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TN unveils new tourism policy; seeks to attract ₹20,000- crore investments in 5 years

Tamil Nadu government has unveiled its new tourism policy to develop the State into the most attractive experiential destination in Asia with multi-pronged goals. Over the next five years, the state aims to attract ₹20,000-crore investments and to facilitate the skill development of 3 lakh people. In the next five years, the State expects tourism to contribute at least 12 per cent of the State GSDP annually and tourism and supporting industries in the State to employ 25 lakh people. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023, which was released by Chief Minister M K Stalin, states that the government will ensure that all anchor tourism sites in Tamil Nadu are technologically equipped for enhanced tourist safety and convenience. Also, it plans virtual tourist information centres across all anchor tourism sites in Tamil Nadu. 12 different themes Overall, the department plans to concentrate its efforts on 12 different themes. They include adventure, recreation, caravan, rural and plantation, coastal, cultural, medical and wellness, religious, eco, MICE, heritage and firm tourism. As part of theme park tourism, The State Tourism Department envisages creating one large-format Amusement Park, similar to global theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios, with an area of at least 100 acres on the outskirts of Chennai. The amusement park shall be developed through private sector participation. In the near term, cities like Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Coimbatore and Kanniyakumari will be developed as gateway hubs and the State Tourism Department may notify more cities/towns as gateway hubs. “An allocation of 5 per cent from the Smart City funds will be dedicated to enhancing tourism infrastructure in primary Gateway Hubs,” it said. The State is endowed with rich natural and cultural attractions, ranging from its temples and heritage sites to hill stations, waterfalls, and national parks. Conceptual master plans for about 300 tourism sites across Tamil Nadu have been prepared and approved by the Department covering culture and heritage sites, hills and hill stations, nature trails, coastal sites and temples. Out of these, sites will be taken up for development in a phased manner. Improving connectivity While the State government will work towards improving the connectivity of remote locations that are not well connected via road or rail infrastructure, significant physical infrastructural improvements such as walkways, ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets will be made at all major tourist spots to ensure their accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Wayside amenities shall be developed, through the public-private Partnership (PPP) model, every 50-60 km across the State/ National highways to facilitate comfortable and convenient transit of visitors from one part of the state to the other. The government plans to provide incentives such as capital subsidy, interest subvention, payroll, and quality certification, to support enterprises and projects to encourage the growth of tourism-related businesses and initiatives under three categories. Tourism projects Tourism projects such as amusement parks/theme parks, heritage hotels, experiential resorts, eco-hut / camp / tented accommodations, wellness resorts, oceanarium/aquariums, golf courses, plantation/ farm tourism projects, museums, adventure, cruise, and caravan tourism projects and ropeways will be eligible for Single Window clearance. The State Tourism Department plans to launch cruise facilities on various stretches on the Chennai – Rameswaram – Kanniyakumari and Chennai – Port Blair route. Jetty infrastructure will be developed at these places. Private cruise operators shall be encouraged to start cruise services on these stretches.

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Karnataka Bandh Disrupts Travel Plans During Long Weekend

: In response to the Karnataka Bandh called by various farmers and pro-Kannada organizations, tourists and travelers are facing significant disruptions to their travel plans. The bandh protest is in opposition to the release of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu from the KRS dam in Karnataka. The scheduled bandh has caused concern and uncertainty among people, leading to a surge in requests to cancel or reschedule travel arrangements. Tour operators have been receiving calls from individuals seeking to modify their itineraries. Many hotels and tour packages were already fully booked from September 28 to October 2 due to the long weekend, but now travelers. For those who are already in the city or whose plans cannot be altered, operators are making efforts to ensure their safety. Travelers are being advised to schedule their journeys for early morning or late evening hours. In some cases, short-term accommodations are being arranged as a temporary solution to prevent individuals from venturing out during the bandh. G.K. Shetty, treasurer of the Karnataka Tourism Society, acknowledged the prevailing sense of fear among people, particularly given the sensitive nature of the situation. He stated, "Many of them had made travel plans, but considering the situation, they are wondering whether to take a risk." According to DH report, thousands of bookings have either been canceled or rescheduled, due to the Bandh. Tour operators are endeavoring to accommodate the requests and exploring alternative arrangements. S. Mahalingaiah, director of Skyway International Travels and Secretary of the Karnataka Tourism Society, mentioned, "Since it is a bandh call, we are also trying to oblige and are looking at other arrangements that can be made." Despite the cancellations, industry experts anticipate a high number of travelers over the weekend due to the public holiday on October 2. An additional tour operator explained that only those with bookings from Thursday, accounting for the Eid-e-Milad an-Nabi holiday, are canceling their reservations. The Saturday-Sunday-Monday holiday period has seen a large number of bookings.

