Tag Archives: tourism sector

HP Tourism sees a resilient 6% increase in arrivals despite disruptions

Himachal Pradesh witnessed a commendable 6% rise in tourist arrivals in the year 2023, reaching a total of 1.60 crore visitors compared to 1.51 crore in the previous year. This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides that impacted the region in mid-2023.

The first half of the year proved to be promising, with over one crore tourists exploring the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. The detailed breakdown indicates that 99,78,504 were domestic tourists, while 28,239 visitors hailed from foreign shores, marking a diverse range of travelers to the state until June.

However, the latter part of the year saw a halt in tourist inflow during the monsoon season. The region experienced disruptions due to intense rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, leading to a temporary suspension of tourism activities. Despite these challenges, the overall growth in tourist numbers showcases the resilience of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector and its ability to bounce back from adversities. The state continues to remain a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, contributing significantly to its tourism economy.

Modi launches UPI RuPay card service in UAE; to boost tourism

In a bid to bolster tourism ties and foster economic collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan unveiled the UPI RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi. This significant move is expected to pave the way for seamless cross-border transactions, enhancing the travel experience for visitors between the two nations.

The introduction of the UPI RuPay card follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. This technological advancement aims to streamline financial transactions for tourists and business travelers alike.

India’s UPI system has not only made its mark domestically but has also expanded its reach to Sri Lanka and Mauritius on February 12, showcasing India’s commitment to extending technological and financial solutions globally.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and highlighted the exceptional frequency of their recent interactions, emphasizing the close relationship between the two countries. The signing of a bilateral investment treaty adds another layer to this friendship, potentially making headlines in the G20 countries.

In addition to financial advancements, the leaders are set to focus on boosting cooperation in the tourism sector. Talks will encompass areas such as energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, railways, and investment flows, with the expectation of signing several agreements to fortify collaboration in these key areas.

As both nations strive to strengthen their economic ties, the emphasis on tourism underscores the shared commitment to creating an environment conducive to travel, trade, and cultural exchange. This development marks a significant step towards fostering a robust and mutually beneficial tourism partnership between India and the UAE.

J&K records highest number of tourists this year

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department recorded the arrival of highest number of tourists in an annual year since independence. The number of tourists recorded this year is 1.62 crore, official sources said, reports ANI.
After three decades, Kashmir is attracting lakhs of tourists and officials say that it is the return of the golden era of Kashmir tourism.

The record number of tourists, who visited Jammu and Kashmir this year, testify to the overall development and change that has taken place in the Union Territory, officials noted.

According to the Tourism Department, “Tourism is the biggest source of employment in Jammu and Kashmir and since the start of this year, 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far, and this is the highest in 75 years of independence. Tourism has generated maximum employment in various regions of Jammu and Kashmir including Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and the Kashmir Valley”.

For the last 70 years, people were demanding international flights from Jammu and Kashmir. Fulfilling this popular demand, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi started a direct flight from Srinagar to Sharjah. Earlier, there was also no flight during the night from Srinagar and Jammu and the Prime Minister also started night flights from both cities.
Recently, a comprehensive Film Policy was launched to attract film-makers for shooting after decades and within a year of notification of this policy, as many as 140 shooting permissions for films and web series have been issued. Soon, a film studio will be launched with state-of-art facilities. This, besides providing new opportunities to the young talent of Jammu and Kashmir, shall boost the business ecosystem of the Union territory.

“Various other models and schemes are also being launched to promote tourism here. 75 offbeat tourist destinations are also being developed in Jammu and Kashmir as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations”, the official statement further read.

A record-breaking 20.5 lakh tourists, including 3.65 lakh Amarnath Yatris, visited Kashmir in the first eight months of this year, drawing visitors from all over the nation to the gorgeous and picturesque Valley. The 2 million tourists represent an all-time high tourist footfall for Kashmir valley. The tourist sites like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg as well as all hotels and guesthouses in Srinagar experienced 100 percent occupancy.

The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is being developed as per the vision of sustainable development goals. Besides, dedicated focus is also being given to strengthening the hospitality segment and establishing a robust tourism infrastructure system.

The government is working towards developing state-of-art resources through public and private investment. Jammu and Kashmir Government has adopted a five-pronged approach for the effective transformation of the tourism potential of J&K. A comprehensive mechanism is being laid down to provide the best facilities to corporate golfers, tourists, and food connoisseurs.

Despite setbacks faced due to the Covid pandemic, the UT administration has taken sufficient steps for the revival of tourism in J&K and for providing employment to individuals associated with the sector.

Notably, a number of policy interventions have been made to provide financial support to various stakeholders associated with the tourism sector. (ANI)

 

Kerala government sets up revolving fund to help tourism sector workers

The Kerala Government has set up a revolving fund to provide interest-free loans up to ₹10,000 to those employed in a wide range of activities in the tourism sector without any collateral security. The aim is to revive the pandemic-hit industry that provides jobs to thousands.

