News

What is Tatkal passport, and how to apply?

A tatkal scheme lets one skip the otherwise time-consuming passport application process, and get a passport within a few days. This scheme offers a simpler way to get a passport, apart from a faster processing time, which enables you to get one within a few days. If you are also keen to know about its application procedure, here is all the information that you need to be aware about. Can everyone apply for the Tatkal passport scheme? It’s important to note that the final authority for the issuance of passports under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the passport office. However, the following categories are ineligible for applying a passport under the tatkal scheme: Major change in name Those with present address outside jurisdiction of the RPO Applicants repatriated from abroad at government cost Those deported to India or travelled on Emergency Certificate Those of Naga origin, including minors (below 18 years) Those of Naga origin, including those residing outside Nagaland People of J&K origin, including minors (below 18 years) Applicants who attract section 6(2)(e) or 6(2)(f) (related to criminal court cases) Those with adverse police report, put under watch list, or a habitual passport losers or who had earlier travelled on forged or fake passports How to apply for the Tatkal passport? What is Tatkal passport, and how to apply? To apply for a Tatkal passport, you should follow these steps: Step 1: Register yourself on the official portal of Passport Seva Step 2: Login with your ID and password Step 3: You will be given two options - Fresh and Reissue. Choose the option that’s best suited for you. Step 4: Select 'Tatkaal' option in the scheme type Step 5: Download the application form and fill it Step 6: Submit the form online Step 7: Complete the payment procedure Step 8: Print out the receipt online payment Step 9: Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Service Kendra

Read more

IndiGo announces Jaisalmer as 81st domestic destination in its 6E network

IndiGo has announced Jaisalmer, Rajasthan as the 81st domestic and 113th overall destination in the 6E network. The airline will launch new and daily connections between Jaisalmer-Delhi, Jaisalmer-Mumbai, Jaisalmer-Jaipur and Jaisalmer-Ahmedabad, effective October 12, 2023. These new routes will significantly bolster tourism, trade, and mobility by connecting Jaisalmer to some of the commercial and industrial hubs of the country. This will also provide customers with increased flight options some of the not only be beneficial for business travellers but also mesmerise leisure travellers. With the addition of this new destination to IndiGo’s extensive domestic route network, the airline will strategically promote regional connectivity, and economic growth by providing a gateway for tourists and business travellers to and from Jaisalmer. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are extremely pleased to add Jaisalmer to our extensive domestic network. Also known as the golden city, distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture, flights to/from Jaisalmer will establish a connection with other regions of the country through major commercial and industrial capitals such as Delhi and Mumbai. By announcing air connectivity to Jaisalmer, we also aim to provide easy access to neighboring areas while contributing to economic activity and opportunities. IndiGo has been at the forefront of enhancing regional connectivity, and continues its commitment to providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences.”

Read more

The Soaltee Kathmandu: A Luxurious Oasis In The Heart Of Nepal

Nestled amidst 12 acres of serene greenery in Tahachal, Kathmandu, The Soaltee Kathmandu stands as a testament to luxury and tranquility. This exquisite 5-star hotel offers an exceptional experience to its guests, providing stunning views of the majestic Himalayan range while ensuring easy access to major attractions and business districts in the city. Luxurious Accommodations The hotel’s 285 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities to provide guests with the utmost comfort. Each room offers breathtaking views of the enchanting garden, refreshing pool, or the majestic Himalayas. The hotel offers various room categories, ranging from Executive Rooms, Classic Heritage, and Club Rooms to the opulent Executive Suite Room, Regal Suite, and Presidential Suite, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Extravagant Amenities Beyond its elegant rooms, The Soaltee Kathmandu offers additional amenities that elevate the guest experience to new heights. For those seeking entertainment, the hotel houses a sophisticated Casino and the exclusive Premium Night Club – Prive Nepal, ensuring unforgettable evenings. Moreover, the sprawling Tranquility Spa, one of the largest in the region, offers rejuvenating experiences that cater to relaxation and wellbeing. Dining Delights When it comes to culinary delights, The Soaltee Kathmandu exceeds expectations with its array of exceptional restaurants. With four dining options to choose from, guests are spoilt for choice. The famous Garden Terrace captivates visitors with its delightful view of lush gardens, creating a serene ambiance to savor scrumptious dishes. Bao Xuan, the authentic Chinese restaurant, tantalizes taste buds with its delectable offerings, while Kakori offers a culinary journey through sumptuous flavors. Meetings and Events For business travelers and event organizers, The Soaltee Kathmandu offers state-of-the-art meeting rooms equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual facilities. Whether it’s seminars, workshops, MICE events, or social celebrations, the hotel’s dedicated Meeting & Events team ensures that every detail is meticulously attended to. The newly renovated Megha Malhar function room adds a touch of grandeur to conferences and social gatherings, providing a trendy and sophisticated ambiance for memorable occasions. Beyond Kathmandu, The Soaltee Group has three more properties in Nepal. Soaltee Westend Premier in Nepalgunj, the first LEED-certified hotel in Nepal, attracts local and international visitors with its eco-friendly approach. Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan, a 5-star resort, offers a relaxing stay with an outdoor swimming pool and delectable dining options. Meanwhile, Soaltee Westend Itahari provides a dynamic and vibrant hotel experience that celebrates Nepal’s heritage in a contemporary setting. Additionally, Mithila Yatri Niwas in Janakpur offers a 4-star accommodation with warm hospitality and convenience.

