Travel – Trips & Tours

Indigo’s new route to Jafna from Chennai to boost travel between India and Sri Lanka

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:48:55 +0000

IndiGo launches daily direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna starting September 1, 2024, boosting connectivity and supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism revival.

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced the addition of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to its international route network. Starting September 1, 2024, the airline will offer non-stop daily flights between Chennai and Jaffna. Jaffna becomes IndiGo’s second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo, marking its 34th international and 122nd overall destination within the expansive 6E network.

This strategic move aims to strengthen the cultural and trade ties between India and Sri Lanka, characterized by cooperation in commerce, infrastructure development, and air connectivity. Flight bookings will open on August 1, 2024.

India consistently ranks as the top primary market for international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. In June 2024, Indian arrivals accounted for 25.2% of the total, with over 28,631 travelers, compared to a 26.7% share in June 2023, with around 26,830 passengers. With growing interest in travel to Jaffna, IndiGo’s new route will enhance regional accessibility. The addition of Jaffna will complement IndiGo’s existing flights to Colombo, providing travelers with an additional access point in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce Jaffna as our new destination in Sri Lanka, which will serve as a catalyst in enhancing trade & tourism between our two countries. In addition to these daily flights from Chennai to Jaffna, we also offer 30 weekly frequencies from 4 points in India to Colombo. This 75-minute flight would significantly reduce travel time, making Jaffna, Sri Lanka even more accessible. We are continuously working towards providing our customers with superior connectivity and enhanced accessibility to explore new horizons with our ever-expanding range of travel options.”

The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is clear, with over 21,000 passengers flying this route in just nine months last year. IndiGo’s new direct flight provides a timely boost to this resurgence, offering seamless connectivity and tapping into a key market for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. India and Sri Lanka share a profound legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious, and trade relations that have flourished for over 2,500 years.

Jaffna, located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Its vibrant Tamil heritage is reflected in its traditions, festivals, and historical landmarks, showcasing the resilience and diversity of its people. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Jaffna Fort, an architectural testament to the region’s colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a revered Hindu temple with significant religious and cultural importance. The community’s resilience, cultural treasures, and culinary delights make Jaffna a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience.

Preparing for a Schengen Visa: A comprehensive guide

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:42:48 +0000

Securing a Schengen visa opens the door to travel across 27 European countries. This also means you need to be a bit careful while applying for the same. To ensure a smooth application process, thorough preparation is also essential. So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the complexities of obtaining a Schengen visa.

Determine your visa type and duration
Before starting your application, identify the type of Schengen visa you need based on your travel purpose—be it tourism, business, or family visit. Decide whether you need a short-stay visa (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) or a long-stay visa. Once you make that decision, it will be easier for you to sort out appropriate documents and understand the specific requirements for your application.

Gather required documents
A successful Schengen visa application relies on providing the right documentation. Common requirements include:

Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form. Ensure all details are accurate and match your supporting documents.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.

Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen visa photo standards.

Travel insurance: Obtain travel insurance for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Proof of accommodation: Provide hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen area.

Travel itinerary: Submit your travel plans, including flight reservations and a detailed itinerary of your stay.

Proof of financial means: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters.

Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment with the consulate or visa application center (VAC) of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Some countries require you to apply through their VACs, while others handle applications directly. Be mindful of appointment wait times and plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

Visa fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your age. The fee is usually payable in the local currency or as specified by the consulate.

Track your application
After submission, you can track the status of your application through the consulate’s or VAC’s tracking system. Processing times vary, but it’s advisable to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date.

Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Review the visa details to ensure accuracy regarding your travel dates and personal information.

Foreigners with e-visa can now enter via Port Blair seaport

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:40:12 +0000

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are buzzing with a new sense of excitement. As per the latest news reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs had officially approved an Integrated Check Post (ICP) for foreign nationals holding e-visas, a move that is all set to transform the region’s tourism landscape.

