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International terminal at Chennai airport gets tech to cut queues

The facility, currently available at private airports in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, has installed at Chennai airport where it is being tested, an AAI official said. “It will help us monitor the time taken by passengers at different points like entry gates, check-in cou security check, immigration, security hold area and other areas. This will help plan and decongest the terminal in a better way,” he added. Passengers at Chennai airport may not have to wait for long to check in, clear security and immigration as the Airports Authority of India will introduce a flow management system in the new international terminal. It will be one of the few tech-enabled systems after the new integrated international terminal was opened to ensure passenger flow can be managed in a better way especially during peak hours. The facility, currently available at private airports in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, has been installed at Chennai airport where it is being tested, an AAI official said. “It will help us monitor the time taken by passengers at different points like entry gates, check-in counters, security check, immigration, security hold area and other areas. This will help plan and decongest the terminal in a better way,” he added. The sensors installed will also send alerts if a queue is building or there is passenger congestion at different points at the international departure and arrivals terminals. “This will help the authorities to open more counters or deploy staff or guide passengers to speed up passenger flow through the terminal till the boarding gates,” he said. The sensors of the system will assess passenger movement at different points and will also offer historical data for the airport authorities to find out the pattern of passenger flow, the points where travellers have to spend more time than necessary. In Bengaluru, it provides live waiting time on screens. This acts as a guide for passengers and the staff. Jaipur Airport to start biometric check-in with DigiYatra app The programme will initially start with only one dedicated entry route for passengers choosing the DigiYatra option, but will later be expanded, a… An airline official said that it would improve passenger experience as footfall is also increasing as the demand for travel to international destinations has increased. The passenger flow management system is part of the airport expansion project to build the new integrated terminal. It may take more time for it to be installed at the domestic terminals. The new international terminal has a host of new facilities that use cutting-edge technology that will offer enhanced passenger experience and security. The automated tray retrieval system at baggage check, selfbaggage drop counters, and E gates for boarding are some of the facilities that are there at the terminal. The airport handled 4,98,222 international passengers in June when compared to 3,88,689 passengers in June 2022, an increase of 28.2 per cent.

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Decoding long-weekend travel trends: Air fares up 20%, 3x jump in hotel bookings

