With more direct air connectivity between Sydney and India and seamless visa approval through e-visa application process, New South Wales (NSW) is eyeing double-digit growth in tourist arrivals from India this year. “We are witnessing a steady growth in international tourist arrivals. In the calendar year 2023, we welcomed 1,81,600 tourists from India. Looking at the current trend coupled with more direct flights connecting India with Sydney, rise in disposable income, and easy e-visa application process, we are expecting to boost our tourism and the footfalls are likely to grow in double digit,” Samar Chokshi, Country Manager, India, Destination NSW…
Author: Disha Ghosh
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday approved three major metro rail projects and two new airport facilities across India. One of the key approvals is for Phase 3 of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project, which will see the development of two elevated corridors stretching a total of 44.65 km and encompassing 31 stations, reports HT. Corridor-1 will extend from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, covering 32.15 km with 22 stations, while Corridor-2 will run from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, covering 12.50 km with nine stations. The Cabinet…
South Central Railway (SCR) will be operating weekend holidays special trains. Train no 07176 (Secunderabad-Narasapur) will depart at 6 pm and arrive at 5 am. The date of the journey is August 19. Train no 07175 (Narasapur-Secunderabad) will depart from Narasapur at 6:20 pm and arrive at Secunderabad at 5 am. The date of the journey is August 20. These special trains will also stop at Palakollu, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikalur, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Guntur, Sattenapalli, Piduguralla, Nadikudi, Miryalguda, and Nalgonda stations in both directions. Train no 07177 (Kakinada Town-Secunderabad) will depart from Kakinada Town at 9 pm and arrive at…
BAGTAG, an in innovative baggage solutions provider has entered into a strategic partnership with Sabre Corporation. This collaboration introduces an innovative digital baggage tag solution for SabreSonic Airline customers, marking a transformative shift in how passengers and crew manage their baggage check-ins. Through this partnership, SabreSonic Airline customers now have the option to easily implement BAGTAG’s electronic bag tag solution, effectively eliminating the need for traditional paper label check-in processes at airports. This significantly improves traveller experience by enabling faster bag drop-offs and reducing congestion at check-in counters by empowering travellers to tag their own bags off-airport. “This partnership with…
The UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has said it will operate its iconic Airbus A380 plane to Mumbai for a special four-month period, starting September 1. The move comes against the backdrop of Etihad completing two decades of its operations in Mumbai, the airline said in a statement. The airline currently offers non-stop services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities, with plans for further expansion. Starting from September 1 until December 31, the double-decker (A380) aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai, Etihad said. Etihad said its relationship with India has deepened (further) since the…
North Korea is set to reopen the northern city of Samjiyon to foreign tourists in December after nearly five years of border closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to tour operators such as China-based KTG Tours and Koryo Tours, Samjiyon, located near Mount Paektu and known for its winter attractions, will be the first city to welcome tourists. Other destinations, including Pyongyang, are expected to follow suit soon. However, analysts remain cautious. Chad O’Carroll, CEO of the Korea Risk Group, expressed scepticism about the immediate impact of the reopening, citing the incomplete redevelopment of Samjiyon. North Korean leader Kim…
IndiGo aims to increase the number of women pilots in its workforce to over 1,000 in the next year as the country’s largest airline steers ahead with efforts to boost diversity and inclusivity. The airline, which is expanding its fleet and network, currently, has over 800 women pilots. Sukhjit S Pasricha, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at IndiGo, said the airline is driving inclusiveness in a big way by working in every area, including among engineering and flying staff. “In every work area, we are driving diversity and inclusivity. We have a 360-degree approach to it… we have grown by…
The number of foreign tourists visiting Portugal rose 7.5% between January and June, making it the best first half ever and paving the way for another record year, official data showed on Wednesday. The National Statistics Institute (INE) said more than 8.8 million foreigners stayed in Portuguese hotels in the period, adding that in June alone, nearly 2 million guests entered the country, which was also a record, up 6.9% from a year earlier. Tourism has been a key driver of Portugal’s economy and last year foreign tourism to Portugal reached a record of more than 18 million guests. All…
The Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) is set to organise the ‘ETAA Business Partner Meet’ in Mumbai at the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) on August 20. The thought behind this event is to bridge the gap between various industry partners and travel agents through one-on-one interactions. At the ETAA Business Partner Meet, the association is offering tables to DMCs, representatives, B2B partners, visa services, car hire companies, and other industry stakeholders at a nominal sponsorship rate. From 3 pm to 7 pm, participating tables will have the opportunity to connect with ETAA members and other travel agents, fostering discussions and…
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that 11 projects with an outlay of INR 696.47 crore are underway to give a fillip to the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh. Presiding over a meeting of the Tourism Department, he said tenders have been invited for all these projects, aiming to enhance the influx of tourists in the state, a statement issued in Shimla on Wednesday said. “It was essential to enhance the overall tourism experiences in the state and create new infrastructure as tourism is a key sector for our economy supporting the livelihood of thousands of families directly or…
