Lifestyle / The Economic Times
Mallorca saw renewed anti-tourism protests over rising housing costs caused by tourists. Similar protests occurred in Barcelona, Malaga, and the Canary Islands. Residents of Japan's Fujikawaguchiko even blocked a popular view of Mount Fuji. Increasing tourism in India, like in Goa and Puducherry, has led to ecological and infrastructural strains. Policymakers are reluctant but considering tourism limits.
Uttarakhand has introduced a new rule requiring all vehicles entering the state to carry dustbins or garbage bags to address littering issues. The transport department will conduct inspections at entry points to ensure compliance. Vehicle owners must show required documents and trip cards at state entrances. This measure aims to improve cleanliness along key routes and tourist spots.
Travel sentiment remained high despite monsoon rains, with a preference for domestic destinations like Goa, Kashmir, and Kerala, Cleartrip reported. Bhubaneshwar saw a 20% rise in bookings due to the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. Internationally, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka maintained popularity, with Kazakhstan also seeing increased bookings.
This state-of-the-art facility will be launched by August 2024, CIAL said on Thursday and added that it has begun an infrastructure makeover at the immigration area, dedicating eight lanes to biometric e-gates, enabling international travellers to complete the immigration process by themselves in 20 seconds. The facility was rolled out at Delhi International Airport in June.
The US State Department has issued a revised travel advisory for India, categorizing the country at Level 2 overall due to crime and terrorism risks, with specific regions at higher risk levels. It advises against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, areas within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, Manipur, and parts of Central and East India due to various security concerns including terrorism, civil unrest, and violent crime.
The recent Budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed significant changes to overseas spending, affecting areas like education and travel. Understanding the updated Tax Collection at Source (TCS) provisions is crucial for individuals sending money abroad. Learn how to manage these new regulations effectively.
Airline disruptions continue due to a faulty software update, with over 750 flights cancelled in the US. Delta Air Lines accounts for majority of cancellations. CEO working to resolve issues and offer waivers to affected customers. Inclement weather adds to delays in Southeast.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the UPI One World wallet for international travelers visiting India, expanding on its initial introduction during the G20 summit. This initiative enables seamless digital payments using Indian technology, eliminating the need for cash and simplifying foreign exchange transactions.
UPI One World can now be used by all inbound international travellers
Budget 2024: As the budget session approaches under Modi 3.0, anticipation is high in the travel and tourism sector. Expectations focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving connectivity, and boosting travel experiences. Granting infrastructure status and policy regularisation can unlock funding, while rationalising GST rates can make travel more affordable. Financial incentives and tax modifications could stimulate domestic tourism. The upcoming budget is poised to propel the industry towards
10 hidden indian travel spots anand mahindra thinks are pure magic
The outage was caused by a flawed update from Texas-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, whose software is widely used around the world. At United Airlines, for example, the outage affected technology used to calculate aircraft weight, check in customers and operate call-center phone systems.
Former media executive Indrani Mukerjea, accused of killing her daughter Sheena Bora, granted permission to travel to Europe for work with court-mandated conditions. The murder case, involving strangulation and burning of the body, was investigated by the CBI. Other accused, including ex-husband, are also currently out on bail.
India's travel bookings surged 25% this monsoon. Rajeev Kale cites value and discounts. Hotel tariffs dropped 20-40%. Leisure Hotels, Radisson, SOTC see growth. Premium rates in Goa, Kerala, Coorg. Top short-hauls: Bhutan, Sri Lanka. Mehul Sharma's Signum Resort, Igatpuri occupancy up 24%. Popular: Malabar river festival, Alappuzha boat race, Dubare Elephant Camp.
Aanvi Kamdar, a 27-year-old chartered accountant at Deloitte and social media influencer, died after falling 300 feet from a hillock near Kumbhe waterfall while filming a reel. Despite a six-hour rescue effort, she was declared dead at the hospital. Known for her travel content, Kamdar had over 256,000 Instagram followers and specialized in monsoon tourism.
The travel and tourism sector is experiencing significant growth post-pandemic, providing ample opportunities for mid-career professionals. Skills in data analytics, customer experience, and sustainability are in high demand. Upskilling in areas such as Excel, SQL, and destination knowledge can lead to a successful career transition. Freelance roles in hotel staff, tour guides, and marketing are also on the rise.
Austerlitz stands out from other travelers with his unusual attire and keen interest in the waiting room. Learn more about the enigmatic traveler and his penchant for note-taking and sketching in this intriguing encounter.
The Delhi High Court has set aside lookout circulars (LoCs) issued against Supertech Realtors director Mohit Arora by the Bureau of Immigration. The LoCs were issued at the request of Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India. The court clarified that it has not made any observations regarding such circulars issued against Arora at the instance of other investigative agencies.
In a significant relief for Mumbai residents, the new Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project (GMLR) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. This project is expected to cut travel time between the two areas to just 25 minutes. During his visit to Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi will also launch and dedicate various projects worth over Rs 29,400 crore at a ceremony at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon.
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur was awarded Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure, USA, setting new luxury benchmarks since its opening in 1997, offering bespoke dining, a spa, and cultural experiences in a Rajasthani fort setting with rooms, luxury tents, and villas. The Oberoi Group's CEO Vikram Oberoi expressed pride in this accolade, while EIH Ltd, the chain's flagship, reported a significant increase in net profit and revenue for fiscal 2024.
Union Budget 2024: On Monday, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) called for several measures to support the domestic travel and tourism sector. These include streamlined visa requirements, promoting visa-free entry for tourists, rationalising GST rates and GST credit, and granting industry status to all stakeholders. The sector contributes 5.8 percent to India's GDP and has an ambitious target of reaching USD 1 trillion by 2047.
