Category Archives: Domestic

Goa Tourism Wins Best Pavilion Award at ITM Amritsar 2024

Goa Tourism celebrated a significant achievement at the India Travel Mart (ITM) Amritsar 2024 by winning the Best Pavilion Award. Ajay Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of India Travel Mart, presented the award to Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), and Rodlin Mascarenhas, Assistant Director of the Department of Tourism, Goa.

Goa’s pavilion stood out with an engaging display of the state’s rich cultural heritage, regenerative tourism initiatives, and diverse travel experiences. Its vibrant representation and commitment to sustainable tourism captivated visitors and industry leaders alike.
Speaking on the occasion, Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism, IAS, remarked, “Winning the Best Pavilion Award is a testament to Goa Tourism’s dedication to continuously elevating our tourism offerings. ITM Amritsar has provided a valuable platform for us to engage with industry leaders, share our vision of regenerative tourism, and promote Goa as a destination that balances growth with sustainability.”

Upon receiving the award, Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, GTDC said, “This accolade is a reflection of our collective efforts to present Goa as a destination that offers not only scenic beauty but also innovative and sustainable tourism solutions. Under the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte’s vision to promote Goa Beyond Beaches, we are committed to showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, and regenerative tourism practices.”

Railways start daily Katra Jammu Mail from Prayagraj to Katra

The North Central Railway has introduced a new daily direct train service from Subedarganj station in Prayagraj to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, fulfilling a long-standing request from devotees. The service began on Thursday, and according to officials, it will provide much-needed convenience for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine.

Named the Katra Jammu Mail, the train will depart from Subedarganj station in Prayagraj every day at 10:35 AM and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 9:15 AM the next day. On its journey, the train will pass through multiple key cities including Fatehpur, Govindpuri, Tundla, Aligarh, Chipiyana Buzurg, Delhi, Sabzi Mandi, Narela, Sonipat, Ganaur, Samalkha, Kurukshetra, and Ambala Cantt.
On the return trip, the train will leave from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 3:20 PM daily, reaching Subedarganj at 12:35 PM the following day.

Praveen Patel, Member of Parliament for Phulpur in Prayagraj, expressed his gratitude for the new service, calling it an “auspicious day” for the people of Prayagraj. He highlighted how the new direct service eliminates the need for passengers to transit through Delhi, significantly reducing travel difficulties. Patel added that this development will benefit not just the residents of Prayagraj but also devotees from surrounding districts who can now travel directly to Katra for their pilgrimage.

Varanasi emerges as top religious tourism destination in Purvanchal for 2023

Varanasi has been named the top religious and tourist destination in Purvanchal for 2023, marking a significant achievement for the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts to enhance the city’s global appeal.

The transformation of Kashi (Varanasi) has not only boosted tourism within the city but also spurred interest in nearby districts, as visitors are now exploring the broader spiritual and natural attractions in the region.

According to rankings, Vindhyachal in Mirzapur and the Ashtabhuja Temple, also in Mirzapur, secured the second and third spots, while Sitamarhi in Sant Ravidas Nagar (Bhadohi) and Sonbhadra, known for its natural beauty, took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
This success is largely attributed to government’s efforts, which has implemented numerous tourism development projects in the region and enhanced connectivity between Varanasi and its surrounding districts. These initiatives have made travel within a 100 to 200-kilometer radius of Varanasi more convenient, enabling tourists to explore more destinations in less time.

Rajendra Kumar Rawat, Deputy Director of UP Tourism, highlighted that Varanasi’s development, including improved infrastructure, better accessibility, and increased security, has resulted in a sharp rise in tourist numbers. The city’s upgraded facilities, along with the development of nearby religious and natural sites, have turned the region into a thriving hub for spiritual and cultural tourism.
Tourists can now easily access key destinations like the waterfalls and religious landmarks of Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra, further enhancing the region’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.

Nagaland issues advisory amid massive landslides

The Nagaland District Administration has issued a travel advisory due to massive landslides in various locations, including Pherima, Tseipama/Piphema, and NH-29 (Pagala Pahar/New Chumoukedima). All vehicular traffic between Kohima and Dimapur on NH-29 is blocked, and alternate routes via Pimla-Mhainamtsi are not advised.

Light motor vehicles can use the Niuland-Kohima via Zhadima road, but heavy vehicles are not allowed. An alternate route via Niuland-Zhadima (10th IR Camp)-10th Mile Junction is suggested for LMVs due to the highway blockage at NH-29 Pherima.

The District Administration has clarified that there is no shortage of essential commodities and fuel due to the landslides. Panic buying is unnecessary, and the public is cautioned to refrain from it.

The authorities are working with neighbouring districts to ensure the supply of essential commodities and fuel through available alternate routes.

Kerala to launch Wayanad-focused tourism promotion in Bengaluru

Kerala is launching a campaign in Bengaluru with focus on tourism in Wayanad as part of efforts to sustain travel and tourism in the hill district that underwent a calamity recently, Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said.

