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Launch – Traveldaayri https://traveldaayri.com Traveldaayri Mon, 12 Feb 2024 04:18:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 EaseMyTrip to launch five-star hotel in Ayodhya with INR 100 crore investment, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/easemytrip-to-launch-five-star-hotel-in-ayodhya-with-inr-100-crore-investment-et-travelworld/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 04:18:18 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/easemytrip-to-launch-five-star-hotel-in-ayodhya-with-inr-100-crore-investment-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Ram Temple, Ayodhya  </p>
Ram Temple, Ayodhya

Expecting 10x growth this year in Ayodhya‘s tourism, post the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla, Rikant Pitti, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, announced on Sunday a five-star luxury hotel project in Ayodhya, ideally situated less than one kilometre from Ram Mandir.

“Excited to announce that we’ve just initiated a transformative project by stepping into the hospitality industry with the launch of a 5-star luxury hotel project in Ayodhya, ideally situated less than one kilometre from the Ram Mandir. This venture represents a significant investment of up to Rs 100 crore through JeewHospitality Private Limited, leading this visionary project,” he said.

The Indian online travel company’s goal is to redefine the hospitality experience for pilgrims and tourists in Ayodhya, a city rich in spiritual heritage. Positioned near the iconic Shree Ram Mandir, the forthcoming hotel is designed to meet the sophisticated expectations of visitors seeking both luxury and convenience.

Ayodhya records 2.4 mn visitors in 12 days; govt eyeing historic site development schemes: Modi

In a significant move to enhance the visitor experience at pilgrimage sites, the Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for various projects in Assam, among them the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor. This initiative, sanctioned under the PM-DevINE scheme, will make Assam a gateway to tourism in the North East with an increase in the footfall of devotees.

“This project, a collaborative effort between EaseMyTrip’s extensive know-how in travel and Jeewani Hospitality‘s hospitality excellence, aims to elevate the standard of luxury lodging in Ayodhya. It signifies EaseMyTrip’s strategic expansion and its commitment to enhancing India’s tourism sector,” added Pitti.The co-founder of EaseMyTrip further said that as the hospitality landscape evolves, EaseMyTrip is dedicated to delivering unparalleled travel experiences and improving India’s tourism infrastructure.

“Our upcoming 5-star hotel in Ayodhya is a reflection of our commitment to offering a blend of opulence, comfort, and cultural engagement to those visiting this historical city,” Rikant Pitti said.

  • Published On Feb 12, 2024 at 09:01 AM IST

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The Park Hotels to launch INR 920 crore IPO on Feb 5; 56 hotels in pipeline by 2026, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/the-park-hotels-to-launch-inr-920-crore-ipo-on-feb-5-56-hotels-in-pipeline-by-2026-et-travelworld/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:03:24 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/the-park-hotels-to-launch-inr-920-crore-ipo-on-feb-5-56-hotels-in-pipeline-by-2026-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, known as ‘The Park‘, is set to embark on a transformative journey with the initiation of its initial public offering (IPO) of Equity Shares. Scheduled to open on Monday, February 5th, 2024, the IPO marks a significant milestone for the renowned hospitality company.

During the IPO launch press conference, Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels announced that the company plans to have a total of 56 hotels across India by 2026. She also mentioned that they are in talks with partners to have presence in Ayodhya as well, which has emerged as a major spiritual tourism destination.

Park Hotels currently has 30 hotels across 20 Indian cities with a total of 2,298 keys. The company al has presence in F&B and Nightclubs space with 81 restaurants, nightclubs and bars spread across its hotels. It also operates F&B retain chain ‘Flurys’ in India.

The company is the eighth-largest among hotel chains with asset ownership in India. It operates hospitality assets under its own brands, The Park, The Park Collection, Zone by Park among others.

