Tag Archives: cultural

Maharashtra unveils AI-powered ChatBot for destination information

Maharashtra Tourism has announced ambitious plan to enhance travel and trade opportunities in the state. Recognising the region’s tremendous potential, Maharashtra Tourism aims to leverage its unique cultural, historical, and natural assets to attract domestic and international visitors while promoting business and trade collaborations within the state.

Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, today launched an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot (+91 94038 78864) that provides an interactive and informative way to explore the state’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions, all through the convenience of mobile phones. The chatbot can answer the questions about destinations, things to do, accommodation, and more, in both English and Marathi, making trip planning a breeze.

While unlocking Maharashtra’s tourism potential demands strategic investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and technology, Mahajan said, ”Seamless connectivity, from roadways to air routes, beckons travellers to explore our diverse landscapes. Varied accommodations, from luxury resorts to cosy homestays, cater to all preferences. Embracing digital tools enriches visitor experiences and streamlines services. Yet, sustainability must underpin our efforts, preserving our heritage and supporting local communities. ”

Commenting on the initiatives by Maharashtra Tourism, Jayshree Bhoj, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, ”In Maharashtra, we treasure a tapestry of tourism treasures, from historical marvels to pristine beaches, all ingrained with our rich cultural heritage. As we stride towards 2024-2025 with aspirations of UNESCO recognition for 11 forts, we affirm our commitment to fostering tourism beyond mere travel. Our Department of Tourism diligently crafts policies, amplifies promotions and nurtures diverse experiences in collaboration with stakeholders like MTDC and private players championing niche tourism. We envision a sustainable tourism ecosystem fueled by collaborative efforts and robust policies.

While taking the delegates through the proposed Tourism Policy, Dr. B N Patil, Director, Directorate of Tourism, said, ”Maharashtra’s tourism sector offers significant revenue and job opportunities, with over 5 million jobs generated. To maximise tourist footfall and spending, we’re focusing on strategic initiatives such as rebranding hidden gems promoting local festivals, and streamlining policies. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to unlock Maharashtra’s tourism potential, driving economic prosperity for all stakeholders.”

Maharashtra Tourism’s ambitious plan to boost travel and trade opportunities aligns with the state government’s vision to position Maharashtra as a global hub for tourism and commerce. By leveraging its natural and cultural wealth, the tourism board aims to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits visitors and residents, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the state.

 

Thailand considers economic boost through extended nightlife operations

In a bid to revitalise the nation’s economic landscape, Thailand’s Interior Minister, Anutin Charvirakul, has voiced openness to extending operating hours for entertainment venues until 4 am. This strategic move, designed to fortify the economy, was disclosed during Anutin’s recent tour of nightlife establishments along Khao San Road.

Emphasising the paramount need for public safety during these extended hours, Anutin outlined stringent measures, including the prohibition of alcohol sales to overly intoxicated patrons and strict bans on narcotics, weapons, underage entry, and drink driving.

Anutin underscored the potential economic advantages, citing increased monetary circulation, job creation, and enhanced income for taxi drivers as direct outcomes of extended operating hours. However, he stressed the importance of aligning any expansion with existing regulations and securing cooperation from all involved stakeholders.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat of Phuket reported successful adherence to regulations, especially with a considerable proportion of the nightlife crowd comprising foreign visitors. Nevertheless, Dr. Polathep Vichitkunakorn from the Centre for Alcohol Studies raised concerns, referencing studies linking prolonged alcohol sale hours to a potential uptick in harassment and crime. Dr. Vichitkunakorn urged the government to provide evidence that incidents like traffic accidents haven’t increased since the extension.

Presently, about 140 entertainment venues in Bangkok already operate until 4 am, primarily concentrated in areas such as Ratchadaphisek, Silom, and Royal City Avenue. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt clarified that only authorized venues enjoy these extended hours.

The new policy, effective since December 15, encompasses select areas in Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and registered hotels nationwide. In a bid to further boost tourism, the government has permitted venues to operate until 6 am on New Year’s Eve.

Operators are mandated to strictly adhere to the Entertainment Places Act and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. This includes implementing measures like blood alcohol level checks and arranging safe transportation for highly intoxicated customers.

Challenges and calls for policy reevaluation have emerged, particularly in Chiang Mai. Tanit Choomsang of the Chiang Mai Restaurant and Bistro Association argued that the extension predominantly benefits registered venues, leaving unregistered establishments to grapple with legal challenges. Choomsang stressed the need for Chiang Mai’s unique tourism focus on natural, cultural, and culinary attractions to be considered, allowing the city’s entertainment sector a chance to operate legally.