The high-octane clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be held on July 19. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place on July 26. The final will take place on July 28. For the first time in the history of the tournament, eight teams will feature in the upcoming edition, which is one more than the previous competition.
With variants KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 surging, the CDC advises isolation if symptomatic, testing kits, masks, and medications for July 4 travelers. Vicki Sowards suggests Paxlovid for high-risk groups. U.S. citizens no longer need vaccine proof/tests. Adhere to physical distancing, good hygiene, and updated vaccines to curb rising hospitalizations and deaths. Follow CDC guidelines for safe travel.
RateGain Travel Technologies Ltd., incorporated in the year 2012, is a Large Cap company (having a market cap of Rs 9477.98 Crore) operating in General sector.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde comments on Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis sharing a lift, sparking speculation. Shinde hints at potential challenges reaching the sixth floor. The incident occurred in the state assembly last week.
IndusInd Bank's instant personal loans for travel offer competitive rates, higher loan amounts, flexible tenures, and instant approval. Manageable EMIs, an EMI calculator, and quick access for emergencies aid financing. The versatile loan covers all travel needs, improves credit scores with punctual repayments, supports last-minute plans, and ensures financial health, making vacations stress-free and memorable.
Joe Biden said that he nearly fell asleep during the first Presidential Debate. He attributed this to his foreign visits and lack of rest before the debate. His performance during the debate has been under sharp focus as many Democrats call for his replacement on the ballot box.
During a campaign event in McLean, Virginia, U.S. President Joe Biden admitted that his performance in last Thursday's presidential debate against former President Donald Trump was not his best, attributing it to jet lag from two overseas trips earlier in June. Biden had traveled to France and Italy, crossing multiple time zones before returning to the U.S. for the debate. Despite this, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates Biden's support remains steady, with one in three Democrats suggesting h
Taiwan's government raised its travel warning for China, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel following Beijing's threat to execute diehard Taiwan independence supporters. The warning also applies to Hong Kong and Macau. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has escalated tensions by issuing new legal guidelines targeting Taiwan independence advocates, prompting condemnation from Taiwan and the United States.
Darshan was arrested on June 11, Tuesday in relation to the suspected homicide of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old assistant pharmacist from Chitradurga. Reportedly, Darshan recruited members from one of his fan clubs to kidnap the autorickshaw driver. A total of 17 individuals have been detained in connection with this case. Darshan and three others will be held in judicial custody until July 4.
Here are 10 intriguing and lesser-known places in India to visit before planning your trip abroad
Jaya Kumari, from New Delhi, faced a prolonged struggle after her bag, containing valuables, was stolen on the Malwa Express in 2016. After eight years, a Delhi court ruled in her favor, ordering the Railways to pay her Rs 1.08 lakh for negligence. This highlights broader concerns about railway security, with data showing rising theft incidents. The ruling sets a precedent for passenger safety and service accountability.
The travel industry is expected to continue growing at a steady pace for the next four to five years, according to Madhavan Menon, executive chairman of Thomas Cook (India). Menon believes that the increasing purchasing power of people who can afford holidays, regardless of the cost, will continue to drive the growth trend. He believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an evolution in travel and taught companies the importance of productivity.
Home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This facility will be available free of cost for all passengers, Shah said.
Delhi Airport introduced the Government of India's Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme for Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders. The programme offers expedited emigration/immigration clearance with eight electronic gates at Terminal 3. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the programme. Applicants must pay a processing fee and undergo biometric verification, with the initiative aiming to streamline airport congestion.
Indian travelers are increasingly seeking adventure, with travel and hospitality companies noting a 30% year-on-year increase in demand for adventure trips. From biking tours in Malaysia's Penang to paragliding in Thailands Chiang Mai, the trend is gaining popularity among enthusiasts, including CEOs and CXOs of India Inc. Many are also interested in unique experiences in the Himalayas.
IRCTC travel insurance: Do you know that IRCTC offers an optional travel insurance policy at just 45 paisa premium per passenger. This policy offers coverage up to Rs 10 lakh in cases of death and permanent disability. God forbid if you perish in a train accident, atleast your family will get the required financial assistance.
Outward remittances from India under the liberalised remittance scheme fell by 2% year on year. Travel was the largest chunk of foreign currency outflows in April, with maintenance of close relatives being the second largest reason for remittances. Indians spent $31.7 billion overseas under the LRS in the fiscal ended March 2024.
Air travellers' trauma: Spicejet plane stuck on tarmac for an hour with no AC, passengers share videos
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chung Kwang Tien, announced on Tuesday that the Taiwanese government is contemplating offering visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens.
More than 22 million Indians travel daily in over 13,000 passenger trains, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in the wake of the Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express incident and the limited operationality of the anti-collision system, Kavach.
The travel industry, which had taken a beating during the Covid-19 period, witnessed a smart recovery post-pandemic, with some players registering more than double-digit growth in FY23 compared to FY20.
Here are five lesser-known places in Himachal Pradesh that offer unique travel experiences apart from Shimla and Manali:
In a tragic accident in Rudraprayag district, a tempo traveller carrying tourists, including six flat mates from Noida Sector 51, plunged into a gorge. Four women from the group died, identified as Mohini Pandey, Smriti Sharma, Nikita Bhatt, and Anjali Srivastava, while two others, Vandana Sharma and Shubham Singh, were severely injured. The incident claimed 15 lives and injured 11, with critical cases transferred to AIIMS Rishikesh.