With Independence Day falling on Tuesday, travellers have the perfect opportunity to this an extended long weekend by taking a leave on Monday to travel. And just like how weekend travel has transformed, so have travellers’ preferences. Gone are the days wh travellers were content with just a room; they're now craving a full-fledged experience Exclusive Research 6 Min Read Manas Dwivedi . As we approach this Independence Day, the story is not only about celebrating freedom but also about the freedom to embark on journeys that enrich the soul and broaden horizons. With Independence Day falling on Tuesday, travellers have the perfect opportunity to make this an extended long weekend by taking a leave on Monday to travel. India’s migrant working population continues to maximise on such extended weekend - public holiday breaks to return home and this is seeing an increase in flight loads from metros to Tier 2-3 cities. Occupancy continues to be at 80-100 per cent for premium hotels with an average 20-30 per cent surge in room rates across destinations. This surge in demand is largely propelled by major metropolitan areas and tier 1 cities, catering to a diverse spectrum of travellers like families, couples, and social groups. What is noteworthy is the trend of taking multiple holidays in a year - Indians are taking multiple short duration holidays to short haul and easy visa destinations. For the Independence Day weekend this year, MakeMyTrip have seen a 30 per cent uptick in individuals booking flights within seven days of the scheduled departure as compared to the same weekend in 2022. This means the travellers are looking beyond price and tariff considerations when planning for their short breaks. "This is further bolstered by a 22 per cent increase in bookings for premium and luxury properties for the duration compared to the same period last year. This also points to the propensity towards rest and relaxation as the primary trigger for the upcoming Independence Day weekend. As of date, bookings for homestays and villas for this weekend have also doubled as compared to last year, " Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip said. Fare trends According to data shared by ixigo with ETTravelWorld, air fares booked 48 hours in advance for travel have gone up by 15-20 per cent. A MumbaiJaipur one-way flight costed around INR 7,400 for August 11 and 12. The same flight, when booked a week or two in advance, will cost a traveller INR 5490. Spot fares for Bengaluru-Mumbai for August 11 and 12 had also gone up by more than 100 per cent. Whereas, data from Cleartrip, suggest that there has been a 10 per cent spike hotel fares on average if compared to the same period in 2019. Tariffs for five star hotels have gone up by 30 per cent while price for rooms in a four star hotel have increased by 25 per cent. According to Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO & Co-founder, ixigo said bookings for Independence Day long weekend this year have shot up 10- 15 per cent as compared to last year. “With 15th August falling on a Tuesday, travellers are leaning towards a 4-5 day break. Short-haul destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Maldives & Bali are some popular international picks for travellers this year. Due to high travel demand, spot fares for flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi to Goa, Jaipur and Kochi have gone up. However, average fares booked in advance for the majority of the routes this year is lower than last year,” he said. Analysis: Will Indians’ appetite for foreign travel continue unabated? India's outbound tourism market size in 2022 was estimated to be USD 15163.4 million, which is projected to rise by 11.4 per cent CAGR between… Prahlad Krishnamurthi, Chief Business Officer, Cleartrip said that flight bookings have seen a 30 per cent hike whereas hotel bookings have gone up 3x compared other weekends in August. “Goa, Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, Kochi and Jaipur are the top booked domestic destinations,” he said. Surge in demand For the upcoming weekend, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Dubai-Abu Dhabi are witnessing a surge with island destinations like Mauritius and Maldives continuing to see momentum. According to Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook India, the travel demand is 3x more as compared to the previous long weekend in May – for both domestic and closer to home locales. “Long weekends provide the much needed short break opportunity and our customers have booked popular destinations like Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Leh and Kerala; Goa and Andamans are popular beach destinations; also Nepal and Bhutan in the Indian subcontinent. Families, millennials and young professionals are also looking at drivecations/mini-cations to nearby offbeat destinations such as Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, Wayanad and more,” he said. He added that cruise travel is also in high demand. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel said airfares for popular routes - from various hubs like Mumbai and Delhi to Chandigarh, Srinagar, Dehradun, Kochi, Goa and Port Blair - have witnessed a 15-20 per cent surge vs last year for the extended weekend. “Fares for international sectors are also on the upswing compared to last year: 30 per cent to Paris and London; 12-15 per cent for Milan and Zurich; and 5-10 per cent for Dubai and South East Asian destinations,” he mentioned. Upswing in room tariffs & occupancy As a result of this heightened demand, there has been a notable increase in room tariffs upswing of approximately 30-40 per cent in room rates considering the impending long weekend. According to data shared by Wyndham hotels, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) for this elongated weekend is currently demonstrating a remarkable 40 per cent upswing compared to normal weekends. “Our ongoing operations on weekdays are experiencing a noteworthy surge, positioned at an impressive 25 per cent above the typical standard. Presently, our hotels are nearing full occupancy for the upcoming weekend, with reservations extending until the following weekend. Destinations such as Statue of Unity, Katra, Neemrana, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Amritsar, Varanasi, Mussoorie, Gangtok, Kochi, Dehradun, Jaipur, and Udaipur are experiencing a remarkable influx of enthusiastic travellers,” Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said. The Radisson Hotel Group has experienced a double-digit increase in booking inquiries with the with the average duration for the stay preferred by travellers is around 2 to 2.5 days. Strong appetite for cruising in India: Operators launch new products, TCI Group introduces various itineraries While globally cruising is predominantly a market for senior citizens, it is Young India’s Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals that… Zubin Saxena, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President - South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group feels that there is a significant inclination of consumers who are opting for luxury and upscale accommodations during this long weekend. “We are anticipating last-minute bookings for drivable destinations from metros. We have recorded strong demand trends for key locations in Western and Southern India like Lonavala, Mamallapuram, Chennai, Goa, etc. for the upcoming weekend,” he said. Changing travellers’ preferences And just like how long weekend travel has transformed, so have travellers’ preferences. Gone are the days when travellers were content with just a room; they're now craving a full-fledged experience. At Seclude Hotel Home Stays, Founders & Directors, Ramit & Rohit Sethi said they have anticipated this shift and stepped up their game. “We're talking tailored experiences that go beyond the ordinary, whether it's curating a personalised itinerary for special calendar events, orchestrating wellness retreats that rejuvenate both mind and body or crafting corporate offsites that hit the mark. And let's not forget the picnics, oh yes, the good old-fashioned picnics that feel like a steal in terms of value for money,” they said.