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World Tourism Day 2023: 92% intend to buy travel insurance for their next overseas trip, says survey

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, ICICI Lombard General Insurance released an exclusive consumer study report titled “Research on Travel Behaviours 2023” today. The study provides valuable insights that offer a distinct viewpoint on the changing realm of travel insurance and the inclinations of Indian travellers. The company unveiled a study on the international travel habits of Indians, which revealed that 76 per cent had purchased travel insurance for their most recent trip, and a staggering 92 per cent expressed an intention to acquire it for their next journey. The findings also highlighted that an impressive 73 per cent of respondents exhibited a strong awareness of the significance of travel insurance, emphasising the growing recognition of the need to protect travel experiences. Additionally, the study revealed that awareness of travel insurance increases with different stages of family life, with married couples with children being the highest group purchasing travel insurance at 78 per cent, followed by married couples without children (67 per cent), and singles (66 per cent). The study conducted an in-depth exploration of the mindset of Indian travellers, uncovering their distinct preferences, awareness levels, and behaviours within each customer category: families, couples, and singles. By conducting this research, the insurer illuminated the existing challenges associated with organising and carrying out international travel, identified any existing gaps or unmet needs that could be addressed, and examined how these changes might impact the landscape of travel insurance in India. Sheena Kapoor, Head Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR, ICICI Lombard, said, “These statistics underline a growing consciousness among travellers to safeguard their travel experiences and protect themselves against unforeseen events. It is indeed encouraging to see that travel insurance is no longer an afterthought but a proactive choice for a majority of respondents. Additionally, the correlation between family stages and travel insurance awareness is a noteworthy discovery, demonstrating that individuals are increasingly recognising the importance of securing their travel plans, particularly as they progress through various life stages.”

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Unlocking Seamless Travel: India Visa Online Paves the Way for Effortless Journeys

In a world where international travel has become synonymous with adventure and exploration, India Visa Online emerges as a game-changer, simplifying the intricate web of visa application procedures. Offering an array of visa options, including the INDIAN VISA DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS, INDIAN VISA FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS, INDIAN MEDICAL VISA, INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA, and INDIAN BUSINESS VISA, the platform has revolutionized how travelers embark on their Indian sojourns. India Visa Online's intuitive and user-friendly interface has been thoughtfully designed to provide travelers with a seamless visa application process. By bridging the gap between intricate documentation and an effortless user experience, the platform ensures that applying for an Indian visa is no longer a daunting task. The days of poring over confusing paperwork and navigating bureaucratic red tape are behind us. The INDIAN VISA DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS: A Hassle-Free Path to Your Indian Adventure For travelers who require a clear path to understanding the INDIAN VISA DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS, India Visa Online offers an all-encompassing solution. With comprehensive guidance and easy-to-follow steps, applicants can now embark on their Indian journey with confidence, armed with the right documentation. Explore INDIAN VISA DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS INDIAN VISA FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS: A Doorway to the Subcontinent For citizens of the United States aspiring to explore the rich tapestry of India, India Visa Online provides a convenient portal to obtain an INDIAN VISA FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS. With a streamlined application process and prompt assistance, your Indian adventure awaits. Discover INDIAN VISA FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS INDIAN MEDICAL VISA: Compassion Meets Convenience When health-related travel is on the horizon, the INDIAN MEDICAL VISA becomes a crucial document. India Visa Online ensures that those seeking medical treatment in India can access the necessary visa with ease, allowing them to focus on their well-being. Learn More About INDIAN MEDICAL VISA INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA: Supporting Your Loved Ones Traveling for medical reasons often involves accompanying a loved one. India Visa Online acknowledges the importance of this and offers the INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA, allowing companions to stay close during critical medical journeys. Explore INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA INDIAN BUSINESS VISA: A Gateway to Prosperity For business travelers eyeing opportunities in India, the INDIAN BUSINESS VISA is the key to unlock a world of potential. India Visa Online ensures that the process is straightforward, enabling professionals to focus on their ventures. Discover INDIAN BUSINESS VISA About India Visa Online India Visa Online is committed to simplifying the visa application process for travelers worldwide. With a user-centric approach, the platform offers a range of visa options, including the INDIAN VISA DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS, INDIAN VISA FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS, INDIAN MEDICAL VISA, INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA, and INDIAN BUSINESS VISA. By providing guidance, support, and a seamless application process, India Visa Online ensures that travelers can embark on their Indian journeys with confidence.

