Vietjet, Vietnam’s low-cost carrier, inaugurates a direct route connecting Kochi (India) and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), opening further opportunities to travel easily between the ancient commercial port of Southwest India and Vietnam’s leading economic and cultural central; additionally promoting the development of economic relations and cultural exchanges between the two cities, two countries. Vietjet has once again demonstrated its pioneering spirit by becoming the very first Vietnamese airline to operate direct flights between Kochi and HCMC. Four weekly return flights – departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – promise passengers a swift journey of just over 5 hours, rendering distant destinations remarkably accessible. This achievement follows Vietjet’s successful establishment of direct flight routes to India’s foremost economic, cultural, and political centers, including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Departing from Kochi at 23:50 (local time), the flights will gracefully touch down in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:40 (local time), facilitating seamless journeys for travelers. Return flights from Ho Chi Minh City will take off at 19:20 and land in Kochi at 22:50 (local time), ensuring convenient options for both outbound and inbound travelers.

IndiGo is opening up new gateways between India and Central Asia, with the announcement of new flights between to Baku.  The capital city of Azerbaijan will be connected to Delhi four times a week, starting August 11, 2023. Baku is the 30th international destination and 108th overall destination in the 6E network. This fascinating new route will not only provide enriching experiences to business travellers but also mesmerize leisure travellers seeking culturally immersive journeys. With the inauguration of this flight, IndiGo proudly stands as the sole Indian carrier to operate direct flights between the two destinations. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are delighted to introduce our new direct flights connecting Delhi and Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan. This is the 30th International destination in the 108 cities in the IndiGo network and has been driven by the increasing demand for travel from India. Moreover, as a popular destination known for its thrilling F1 city track and modernity, Baku promises to offer a captivating experience, while also serving as a gateway for travelers from Azerbaijan to explore India’s rich culture & heritage. IndiGo continues its commitment to providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an extensive network for our valued passengers.”

Sharing an interesting update about a possible improvement in air connectivity between India and the Philippines, Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary, DOT, said, “The DOT secretary, Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, is more focussed on developing routes. Our President has just signed the Airlines Services Agreement between Philippines and India. Both the governments will now discuss better air services between the two countries which will lead to direct flights soon.”

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.”