Referring to this, Vishwendra, Tourism Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said, “October to May will be the prime period for yacht charters. Our tropical climate ensures calm seas during these months, making it perfect for exploring the stunning beaches and lagoons.” The islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and tranquil waters, are ready to welcome a new wave of travelers.

The announcement will not just affect Port Blair. Reports add that the new policy also extended to five other major seaports across India, including Mumbai, New Mangalore, Cochin, Mormugao, and Chennai. This interconnected network would streamline entry for e-visa holders, making the Andaman and Nicobar Islands more accessible than ever.

Prashant Kumar, Former Chief Port Administrator and Special Secretary (Home), reflected on the meticulous evaluations that led to the e-visa decision. He added that they considered every detail to ensure a smooth experience for our international guests, and that the approval aligns with their vision of making the islands a premier destination for global tourists.

Devesh Chandra Srivastva, the Director General of Police, was equally optimistic. He said this development will significantly boost yacht tourism in the region and elevate Andaman and Nicobar to the global tourism map. Meanwhile, local tour operators echoed his sentiments, noting that the e-visa system would attract not only foreign travelers, but also Indian yacht enthusiasts and businessmen eager to explore the islands’ adventure tourism offerings.

The leaders of FORTO and AATO, R. Ratnam and M Vinod, were at the forefront of this transformation. The introduction of e-visas will be a game-changer, they asserted. Previously, yachts and cruise ships could only pass by the islands. Now, they can dock and bring direct and indirect revenue to our shores.

Despite the excitement, challenges are there. The high import tax on yachts, hovering around 50 percent, was a concern among travel agents. At the recent India International Travel Mart in Bengaluru, the AATO delegation had championed the cause for lower taxes to truly unlock the potential of yacht tourism.

Travelling to Ayodhya will be much faster soon

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:37:11 +0000

The Union Cabinet approved eight national high-speed road corridor projects of length 936 km entailing investment of ₹50,655 crore to improve logistics efficiency and connectivity across the country, an official statement said on Friday.

With this project, “travelling to Ayodhya will be much faster now”, the press release states. It added that the travel time between Agra and Gwalior will also be reduced by 50 percent.

“The implementation of these eight important projects will generate an estimated 4.42 crore mandays of direct and indirect employment,” it said.

The projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs include 6-Lane Agra-Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor, 4-Lane Kharagpur-Moregram National High-Speed Corridor, 6-Lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor, 4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road, 4-Lane Section between Pathalgaon and Gumla of Raipur-Ranchi National Highspeed Corridor, and 6-Lane Kanpur Ring Road.

4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road:
The government’s press release informed that the 68-km 4-lane access-controlled Ayodhya Ring Road will be developed in Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of Rs. 3,935 crore.

“The Ring Road will reduce congestion on National Highways passing through the city, viz., NH 27 (East West Corridor), NH 227 A, NH 227B. NH 330, NH 330A, and NH 135A, thereby enabling fast movement of pilgrims visiting the Rama Mandir,” the release added.

It further states that the Ring Road will also provide seamless connectivity to national and international tourists arriving from Lucknow International Airport, Ayodhya Airport and major railway stations in the city.

PM Modi reacts
On the new projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet on X said, “’Tranformative’ boost to India’s infrastructure landscape!
“The Cabinet’s approval of 8 National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects at an expenditure of over ₹50,000 crore will have a ‘multiplier’ effect on our economic ‘growth’ and boost ‘employment’ opportunities. It also underlines our commitment to a futuristic and connected India.”

Meanwhile the 88 km Agra-Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor will be developed on build-operate- transfer (BOT) mode as a fully access-controlled 6-lane corridor at a total capital cost of ₹4,613 crore.

The corridor is expected to enhance connectivity to key tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, etc) and Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior Fort, etc).

“It will reduce the distance between Agra and Gwalior by 7 per cent and the travel time by 50 per cent, thereby bringing in a substantial reduction in logistics cost,” the release said.