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Belarusian Airline Belavia, first direct flight from Belarus, arrives in India

Belarus citizens need to have a visa to travel to India. It can be obtained online: an electronic visa is issued for a period of 30 days, a year or 5 years.The first direct flight from Belarus, Belarusian Airline Belavia, finally arrived in India. On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, shared a video showing a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon. "First direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India," it said in a tweet. Earlier, on Wednesday, Rzheussky confirmed that the first-ever direct flight between Minsk, the capital of Belarus and Delhi, India would start on August 12. While speaking to ANI, Ambassador said that a lot of efforts were made to launch a regular flight service between Belarus and India and that the service will commence on August 12. "It was not the easy way. For the last couple of years, we did our routine job just to fulfil this project into life. And now I am proudly announcing that at the end of this week (on Saturday) the first ever scheduled flight from Minsk to India will take place," he said. The Belarus Ambassador also stated that only a couple of flights were operated before this regular flight service. He also highlighted the importance of this flight service in terms of business and tourism. The flight schedule that begins on August 11 (local time) starts from a weekly flight with the departure from Minsk on Fridays. In return, the flight will depart from Delhi on Saturdays. Earlier, Belarusian Airline Belavia released a press release where its Director General Igor Cherginets said: “We know that passengers have been looking forward to the opening of this flight. Our specialists have been working hard for a long time to fulfil the travellers’ wishes. I can firmly say that this is one of the most interesting destinations in the route network of the airline. We have solved the problem of those, who have long dreamed to dive into the Indian flavour and experience the culture of another country, but were not ready to set out on a long journey with layovers.” “Now, to travel to India all you have to do is buy one ticket, take a good mood and get on the plane, and we will take you to new emotions. We also expect that the launch of flights between Minsk and Delhi will foster the development of cooperation between Belarus and India” Cherginets said as per a release. Belarus citizens need to have a visa to travel to India. The visa can be obtained online: an electronic visa is issued for a period of 30 days, a year or five years. More information on how to get a visa and the required documents can be found on the website of the Embassy of India in Minsk.

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India's overtourism catastrophe: A looming crisis that calls for urgent action

