The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is set to commence its three-day Convention today at Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The event will provide a platform to discuss a roadmap for development of adventure tourism in the state, and bring Gujarat in the limelight for its adventure tourism offerings. Nearly 200 delegates are expected to take part in the ‘Annual Adventure Tourism Convention 2023’, which is being organised in run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to be held in Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12. The pre-Vibrant Gujarat event for promotion of adventure sport is being organised…
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Considering the opposition by locals, the Goa Tourism Department has refused to grant permission to ‘Sunburn Music Festival’ on December 31. However, it has issued a provisional approval to organise three-day festival up to December 30. The Empower Committee of Tourism Department, headed by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has also refused to grant permission for the music to be played beyond 10 p.m. “We have given provisional approval to organise Sunburn from December 28 to 30. They should stop taking us for granted. They should not expect that we will dance to their tunes,” Khaunte said, adding Sunburn will be…
Iran’s Cabinet lifts visa requirements for tourists from 33 nations, welcoming Indian travellers among others. This move, as shared by IRNA, aims to elevate tourism and attract a global influx of visitors, noted Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran’s minister of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts. Zarghami highlighted the role of tourism promotion in counteracting negative perceptions of Iran, stating that it can effectively counter “Iranophobia campaigns.” Beyond India, Iran’s visa waiver extends to various countries such as Russia (for group visits), UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more. This initiative follows earlier visa exemptions for nations like Turkey, Azerbaijan, China, and others.…
New Orleans is a perfect family vacation spot, blending culture, cuisine, and family-friendly attractions for an unforgettable experience. The revamped Audubon Aquarium, now merged with the Insectarium, offers immersive animal and insect encounters, including exclusive Gulf of Mexico exhibit access. The Amazon Gallery features free-flying birds, and the Amazon Encounter showcases diverse animals. Don’t miss the acclaimed Audubon Zoo, ranked 7th in the USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards. In this captivating city, families create cherished memories. For some outdoor fun, City Park provides an ideal setting. The little ones can explore Storyland, a playground with miniature houses and storybook characters.…
The Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan recently organised its first ever India road show in Mumbai. The event was attended by leading travel agency representatives at Sofitel BKC, and was aimed at showcasing Uzbekistan’s diverse tourism offerings to the Indian travel trade. The roadshow elevated the tour operators’ destination awareness and stimulated their interest in promoting the country as an exciting tourism destination in the Indian travel market. The event was was attended by an exclusive group of 75 top trade buyers and members of media fraternity. The event kick-started with a welcome speech by Ikboljon Soliev, Counsellor – First…
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has appointed Markus Tan as the Regional Director for India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (IMESA), effective January 1, 2024.Tan will be taking over from the current Regional Director, GB Srithar. In his new role, based in Mumbai,. Tan will spearhead STB’s initiatives in promoting Leisure and Business Travel & Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (BTMICE) in the IMESA region. His responsibilities will include overseeing travel promotions, public relations, and marketing, and driving developmental efforts to enhance Singapore’s position as a premier travel and business destination. Tan has been with STB for 18 years in…
The recent National Council Meeting hosted by the IAAI (IATA Agents Association of India) at The Hotel Park Central, Kochi, marked a pivotal moment for travel agents. In the wake of post-COVID challenges, the industry gathered to address critical issues, emphasising unity and collaboration. Under the guidance of National President Biji Eapen, industry leaders, including General Secretary Aruna Shetty, Treasurer Devender Ghule, Director Manu T. Nair and national coordinator Johnson M.P, convened to discuss challenges, adaptations during the pandemic, and IAAI’s proactive role in supporting agents. Eapen addressed the challenges the industry faced during the pandemic. Despite physical constraints, the…
Highlighting the visa services provided by Germany to Indian citizens, the country’s Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann has said that he is very proud that now, with the current service German Visa is extending to the Indian public, visas can be issued in a very short time. He also noted that the visas that are now issued in a shorter span of time are much better than a year ago. While speaking to ANI, Ackermann said, “We have in the last couple of weeks and months improved the visa service as such, that basically, your waiting time for an appointment…
Thai Air Asia plans to launch an international flight connecting Bangkok and Visakhapatnam starting April 9, 2024. The airline aims to operate the flight three times a week, with operations likely scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The aircraft of choice for this route will be the A320 and A321. According to the proposed schedule, the flight is expected to arrive in Visakhapatnam from Bangkok at 8 pm, departing from Visakhapatnam between 8:30 pm and 8:45 pm, and reaching Bangkok by 1 am.
The famous tourist spot Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has become the first destination in the country to adopt the Swachhta Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) as part of the sustainable tourism programme. The SGLR system will be introduced at the tourist spot on a pilot basis to assess tourism infrastructure like hotels, resorts, home stays on the parameters of safe sanitation practices, according to a top state official. The SGLR is a collaborative initiative taken by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS) and the Tourism Ministry for voluntary rating of hospitality infrastructure for hygiene and sanitation. Virtually…