This progressive move towards extended operating hours in Thailand’s entertainment sector signifies a delicate equilibrium between fostering economic growth and upholding public safety and regulatory compliance. Sustained dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders remains imperative to shape a pragmatic and inclusive strategy that propels the nation’s dynamic hospitality and nightlife sectors forward.

Jaipur emerges as top cultural destination in India: OYO World Tourism Day Report

Tracking travel trends across India, OYO has published its World Tourism Day report focusing on India’s top spiritual, culture and heritage destinations.

As per the data analysed between January and June, 2023, Jaipur has emerged as the top cultural and heritage destination, followed by Agra, Mysore, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Interestingly, Rajasthan alone contributes to 76% of the top bookings in this category, with Jaipur observing over 60% of the total bookings. This indicates a strong desire among travellers to explore the rich heritage and culture of the state.

In term of growth, Thekkady, situated near Periyar National Park in Kerala, takes the lead with a 103% increase in bookings compared to the same period last year, followed by Mysore at 42%, showcasing a growing preference among travellers for the Southern states.

Top Heritage Destinations- Zone Wise
North- Agra
South- Mysore
West- Jaipur
East- Bodh Gaya

The spiritual travel category is also witnessing a steady growing in India, fuelled by the desire to pursue enlightenment and self-discovery among millennials and Genz. Among the top spiritual destinations, Varanasi continues to take the lead with 33% of the bookings, followed by Tirupati, Puri, Amritsar, and Haridwar. Compared to H12022, Puri has clocked the maximum growth this year at 22%, followed by Haridwar and Amritsar at 18% and 11% respectively. Other destinations that continue to witness an uptick in demand in this category are Shirdi, Deoghar, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Madurai.

Top Spiritual Destinations- Zone Wise
North- Amritsar
South- Tirupati
West- Shirdi
East- Varanasi

Commenting on the summer travel trends, Shreerang Godbole, Chief Service Officer, OYO said, “As we celebrate the diversity of India’s travel landscape this World Tourism Day, we are happy to observe a shift in travellers’ preferences. More and more people are prioritizing meaningful experiences over luxury and materialism. Spiritual and cultural travel has always been important for India’s tourism, but it’s interesting to see how much it has grown in recent years. Destinations like Varanasi, Tirupati, Puri, and Rajasthan have consistently been popular since 2021. As India’s interest in cultural and spiritual travel grows, we’re committed to supporting local hotels and homeowners, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy in the process.”

Govt identifies 20 historical & religious sites identified for ‘national importance’ tag

Twenty heritage sites, including two ancient mounds at Haryana’s Rakhigarhi and the age-old Anangtal in Delhi, have been identified for the national importance tag, the government has said, reports PTI.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy shared the details in a written response to a question in Lok Sabha on whether the Central government has identified new historical and religious places in the country that can be declared as monuments/sites of national importance during the last three years.

The other sites include rock painting at Chintakunta, Andhra Pradesh; rock art site Murgi at Rdanag, Leh; Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kalesar (Manyala Panchayat), Himachal Pradesh, as per the informaton shared.
Seven mounds (RGR 1-RGR 7) scattered around two villages (Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Shahpur) in Hisar district of Haryana are part of the Harappan-era Rakhigarhi archaeological site. RGR 7 is a cemetery site when this was a well-organised city, ASI had said in May.

The Rakhigarhi site is one of the “five iconic sites” declared by the Central government in the Union Budget 2020-21.
Asked whether the government proposes to establish the memorial of King Vikramaditya in the Parliamentary constituency of Panipat in co-ordination with the state government, the minister said, “there is no such plan as on date”.

Quoting Indian Council of Historical Research, Ministry of Education as a source, the Union culture minster said historian Sunil Kumar Sarker mentions in his book that Himu fought 22 battles and was everywhere victorious but the “same fact has not been furnished” by many others.

Historians, however, do appreciate his strategic skills and mentions about various battles he won. Many of these battles he fought must have been against Afghans who revolted against his employer Adil Shah, he said.
In response to another question, he said, no specific proposal has been received by the Ministry of Culture for renovation of ‘Rabindra Bhavans’ in the country since 2015.

Also, 55 monuments, sites are declared protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in Assam.

Three monuments have been identified to be declared as monuments of national importance in Mizoram in the last five years, the government said.

Responding to a question on whether the government has a plan for the protection and preservation of ancient temples in Tamil Nadu, he said, the temples under the jurisdiction of the ASI in the southern state are in a “good state of preservation and regular conservation work is undertaken” by the ASI from time to time.

Also, INR 15 crore has been provided by ASI for protection and preservation of centrally-protected monuments in Tamil Nadu, including temples, for the year 2022-23, as per the data shared by him.

