This time, major political parties have reportedly organized transportation for many voters residing in Hyderabad and parts of Telangana. “I regularly visit my home town Vizag, by paying INR 1700 to INR 2000 as bus fare. I was surprised when I went to a private travel agency for a Vizag sleeper, and they asked for INR 6000. which higher than the flight fare of normal days,” a software employee Raghu Kiran said.
An increase in the number of long weekends, around 16 last year, is believed to be one of the reasons for a surge in domestic tourists, while foreign tourists arrivals were decent in the June-Sept tourist season, tour operators said. A majority of leisure travellers were those from neighbouring states, while pilgrims came in large numbers from northern states because of good train and air connectivity, said a state tourism department official.
The opening of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri took place on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, while Badrinath Dham will open on May 12. Helicopters showered petals on the Kedarnath shrine as its doors opened. These high-altitude shrines remain closed for six months each year, opening in summer and closing at the onset of winter.
"The problem is that tourism in Antarctica is not properly regulated. So this year, there is a discussion on its regulation," M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said in an interaction with PTI editors here. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is hosting the 46th meeting of the ATCM, the highest governing body for Antarctica, and the 26th CEP meeting.
“We want to reassure you that for us, the safety of tourists is a top priority. Israel is careful about the security of tourists and citizens alike. All tourist areas are completely safe. Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Galilee, the Negev, the Dead Sea, Eilat are operating as usual. We hope you can come and join us in demonstrating that the tourism industry is a real bridge between people and serves as a road to peace,” Shani added.
This achievement follows a record-breaking year in 2023 when Dubai received 17.15 million international visitors, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for business and leisure travellers. Dubai's hotels also reported robust performance, with an average occupancy rate of 83 per cent in Q1 2024 and increased revenues across various segments.
New analysis shows that 162,000 tourists from outside the European Union sought refunds on VAT — a sales tax — exclusively in Britain in 2019. One fifth of those tourists are now claiming rebates in other parts of the EU, where the tax break still applies. The UK ended the tax incentive in 2021 and has resisted strong lobbying from retailers and other companies linked to the tourism sector.
One of the standout features of the app is its single QR code system, simplifying access to booked experiences with a single scan. In addition to experience bookings, the app also facilitates essential travel services such as local commute, UAE Visa, and travel sims, streamlining the trip planning process for visitors. Furthermore, a dedicated partner app for experience providers ensures seamless guest check-ins and provides valuable features like live reporting dashboards.
"New Aerocity at MOPA airport is all set to boost the tourism prospects in the tourist-friendly state in the next few years. There will be a golf course coming for tourists which will engage the MICE tourists visiting Goa. This Aerocity will be developed to the tune of Delhi Aerocity," Ahuja said.
The total number of tourists visiting Egypt during the first four months of 2024 increased by 27 per cent, supported by inbound tourism from Arab countries, which witnessed a 54 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023, according to Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism of Egypt.
"We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," he said.
Get updates on your preferred social platform
Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more.
