The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Russian Federation on mutual recognition of visas and other issues related to the rules of Entry/Exit of foreign citizens and stateless persons to/from the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation with Visas/residence permits of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation (procedure for checking electronic visas) has already entered into force from 11 January, 2025. Foreign citizens and stateless persons may enter/exit, transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus or the territory of the Russian Federation upon presentation of one of the following valid documents: a Visa (single-entry, multiple-entry) of the Republic of Belarus or a residence permit in the Republic of Belarus, valid at the time of entry. a Visa (single-entry, multiple-entry), including an electronic visa of the Russian Federation or a residence permit in the Russian Federation, valid at the time of entry. Thus, a foreign citizen upon presentation of one of the valid documents (visa, residence permit) of the Republic of Belarus or the Russian federation will be able to: enter the Russian federation and exit the Republic of Belarus; enter the Republic of Belarus and exit the Russian Federation; Travel between these countries. 2. The procedure of the checking the availability of an electronic visa of the Russian Federation: The visa shall be presented in printed form; The QR code on the visa shall be scanned. The barcode contains a link to the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs evisacheck.kdmid.ru to check the availability/ absence of an electronic visa for a foreign citizen. 3. Foreign citizens with a Diplomatic passport: foreign citizens accredited in accordance …

Experience divine serenity and vibrant hospitality at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels (ASPHL) announced the opening of Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj, a contemporary retreat in the historic city of Prayagraj. The milestone aligns with the spiritual fervour of the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, making it a timely addition to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Strategically located in the heart of the sacred Kumbh City, Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj offers a perfect blend of comfort and spiritual serenity, making it an ideal stay for both devotees and travellers. It is located just two km from Prayagraj Railway Station and 13 km from Allahabad Airport offering easy access to the city’s key landmarks, including the iconic Triveni Sangam, just 6.7 km away. The guests can savour exquisite vegetarian cuisine at Café C, host gatherings in the Townhall banquet accommodating up to 100 people, and hold meetings in the versatile Grey Zone, designed for up to 30 participants. For rejuvenation, the Vitalia Spa & Fitness Centre provides a tranquil escape, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling stay experience. Speaking about the launch, Vikas Ahluwalia, General Manager and National Head, Zone by The Park Hotels, shared, “Prayagraj is a city of profound spiritual significance, and we are honoured to introduce Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj in time for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. With thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage networking and productivity, Zone Connect caters equally to spiritual seekers and corporate travellers, making it a hub for being social, nimble and at ease.” Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, emphasised the strategic importance of the launch, “We are …

It is heartening to see that Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU), the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) and All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) have decided to observe 24th January as ‘Drivers’ Day.’ Satish Sehrawat, President,  and  K.S. Sawhney, Hon. Secretary, ITTA shared their excitement to be a part of this initiative. Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) is the premier national body of tourist transporters recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the provisions of CMVR 1989. Numerous members have received the coveted National Tourism Award a testament to their exceptional service and dedication. They specialise in catering to esteemed clients, including international tourists, through strategic collaboration with tour operators, travel agents, and hotels, offering a range of latest hi-end luxury cars and coaches to meet their transportation needs. Unlike other services, they do not pick up passengers from the roadside, ensuring a safe and personalised experience. Their expertise extends to high-profile events organised by various Ministries, including state head visits, overseas delegations, and mega events like the G20. As a leading association, they take immense pride in delivering unparalleled passenger transportation experiences, prioritising safety, reliability, and excellence for valued clients. Established on March 2, 1989, the Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) proudly celebrates 37 years of dedicated service to the tourist transport industry. They firmly believe that drivers are the ambassadors of tourism industry. ITTA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to driver development, initiating pioneering programmes such as: Comprehensive one-week training for over 1,700 drivers during the Commonwealth Games and again in 2013. They are planning to conduct regular training programmes for drivers in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism. Recognition of …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a hotel in Mandvi, Gujarat. This under construction project will be branded an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Mandvi’s unspoiled beaches and unique cultural heritage offers immense potential along India’s largely unexplored western coastline. Aligned with the Government of India’s Dekho Apna Desh initiative and IHCL’s pioneering spirit, we remain committed to developing such novel destinations. This signing strengthens our foothold in Gujarat bringing our portfolio to 29 hotels across brands. We are delighted to partner with Sea Leaf Resort for this project.” The 170-key IHCL SeleQtions Mandvi is a picturesque beachfront resort, set across 18 acres with scenic views of the Gulf of Kutch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant. Recreational amenities include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a spa with seven treatment rooms. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ play area, making the resort an ideal choice for all travellers. Ritesh Tanna, Director, Sea Leaf Resort, said, “We are happy to collaborate with IHCL to make Mandvi a sought-after destination for leisure travellers.” Mandvi, a picturesque town in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is a serene destination to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun. The tranquil Mandvi Beach, leading to the Arabian Sea, offers a peaceful retreat. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Sundarwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Lakshminarayan Temple, Kajivali Mosque, and Rameshwar Temple, reflecting its rich historical significance. The iconic Vijay Vilas Palace, the summer palace of Maharao of Kutch, is among Mandvi’s most popular attractions. With …