The Minister revealed this while addressing a meeting of tourism sector stakeholders from Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode convened. Representatives of various tourism sector organisations, entrepreneurs and service providers attended the meet in Kozhikode.

Cinema houses in Bengaluru will display advertisements featuring Wayanad tourism, while the FM radios will feed news related to the natural beauty and hospitality facilities in Kerala’s north-eastern district bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, he told reporters.

Recalling that a similar campaign in 2021 had benefited Wayanad tourism, the Tourism Minister noted that the scenic district has become a weekend destination for Bangaloreans. “The July 30 landslides gave the travellers a scare. We need to get over this phase,” he added.

Noting that the disaster has affected Wayanad’s tourism sector in several ways, Riyas said the consequent lull in economic activities has badly affected all stakeholders, from small traders to resort owners. “We see direct instances of the hardships. For instance, the men and women selling honey and gooseberries. Their business is terribly down,” he pointed out, highlighting the need for a revival of tourism in Wayanad. “The government is making all possible moves towards this mission.”

As for rehabilitation, the Minister said the “change has been wonderful”. The government intends to address the concerns of all people, he added. “The result will be a permanent asset to Wayanad. All suggestions are welcome. You have full support from the government.”

Another high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram later will take up the recommendations received and share them with the Chief Minister. “We will discuss these suggestions with other departments as well. By this December we hope to restore normalcy in Wayanad in ways that enable resumption of full-fledged tourism activities,” Riyas said.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by a total of around 35 representatives across the three districts. Representatives from Wayanad Tourism Organization (WTO), HATS (Homestay Kerala), Tourist Guide Association, Wayanad Eco Tourism Association, Wayanad Hotel and Restaurant Association, Wayanad Tourism Association, All Kerala Tourism Association, North Wayanad Tourism Association, Karapuzha Adventure Tourism Association and Tourism Guide Association.

Also present at the meeting were eight tourism organizations from Kozhikode district namely HATS (Homestay Kerala), Malabar Tourism Association, Malabar Tourism Council, Farm Tourism,Destination Kozhikode, Kerala Travel Mart, Hotel and Restaurant Association and Sargalaya.

Malabar Tourism Development Corporation and District Tourism Guides Association represented stakeholders from Kannur district.

Vishnu Raj P, Additional Director (General), Shri D Gireesh Kumar, Joint Director Tourism, and Satyajit S, Deputy Director, from the Department of Tourism were also present.

Digital bus ticket bookings surge 47% in Mumbai: Survey

Bus commuters in India’s most populated city, Mumbai, are increasingly going online for booking their tickets.
A recent survey conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with Grant Thornton has revealed that nearly 47% of bus commuters in Mumbai now use city travel apps to book their trips, highlighting a growing shift towards digital convenience.

The survey contained in an insight paper titled ‘Connected Commutes 2024’ highlights the critical role of online platforms in transforming urban mobility in Mumbai, showcasing how the growing use of bus travel apps contributes to sustainable urban development and efficient, eco-friendly city commuting.

The survey, which engaged over 1,400 participants, delves into the awareness and utilization of bus tracking features in mobile apps.

By integrating GPS technology and real-time data analysis, these applications allow users to monitor their buses, reduce wait times, and enhance travel planning. This functionality not only improves the visibility and predictability of bus services but also boosts user trust in public transportation by enhancing reliability and overall user experience.

Indicating a growing consciousness about the benefits of going online, respondents to the survey underlined various motivations behind their decision:
• Ease of Use: 26% of commuters emphasised the importance of a user-friendly interface.
• Real-Time Seat Availability: 27% prioritised access to up-to-date seat availability information.
• Real-Time Bus Tracking: 21% valued accurate real-time bus tracking.
• Customized Tariff Plans: 12% sought personalsed tariff options.

“The findings of ‘Connected Commutes 2024’ underline the role of city travel apps in transforming urban bus travel, delivering substantial benefits to commuters, the environment, and the economy. By fostering strategic partnerships and driving continuous innovation, these apps are poised to significantly improve urban mobility, making public transportation a more practical, sustainable, and hopefully a default choice for millions,” said Dhruv Chopra, Co-founder, Chalo Mobility Private Limited and Member of the TravelTech Committee of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

City travel apps have revolutionised the ticketing process with digital pass systems, offering users a seamless and contactless way to purchase and manage tickets. Transitioning from traditional paper-based tickets, digital passes provide hassle-free boarding and eliminate the need for cash transactions.

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), in Mumbai has been at the forefront of this digital revolution, with its live tracking app amassing over 6 million downloads in less than two years since launch.

City travel apps offer numerous benefits to commuters and bus operators, including route optimization, decreased operational inefficiencies, and increased profitability. These apps enhance bus travel experiences with live tracking, easy online ticketing, and route-finding capabilities, which lead to increased bus ridership contributing to reduced road congestion and lower infrastructure costs. They also boost local business patronage along bus routes and reduce reliance on private vehicles, leading to lower carbon emissions and promoting cleaner, healthier urban environments. Despite some concerns about convenience fees and app performance, a significant portion of respondents reported a positive experience with city travel apps.