While airlines are beginning to operate international flights to and from Manohar International Airport (MIA), foreign travellers have been in for a rude shock on their arrival to learn that eVisa facilities are not available at MIA. According to the authorised portal for Visa Application to India, Goa has been included in the list of 29 designated international airports, through which eVisa holders can travel. However, it has not been clearly specified in the portal that only the Dabolim International Airport is an authorised immigration checkpost through which eVisa holders can travel.

Tourists to the UAE who stay beyond the validity of their visa will now pay a reduced fine of Dh50 per day instead of Dh100. The new system unified the amount of overstay fines to Dh50 per day for any type of visa violator. The overstay fine payment can be paid either by visiting happiness centres or online through the authority website and smart application.

More than 40 exhibitors will meet over 600 pre-registered buyers over two day at the ongoing Global Panorama Showcase in Ahmedabad that will conclude today. Sharing these numbers, Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD, GPS, says, “Apart from B2B meetings, We also had interesting  sessions on cyber security, charters, TCS , GST and partners presenting various revenue and ancillary opportunities.”

Voicing his disappointment over delayed visas, Naveen Kundu, MD (India, South East Asia & Middle East), EbixCash Travel Group, says, “It is time we stood up to the outrageous behaviour of Embassies and High Commissions. Are we beggars? Are the corporates who spend millions of dollars in their countries fools to be doing M!CE there?” He urged national travel trade bodies to take immediate action.

The 38th IATO Annual Convention will take place in Aurangabad from September 29 to October 2, 2023. Ravi Gosain, IATO VP, said they expect about 900-1000 delegates from all over the country at the event. The theme of the convention is ‘Inbound Tourism and Emerging sustainable trends’ and there will be 5 post tours.

Tejbir Singh Anand, VP of ATOAI, says that Maharashtra is one of the most mature markets in India for adventure tourism. “It is a fantastic market. Its not just about money; its also about the attitude and aspirations. In Maha we find people who are more aspirational have a long bucket list. It definitely tops as a source market, with Pune and Mumbai being the icing on the cake.”

Speaking about the importance of India market for Oman, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said, “The country recorded a 126% growth in Indian arrivals in April 2023 as compared to the same month last year. With Indian arrivals already surpassing 2,34,000 in the first five months this year, Oman has already seen a 114% growth in arrivals from India compared to last year.”

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of India International Hospitality Expo 2023, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM of Himachal Pradesh, urged the hospitality sector to invest in the state. He added that the govt will provide them with all the support required.

J&K has registered 1.27 crore tourist arrivals this year so far, and the figure is expected to touch a record-high by this year end, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He credited the restoration of peace for this development. J&K recorded 1.88 crore arrivals in 2022, the highest number in the past three decades.

The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) in partnership with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore, took center stage on 01 August 2023, as they organized a highly successful roadshow at the prestigious Hotel Grand Regent in Coimbatore. The event aimed to foster mutual growth and cooperation between the two vibrant travel communities, while promoting the mesmerizing tourism opportunities in the Andaman Islands. With a turnout of 50 travel agents from Coimbatore, the event was graced by the presence of AATO’s President, M. Vinod, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in elevating the Andaman Islands as a prime tourist destination. The roadshow proved to be an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the participants. Highlighting the event’s significance, M. Vinod, President of AATO, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore for this incredible roadshow. This platform has allowed us to showcase the diverse and breathtaking tourism opportunities that await travelers in the Andaman Islands. We are confident that this event will lead to fruitful partnerships and an increase in tourist footfall to our beautiful islands.” The event commenced with a panel discussion on “Tourism Opportunities in Andaman” that was moderated by the Joint Secretary of AATO, Saikat Biswas. The discussion delved into the untapped potential of the Andaman Islands as a year-round travel destination, featuring its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving marine life. The insightful session garnered active participation from travel agents and industry experts, enabling the exchange of ideas on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.