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India issues travel advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada

India on Wednesday advised its nationals in Canada and those contemplating travel there to exercise utmost caution in view of anti-India activities in some parts of that country. The advisory came amid further deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. “In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the advisory. It said, “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.” “Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” it said. The MEA said the Indian High Commission and consulates general will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community in Canada. “Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” it said in the advisory.

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International Tourist Arrivals Reach 84% Of Pre-Pandemic Levels: UNWTO

International tourism has continued to recover from the worst crisis in its history as arrival numbers reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to the latest data from UNWTO. The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead the global sector’s rebound. Tourism demand continues to show remarkable resilience and sustained recovery, even in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. The new issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer tracks the sector’s recovery over the course of 2023 up to the end of July. The UNWTO Barometer shows: • By the end of July, international tourist arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels. • 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022. • July was the busiest month with 145 million international travellers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO, said, “UNWTO data once again shows how tourism is recovering strongly in every part of the world. But as our sector recovers, it also needs to adapt. The extreme weather events we have witnessed over recent months as well as the critical challenges of managing increasing tourism flows underline the need to build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient sector and ensure recovery goes hand-in-hand with rethinking of our sector.” All world regions enjoyed strong rates of tourism recovery over the first seven months of 2023, driven by demand for international travel from several large source markets: • The Middle East reported the best results in January-July 2023, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels. The region continues to be the only to exceed 2019 levels so far. • Europe, the world’s largest destination region, reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand and travel from the United States. • Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors this seven-month period and the Americas 87% according to available data. • In Asia and the Pacific, recovery accelerated to 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels after the opening of many destinations and source markets at the end of 2022 and earlier this year. These results show international tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, according to the latest UNWTO Confidence Index, though at a more moderate pace following the peak travel season of June-August. These results will be driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued. • The reopening of China and other Asian markets and destinations is expected to continue boosting travel both within the region and to other parts of the world. • The challenging economic environment continues to be a critical factor in the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023, according to UNWTO’s Panel of Experts. Persisting inflation and rising oil prices have translated into higher transport and accommodations costs. This could weigh on spending patterns over the remainder of the year, with tourists increasingly seeking value for money, travelling closer to home and making shorter trips.

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Jamaica sees big prospects in India market

The Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), an industry trade show hosted annually by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), has concluded in Montego Bay, with all signals pointing to strong arrival numbers from across the globe. Jamaica says that they see big prospects in India market and are looking at opportunities to build traffic out of India. Addressing the press launch of JAPEX 2023, the Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett emphasised that JAPEX 2023 is more than just a trade show, “It is a symbol of our recovery”. He stated, “This year’s event holds even more significance, as it follows a period of unparalleled challenges for the global travel tourism industry. The pandemic tested our collective resolve, but it also reinforced our resilience”. With a target in sight of earning US$4.1 billion, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett is quite pleased that Jamaica is having its best year ever in visitors’ arrivals. His enthusiasm was shared as the tourism sector celebrated the return of JAPEX with an elaborate opening event at Chukka Outpost on the Sandy Bay coastline. “As we currently stand, we are about to have the best year in the history of tourism in Jamaica for stopover arrivals, 2023,” he exuded. In 2019, Jamaica announced the expansion in the island’s hotel industry with 10,000 new rooms in the upcoming years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt in the tourism business worldwide. During the recession, investors were still interested in Jamaica and new investment options were being introduced. Post-pandemic, the tourism industry is rebuilding itself; Jamaica is back on track to expand its hotel industry, now with 15,000 new rooms over the next 3 to 5 years. During the Destination Update, led by Director of Tourism of Jamaica, Donovan White, there was a special emphasis on the importance of the Indian market to Jamaica as Indian travel trade and media physically participated for the first time in this event this year. White also introduced TRAC Representations as Jamaica Tourist Board’s representative in the Indian market. White told tourism stakeholders that he was encouraged by the work being done by TRAC as their Indian representative agency run by Rajeev Nangia, COO, TRAC Representations (I) Pvt. Ltd. “They’ve (TRAC) served us exceedingly well and now we are looking to increase our activities with TRAC Representations in India and beyond,’’ White said. White also mentioned that the popular Jamaican Cricketer Chris Gayle has a huge fan following in India. Gayle will be working with Jamaica to attract more Indian travellers to the island destination. “I am very well connected with the leadership of the tourism fraternity in India; our airlift is getting stronger and we intend to participate in the various trade events in India. We’re excited to tap into the Indian market”, stated White. White also said, “We also want to look at the Indians residing in Canada, the United States, and the UK. So, our incursion into India is not going to be just any subcontinent of India, but also in the Indian diaspora”. JAPEX 2023 marked the return to full face-to-face interaction for the first time since 2019. The trade fair was held in a virtual format in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it was set to be held in November as a hybrid (in-person/virtual) event but joint hosts, the JHTA and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), rescheduled it to early 2022.