Damaging impact of overtourism looms large over global travel, with India standing at critical juncture. Amidst a 166 per cent surge in arrivals, the impact on locals and natur concerning. Amidst India's uphill battles portraying the complex facets of overtourism analyse the current scenario, road to be taken and strategies to be formulated on the damage control. While the world is rejoicing the travel growth that is firing up the economies, triggered by the obvious climate shift, the voices speaking up to check overtourism appear to be growing stronger. Europe is already up in arms. With residents of top destinations, including Venice, Greece and Belgium announcing limiting the tourist numbers at their heritage sites and key attractions, this could well be a strategy to check the massive tourist influx and the damage caused in effect. Closer home, Bhutan has a special “tax” for all visitors that the country utilises to push sustainability related development and in effect, focus on entertaining only a certain quality of travellers who are conscious and seek a certain quality of travel that reflects the ethos of the Kingdom nation. Lesson to learn for India It was in the 90s that, Mandip Singh Soin, Founder President of Responsible Tourism Society of India and Founder of Ibex Expeditions, raised concerns to the local government about the impending impact of overtourism and suggested capping of tourist numbers during a Zanskar river-walking expedition. “Sadly, nothing moved. Fast forward to today, the problem is more widespread,” laments Soin. “The surge in post-pandemic travel and useless terms like revenge tourism have indeed led to a surge in overcrowding, which is a pressing concern,” he added. In India, the travel and tourism sector has grown into a USD 194.3 billion market, contributing 6.8 per cent to the GDP and providing employment to 40 million individuals in 2019. Yet, this growth carries consequences as overtourism's impact spans social, economic, and environmental realms. Data graph by Ministry of Tourism The Ministry of Tourism's recent data reveals that foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in April 2023 reached 6,03,985, showing a 53.7 per cent surge compared to April 2022 and a 22 per cent decline relative to April 2019. For January-April 2023, FTAs escalated to 31,33,751, marking a 166 per cent increase from the same period in 2022. Domestically, Indian tourists accounted for 89 per cent of overall tourism spending, with their numbers surging from 270 million to 2.32 billion in 2019. According to ICRA, March 2023 saw domestic passenger air traffic at 130 lakhs, surpassing March 2019 by 12 per cent. This influx, while significant for the centre and tourism stakeholders, often leaves a wake of negative impact, notably evident in the traffic gridlocks afflicting roads leading to hill-stations each year. A study also underscores the challenges of tourist overcrowding, including strained local relations, diminished visitor experiences, overloaded infrastructure, ecological harm, and cultural and heritage risks. These, according to the tourism experts, have combined to create a perfect disaster for the future of tourism. Crumbling hill stations bearing the brunt In its 135th report tabled in the Rajya Sabha on August 10, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment Forest and Climate Change called upon the government to take urgent action to avert Joshimath-like disasters. Citing the tremendous increase in tourism and illegal construction of hotels and resorts as straining on natural resources in the Himalayan region, the parliamentary panel stressed the need for a thorough examination of the illegal structures in the ecologically fragile region in coordination with local authorities. It called for strict action against illegal construction to prevent tragedies akin to the ones experienced in Kedarnath in 2013 and Joshimath earlier this year. It also asked the ministry to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to be followed in the event of any unfortunate disaster in the region and apprise it of the efforts being made to monitor and check the "unbridled" growth in physical infrastructure and developmental projects in the Himalayas . Visibly, unplanned urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient waste management systems are causing the Indian destinations, especially the hill stations, to buckle under the strain of overtourism. Spurred by rebound tourism in 2023, hill stations like Nainital, Kasauli, Manali, and Shimla experienced a massive influx of tourists this summer season, compelling the local authorities to restrict entry for a significant number of tourists. This surge led to mounting frustrations among visitors who grappled with sudden hotel cancellations despite having pre-booked accommodations. The state of Himachal Pradesh witnessed an influx of over 72 lakh tourists between January and May, a development that undoubtedly bolstered the state's revenue. Yet, it simultaneously triggered traffic congestion, worsened by the preference for road trips in private vehicles during peak seasons. In Shimla, for instance, the occupancy rates surged to nearly 70 per cent, and weekends witnessed a complete 100 per cent occupancy in HPTDC hotels and those in Manali, as per local reports. Calling out the elephant in the room According to Soin, addressing the issue of overtourism requires a multifaceted approach. “For instance, managing numbers based on peak seasons, weekends, and developing satellite destinations nearby can alleviate the pressure. Also, the tour operators need to promote lesserknown places alongside popular ones to distribute the influx,” Soin stated . A collaborative effort is called for both at the industry level as well as the visitors to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the destinations, he added. Impact on the business However, the scenario has taken a dire turn for Himachal's hotels and tourism industry due to recent flooding, a blow that follows the disruptions caused by the pandemic. According to Manish Goyal, Founder of Stotrak Hospitality, the overtourism undeniably poses challenges to hill stations but the crux of 12/08/2023, 11:00 India's overtourism catastrophe: . He added that it demands a strategic shift towards managing vehicular traffic and embracing alternative arrangements. “We need to make the tourism stakeholders take due steps to make sure we focus on reviving our surroundings during these times.” “Landslides and their consequences have been recurring issues due to the challenging terrain here. No doubt, the expansion of roads and infrastructure has brought about changes in nature,” stated Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels, who is also a resident of Shimla. “This is a trade-off that often accompanies progress. However, environmental concerns are a global phenomenon, not just confined to Himachal . The world is grappling with extreme weather patterns, floods, and more. Our planet is witnessing the consequences of long-term environmental neglect,” he said. Bakaya has five operational hotels in Himachal that have faced a setback, especially in areas beyond Chandigarh due to apprehension. The floods have disrupted business for around 15-20 days or even up to a month, he added. “Manali, on the other hand, has suffered majorly, with a loss of nearly 15 days of business in August. Shimla, too, has borne the brunt, with a similar period of business decline. Property in Dalhousie that we reopened experienced no disruption, and it's business as usual,” said Bakaya.