Source: Mint

Bolivia is Surging Travel Industry with Visa Free Entry to 80 countries

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:34:44 +0000

Bolivia, a landlocked country in the heart of South America, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant traditions. While the nation is often celebrated for its unique tourist attractions, outbound tourism is a growing trend among Bolivians. This phenomenon is influenced by various factors, including historical context, geographical attributes, economic conditions, and travel freedom facilitated by international travel indices.

TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan stated: “This initiative marks a monumental shift for Bolivia’s outbound travel industry, empowering Bolivian citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. With visa-free access to 80 countries as of latest August 2024 update, including key destinations such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and the Schengen nations, Bolivia is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these countries. This move will undoubtedly encourage more Bolivian travelers to embark on international adventures, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.”

Country Economics and GDP
In 2023, Bolivia’s GDP reached $45.85 billion, placing it 95th among the 196 countries listed in global GDP rankings. This marks an increase of $1.535 billion from the previous year. The GDP per capita in Bolivia for 2023 was $3,796, reflecting a $127 rise from the 2022 figure of $3,669.

Outbound Tourism Dynamics
In Bolivia, the Travel & Tourism market is projected to reach $525.60 million by 2024, with an expected annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 5.44%. This growth will result in a projected market volume of $685.10 million by 2029. The largest segment within Bolivia’s Travel & Tourism market is the Package Holidays sector, anticipated to reach a market volume of $327.10 million by 2024.

By 2029, the number of users in the Package Holidays sector is expected to amount to 1.96 million. User penetration in this market is projected to rise from 19.6% in 2024 to 25.5% by 2029. The average revenue per user (ARPU) in this sector is expected to be $213.10. Additionally, 64% of the total revenue in Bolivia’s Travel & Tourism market is expected to be generated through online sales by 2029.

According to UNWTO data, Bolivian tourists spent approximately 393 million U.S. dollars on international travel in 2021. Of this expenditure, nearly 15 percent was attributed to passenger transport, with the majority allocated to other travel-related costs.

In 2020, Bolivia recorded 432,000 international departures. Over the past 25 years, the number of Bolivian travelers abroad peaked at 1,160,000 in 2019, while the lowest figure was 201,000 in 2000.

In a global comparison, the United States is projected to generate the most revenue in the Travel & Tourism market, with an estimated $214 billion in 2024. Bolivia’s travel and tourism market is gaining popularity due to its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, making it an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers.

As of the latest August 2024 updates, Bolivian citizens, can access 80 countries without a prior visa or in some countries may need visa on arrival or e-visa. This relative ease of travel has contributed to the rising trend of outbound tourism among Bolivians, who are increasingly exploring destinations beyond their national borders.

Prominent Airlines
Bolivia’s outbound tourism is supported by several prominent airlines that operate both within the country and internationally. The key airlines include:

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA): The national airline of Bolivia, BoA operates a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights. It connects major Bolivian cities with destinations in South America, North America, and Europe.
Amaszonas: A regional airline that offers flights to neighboring countries and plays a crucial role in connecting remote areas within Bolivia to international destinations.
LATAM Airlines: As part of the larger LATAM Group, this airline provides extensive connectivity between Bolivia and various international destinations across South America, North America, and beyond.
These airlines ensure that Bolivians have access to a wide range of international destinations, facilitating the growing trend of outbound tourism and enabling Bolivian travelers to explore the world with greater ease and convenience.

Travelport, Finnair ink deal NDC & traditional content

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:32:22 +0000

Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, have enhanced their long-term relationship with a multi-source content agreement that includes both New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and traditional content.

The agreement confirms that Travelport’s agency customers will have access to robust multi-source content from Finnair, including ancillary services.

The companies are currently collaborating on the delivery of Finnair’s NDC content and servicing capabilities through the Travelport+ platform.

“Our agreement with Travelport underscores our shared focus on providing more value and better experiences for travelers when they shop and book Finnair,” said Jenni Suomela, Vice President of Global Sales and Channel Management, at Finnair.

“This collaboration with Travelport will elevate our NDC programme as we continue to scale and drive adoption among agencies and travel retailers.”

