Tag Archives: tourism

Following Offensive Remarks, EaseMyTrip Extends Maldives Booking Suspension

Fueled by the ongoing controversy surrounding offensive remarks about Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, Indian travel agency EaseMyTrip reaffirmed its indefinite booking suspension to the Maldives on Thursday. In a statement titled “Nation First, Business Later,” the company cited national pride and highlighted India’s extensive coastline with its own breathtaking beaches.

“Motivated by the recent disrespectful comments made by Maldivian officials towards India, its citizens, and Prime Minister Modi, we have indefinitely suspended all travel bookings to the Maldives, effective January 8th. This decision reflects our commitment to national pride and prioritizing it over business interests.”

Expressing gratitude for public support online, EaseMyTrip concluded with a call to national unity: “Your social media voices reflect our shared love for India. Let’s stand together in this.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep visit in January, showcasing its tourism potential, remains a focal point.

Prime Minister Modi shared picturesque glimpses of Lakshadweep’s untouched beaches, including his “thrilling” snorkeling experience. However, the visit sparked controversy when Maldivian Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna posted a derisive social media comment, later deleted, about the visit. This ignited online outrage, with #BoycottMaldives trending and Indian celebrities advocating for promoting domestic beach tourism, particularly in Lakshadweep.

Faced with mounting online anger over the disrespectful remarks, the Maldivian government quickly distanced itself, with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer calling them “unacceptable.” However, India remained unsatisfied, summoning the Maldivian envoy to register a formal protest.

Indians topped the charts in Maldivian tourism in 2023, with a whopping 209,198 arrivals, followed closely by Russia (209,146) and China (187,118).
While India led the pack with 240,000 visitors in 2022, the Maldives also witnessed significant arrivals from Russia (198,000) and Britain (177,000), highlighting its draw for various international travelers.

Uncertain global climate impacting tourist flow to Goa, says Tourism Minister

The Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving Israel have shrunk the regular inflow of tourists to Goa from these countries, state Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has said.

He was speaking to reporters here on Wednesday on the sidelines of the launch of Goa’s new initiatives for boosting tourism in the coastal state. Russia, Ukraine and Israel are the three counties from where Goa gets a sizeable number of tourists, he said.

“The crisis in which these counties are involved has shrunk the regular inflow of tourists to Goa,” the minister said. Elaborating on how Goa is trying to overcome the vacuum created by this, he said, “If you go by the absolute number of tourists that visited Goa in the last one year, it is higher compared to the previous year. It indicates that domestic tourists are filling the vacuum.”

However, it cannot be ignored that international tourists on an average stay in Goa for eight days, while the average stay of domestic tourists is four days, he said. With the Goa government promoting some of its unique tourism destinations, the state is expecting a steady growth in the tourist influx, he said. “At present, tourism contributes to 16 per cent of the state’s GDP. We want it to grow to 20 to 24 per cent in the next three years,” Khaunte said.

Source: PTI

China relaxes visa norms for business, education & tourism

In an effort to revitalise a sluggish economy, the Chinese government will be relaxing certain visa requirements, aiming to facilitate smoother travel experiences for foreigners engaging in business, education, and tourism activities.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing China’s state broadcaster on Thursday, the National Immigration Administration outlined five steps including letting foreigners apply for re-entry visas, simplifying visa application, and allowing those who need to enter China urgently for work or other reasons to apply for port visas, or visa on arrival.

As part of its extensive initiatives to allure international tourists, China has implemented various measures since reopening its borders in early 2023 following the easing of pandemic restrictions.

Over the past year, China has expanded visa-free entry to additional countries and increased the frequency of direct flights to various overseas destinations.

Additional measures include permitting travelers to apply for visa extensions or replacements at the nearest police station and exempting those transiting within 24 hours from border inspection at airports such as Beijing and other international hubs.

This policy applies to nine international airports, including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi’an Xianyang.

Travelers with international connecting flights within 24 hours can transit through any of these airports to a third country or region without going through immigration procedures and enjoy visa-free transit.

Last month, China rolled out a one-year visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from six countries – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia – starting from December 1, 2023.

The move also aims to further facilitate cross-border people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries, and serve the country’s high-quality development and opening-up. (Source: Bloomberg)

Paris Delegation Seeks Indian Collaboration in Economy, Tech, and Tourism Ahead of 2024 Olympics

In the aftermath of Brexit, Paris has solidified its status as the economic and financial capital of Europe. A recent study by EY reveals a substantial relocation of over 2,800 bankers and financiers from London to the Paris Region, resulting in the creation of more than 7,000 jobs. The Paris Stock Exchange now boasts the largest market capitalization in Europe, surpassing both London and Frankfurt.

A high-profile delegation, led by Valérie Pécresse, President of Paris Region, and Alexandra Dublanche, Chairwoman of Choose Paris Region, is currently in India on a mission to bolster economic, technological, touristic, and cultural ties. The focus is on encouraging Indian decision-makers, businesses, and investors to explore opportunities in innovation, technology, academic cooperation, and the vibrant cultural offerings of Paris.