The IPO, with a total offer size aggregating up to INR 9,200 million [INR 920 crore], includes a fresh issue of Equity Shares amounting to INR 6,000 million [INR 600 crore] and an Offer for Sale worth INR 3,200 million [INR 320 crore] by Selling Shareholders. The bidding window will remain open until Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, with the Anchor Investor Bidding Date set for Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

SpiceJet concludes first round of capital injection, raises INR 744 crore

In a significant move, the Company’s Board of Directors, in its meeting on January 25, 2024, sanctioned the allocation of 5.55 crore equity shares to 54 subscribers. Furthermore, the Board greenlit the allotment of 9.33 crore warrants, offering the option for equivalent equity share acquisition, to Elara India Opportunities Fund and Silver Stallion.

With a price band fixed at INR 147 to INR 155 per Equity Share, investors can participate by bidding for a minimum of 96 Equity Shares and in multiples of 96 Equity Shares thereafter. The net proceeds from the fresh issue of Equity Shares will primarily be utilised for repayment or prepayment of certain outstanding borrowings, along with allocation towards general corporate purposes.The Offer for Sale comprises shares from Apeejay Private Limited, the Promoter Group Selling Shareholder, RECP IV Park Hotel Investors Ltd, and RECP IV Park Hotel Co-Investors Ltd, demonstrating a strategic divestment by existing stakeholders.

JM Financial Limited, Axis Capital Limited, and ICICI Securities Limited have been appointed as the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the Issue, underscoring the robust advisory framework supporting the IPO process.

The Equity Shares will be offered through the red herring prospectus dated January 29, 2024, filed with the Registrar of Companies, West Bengal at Kolkata, and are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

  • Published On Jan 31, 2024 at 02:44 PM IST

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Cleartrip focuses on flexibility to boost travel demand, mulls launch on international sectors too, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/cleartrip-focuses-on-flexibility-to-boost-travel-demand-mulls-launch-on-international-sectors-too-et-travelworld/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:53:25 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/cleartrip-focuses-on-flexibility-to-boost-travel-demand-mulls-launch-on-international-sectors-too-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Aditya Agarwal, CFO, Cleartrip</p>
Aditya Agarwal, CFO, Cleartrip

Traditionally, travel planning was a meticulous process. Today, it is characterised by a desire for flexibility. Right from refunds to easy cancellation policies, travellers look for flexible products that facilitate unexpected changes in plans. In fact, as per a recent Google report, 78 per cent of Indians make an eventual trip booking decision different from their original intention.

Flexibility in travel is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in the way we explore the world around us.
Post-Covid travel sentiment has gone high; be it is a long weekend trip, a last-minute flight deal, or a surprise destination for a special occasion, spontaneous getaways have become popular among Indians.

In an exclusive interview with ET Travel World, Aditya Agarwal, CTO, Cleartrip shares insights on the travel industry’s evolution and Cleartrip’s strategies to cater to the changing needs of travellers while also talking about the company’s focus on flexibility for travellers.

“We have seen that flexibility is increasingly a requirement that customers are looking for. Almost one in every four customers opted for this product, with a 5-7 per cent premium paid for flexibility and peace of mind. After the success in domestic market, we are soon going to launch our Flex products on international sectors as well,” he said.

Cleartrip revamped its flexibility products during the pandemic to allow cancellations and changes to dates or airlines. While flexibility comes at a small premium, Agarwal noted travellers are willing to pay upfront for peace of mind. “This is the first time we’ve seen people willing to pay a premium to get that feature of flexibility,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, he said Cleartrip aims to increase adoption of flexibility options. The company is working to make the products cheaper or free through partnerships. This could boost travel in non-metro areas. “The company is working to increase adoption of their product, particularly among infrequent travellers, by educating them on its value and partnering with banks and loyalty programs to offer it at a discount or even for free, such as through the Flipkart VIP program and Axis bank partnership.” he commented.

Cleartrip has also seen double-digit adoption of affordability products, such as buy now pay later and no-cost EMI options, to help customers manage high transaction values in travel bookings.