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Air India and AIX Connect announce extensive codeshare agreement

Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code to over 100 flights a day operated by AIX Connect on 21 routes. More routes under the codeshare agreement will be added progressively. Bookings for the codeshare flights are being opened across points of sale, for travel starting 27 September 2023. The codeshare implementation enables Air India guests to connect on AIX Connect’s route network to and from over 80 points across Air India’s extensive domestic and international network. The scope of the agreement between the two airlines enables guests to receive their boarding passes at the first point of departure for all the travel sectors on a single ticket and have their baggage checked in through to their final destinations. Guests connecting from international to domestic flights will, however, need to clear customs at the first point of entry in India, in line with government regulations. AIX Connect will honor the free baggage allowance mentioned on tickets issued by Air India. Air India guests connecting to flights operated by AIX Connect will also be able to enjoy complimentary meals on board. With the implementation of the codeshare agreement, Air India has expanded its domestic route network to 4 new destinations in India, namely Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Surat, in addition to the common destinations between the two airlines’ route networks. Customers from these originating cities will be able to connect to Air India’s wide international network over hubs at Delhi and Mumbai. The codeshare agreement also enables AIX Connect to leverage Air India’s global distribution network, via the airline’s direct channels as well as its global travel agency network. AIX Connect is a 100% subsidiary of Air India, which is in the process of being integrated with Air India Express (another 100% subsidiary of Air India) to ultimately form a single low-cost carrier within the Tata group’s airline business.

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Travel and tourism hiring in India increased by 44%

Since the beginning of the year, the Travel and Tourism sector has experienced a substantial 14% increase in the demand for various job positions and a 44% increase in hiring. Notably, sales associates, marketing communication professionals, and engineers have emerged as the leading contenders in this high-demand job market. Furthermore, the foundit report reveal Delhi, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad showcased the most remarkable annual demand growth, standing at 34%, 34%, and 33%, respectively. Thanks to optimistic growth, increased disposable incomes, and higher spending on leisure and business travel in the country, clubbed with the infusion of emerging technologies such as AI and AR/VR, has led to a 44% increase in talent demand annually for travel and tourism in August 2023. While the industry began to bounce back with a marginal 3% hiring upswing in 2022, it has dramatically recovered this year as people regain confidence in travel and several notable government initiatives. Moreover, India's affordable wellness industry has substantially boosted medical tourism. Pre-pandemic trends indicate that the travel & tourism sector experienced a robust 16% growth in 2019. However, the pandemic presented significant obstacles for the industry, which saw a 47% fall in job postings in 2020 and a 27% dip in 2021 due to widespread travel restrictions and lockdowns. As per data from foundit, emerging technologies such as AI and AR/VR are also playing a crucial role in driving growth and enhancing visitor experiences in the industry, promising to continue shaping the future of Indian tourism. Roles in demand Sales & business development (23% share of total demand), engineers- software, electrical (12% share), and marketing & communication (8% share) are among the top job roles in demand across the Travel & Tourism. Job roles such as chefs (5% share) and medical representatives (5%) also accounted for a considerable share of overall demand. Tier-2 cities led online hiring demand City-specific trends for the Travel & Tourism industry revealed that on a year-on-year basis, tier-2 cities such as Jaipur (34%), Ahmedabad (33%), and Chandigarh (33%) reported a maximum increase in job postings followed by Baroda (25%) and Coimbatore (25%) in August 2023 as compared to August 2022. This phenomenon can be credited to the rise of tier 2 cities as prominent talent hubs, thanks to their swift infrastructural expansion, huge talent pools with a wide range of skill sets, and the cost-efficient nature of operations. Among metropolitan cities, Delhi (34%) showcased maximum incline with regards to job postings followed by Kolkata (21%), Chennai (19%), Hyderabad (8%) and Mumbai (5%). Freshers accounted for the highest demand share in Travel & Tourism across experience levels. As of August 2023, 49% of online hiring intent for jobs in the Travel & Tourism industry came from postings for freshers/entry level talent (0-3 years). Companies are opting to hire freshers for cost-efficiency, and adaptability as well as for their readiness to adapt to a constantly evolving travel industry. Cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) have had a substantial impact on fostering industry growth and elevating visitor experiences prompting companies to hire freshers who are increasingly digitally savvy. Furthermore, demand for Intermediate level (4-6 years) and Top Management (15+ years) both accounted for a 14% share of the overall demand, respectively. Average salary The average minimum salary for freshers or entry-level professionals in the Travel and Tourism sector was Rs288696- Rs 580234, followed by Rs5,29,516 - Rs8,20,734 for intermediate professionals, Rs 8,70,833- Rs14,11,556 for mid-senior roles and Rs12,19,515 – Rs 18,55,291 for management professionals. Increase in gig roles Data from foundit suggests there has been a 14% growth in gig roles since January 2023. The nature of tourism often involves seasonal fluctuations in demand, and the model of gig work is able to match these fluctuations, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Gig workers also help companies manage labour costs more efficiently during slower periods. Given the diverse and specialised needs of the travel & tourism industry, gig roles in the space include tour guides, translators, photographers, and event planners who are brought in on a per-project basis ensuring that the industry has access to the right expertise when it is needed.

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