Read more

Airfares Soar Up To 89% On Key Routes For Diwali Week

Travelling by air during this Diwali is likely to be an expensive affair. Airfares on key routes across the country for the festival week — between November 10 and November 16 — are already up to 89 per cent vis a vis last year’s Diwali week due to high demand and limited capacity amid Go First’s insolvency and SpiceJet’s financial troubles .The average one-way airfare on the Delhi-Ahmedabad route for the November 10-16 period is INR 5,688, which is 72 per cent higher than in the Diwali week last year (October 21- October 27, 2022), according to data provided by travel website Ixigo. This is for tickets booked more than 80 days before the travel date. Last Diwali, there were about 290 flights per week operating on the Delhi- Ahmedabad route. For this Diwali, airlines are currently scheduled to operate 15 per cent fewer flights on the route, according to airline executives. “Go First used to operate about 42 weekly flights on the Delhi-Ahmedabad route. They are gone. SpiceJet has reduced its services on this route in the past year. It is currently operating about 14 weekly flights. Other airlines do not have planes to operate more flights on this route,” an airline executive explained. Go First suspended all its flights from May 3 onwards and filed an insolvency application. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last month approved Go First’s plan to resume flights, subject to the outcome of pending cases and the availability of interim funding. The airline is yet to resume flights. Airfares are also shooting up as demand for air travel — even in a lean season — has significantly shot up this year. “June and July, which are traditionally lean seasons, have recorded higher domestic air traffic this year (12.4 and 12.1 million passengers, respectively) as compared to the peak festival season of October 2022 (11.4 million passengers). Travel demand is likely to escalate further during this year’s Diwali, resulting in higher airfares across key routes. The increase in capacity by year-end may lead to some relief on fares in India,” said Ixigo spokesperson. The average one-way airfare on the Delhi-Srinagar route for the Diwali week this year is INR 7,175, which is 89.11 per cent higher than in the Diwali week last year, according to Ixigo’s data. For this year’s Diwali, airlines are currently scheduled to operate 33 per cent fewer flights on the Delhi-Srinagar route. “Go First used to operate about 72 flights per week on the Delhi-Srinagar route. No other airline has been able to fill that gap,” an airline official explained. On the Bengaluru- Hyderabad route, the average one-way airfare for the Diwali week this year is INR 1,914, which is 63 per cent more than last year, shows the Ixigo data. This is despite the fact that aviation companies are scheduled to operate about 40 per cent more flights this Diwali. SpiceJet this month is scheduled to operate overall 1,266 flights a week — 41.5 per cent less than August last year, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium’s data. The airline has been finding it difficult to make timely payments to its aircraft lessors. As on August 1, 26 of its total 62 planes were grounded, according to Cirium’s data. SpiceJet earlier this week stated that it plans to revive 25 grounded planes back to service.

Read more

Emirates and Air Canada expand codeshare partnership to flights to and from Montréal