The impact of travel meta search engines on travel industry

For the travel industry, meta search engines have presented opportunities for growth. Smaller hotels and airlines can reach a global audience without the need for an extensive marketing and distribution network. OTAs have allowed them to compete effectively with larger players, leveling the playing field and driving competition. However, it’s not all smooth sailing.

Agarwal also mentioned that Cleartrip has relaunched its hotels and buses businesses, expanded into B2B verticals, and has successfully grown in the travel agent and corporate businesses. He is optimistic about the industry’s growth in the next 12-24 months, citing increased demand and supply.

Flexible Travel Products by Cleartrip
Cleartrip has introduced flexible travel products like Flex Max and Cancel For No Reason. Flex Max provides free cancellation or rescheduling options on all domestic flight bookings, while Cancel For No Reason allows hotel booking cancellation until check-in time with a full refund of up to INR 25,000.

Highlighting modern Indian travellers’ preferences, Agarwal notes a growing appetite for immersive and experiential travel experiences. He observes a trend of travellers venturing beyond their home country’s borders for international trips, seeking comfort, convenience, and memorable moments. There’s also a surge in online holiday package bookings, and tier 2/tier 3 customers are taking 20-30 per cent fewer trips than tier 1 city customers.

He also shared some numbers highlighting booking demand during the festival season. FlipKart’s Big Billion Days sale during the festive season witnessed a significant rise in bookings across various modes of transportation. Flight bookings increased by 1.9 times, hotel bookings saw 3 times increase, and bus bookings rose by 1.8 times. Additionally, the CT Upgrade program that offered free meals or seats on select flights was successful in helping 1.3 times more customers get preferential seats. Furthermore, the CT FlexMax and Flex products were utilized by 1.5 times more customers, indicating a growing popularity of these offerings.

  • Published On Nov 21, 2023 at 05:10 PM IST

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100 houses in Bicholim to be developed under Goa’s Homestay Policy; launch in a month, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/100-houses-in-bicholim-to-be-developed-under-goas-homestay-policy-launch-in-a-month-et-travelworld/ Sat, 21 Oct 2023 05:05:06 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/100-houses-in-bicholim-to-be-developed-under-goas-homestay-policy-launch-in-a-month-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte</p>
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte

In a move to redefine its tourism landscape traditionally known for beach-led tourism as well as to provide a cultural experience, the state government of Goa is gearing up to unveil its Homestay Policy, in a month’s time.

Sharing details with ETTravelWorld, Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s Minister of Tourism said that 100 houses exclusively located in rural regions like Bicholim have been earmarked for development under the Homestay Policy.

A key development is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Airbnb earlier this year, which is expected to streamline processes and enhance the experience, as per Khaunte. This collaboration will focus on spotlighting hinterland and homestay tourism locations for travellers to explore.

To achieve this, Airbnb will conduct workshops and seminars to educate homestay hosts and B&B owners about responsible tourism practices, local regulations, and the importance of host registration, while also working to onboard more hosts and properties. Providing the global best practices, travel trends and insights to assist the Department of Tourism in making informed decisions on capacity building and progressive policies for responsible tourism will also be additional responsibility for Airbnb.

“Tourists opting for these homestays can anticipate an immersive experience, getting closer to local culture, traditions, festivals, cuisine, and more,” the minister stated.

Additionally, the introduction of homestays in rural regions including Bicholim and others will not only offer tourists an opportunity to experience the essence of Goan living but also create supplementary income sources for the local residents, Khaunte added.

The forthcoming Homestay Policy will be launched alongside a Caravan Policy, adding a new dimension to tourism beyond beaches. “This aims to promote a more flexible and itinerary-free recreational van experience, complete with dedicated caravan parks offering essential facilities and services,” the minister shared.

Khaunte emphasised the policy’s aim is to enhance overall tourist satisfaction, leading to increased tourism revenue and economic growth for the region, while breaking away from the limitations of seasonal tourism.