“This deal ensures that agents using Travelport+ can access relevant, personalized, and enriched multi-source content from Finnair so that they can present the best offers available to travelers,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Air Partners at Travelport.

“We are committed to delivering retail-ready multi-source content that our agency customers can easily sell and service for partners like Finnair, because modern travel retailing needs to work seamlessly for everyone.”

Travelport+ is the only modern retailing platform built for travel agencies. To date, thousands of agencies in more than
178 countries can easily search, sell and service NDC content using Travelport’s APIs, Smartpoint Cloud and Smartpoint desktop agency point-of-sale solutions.

Vietjet to connect Ahmedabad-Da Nang from Oct

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:26:05 +0000

At the Vietnam-India Business Forum in New Delhi, Vietjet announced the launch flights from Ahmedabad to Da Nang in Vietnam. The new route will commence operations in October 2024.

Additionally, the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, along with the business community of the two countries, congratulated Vietjet on reaching the 200 million passenger milestone.

The 200 millionth passenger of Vietjet was Sandeep Mehta, an Indian businessman who received a gift of one year of free international flights operated by Vietjet.

To celebrate this milestone, the airline is launching a week-long promotion from August 2 to August 8, 2024, offering 2 million tickets starting at INR 5,555 for all domestic and international routes. These discounted tickets will be available on www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app, for travel between September 4, 2024, and May 22, 2025.

Vienna tops the liveability index again in 2024, marking its 9th win in 11 years

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:23:02 +0000

Vienna has once again claimed the title of the most livable city in the world, according to The Economist’s 2024 Global Liveability Index. For the third consecutive year, this Austrian capital has topped the list, marking its ninth win in the last eleven index reports. Vienna’s dominance in the rankings were in line with its perfect scores in four out of the five assessed categories, though it did not achieve a complete sweep this year.

The top 10 cities in the index remain largely similar to previous years, with a notable prominence of Western European cities. Vienna’s continued success highlights its consistent performance across the index’s criteria, which include stability, culture and environment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The Economist’s Global Liveability Index evaluates cities based on scores out of 100 in these five categories. Stability encompasses factors like terrorism threats, civil unrest, and crime rates. Education and healthcare scores are based on the quality and availability of these services. Infrastructure evaluates public transport, roads, housing, and utilities.

This year’s average score has risen to 76.1 out of 100, reflecting improvements in education and healthcare. However, stability has seen a notable decline due to global instability, protests, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Inflation and housing affordability issues have affected cities worldwide, with particular impacts in Australia and Canada, where housing costs have soared and rental availability has dwindled.

Western Europe maintains its status as the most liveable region, securing four spots in the top 10 and 30 cities overall. This region has achieved an impressive average score of 92 out of 100. Despite this, the overall score has slipped slightly from last year due to rising instability in countries like Germany and Ireland, which have experienced disruptive protests and social unrest.

Eastern Europe has made significant strides, particularly in education and healthcare, with Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest making notable improvements. Budapest rose seven places to 32nd, while Belgrade and Bucharest advanced to joint 94th position. However, several Western European cities saw declines, with Dublin falling seven places to 39th, and German cities like Munich and Hamburg also slipping in the rankings.

The biggest drop was registered by Tel Aviv, which plummeted 20 places to 112th due to worsening stability scores related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, alongside declines in culture, environment, and infrastructure.
Overall, while Western Europe continues to lead in liveability, rising global challenges and local issues have influenced the rankings, reflecting a dynamic and evolving landscape of urban living conditions.

Valencia manages tourism growth with new licensing rules

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:20:48 +0000

The Valencia region in Spain is set to impose fines of up to EUR 600,000 on unlicensed and black-market short-term rentals, including Airbnb-style apartments, as part of efforts to curb overtourism. This crackdown aims to alleviate pressure on local public facilities and control rising rental prices in popular European tourist destinations. According to Airbtics, an Airbnb analytics company, Valencia’s short-term rental market has a median occupancy rate of 79%, with properties being booked for an average of 288 nights annually. In 2023, hosts typically earned about EUR 27,000 per year, with an average daily rate of EUR 93.

