Author: Travel and Tourism Desk

Sikkim has introduced a ₹50 entry fee for tourists starting March 2025. The move aims to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism in the state. Visitors will pay the fee at their hotels during check-in. The new rule applies to both domestic and international tourists. Authorities plan to use the collected funds to improve roads, sanitation, and tourism facilities. Officials believe this will create a better experience for visitors while supporting the local economy. Hotel operators across Sikkim have been instructed to collect the fee and pass it on to the government. The policy follows similar measures in other eco-sensitive…

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, has launched NOVAC 3.0, its annual #NationOnVacation sale. The 9-day event offers massive discounts on flights, hotels, buses, and holiday packages for budget-conscious travelers. As summer travel demand rises, airfares are set to increase by at least 15%. Cleartrip urges customers to book early to lock in lower prices. The sale promotes price transparency, affordability, and flexible travel options. Key Offers Cleartrip’s ClearChoice initiative allows travelers to cancel or modify bookings without high airline cancellation charges. Myntra and Flipkart Loyalty members get exclusive offers on the Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel platforms. Anuj Rathi, Chief Growth and…

New Zealand has announced a series of initiatives to strengthen tourism ties with India. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed these plans, aiming to enhance travel, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. This move aligns with New Zealand’s broader strategy to boost its global tourism market post-pandemic. Key Announcements Luxon emphasised the importance of India as a growing travel market. The government plans to ease visa processes, increase direct flight options, and expand tourism marketing in India. These efforts aim to attract more Indian travellers and business visitors to New Zealand. Tourism authorities will also collaborate with Indian travel…

Exciting news for travelers! A direct flight service is all set to start between Kashmir and Lucknow. This new initiative will make journeys smoother and more convenient for passengers from both states, bringing these beautiful destinations closer than ever before. IndiGo has launched a direct flight connecting Lucknow and Srinagar. This new route enhances connectivity between the cultural heart of Uttar Pradesh and the picturesque valleys of Jammu & Kashmir. Seamless Travel Between Lucknow & Srinagar The new service bridges the gap between two historically rich regions. Passengers can now experience the Awadhi charm and Kashmiri beauty without lengthy layovers.…

“દેશમાં પ્રથમ વખત હિમાચલ પ્રદેશ, ઉત્તરાખંડ, જમ્મુ-કાશ્મીર અને ઉત્તર-પૂર્વ જેવા વિસ્તારો માટે ‘પર્વતમાળા યોજના’ શરૂ કરવામાં આવી રહી છે. આ યોજના પર્વતો પર પરિવહન અને કનેક્ટિવિટીની આધુનિક વ્યવસ્થા ઊભી કરશે. તે આપણા દેશના સરહદી ગામોને પણ મજબૂત બનાવશે, જે વાઇબ્રન્ટ બનવાની જરૂર છે, અને જે દેશની સુરક્ષા માટે પણ જરૂરી છે.”- પ્રધાનમંત્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદી પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીની અધ્યક્ષતામાં આર્થિક બાબતો પરની મંત્રીમંડળીય સમિતિ (CCEA)એ ઉત્તરાખંડમાં નેશનલ રોપ-વે ડેવલપમેન્ટ પ્રોગ્રામ – પર્વતમાળા પરિયોજના અંતર્ગત બે મુખ્ય રોપ-વે પ્રોજેક્ટને મંજૂરી આપી છે. 12.4 કિલોમીટરના ગોવિંદઘાટથી હેમકુંડ સાહિબજી રોપ-વેને રૂ .2,730.13 કરોડના ખર્ચે વિકસાવવામાં આવશે. જ્યારે 12.9 કિલોમીટરના સોનપ્રયાગથી કેદારનાથ રોપ-વેને રૂ.4,081.28 કરોડમાં મંજૂરી આપવામાં આવી છે. બંને પ્રોજેક્ટ્સ પબ્લિક-પ્રાઇવેટ પાર્ટનરશિપ ((PPP) ફ્રેમવર્કમાં ડિઝાઇન, બિલ્ડ, ફાઇનાન્સ, ઓપરેટ અને ટ્રાન્સફર (DBFOT) મોડલ હેઠળ અમલમાં મૂકવામાં આવશે પર્વતમાળા – સલામત અને કાર્યક્ષમ વૈકલ્પિક પરિવહન: ડુંગરાળ…

Bahrain is witnessing a wave of stylish hotels, vibrant dining spots, and exciting events, transforming the island into a top travel destination. With cultural, music, and sporting spectacles lined up for 2025, the kingdom is blending luxury, sustainability, and entertainment, ensuring there is something for every traveller. New Hospitality and Leisure Experiences Eco-luxury is taking centre stage with the opening of Hawar Resort by Mantis on 29 January 2025. Located on UNESCO-recognised Hawar Island, the resort offers 104 rooms, including overwater villas and beach suites with private pools. Guests can enjoy locally inspired dining, eco-friendly water sports, and an adventure…

India and Bhutan are set to be linked by rail for the first time, marking a major milestone in their bilateral relationship. The proposed 69.04 kilometre railway line will connect Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan, giving the Himalayan nation its first ever railway connectivity. Boosting connectivity and trade This railway project is part of India’s broader ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, which aim to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries through enhanced trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation. Once operational, the new railway corridor will boost trade, tourism, and economic integration between India and Bhutan. The railway line will…

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced a special 50% discount for women travellers at its resorts across the state. This initiative will be available from March 1 to March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day. The scheme aims to encourage solo and group travel among women, making Maharashtra a more welcoming destination for female tourists. Travel with Savings: What the Offer Includes The discount applies to all MTDC resorts, covering popular destinations like Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Ajanta, and Tadoba. Women can avail of the offer for personal or group bookings, ensuring a budget-friendly travel experience. Online and offline…

South African Tourism is set to return with its India Roadshow 2025, expanding its presence with 40 exhibitors and six new product offerings. The event, scheduled from 18-20 March, will be held in Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. Strengthening India-South Africa Travel Ties India remains a key market for South African Tourism. The roadshow aims to boost Indian arrivals by offering direct industry engagement and strategic insights. The 21st edition will feature a new market vision, highlighting trends and emerging opportunities. The event will include nine Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to business inclusivity. More than…

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Yatra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimages, is set to begin this summer with enhanced safety measures and improved facilities for devotees. The Uttarakhand government is making extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe experience for thousands of pilgrims expected to visit the sacred shrines. Government’s Initiatives The state administration has prioritised road safety and medical facilities along the pilgrimage routes. The Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, will benefit from better infrastructure, including rest houses, emergency medical services, and disaster management teams. Officials have emphasised that safety drills and mock rescue operations…