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UNESCO recognises Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago as world natural heritage

UNESCO has recognised Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh province and neighboring Hai Phong city as a world natural heritage. The UN’s cultural organisation has announced the new inscription to the list at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Apparently, Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago is Vietnam's first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site. Cat Ba Archipelago in the port city of Hai Phong is the largest limestone archipelago in Vietnam and is home to over 360 islands. The archipelago had earlier been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. But it’s not the first time that Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province was named by a heritage. Back in 1994 and 2000, the site was bestowed with the same title. As per the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba archipelago is noted for a rich diversity of island and ocean and is home to a range of rare animals and plants. It houses the nation’s largest maritime forest with an area of more than 17000 hectares. Ha Long Bay is one of the prime attractions in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald green waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the sea. These karsts are often covered in lush greenery, creating a striking contrast with the sparkling waters. Ha Long Bay offers numerous opportunities for cruising, kayaking, and exploring caves, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a serene and picturesque natural environment.

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Arunachal Pradesh set to host mega 10,000 ft altitude marathon on October 1

Tawang, situated in Arunachal Pradesh, is gearing up to host a high-altitude marathon at an impressive elevation of 10,000 ft above sea level on October 1. As per the reports, this event is being jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government and will be first of its kind in the country. The primary objective of the Tawang Marathon is to promote adventure sports and establish a marathon trail that will boost tourism within the state. The event is anticipated to attract a significant number of marathon enthusiasts from across the country. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his excitement for this extraordinary event, emphasising Tawang's breathtaking natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and pristine valleys. He is encouraging individuals to participate, and not to miss the opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary. Often referred to as the Land of Dawn-lit Mountains, Arunachal invites travellers from all across and deserves more attention in the global travellers’ community as well. CM Khandu had officially announced the marathon back in June, and had already registered as the first participant. Recently, he conducted a thorough review of the marathon's preparations in Tawang, accompanied by local MLA Tsering Tashi, Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darrang, Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, and 190 Mountain Brigade Commander Brig V S Rajput. Tawang Marathon will encompass various segments, including a full marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, and 5 km races. Notably, the event will witness strong participation from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and major Central Armed Police Forces, such as ITBP and SSB. This monumental race event, set in such a unique location, marks a first in the country's history. It represents a remarkable initiative to promote adventure sports and stimulate the tourism sector. Arunachal Pradesh eagerly awaits participants from various parts of India to join the Tawang marathon.

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Kolkata trams to be back for Durga Puja; to be used for pandal hopping

After nearly a decade, Kolkata’s famous trams are set to make your Durga Puja travel very exciting this year. It is reported that trams will be operating during Durga Puja, offering a green transportation option for pandal-hopping, especially for foreign tourists. This was informed by State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty during the release of his department's Puja Parikrama. If reports are to go by, Kolkata’s traffic police had requested the suspension of tram operations to ease festive traffic in past years. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Kolkata's tram network, which is India's sole surviving green transport system and Asia's oldest eco-friendly mass transit system. The transport department decided to incorporate trams into the celebrations, recognizing the synergy between the trams and Durga Puja after it received UNESCO Intangible Heritage status. However, due to network shrinkage, trams couldn't reach many places. The routes selected for this year include Esplanade-Shyambazar and Esplanade-Gariahat-Esplanade, with AC trams running from 10 AM on Saptami, Ashtami, and Nabami. The trams will be decorated to exude the festive mood, and will be accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhaak drums. Passengers will get to indulge in the festive scenery and take photos through the large glass windows. A dedicated guide will also be present to assist travelers in exploring various pujas along the routes. Reports have it that the trams will be covering pujas on Kashi Bose Lane, Nalini Sarkar Street, Hati Bagan, Singhi Park, and Ekdalia, with a fare of INR 600 per person, including tea and snacks. Tickets for the same can be booked online. Additionally, the transport department will organize Puja Parikrama, which will take visitors to aristocratic homes of Kolkata like Badan Chandra Roy's home, Belur Math, Bagbazar Halder Bari, Sovabazar Rajbari, Behala Roy Bari, Chhatubabu-Latubabur Bari, Behala Sonar Durga Bari, and Sabarna family house in Barisha; to avail this service, one will have to pay INR 1,900 per head. This will cover lunch, evening snacks, and tea. WBTC will also arrange trips to Dhanyakuria-Arbalia and Kamar Pukur-Jairambati. For those seeking an alternative to congested roads, the transport department will run vessels on the Hooghly river for leisure rides from north to south, allowing travellers to visit pandals of their choice.

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