When asked about the benefits of these policies, Minister Khaunte emphasised that they align with the “Goa Roadmap,” a document recognised during the G20 Tourism Ministers meeting in India. The policies aim to drive a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism sector, he said. In terms of benefits, they are expected to create a win-win scenario for tourists, local residents, and various stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Moreover, the government is also prepared to provide incentives, both fiscal and non-fiscal, to support these policies.

Antara bets on shorter itineraries, catamarans to tap domestic demand

The new draft National Tourism Policy augurs well for rapid development of cruise tourism in India as it includes cruise tourism-friendly policies and the government’s plan to open 111 waterways in the country. Indira Banerjee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Antara River Cruises, spoke to ETTravelWorld about the company’s approach to enhancing the cruise experience and its commitment to sustainability.

Besides these two, the Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026, a comprehensive framework for the management and allocation of beach shacks, deck beds, and umbrellas along the state’s scenic coastlines for the next three years, has also recently gained approval from the state government. Beach shacks, constructed from eco-friendly materials, have long been a popular draw for tourists in Goa, and this policy is designed to bring more structure and oversight to their operation.

As per Khaunte, the implementation of the Beach Shack policy underscores the Goan government’s commitment to fostering tourism, engaging the younger generation, and boosting economic prosperity in our picturesque state. “This policy establishes a mutually beneficial arrangement for both our youthful entrepreneurs and tourists, not only empowering our young talent but also enhancing the overall tourist experience, further establishing Goa as a premier destination for those seeking sun, sand, and a taste of our unique culture.”

Looking ahead with a “quality over quantity” approach, Goa Tourism is eyeing new initiatives to increase both domestic and international footfalls to the state. The strategy includes the introduction of spiritual tourism circuits, encompassing not only temples but also yoga and wellness activities. Besides homestays, the focus is also on wellness, local cuisine, and festivities to enrich the overall tourist experience. Additionally, the ‘Temple Connect’ program will promote spiritual circuits, said Khaunte.

“The Tourism Department preparations are in full swing for the grand celebration of the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s coronation, with plans unveiled for the upcoming Shiv Jayanti festival in six cities across Goa. The festival will be organised in locations including Panjim, Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, Vasco, and Bicholim,” he shared.

In response to post-Covid tourist preferences, Goa Tourism is focusing on tranquility, spirituality, and immersive experiences, said the minister, adding that this approach represents a shift from the ‘Goa Beyond Beaches‘ master plan.

“Our goal is to make tourism beneficial for every stakeholder at all levels of the tourism ecosystem. We are aligned with the Travel for LiFE program, developed under PM’s vision. Travellers will experience this philosophy at various touchpoints in Goa. Combined with the Goa Roadmap, it positions tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals,” he assured.

  • Published On Oct 21, 2023 at 09:45 AM IST

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UNESCO & Royal Enfield launch 2nd Chapter of ‘Great Himalayan Exploration’ with responsible tourism in sight, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/unesco-royal-enfield-launch-2nd-chapter-of-great-himalayan-exploration-with-responsible-tourism-in-sight-et-travelworld/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:59:41 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/unesco-royal-enfield-launch-2nd-chapter-of-great-himalayan-exploration-with-responsible-tourism-in-sight-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

Following the success of its inaugural edition, UNESCO and Royal Enfield have announced the commencement of the Second Chapter of ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’. This unique initiative is dedicated to the documentation and preservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Himalayan region. This endeavour seeks to raise awareness about the rich cultural traditions and heritage of India.

Last year more than 25 rider-researchers embarked on a transformative journey, documenting 21 distinct practices in various parts of Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Second Chapter of The Great Himalayan Exploration was unveiled in New Delhi with an exclusive exhibition titled ‘Journeying Across the Himalayas II’ at Bikaner House, showcasing the remarkable work of documenting these 21 practices.

