Author: Tourism News live

The World Travel & Tourism Council responds to the announcement from the U.S

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “It is great news that the U.S. will reopen its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK and EU from Nov 8. It has been a long time coming, but the Travel & Tourism businesses on both sides of the Atlantic will be breathing a sigh of relief. “Visitors from the EU and the UK contributed more than $46 billion to the U.S economy in 2019, showing just how critical this move will be to the U.S recovery. “WTTC believe governments should axe red lists completely, and instead base the risk on individuals ... Read more

Sri Lanka Voted among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Sri Lanka has consistently ranked among the world’s favorite destinations for travellers seeking unadulterated escapism and the experience of a lifetime. The island offers a unique mix of sensory delights, making it a must-visit for the traveler that yearns to be inspired and awed. According to the Conde Nast 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, Sri Lanka ranks among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’, as voted for by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers. The prestigious travel publication Condé Nast Traveler invites readers to submit their vote for the destinations and experiences they wholeheartedly recommend. In the most recent survey, over 800, 000 ... Read more

THAI announces its winter flight schedule 2021- 2022

Including 7 routes between Thailand and European cities in support of the Phuket Sandbox program, 10 routes between Bangkok and European cities, and 19 routes between Bangkok and Asian cities. Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced its winter flight program during 31 October 2021 – 26 March 2022. Mr. Nond Kalinta, THAI’s Chief Commercial Officer, said THAI has arranged and adjusted its flight schedules and offered full inflight services, as per the latest COVID-19 control measures in support of the government’s policy to welcome international visitors to Thailand as of 1 November, 2021, and in response to increasing demands for ... Read more

At Mathura temple, Ravana worshipped on Dusshera

Amid chanting of Vedic hymns and blowing of conch, Ravana was worshipped at a Shiva temple here on Friday when the country celebrated Dusshera to mark the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king. The event was organised by the Lankesh Mitra Mandal at the temple on the banks of the Yamuna river. Like a drive against crop residue burning, the government should also start a drive against Ravana’s effigy burning as it also pollutes the environment, the mandal’s national president Omveer Saraswat said. Crop residue burning in some northern states cause high levels of air pollution in the ... Read more

UK Travel & Tourism sector may only recover by a third this year

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s year on year recovery may only claw back a third, whilst international travel spending continues to plummet. Latest research from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism sector, shows the recovery has been severely delayed by the lack of spending from international visitors. WTTC blames strict travel restrictions, such as the destructive ‘traffic light’ system, for wreaking havoc on the sector. Now, despite its highly successful vaccine rollout, the UK is set to record further losses in inbound visitor spending than the previous year, a ... Read more

UNWTO and NEOM Launch ‘Tourism Experiences of the Future’ Challenge

The ‘Tourism Experiences of the Future’ challenge will source innovative ideas and disruptive business models related to the tourism needs of the future, in line with growing demand for new experiences. All proposals must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and should include the introduction or adaptation of digital and technological elements, as well as being focused at least one of the following areas: Optimizing and maximizing the potential of experiential tourism Harnessing the positive impact of new technology Alternative business models Innovative experiences The competition is the first national initiative dedicated to identifying new companies that will lead ... Read more

SpiceJet revamps website with latest technology

SpiceJet on Wednesday said it has launched a revamped website with improved features to offer its customers superior experience. “The use of latest technology has helped ensure that SpiceJet’s system (revamped website) is fast, scalable and secure,” the private airline said in a statement. It said the new website is designed to facilitate quick changes, making fast introduction of new products and offers to the customers. “The new website will also allow passengers to check and compare seven days lowest fares on our enhanced flight selection page with additional filter options,” the airline added.