Emirates has extended its codeshare partnership with Air Canada to include flights to and from Montréal, following the launch of services to Québec’s largest city in July. Emirates customers will now be able to plan travel between 11 of the most popular domestic points beyond Montréal and destinations on Emirates’ expansive network, utilising the services of both airlines conveniently on a single ticket. The expanded network of Canadian points included in the codeshare partnership between Emirates and Air Canada now extends to 11 destinations via Montréal, with an additional 69 points accessible from the gateway, on an interline basis. The codeshare partnership between Emirates and Air Canada enables customers to enjoy flexibility and choice with smooth connections via Canada’s two largest cities to points such as Halifax, Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary – perfect for leisure and business travellers or those visiting family or friends. From Toronto, Emirates’ customers can travel to 19 points whilst enjoying codeshare benefits, and an extra 100, made possible through an interline arrangement. Customers travelling from Canadian cities can easily connect to Emirates’ services in Montréal or Toronto to travel to exciting destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, via the airline’s hub in Dubai. On its flights to and from Toronto, Emirates offers daily services to Dubai, onboard its popular flagship A380 aircraft. The world’s largest international airline also operates seven weekly flights between Montréal and Dubai, utilising its other widebody aircraft – the Boeing 777 – enabling passengers to plan their travel itineraries to global destinations, with seamless connectivity. Travellers with itineraries on Emirates’ flights can plan their entire trip on a single-ticket and take advantage of hassle-free flight benefits including the airline’s baggage allowance, in addition to convenient bag check-through to the final destination. Furthermore, members of Emirates’ frequent flyer programme, Emirates Skywards, can look forward to earning and redeeming miles on flights of both airlines, courtesy of the partnership.

Read more

Hotel industry's contribution to India's GDP to hit USD 1 trillion by 2047: HAI

The direct contribution of India's hotel sector to the country's GDP could reach USD1 tr by 2047, from USD 40 billion in 2022, says 'Vision 2047: Indian Hotel Industry' report fro Hotel Association of India. According to the report, the pandemic shifted consumer preference and helped service providers move forward, with hotel companies acknow the potential of domestic tourism. The direct contribution of Indian hotel industry to the country's GDP is estimated to touch USD 1 trillion by 2047 driven by a significant jump in domestic tourist visits and international arrivals, according to a report. As per 'Vision 2047: Indian Hotel Industry' report by the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Benori Knowledge, the direct contribution of the hotel industry to GDP was USD 40 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 68 billion by 2027. By 2047, it will reach around USD 1 trillion, it added. The hospitality industry body also pointed out that for the sector to achieve its target, the accommodation growth will have to go beyond the metros to two and three-tier cities and also to the rural areas. How private sector collabs can influence India's heritage tourism narrative Creating awareness, enhancing connectivity, ensuring quality accommodations, and practicing responsible tourism, say experts, is th… The report, however, clarified that the total contribution includes aspects of services from corresponding industry verticals such as food and beverage, salon & spas but excludes consideration of services market growth and thus taking out scenario-based contribution estimates. According to the report, the estimated growth can be attributed to factors such as GDP growth and increase in income level, increase in inflow of domestic tourists and foreign tourist arrivals (FTA). In the mid-term (2027-2037), domestic tourist visits are expected to increase from 677 million in 2021 to 1.5 billion by 2030 and are further expected to jump to 15 billion by 2047 in the long term (2037-2047), it added. As for foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India, the report said these are A projected to increase from 1.5 million in 2021 to 15 million by 2024, and touch 25 million by 2030 and "are further projected to grow attracting 100 million tourists by 2047." "The number of domestic and international tourists visiting various states in India for business and recreational reasons is rapidly increasing. All these factors have created new opportunities in tourism and the hospitality industry," the report said. Analysis: Is India ready for a bumper inbound tourism season? The Ministry of Tourism has initiated the 'Visit India Year 2023' program to accelerate the growth of inbound tourism this year. The aim is to… While macroecnomic factors, technology, environment and social sustainability, and policy support will be important factors, HAI Secretary General M P Bezbaruah told the news agency that "overarching all the factors will be the sustainability of the sector and of all the operations." On the policy front, he said, "We have said that the government's policy of convergence of all stakeholders is a crucial factor because the hospitality and tourism will not achieve this target unless, for example, the civil aviation grows to the same extent that we have expected, unless the connectivity to the remote areas which we are assuming there'll be great growth, is happening through Gati Shakti and other things." Also on the accommodation front, Bezbaruah said in order to host the expected rise in both domestic and foreign tourists, destinations need to increase not in the metro cities but to spread out far wider "otherwise there will be so much pressure that some of the places will become unviable." "Our vision is that the accommodation growth will have to go to two-tier, three-tier cities and also to the rural areas because real tourism is going to be one major plank of the future tourism because tourists are looking for new experiences," he asserted. Bezbaruah also reiterated the need for giving industry and infrastructure status to the sector, saying it would help in the development of more rooms in order to bridge the demand and supply gap. The report pointed out that after the pandemic, the hospitality industry witnessed a shift in consumer preference and the service providers have found new ways to move forward, with hotel companies acknowledging the significant potential of domestic tourism. "Major players are diversifying into the mid-market segment to develop budget hotels and cater to increase the inbound travel," it said, adding, the industry is on its journey for digital transformation, where operations are becoming leaner.

Read more