In an effort to boost the tourism industry amid the economic crisis, the Sri Lankan government on Tuesday said the island nation has extended its multiple-entry tourist visa to five years Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said that Sri Lanka now offers one-year multiple entry visas, reports Xinhua news agency. The country also issues single entry visas with a six-month stay period. Fernandor said that the cabinet of ministers approved his proposal on Monday. “Cabinet agreed to extend five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for 35 countries to help boost repeat tourism in Sri Lanka. A tourist can stay in Sri Lanka for six months in one stretch with this scheme,” he said. The Minister said that the country had earlier offered a three-month “digital nomad” visa for tourists to attract foreigners engaged in remote work. The Minister said that tourism picked up in July and August after the anti-government protests gradually fizzled. He added that they expect 1 million tourists to arrive in Sri Lanka in 2022. “We expect $2 billion from tourism this year,” he said. –IANS

To promote eco-tourism in the state, Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra approved 13 new eco-tourism places and nature camps including 10 new eco-retreats and three new nature camp places.

Karnataka Tourism has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) for the development of adventure tourism in Karnataka. Interested applicants can send the EoI to the government along with the necessary specifications.

Oberoi Group plans to invest Rs 1,500 crore in setting up various projects in Andhra Pradesh, thereby directly providing employment opportunities to 1,500 people and 11,000 people indirectly. The group is to build hotels with seven-star facilities.

Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO, said that the tourism ministry should do overseas promotion immediately as we are sitting on an advantage when our neighbours are not doing well. positive publicity about India is the need of the hour.

Addressing the second international conference on hospitality and tourism- revival strategies, Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism said, “The worst of the pandemic is behind us and it is time for us to rethink and reboot our strategies given the experience we have gone through in the past two years.” 

TAFI convention delegates will be able to immerse themselves in a full-on Sarawak authentic experience with a tribal-inspired theme showcasing the best of its culture and gastronomical offerings. To be held for the first time in Kuching, Sarawak from 20-23 September, the TAFI convention will highlight Sarawak’s diverse ethnicities which comprise 28 ethnic tribes, all with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music, food and handmade crafts. TAFI delegates will get to learn about Sarawak as an attractive multifaceted destination for the Indian market. Ajay Prakash, TAFI President, said, “Sarawak is a relatively unexplored destination for the Indian traveller. We anticipate that after the convention, our members will be inspired to promote tourism to this beautiful province since it can be a great venue for destination weddings, family travel and corporate events. We appreciate the support given by Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia and our Official Carrier, Malaysia Airlines.”

According to the latest UK Immigration Statistics, Indian nationals accounted for the highest proportion (28%) of Visitor visas granted. More than 258,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in the year ending June 2022 – a 630% increase compared to the previous year.

Rupinder Brar, former ADG, Tourism said, “Tourism is truly a game changer for India, both in terms of showcasing to the world the cultural and the varied heritage that we have, thereby also creating tremendous job opportunities, and entrepreneurial opportunities that exist.” 

Spree Hospitality, the premium all – inclusive hospitality brand announced its newest addition to its portfolio of hotels in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. With the tag of greenest capital city in Asia, with more than 50% of its total area covered in trees, Gandhinagar is the administrative capital of Gujarat. This spacious city houses many places to visit for sightseeing like Akshardham Temple, Sarita Udyan, Adalaj Stepwell, Indroda Dinosaur, Fossil Park and Trimandir Adalaj Spree Hospitality currently operates more than 20 properties across India and now expanding its flagship brand in Gujarat, India. With the opening of hotel in Gandhinagar, Spree Hospitality will offer close to 65 guest rooms along with inbuilt multi – cuisine restaurant. For corporate and social events, adaptable spaces with state-of-the-art facilities will allow for various sizes of meetings. This property is strategically located 14 minutes away from GIFT city Gandhinagar, 10 minutes away from Mahatma Gandhi Mandir and half an hour from the airport. Spree Hospitality is always known for its unique design, satisfied million customers with its properties focusing on modern decor, a full-service, cutting-edge technology, and a deep respect for the environment. Spree Hospitality is targeting to commence operations of this hotel from December 2022, in order to take advantage of the winter season.