Tourism: Kerala ministers launch custom-built caravans

Giving a major impetus to “Keravan Kerala”, the state government’s unique initiative to promote stakeholder-friendly Caravan Tourism, auto major BharatBenz on Tuesday rolled out a spanking new and feature-laden vehicle, the first of its kind in the coach industry for the tourism sector. The customized stylish vehicle, equipped with all the trappings for a smooth ride and comfortable stay, was jointly launched by Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas and Transport Minister Antony Raju at a function in the city, the Tourism Department said in a release here. Speaking on the occasion, Riyas said “Caravan Tourism is going to provide ... Read more

Welcome to the views of the forest; Malakappara Jungle Safari resumed

Athirappilly – Vazhachal – Thumburmuzhi DMC’s Malakappara Jungle Safari has resumed after a gap of two years. Saneesh Kumar Joseph MLA flagged off at a function held at Chalakudy PWD Rest House. The travel package was put on hold due to the covid epidemic. ML said that in addition to the existing travel package to Malakappara, it has been decided to start a new package including Myladumpara. The Jungle Safari is a 90 km long journey. In addition to the tourist attractions at Thumburmuzhi, Shalabodyanam, Thookupalam, Athirappilly, Vazhachal, Charpa Falls, Peringalkuthu, Sholayar Dams, Anakkayam and Malakappara, the new package will ... Read more

Domestic Tourism Focus as Tourism Leaders Meet in Maldives

Now in its 15th year, the Training Programme once again served as the leading platform for the region’s tourism leaders to network and develop strategies for guiding the sector forward. The event brought together representatives of 25 countries, with six (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Nepal) joining hosts the Maldives to attend the training sessions in person. High-level political welcome The Minister of Tourism of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, officially opened the Training Session, welcoming delegates taking part in person and online. Further highlighting the host country’s high-level political support for tourism, the UNWTO leadership also met ... Read more

India to allow foreign tourists travelling by chartered flights from Oct 15, rest from Nov 15

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday announced that with this, the restrictions placed on visa and international travel since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic stand further eased given the present overall pandemic situation. After considering various inputs, the ministry has decided to begin granting of fresh tourist visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021, a home ministry statement said. Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15, 2021 on fresh tourist visas. All due protocols ... Read more

Air Force Museum inaugurated at Akkulam Tourist Village

An Air Force Museum, built in the shape of an aircraft, was opened at a village near here on Friday. Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the Flight Simulator Museum (Air Force Museum) set up by the Department of Tourism with the technical support of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Akkulam Tourist Village, coinciding with the 89th Foundation Day of IAF. Kadakampalli Surendran, MLA and Air Marshal J Chalapati, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command, were present. The museum, which takes the visitors through a simulated flight experience and has several other riveting features, has been ... Read more

Buddhist Circuit is India’s Pride: Sh G. Kishan Reddy

Union Minister for Tourism, Culture & DoNER, Shri G Kishan Reddy virtually addressed the Buddhist Circuit Train FAM Tour and Conference organised in Varanasi today. State Minister (Independent Charge) Tourism, Culture & Religious Affairs, Uttar Pradesh Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari graced the event as chief Guest. Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, GoI Shri Arvind Singh; DG of Ministry of Tourism, GoI Shri G Kamla Vardhan Rao; ADG of MoT, GoI Smt. Rupinder Brar and other officers of the Ministry and State government were also present on this occasion. During hisvirtual address,  Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that Buddhism originated in ancient ... Read more

Ministry of Tourism to organise conference on Buddhist circuit to promote potential of Buddhist tourism

The Ministry has aggressively started tourism promotion with participation of the industry stakeholders especially after the dramatic improvement of Covid situation in the country and achievement of vaccination targets. Overseas & Domestic tourism both play an important role in the overall growth and development of the tourism sector in India.  Buddhist Tourism is one of the prime focused tourism product that India has to offer among its diverse tourism products. Ministry of Tourism undertakes various promotional activities for the promotion of Tourism and these activities are primarily aimed at increasing awareness about tourist destinations, attractions and products. To tap the ... Read more

Vaccines and Reopen Borders Driving Tourism’s Recovery

According to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July 2021, down 67% from the same month in 2019, but the strongest results since April 2020. This compares to an estimated 34 million international arrivals recorded in July 2020, though well below the 164 million figure recorded in 2019. Moderate rebound for most destinations Most destinations reporting data for June and July 2021 saw a moderate rebound in international arrivals compared to 2020. Nevertheless, 2021 continues to be a challenging year for global tourism, with international arrivals down 80% ... Read more