This mission aims to collaborate with 100 communities to enhance resilience and inspire a movement of responsible travel practices among riders and travellers.

This session featured Tim Curtis, the recently-appointed Director and Representative of UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka who talked about the importance of preserving the ‘living heritage’ and efforts taken by UNESCO towards the cause.

“As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, which include outmigration and forced displacement that threaten cultural identities, safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage becomes ever more urgent. Traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations can offer vital solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. In a country as vast and culturally diverse as India, this partnership between UNESCO and Royal Enfield aims to raise awareness and mobilise communities to safeguard living heritage. This partnership aligns with the goals of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for The Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, especially as the Convention celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.”

Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR and Sustainability arm of Royal Enfield, stated, “This partnership with UNESCO allows us to deepen our relationship with the Himalayas and its communities, which have inspired Royal Enfield for decades. Through the process of engaging with the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the region, we have learned that sustainable living is at the heart of most of these practices. The Great Himalayan Exploration provides riders and travellers with a unique opportunity to combine purpose with their passion for exploration.”

The Second Chapter of The Great Himalayan Exploration will witness the participation of 60 motorcyclists, carefully selected from over 600 registrations. These rider-researchers will embark on a series of rides to remote Himalayan communities in small groups over the next six months, aiming to document over 50 Intangible Cultural Heritage practices.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Curtis, in conversation with ETTravelWorld, also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism management, addressing social, environmental, and heritage impacts.

“UNESCO has been working for 20 years to preserve intangible culture through programs, policies, and capacity building. We are working closely with Indian government to spread awareness about cultural heritage preservation. When it comes to sustainable tourism, UNESCO has programs looking at tourism management plans for World Heritage Sites to address over-tourism issues. Their goal is balancing tourism benefits with preventing harm to heritage sites. Proper planning, policies, and awareness can help manage tourism sustainably,” he mentioned.

Whereas, Bidisha Dey while interacting with ETTravelWorld, discussed about the organisation’s green pitstop project in Ladakh, which involves working with a community to create a sustainable tourism model and building trust through transparency and community involvement.

“This was our first green pitstop and now we have few more in the making. There’s certainly one coming up in Chuma Thang in Ladakh, hopefully one in Manas wildlife region of Assam, and maybe some other places as well,” he said.

Talking about Intangible Cultural Heritage project, she said, “More importantly, this is just the first leg of the project. We’ve identified 100 practices in the eastern Himalayas, we’re documenting them. We are also in the process of identifying another 100-odd practices in the western Himalayas across Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.”

  • Published On Oct 10, 2023 at 07:09 PM IST

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Uganda Airlines to begin India operations on Oct 7 with launch of weekly Mumbai flights, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/uganda-airlines-to-begin-india-operations-on-oct-7-with-launch-of-weekly-mumbai-flights-et-travelworld/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:11:27 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/uganda-airlines-to-begin-india-operations-on-oct-7-with-launch-of-weekly-mumbai-flights-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image</p>
Representative Image

Uganda Airlines has just announced its plans for India operations, starting from October 7. The airline is set to launch a brand-new direct service connecting Mumbai‘s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.

This service will operate three times a week and will be facilitated by Uganda Airlines’ Airbus A330-800 neo aircraft. Passengers can look forward to a three-class configuration, with options in Business (20 seats), Premium Economy (28 seats), and Economy (210 seats). With this new connection, a non-stop air link between India and Uganda will be reestablished after more than half a century.

This route extension also signifies Uganda Airlines’ commitment to expanding its services beyond the African continent. It joins the growing network of routes that provide travellers with connections to South, West, Central, and Eastern Africa. The direct flight will reduce travel time significantly, with approximately 5.5 hours in each direction.

“We are excited to introduce this (Entebbe-Mumbai flight), the latest addition to our network, which affirms Uganda Airlines expands travel options for our passengers. Besides convenience, we hope this route will add energy to the existing business and commercial relations between India and Uganda,” said Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer at Uganda Airlines.