As of April 15th, there were 9,128 active Airbnb listings in Valencia, with high demand in neighborhoods such as Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, La Lonja de la Seda, and Valencia Cathedral. The short-term rental market, which includes more than just Airbnb properties, plays a significant role in supporting the local economy. However, the rise of black-market rentals, often operated by local landlords and foreign expatriates, has raised safety and regulatory concerns. Valencia tourism official Nuria Montes emphasised the need to regulate these rentals, highlighting issues such as tax evasion, lack of safety compliance, and unreported guest identities.

Montes estimates that there could be over 50,000 unregulated short-term rental apartments in the Valencia region. To legally operate a short-term rental, owners must obtain a Valencian Tourism Registry tourist license, which requires providing property details, intended use, compliance with quality and safety standards, and owner information. Necessary documents include proof of ownership, property floor plans, energy efficiency certificates, and proof of insurance.

Valencia’s new regulations follow similar measures taken by other Southern European cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Venice, and Split, which have introduced restrictions to manage tourism. Barcelona plans to phase out approximately 10,000 Airbnb-style apartments by late 2028, while Venice has restricted tourist group sizes and cruise ship access. The boom in Spain’s short-term rental market is attributed to its appealing climate, rich culture, and the cost-of-living crisis, which has driven tourists to seek cheaper, more flexible alternatives to traditional hotels. The proliferation of digital booking platforms has further facilitated the rise of these rentals, often leading to the listing of unlicensed properties at lower prices.

Bahrain Tourism Industry is Surging with Visa Free Travel for Saudi, UAE, Kuwait and Oman

admin1 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:18:50 +0000

Bahrain allows visa free travel for the top 4 countries as of August 2024. Bahrain’s tourism industry is seeing a significant boost as the country welcomes travelers from four more nations under a new visa-free travel program. This exciting initiative makes it easier than ever for tourists to explore Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. This exciting development opens up new opportunities for travelers to explore Bahrain’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions without the hassle of visa requirements. Check now to see if your country is eligible for this program and plan your visit to experience the wonders of Bahrain!

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Bahrain’s new visa-free travel program for Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as of August 2024 will boost tourism. Tourist arrivals surged in 2022, primarily from Saudi Arabia, significantly contributing to Bahrain’s economy. With its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and luxury accommodations like Raffles Al Areen Palace and Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain is set to attract even more international visitors.”

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island nation in West Asia located in the Persian Gulf. The country consists of a small archipelago with 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island, which accounts for approximately 83% of the nation’s landmass. In 2022, tourist arrivals in Bahrain surged to 13.77 million, up from 4.92 million in 2021. The majority of international tourists came from Saudi Arabia.

G.D.P of Bahrain:
In 2022, Bahrain’s tourism sector made a substantial contribution to the national economy, generating approximately 4,438.33 crores USD. This impressive figure underscores the sector’s significance as a key economic driver, highlighting Bahrain’s appeal as a travel destination. The increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from neighboring Saudi Arabia, played a major role in this economic boost. The influx of visitors not only supported local businesses but also helped diversify Bahrain’s economy, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance in the region’s tourism landscape. This growth reflects Bahrain’s successful efforts in promoting its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and business-friendly environment.

Bahrain‘s tourism sector is flourishing, driven by a rich blend of cultural heritage, modern attractions, and natural beauty. The kingdom offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient sites like Bahrain Fort and the Dilmun Burial Mounds to enjoying the luxury of Amwaj Islands and the vibrant city life in Manama. The country’s well-developed infrastructure, including the Bahrain International Airport and high-end hotels, enhances its appeal as a top destination in the Middle East. With a strong focus on enhancing visitor experiences and expanding its cultural and recreational offerings, Bahrain continues to attract a growing number of international tourists, solidifying its position as a key player in the global tourism market.