Refined brand architecture, experiential luxury expertise and a focus on branded residences drive continued expansion as group reveals latest global pipeline figures. Minor Hotels is stepping into 2025 on a strong growth trajectory, underpinned by a robust pipeline of almost 300 new hotels slated to open over the next three years. This expansion puts the international hotel owner and operator on track to pass a milestone of 850 properties by the end of 2027, positioning it among the world’s largest hospitality groups. With more than 560 properties and 81,000 keys already in operation worldwide, Minor’s latest figures show a three-year pipeline of over 285 new hotels and almost 47,000 keys, underscoring the group’s ambitious global strategy and revealing a focus on global market diversification. While more than 50 per cent of Minor’s existing portfolio is currently concentrated in Europe, the addition of more than 100 properties in Asia, more than 60 in the Middle East & Africa, and 40 in Australia and New Zealand will lead to a more balanced global portfolio distribution. Minor Hotels is also looking to expand its presence in several priority markets, especially in North America and North Asia. Markets such as Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey have also been identified as priority destinations for entry, while efforts continue to accelerate momentum in the priority market of India following the recent opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel. Leveraging global brand strength  Luxury and upscale remains a driving force in Minor Hotels’ expansion, with one-third of the three-year pipeline categorised in the Luxury segment, encompassing the Anantara, Tivoli, and Elewana Collection brands, and a further third in the Premium segment across NH Collection, Avani and nhow. The …

SOTC Travel expands its retail network with two new outlets: Vasant Kunj & East Delhi Reiterates the Company’s focus on the NCR region SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company, expands its franchise outlets in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and East Delhi region. The new additions expand SOTC’s network strength to 10 in the NCR region, reiterating the company’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in the region. The NCR region is an important source market for the Company’s holiday business within Delhi and its surrounding catchments witnessing strong demand. SOTC Travel’s new franchise outlets are strategically situated at prime locations to serve both leisure and business segments. The Vasant Kunj and East Delhi outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises, etc.), value-added services like travel insurance, etc. Rakesh Bawa – Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said “With a legacy of over 75 years in pioneering group escorted tours, we at SOTC Travel continue to lead the way in understanding the evolving needs of the Indian traveller. We firmly believe that, No one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. Vasant Kunj and East Delhi are emerging as key source markets with strong demand. We are excited to open two new outlets, expanding our network to 10 locations. Centrally located, these stores will help us target key segments like families, millennials, business owners and Gen Z. Our holiday experts at Vasant Kunj and East Delhi extend a warm welcome to our customers and look forward to co-curate and plan a memorable holiday.”

Bikaner Municipal Corporation launched Bikaner Heritage Walk in an endeavour to preserve the legacy of ‘the city of a thousand havelis.’ Heritage Conservation Cell and Bikaner District Heritage Committee also established to restore the historic landmarks of the city. The Bikaner Municipal Corporation has recently launched Bikaner Heritage Walk with the aim of promoting the heritage conservation of the city. Through this initiative, the Municipal Corporation aims to invite locals and travellers to explore the city’s vibrant history and culture and also raise awareness among stakeholders about heritage-related issues while involving them in future planning and strategies to preserve Bikaner’s rich legacy. The Bikaner District Administration and Bikaner Municipal Corporation have also established the Heritage Conservation Cell and the Bikaner District Heritage Committee to restore the historic landmarks of the city. The Heritage Conservation Cell will work towards identifying and documenting Bikaner’s hidden treasures-from its majestic havelis and temples to its vibrant crafts and traditions. Through public awareness campaigns, restoration projects, and partnerships with experts and stakeholders, the Cell will weave heritage preservation into the fabric of everyday life. Whether it is promoting sustainable tourism or integrating traditional architecture with modern urban planning, the Cell will balance the need for development with the responsibility of preserving Bikaner’s timeless charm. According to Mayank Manish, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bikaner, “The goal of the Bikaner Heritage Cell is to raise awareness and promote the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings and sites in Bikaner. It has been established to preserve the cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, which is embodied in its historic buildings and sites.” Emphasising the collective responsibility of the community in safeguarding Bikaner’s legacy, Namrata Vrishni, District Collector, Bikaner said, “The …

TAFI Convention 2025 is set to take place in the vibrant and culturally rich destination of Vietnam. With Asego’s robust travel protection, delegates can now travel with peace of mind, knowing they are covered during their trip. Asego’s comprehensive insurance ensures that all participants are safeguarded against any travel disruptions or emergencies.

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been appointed as official airline partners for the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). A key component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, TRAVEX serves as a business platform connecting ASEAN buyers and sellers, showcasing a diverse range of destination products and services. The event is scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 January 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Malaysia. As official airline partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will offer seamless travel solutions for delegates attending ATF 2025 and TRAVEX, including buyers and media representatives. By offering extensive connectivity across domestic and international routes, both airlines will ensure convenient access to Johor, Malaysia – the host destination for this prestigious event. The collaboration underscores a commitment to promoting ASEAN as a unified travel destination while showcasing the service and hospitality that define the travel experience with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. Malaysia Airlines will showcase the essence of ‘Malaysian Hospitality,’ while Firefly will complement this effort by offering connectivity across domestic and regional destinations, supporting accessibility for the event. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer, Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are honoured to be the official airline partners for TRAVEX 2025. This collaboration underscores a commitment to enhancing connectivity across ASEAN and beyond, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for delegates. By providing exceptional service and culturally immersive travel experiences, Malaysia Airlines continues to strengthen its role as the gateway to Malaysia and beyond for global travellers.” “ATF 2025 serves as a vital platform for shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for ASEAN’s tourism industry,” said Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia. “This forum offers an opportunity to showcase …

As per ICRA’s latest report, the domestic air passenger traffic for December 2024 was estimated at 153 lakh, higher by 7.3 per cent in comparison to 142.5 lakh in November 2024. It witnessed a YoY growth of 10.8 per cent and remained higher by 17.5 per cent than pre-COVID levels of 130.2 lakh seen in December 2019.