Etihad takes off to 3 new destinations; flights to Indian cities from Jan 2024

Inaugural services to Dusseldorf, Germany began on September 28, followed the next day by Copenhagen, Denmark and then Osaka, Japan on October 1. The airline has also announced the launch of nine new destinations in 2023, including Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, among others. The new routes to the Indian Subcontinent, with Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram are scheduled next year.

“Since 2017, I have relentlessly pursued the dream of a direct flight from Mumbai to Entebbe, believing it to be the catalyst for enhanced trade, commerce, and tourism between our two nations. I am elated to witness the realization of my vision,” said Madhusudan Agrawal, Hon. Consul of Uganda.The inaugural flight, UR 430, will take off from Entebbe on Saturday, October 7, while the return flight, UR 431, is scheduled to depart from Mumbai on Sunday, October 8. The flight schedule has been designed to connect with Uganda Airlines’ existing network, accommodating passengers who wish to continue their journeys beyond Uganda.

Flights can be booked through the Uganda Airlines App, available on both Google Play and Apple iStore.

Currently, Uganda Airlines operates flights to several destinations, including Dubai, Johannesburg, Bujumbura, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Kinshasa, and Mogadishu.

Additionally, flights to Lagos, Nigeria, are set to commence soon, the airline revealed.

  • Published On Oct 4, 2023 at 09:00 AM IST

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Finland becomes first country in the world to launch digital passports, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/finland-becomes-first-country-in-the-world-to-launch-digital-passports-et-travelworld/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:48:04 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/finland-becomes-first-country-in-the-world-to-launch-digital-passports-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

Finland has taken the global lead by unveiling the world’s first-ever digital passport. This innovation, in the form of a mobile app, lets travelers securely store and present their passport information on their smartphones, eliminating the need for carrying a physical document.

Launched on August 28, 2023, the initiative is a collaborative effort between Finland, Finnair, the Finnish police, and Finavia, the airport operator. This initiative aligns with a broader European Union (EU) plan to test digital passports in a bid to enhance travel technology and security measures.

The initial phase of the project involves travelers on select Finnair flights from Helsinki to the UK and vice versa. These travelers can register their digital passports at the Vantaa Main Police Station‘s license services. To participate, travelers are required to download the FIN DTC Pilot app, which utilizes facial recognition and biometric data to verify their identity.

Once registered, travelers can transmit their data via the app to the Finnish Border Guard within 36 to 4 hours before their scheduled departure. Upon arrival, they can use their smartphones to scan a provided QR code at the border control checkpoint. This approach is poised to expedite the travel process, making it not only faster but also more streamlined and secure, all while reducing the reliance on physical documents and minimizing human interaction.

The project is set to run until February 2024, during which it will be evaluated for its feasibility and user satisfaction.

Several other nations, including Poland, South Korea, the US, and the UK, are actively developing and implementing similar initiatives. Countries like Ukraine, Singapore, China, Estonia, and Israel have already introduced digital health or vaccine passports to facilitate travel, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Gatwick Airport in UK limits flights amid Covid-induced staff shortages

Gatwick Airport, the second-largest airport in Britain, found itself grappling with a significant challenge on Monday as it was forced to implement a temporary limit on its daily flight operations. The reason behind this unprecedented move was a severe shortage of air traffic control staff, primarily due to various illnesses, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

  • Published On Oct 3, 2023 at 02:30 PM IST

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World Tourism Day marks Travel for LiFE’s global launch, Best Tourism Villages accorded by MoT, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/world-tourism-day-marks-travel-for-lifes-global-launch-best-tourism-villages-accorded-by-mot-et-travelworld/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:35:25 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/world-tourism-day-marks-travel-for-lifes-global-launch-best-tourism-villages-accorded-by-mot-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image<span class="redactor-invisible-space" style=""></span></p>
Representative Image

While commemorating the World Tourism Day 2023, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, orchestrated the global launch of ‘Travel for LiFE,’ a sectoral program falling under the ambit of Mission LiFE.

Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the launch ceremony was held at the newly built Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Tourism, Ajay Bhatt, asserted that Travel for LiFE underlines India’s commitment to the promotion of sustainable tourism, while he reiterated that the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi showcased India’s dedication to global unity and cooperation. These deliberations, he said, resonated with the collective global aspiration for a sustainable future.

“I urge every traveller, every business, and every citizen to adopt this program and pledge to travel responsibly, to respect our environment, and to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our world so beautifully complex. The Travel for LiFE program, which is a part of Mission LiFE, sets out the path to a sustainable planet Earth,” he added.

Additionally, the minister highlighted India’s emergence as a prominent destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, exemplified by the successful hosting of almost 200 G20 meetings across 60 locations. He also pointed out the world-class MICE facilities like Bharat Mandapam and the newly inaugurated Yashobhoomi convention center in Dwarka, are poised to bring in conference tourism from around the globe.

V. Vidhyavathi, Secretary of Tourism, emphasised that ‘Travel for LiFE’ seeks to encourage tourists to take actions that contribute to environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, bolstering local economies, and safeguarding the socio-cultural heritage of local communities. It aspires to foster responsible resource utilisation among stakeholders across the tourism value chain.

In addition to the Travel for LiFE program launch, the event celebrated the announcement of the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2023.’ The Ministry of Tourism had initiated the ‘Best Tourism Village Competition‘ on February 16 to recognise and promote exemplary tourism villages across India. This initiative was accompanied by the unveiling of a new website dedicated to rural tourism promotion.

World Tourism Day 2023: Sustainability should be imperative, not an option

As the world gears up to celebrate World Tourism Day, the global tourism sector is poised for a grand convergence, uniting under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”. The industry stakeholders and experts we reached out to, advocated the need to have a collective and coordinated approach involving governments, businesses, and stakeholders, besides, the need to have more local community involvement.

The evaluation process for the Best Tourism Villages considered various parameters in line with UNWTO competition guidelines, encompassing Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development, and Value Chain Integration. A total of 35 Rural Tourism Villages were recognised, distributed across Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, with 5, 10, and 20 villages in each, respectively.

These distinguished villages were chosen from over 750 entries originating from 315 districts across 31 states and Union territories. A few recipients included Dawar village in Jammu and Kashmir, Sarmoli in Uttarakhand, Reiek in Mizoram, Kanthalloor in Kerala, Madla and Khokhara in Madhya Pradesh, Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, Sarodhadadar in Chhattisgarh, Kalpeni in Lakshadweep, Hemis in Ladakh, Pembarthy in Telangana, Cotigao in Goa, and Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh.

The Ministry of Tourism also announced the forthcoming edition of the Best Tourism Village Competition in 2024, underscoring its commitment to fostering rural tourism development.

In a video message, the ministry also articulated its vision to support and promote these rural tourism villages with a dual purpose: alleviating the strain faced by overcrowded cities due to excessive tourism and improving the quality of life for rural communities.

Further, a national competition titled Tourism for Tomorrow, focusing on case studies and best practices, was also inaugurated during the event, in line with the priorities outlined in the Goa Roadmap. These include encompassing Green Tourism, Digitalisation, Skills Development, Support for Tourism Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and Destination Management.

Additionally, the event featured the launch of several initiatives, including the Design Edible Cutlery Competition, Yuva Tourism Club Merchandise, and the Swachhata Campaign, spanning 108 tourism sites across India.

The Design challenge competition has been initiated for the Institutes of Hotel Management that are affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The competition aims to foster the creation of inventive solutions within the realm of edible cutlery and reduce the usage of plastics.

  • Published On Sep 27, 2023 at 08:00 PM IST

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