Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Speaking at UP Tourism’s ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ event, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “We see the Mahakumbh as an opportunity for cultural exchange.” He invited global tourists to experience world’s largest spiritual gathering, scheduled to be held from 14 January-26 February 2025 in Prayagraj.

Under the budget announcement’s special assistance programme for states, the Centre has approved 40 projects totalling ₹3,295 crore to turn tourist destinations into iconic hubs, with the primary aim being the decongestion of known and traditional tourist destinations. The focus of the exercise is to tap the future potential of these sites.

PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, said, “The govt plans to introduce a new policy to enhance the tourism sector by making it more women-friendly & safest global destination.” An audit report has been prepared on the prevaling women-friendly environment & is being presented at the Global Women Conference.

Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi won the ‘Fastest Growing Leisure Destination’ award at the ITA. On behalf of NTO, Nikhil Jeet, Manager, Country (India), DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “With a team of dynamic professionals, we have ensured that Abu Dhabi’s wide range of tourism offerings reaches every travelling Indian.”

Celebrating its 30 years of diplomatic relations with India, South African Tourism held a Press Meet in New Delhi. During the address, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, announced the launch of a new digital Entry Travel Agreement (ETA) system to boost tourism ties with India. The move will replace the existing e-visa programme to simplify and expedite the visa application process. She said they have cut down extra documentation required for the visa application to three international documents across South African missions. She further revealed that mass visa processing for group travellers will now be made possible via a recently gazetted Trusted Tourist Tour Operator System Scheme that is primarily targeted at the Chinese and Indian markets. So far, 23 Indian tour operators have applied for this program in its first phase, demonstrating the positive response it has already received. The system will take effect on 20 January 2025. Highlighting that air connectivity remains a challenge for Indian tourists, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, said, “We will be meeting Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to explore possibilities of direct flight between India and South Africa as we currently lack any direct route.” The session was focused on economic growth and strategic collaboration, delving into the future travel outlook, India-focused initiatives, and key insights to shape and strengthen outbound Indian travel to South Africa.

Rail Europe, together with Lufthansa Group, Swiss tourism boards, and high-speed rail operators, recently organised an exclusive familiarisation tour to Switzerland and Paris for its key partners. Rail Europe planned this trip after a gap of almost four years post pandemic and this trip was a reward to their GSAs for their continuous efforts to sell train travel in Europe. Their adventure began in the picturesque Swiss Alps in Interlaken region. The unique experiences were the Raclette rafting on the lake of Brienz with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, chocolate making workshop, adventurous activities like First Glider where everyone could fly like an eagle and the First flyer on the Grindelwald First mountain. Then the group headed to Montreux region with experiencing the Prestige class on the scenic train of Golden Pass line and enjoyed some snow activities on the Glacier 3000. The highlight of this region was cellar wine tasting at the Domian Bovy, Charlie Chaplin’s Museum, and the stunning view from the Chillon castle. The objective of this trip was to showcase the agents the benefits of Swiss Travel Pass and their add-ons such as discounts on mountain excursions and free entry to museums, and to experience the high-speed TGV Lyria from Geneva to Paris – the headquarters of Rail Europe. From the romantic Swiss Alps, they boarded the high-speed train to the city of Love Paris. The group strolled through the streets of Montmartre, explored the city with hop on hop off city tour, got on the highest level of the Eiffel tower and ended the mesmerising FAM trip with the romantic dinner on the Seine river cruise. This trip was a resounding success where they experienced Rail …

As South Africa and India commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, will visit India in December. She will engage in bilateral discussions to strengthen tourism ties, focusing on streamlined visa processes, digital innovation, enhanced air connectivity, and rural tourism.

As Uttar Pradesh is set to promote Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 domestically and globally, a senior official informed that the budget for Kumbh has jumped 78 per cent from 4,200 crore in 2019 to ₹7,500 crore in 2025. More than 380 development projects have been launched along with infra boost and other tourism projects.

India has generated ₹1.71 lakh crore in foreign exchange earnings through tourism from January 2024 to August 2024. It grew by 15.64 per cent between January 2024 to August 2024. Furthermore, it witnessed 36.5 per cent growth in 2023 over the previous year as per the official statement of Union Ministry of Tourism.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to mark 25th Anniversary on 1st December 2024, ahead of UAE National Day Milestone heralds a new era for Jumeirah, building on its legacy of excellence with a focus on worldwide brand expansion Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on 1st December 2024. Since its opening in 1999, the hotel has redefined luxury hospitality in the UAE, with the iconic dhow sail-shaped landmark becoming a globally recognised symbol of excellence in tourism. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab continues to draw visitors from around the world with its promise of unparalleled, personalised luxury, exceptional experiences and the warmth of Arabian hospitality. The 25th anniversary of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Following the launch of a new visual identity earlier this year, Jumeirah continues to look to the future, with a focus on sustainable growth, regionally and internationally in gateway cities and resort destinations, while reaffirming its position as a game-changing industry leader in the luxury hospitality sphere. In line with this growth strategy, Jumeirah recently announced new properties including Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Commenting on the anniversary, Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “As we celebrate 25 years since we opened the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, we reflect on our legacy of excellence in luxury hospitality, inspired by the warmth and generosity of Arabian culture. This tradition of welcoming travellers to stay and share in culture and conversation is at the …