, private island that can be yours for a fat fee, to a casino resort, here are 10 of the best resorts in the world. 1. Kokoma Private Island Resort, Fiji Ultra-luxe, Kokomo is one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world. Each of the 21 exclusive villas have their own private pool, tropical walled garden, ocean view and direct beach access. It also has luxury Residences. 2. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia Luxuriate in overwater bungalow suites and beachfront villa estate surrounded by French Polynesia’s stunning natural beauty. During the holiday season, there’s enhanced full-day programming including delectable culinary experiences, interactive cultural activities, live music and fireworks. 3. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands The home of entrepreneur Richard Branson, Necker Island is a luxurious Caribbean retreat. The 74-acre private island has well appointed villas that can be rented individually or you can book the whole island that can sleep up to 48 adults and six children in 24 Balinese style houses. 4. One & Only Palm Resort, Dubai Nestled peacefully on Dubai's Palm Island, this is a beachfront oasis of luxuriant gardens and cascading fountains. Choose from the Manor House Rooms, Palm Beach Mansions and villas. Their Manor House Rooms rank amongst Dubai’s largest guest rooms with a private balcony or terrace and the beach on your doorstep. 5. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara, Kenya Located in the Mara North Conservancy, the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem, Elephant Pepper Camp is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Mara. The eight luxury safari tents are large, bright and complete with Indian Raj Campaign furniture, mixing dark wood with intricate brass fittings. There are two Honeymoon/Family suites also.. 6. Ritz Carlton, Langkawi, Malaysia Set in a private bay on expansive grounds that are home to a 10-million-year-old rainforest and pristine beaches, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has rooms with private outdoor spaces, glass walls and a palette of natural materials. The villas also have private pools. Do not miss the Walkway of Wishes. 7. Four Seasons Resort, Lanai, Hawaii, USA This oceanfront resort is located on the last unspoiled island of Hawaii. It has lagoon-style pools, botanical gardens, reconnecting body and spirit at Hawanawana Spa, and savouring Japanese cuisine at cliff-side Nobu Lanai. If you stay for 4 nights, the 5th night is free. 8. Wharekauhau Country Estate, New Zealand Set in the spectacular foothills of the Remutaka Mountain Range and the clifftops of dramatic Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate is considered one of New Zealand’s, (and the world's), most luxury hideaways, offering guest farm stay experience in the 3,000-acre of private land including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast. 9. Wynn Las Vegas, USA When it opened in 2005, Wynn Las Vegas redefined the concept of resort casino. Known for its atrium gardens, floral mosaic floors, private lakes and waterfalls and ornate rooms, Wynn Las Vegas also has a golf course, the famed Strip’s only golf course. 10. The St Regis Punta Minta Resort, Mexico Located on a tranquil peninsula in Punta de Mita, Mexico, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is set amid 22 lush acres and has expansive beachfront villas featuring a touch of rustic Provence combined with Mexican art and handcrafted furnishings.

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