On a question on the Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand’s Deoghar, the government said, it is not a centrally-protected monument under the ASI.

“There is no such provision for conservation of Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand by the ASI,” the Minister said.
During the last five years (2017-18 to 2021-22), 13 state governments and 50 societies, autonomous bodies, local bodies and trusts registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, have been granted financial assistance for establishing, developing museums under the Museum Grant Scheme, he said in response to another question.
Also, during the last five years (2017-18 to 2021-2022), 39 existing museums have been strengthened and modernized under Museum Grant Scheme, the government said.

The current number of beneficiaries as per the last selection under the Schemes for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists stands at 2,251, it said in response to another question.

On a question on the National Culture Fund (NCF), he said in a written reply, the government has set up NCF as a Trust on November 28, 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 with a view to mobilize extra resources through public private partnerships (PPP) towards promoting, protecting and preserving India’s cultural heritage.
“A donor/sponsor while making contributions to the NCF may indicate a project along with any specific

location/aspect and also an agency for execution of the project. Besides, the interests accrued from the Primary and Secondary Corpus is also utilized for activities associated with the field of culture,” he said.

To ensure that ASI projects supported by NCF do not get delayed, a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) under DG, ASI’s chairmanship regularly meets and smoothens difficulties, if any, the Minister said.

 

Varanasi to be first ‘Cultural and Tourism Capital’ of SCO: Secretary General

The city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, showcasing India’s culture and traditions over the ages, will be declared the first “Cultural and Tourism Capital” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Secretary-General of the bloc Zhang Ming has said.

The Beijing-headquartered Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an eight-member economic and security alliance comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.

Ming said Varanasi will become the “Cultural and Tourism Capital” of the SCO for 2022-23 under a new rotating initiative by the eight-member organisation to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among the member states.

“We are about to implement a rotating mechanism. We will rotate the title of ‘Cultural and Tourism Capital’ among the member states,” he said, adding that Varanasi, India’s ancient city, will be the first to be granted the title.

Under this initiative, each year, a city of the cultural heritage of a member country that will take over the rotating Presidency of the organisation will get the title to highlight its prominence, Ming told presspersons.

He highlighted the organisation’s new initiatives ahead of this year’s Heads of the State summit of the SCO scheduled to be held at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on September 15-16 this year. The new initiative will come into force after the Samarkand summit following which India will take over the Presidency and host the next Heads of the State summit.
India hosted the Head of the Government of the SCO meet in 2020.

 

50% travellers opted to explore and indulge in the unmatched cultural experiences: Goibibo martket study

A Goibibo Market Study finds that with normalcy gradually returning to everyday lives, young Indians are looking forward to reward and celebrate their spirit by treating themselves a bit like royals at some of the culturally rich destinations across the country.

As per the study, 50% travellers opted to explore and indulge in the unmatched cultural experiences in Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mysore, Udaipur and Gwalior. Amongst these, Jaipur was the most travelled to city with 24% travellers choosing a quick weekend getaway to the city of brilliant magnificent forts and Rajputana charm. The study further indicates that 35% of the travellers chose to holiday at beach or riverside properties in Goa, Pondicherry, Rishikesh, and Daman & Diu; and the rest travelled to enjoy the highlands of Manali, Shimla, Darjeeling, Lonavala, Srinagar, Coorg etc.

Bookings on goibibo indicate that premium accommodation category has seen nearly 150% increase in bookings when compared to bookings made in Februrary 2020 – further indicating that the appetite to splurge on premium and luxurious stays has increased exponentially amongst the young post the pandemic. Inching close, the mid-segment has seen a jump of 64% in comparison to pre-COVID days. What’s also interesting to note is that 90% of the bookings at mid to luxury properties were made for weekend getaways and short-haul trips.

Commenting on the insights, Sunil Suresh, Chief Marketing Officer at Goibibo shared, “Hills and beach holidays have been a perennial favourite of all however, it’s interesting to see that post the pandemic, one in every two young Indian opted to travel to a culturally rich destination to experience royalty and country’s rich cultural heritage. This appetite was further supported by availability of various value-adds and hotel booking offers available on platforms like ours – that made the deal of holidaying at luxurious, royal stays more lucrative and within budget. As the winter holiday season approaches we are confident of seeing a consistent month-on-month surge in bookings to all travel landscapes –be it, hills, beaches or culturally rich destinations.”

As the festive and winter holiday season season approaches, young travellers have already begun searching and booking travel 30 to 45 days in advance. Currently, 60% of the total advance bookings are led by bookings to Goa, Manali, Darjeeling, Udaipur, Shimla, Gangtok, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Srinagar and a few more destinations.