The revolving fund will have an initial corpus of INR10 crore, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said. “This fund comes when the tourism sector is poised for the post-pandemic surge. All those who are working in this vital sector can avail themselves of the benefit of the scheme to revive their activities,” the Minister said.

Those who are employed in activities related to tourism industry with membership in any registered tourism organisation will be eligible for the loan. Those engaged in units registered under the Responsible Tourism (RT) mission are also entitled to apply for the loan.

The assistance will be available to those working for tour operators; travel agencies; tourist taxi operators; houseboats and shikara boat operators; hotels; resorts; restaurants; serviced villas; tourist farms; Ayurveda centres; adventure tourism ventures; micro units under the Responsible Tourism mission; performing and martial arts troupes; and tour guides holding licence of India Tourism or Kerala Tourism. (Source The Hindu)

Meghalaya to relax Covid-19 protocols for tourism sector from Sep 1

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced reopening of the state’s tourism sector from September 1 with relaxations of Covid protocols for travellers. Tourists, who have been fully inoculated, will be allowed to visit Meghalaya, while negative Covid test reports, conducted 72 hours before arrival in the state, will be mandatory for those who received the first dose of vaccines, he said.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “Meghalaya will restart its tourism (sector) from 1st September 2021 with the following protocols: Fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed to visit the state for tourism-related purposes from 1st September, 2021.” He also said, “Tourists who are vaccinated with a single dose will have to produce negative RT-PCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT report valid only if they have tested within 72 hrs prior to their arrival at the entry point.”

Residents of Meghalaya will also be allowed to visit any tourist destination in the state, he said.

The government had imposed lockdown across the state on May 5 amid the second wave of Covid-19 and has been relaxing the restrictions with an improvement in the pandemic situation. (Source The HT)

Meliá Hotels International to open a urban hotel in Chiang Mai

Meliá Hotels International to open a urban hotel in Chiang Mai

Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel that towers over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, is slated to open its doors for business in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Meliá Hotels International, the five-star hotel is part of the Meliá brand’s roll-out plan in key destinations across Thailand. Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merchant vessels. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first property of its brand in Thailand, housing 176 guestrooms and located close to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, is due to open in 2022.

Meliá Chiang Mai will be situated six kilometres from the Chiang Mai International Airport on the vibrant Charoen Prathet Road, located near a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets, and Buddhist temples.
With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel will comprise a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building.

Two restaurants, two bars, two lounges including an executive lounge on the 21st floor with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces will be among the hotel’s host of facilities for business and leisure travelers alike.

Of the property’s room portfolio, 38 rooms and six suites will belong to ‘The Level’, an upgraded level of service and benefits that affords exclusive access to The Level executive lounge, an intimate area for indulging an upgraded breakfast and afternoon delicacies that is also suited for casual business meetings. The epitome of elegance, ‘The Level Presidential Suite’ will command 113 sqm of the tower’s top floor with unrivalled city vistas.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown will be a 360-degree rooftop bar – the highest in the city – on the 22nd floor. Featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge, the bar will offer spectacular views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west.

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins, the hotel will pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy and quickly place itself on the city’s culinary map with two exquisite dining options. Perched on the 21st floor, the hotel’s signature restaurant will specialize in contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences, with chefs preparing each dish à la minute from an open kitchen. The all-day-dining restaurant Mosaic will offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant marketplace setting.

An idyllic venue for events and weddings, the property’s extensive conference facilities include a 358-sqm ballroom and three function rooms on the tower’s second floor above the lobby and a 175-sqm multi-purpose function room on the podium building’s top floor.

The ballroom’s 173-sqm pre-function area is connected to an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar, aptly named Poolside. The Power Lounge, one of the three function rooms that also afford access to the pool deck, will feature a pool table and coffee area suited to down time between meetings. Adjacent to a secret garden, the seventh-floor multi-function room opens to a 223-sqm outdoor terrace that also lends itself to events.

“With its exceptional location in the heart of Chiang Mai and an unparalleled array of facilities, Meliá Chiang Mai is a landmark project of our strategic roll-out of the Meliá brand in Thailand, in line with AWC’s growth-led strategy,” said Khun Wallapa Traisorat, Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner and AWC’s CEO and President. “Partnering with Meliá has allowed us to set a new benchmark for Thai hospitality and together, we aim to build a better future for Thailand’s tourism landscape and economy.”

“Following the hugely successful opening of Meliá Koh Samui, ranked TripAdvisor’s number one hotel in Koh Samui, Meliá Chiang Mai will be another flagship property for Meliá Hotels International in Thailand,” said Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International. “As we continue to strengthen our growth strategy with our key partners, AWC understands and shares our strong service and hospitality philosophy — a fundamental factor in ensuring the quality, reputation, and sustainability we strive for.”

“The global pandemic could not dampen our determination to unveil an extraordinary hotel that promises to exude the mystic splendor of Northern Thailand with Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing ever-present,” added Meliá Chiang Mai’s General Manager, Edward Snoeks.