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It’s possible to save 20 hours of travel time between Mangalore and Katra; here’s how

Here’s a thought—how about if you could save 20 hours of the travel time between Mangalore and Katra (Jammu)? This means a total travel time of 50 hours against the usual 70 hours. This is not simply a wish, but a possibility if the Kanyakumari-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) - Kanyakumari Himsagar Weekly Express gets rerouted via Konkan Network. This suggestion has come from the Kanyakumari District Rail Users’ Association. The association has expressed that the diversion would not only reduce the travel time from Kanyakumari to Katra, but will also bring about a considerable reduction of travel time for passengers travelling from Mangalore. What we can also see is the direct connectivity between the destinations in the northern flank of India and destinations in coastal Karnataka. As of now, there is no direct link between coastal Karnataka and Jammu, especially after the cancellation of Mangaluru Central - SVDK Navayug Weekly Express. Rerouting of this train route via Mangalore would mean a reduction of approximately 215 km, traversing through places like Madgaon, Panvel, Vadodara, Kota, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Jammu Tawi. There will be a reduction of a total of five hours for passengers travelling from Kanyakumari, and about 20 hours for passengers from Mangalore. Jammu as an important tourist destination Jammu holds a significant position as an important religious tourism destination in India and makes for a captivating place for pilgrims and travellers alike. At the heart of Jammu's religious tourism is the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Pilgrims from across India embark on this journey each year. Religious tourism sites in coastal Karnataka Places like Gokarna, Udupi, Murudeshwar, Kollur, and Mangalore are home to some of the most prominent religious sites in the country.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Viva Debuts In Europe

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) welcomed the very first guests to sail aboard the all-new Norwegian Viva, the Company’s highly anticipated new ship and second of the Prima Class, as it embarked on its maiden voyage from Venice (Trieste), Italy. Making a grand debut in Europe, Norwegian Viva departed for its first spectacular nine-day journey through the Mediterranean, taking guests from Venice (Trieste), Italy to Lisbon, Portugal with stops in some of Europe’s most incredible seaside destinations including Salerno, off Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast; Cannes along France’s stunning Cote d’Azur; and Ibiza, Spain in the Balearic Islands, among other superb destinations. Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December for a season in the Caribbean. “This summer our guests will have the opportunity to explore Europe aboard our newest magnificent vessel, Norwegian Viva, while enjoying its well-appointed spacious design, elevated experiences, expansive culinary offerings and signature Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality provided by the best crew in the industry,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Norwegian Viva’s tagline is ‘Live it Up,’ and I have no doubt our guests will be doing just that while they cruise to some of the liveliest cities in Europe and the Caribbean during the ship’s inaugural season.” Mirroring the design of the award-winning sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva features stand-out on-board experiences including the Viva Speedway—the three-level racetrack; Indulge Food Hall, an upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar. Following the ship’s maiden voyage, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, before its official Christening ceremony in Miami on Nov. 28, 2023. Luis Fonsi, Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist and godfather to Norwegian Viva, will attend the celebration to officially name the ship and will be joined by The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a season of Caribbean voyages from December 2023 through March 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. In May 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to Europe, where its Mediterranean itineraries offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe. With an average of 10.5 hours in port, travelers will have more time to explore with fewer days at sea. Guests can unpack once, all while enjoying the ease and comfort of their world-class travel accommodations and the ability to wake up in a new destination as the ship transports them from one spectacular European city to another.

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