As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris begins, economic opportunities are burgeoning. With over 4,000 jobs created since 2017 through investment projects related to the Games, the Paris Region showcases a fertile ground for foreign companies, including those from India, to invest and participate in the event’s success.

Beyond the sports extravaganza, the 150th Anniversary of Impressionism adds a cultural touch to the attractions in 2024. The Musée d’Orsay will host historical exhibitions and unique virtual reality experiences, providing a rich cultural backdrop for Indian tourists and enthusiasts.

Recognising the influence of Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, on travel choices, the Paris Region delegation is set to tour Yash Raj studios and engage with influential film producers. This move aims to tap into the growing trend of cinema tourism, where fans seek to explore locations featured in their favorite films.

The visit of the Paris Region delegation to India underscores the commitment to strengthening partnerships in business, technology, and tourism. As the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 150th Anniversary of Impressionism converge, the economic and cultural ties between Paris Region and India are poised to reach new heights, promising mutual growth and collaboration.

Arunachal Aims for Sustainable Development with Emphasis on Tourism

In a recent meeting held at the Raj Bhawan, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) KT Parnaik and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein delved into the untapped potential of the state’s hydropower and tourism sectors. The discussion centered on the need for strategic initiatives to harness economic and environmental benefits.

During the meeting, Governor Parnaik, who had recently visited the remote Vijoynagar in Changlang district, emphasised the significance of promoting non-conventional energy resources. He particularly highlighted the use of solar lighting, aligning with a sustainable development approach and acknowledging the importance of preserving the state’s diverse flora and fauna.

The officials explored the expansion of tourism infrastructure in the state, with a focus on eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and religious tourism. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein shared insights into plans to unlock the tourism potential, aiming to attract visitors seeking unique and enriching experiences. The mention of eco-tourism aligns with the global trend towards sustainable travel.

Additionally, the possibility of introducing horticultural crops such as saffron, kiwi, orange, and apple was discussed, with Vijoynagar identified as a potential location. This move towards diversifying agricultural practices could contribute to both economic development and the enhancement of Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural landscape.
Governor Parnaik’s call for a special focus on hydropower and tourism, coupled with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices, reflects a holistic approach to development in Arunachal Pradesh. This approach seeks to harness the state’s potential while preserving its unique natural heritage.

The collaboration between Governor Parnaik and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein signals a commitment to responsible development. The proposed initiatives not only aim to boost the economy but also showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of Arunachal Pradesh, attracting environmentally conscious travellers.

‘Visa-waiver can stimulate economic activities in tourism & hospitality sectors’

With Malaysia announcing visa-waiver for the Indian market, the move is expected to boost inbound to the South East Asian nation. Manoharan Periasamy, Sr Director, International Promotion (Asia & Africa), Tourism Malaysia speaks to Disha Shah Ghosh about implications of the visa-waiver announcement, engagement with the travel trade in India, and competitive advantage of this decision between India and China.
Q. How will the decision by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to waive off visa for Indian nationals starting December 1, impact inbound traffic from India?
The decision by the Malaysian government to waive visas for Indian nationals is likely to have a positive impact on inbound traffic from India, and is a significant step to enhance bilateral relations and with simplified travel requirements, more Indian tourists may be inclined to visit Malaysia. They may find it more convenient to plan trips, leading to a rise in the number of tourists exploring Malaysian destinations, cultural attractions, and other tourism-related activities.
This move can stimulate economic activities, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, encourage cultural exchanges, and strengthen ties between the two nations. The influx of Indian tourists may contribute to increase spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and local attractions, providing a positive impact on the Malaysian economy. In addition, business travellers, investors, and professionals may find it more convenient to conduct meetings, explore opportunities, and participate in trade events, fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.
Finally, visa waivers can serve as a diplomatic gesture, demonstrating a commitment to fostering positive relations between the two countries. It can be seen as a measure to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote people-to-people connections.
Q. What made the Malaysian government make this announcement for key tourism source markets of India and China at this point of time?
There are several factors as to why Malaysia introduced the visa-free policies, especially in key tourism source markets like India and China:
1. Boosting Tourism: One of the primary reasons for implementing visa-free policies is to stimulate tourism. By eliminating or simplifying visa requirements, a country can attract more visitors, boosting its tourism industry and the economy.
2. Economic Impact: Increased tourism can have positive economic effects, including the creation of jobs, growth in the hospitality sector, and additional revenue from tourism-related activities.
3. Enhancing Diplomatic Relations: Visa-free policies can be used as a diplomatic tool to strengthen ties with specific countries. By facilitating travel, a country may aim to foster better diplomatic relations and cooperation.
4. Market Diversification: By targeting specific markets like India and China, governments may aim to diversify their tourism sources, reducing dependency on traditional markets and expanding their reach to emerging economies with a growing middle class.
5. Competitive Advantage: In a competitive global tourism market, countries may implement visa-free policies to gain a competitive advantage over other destinations. This is especially true for countries looking to attract a larger share of the international tourism market.
Q. With this development, what measures are underway to entice the various Indian traveller segments?
The Malaysian government is likely to implement various measures to entice different segments of Indian travellers. Tourism Malaysia will be focusing on a few strategies for the successful implementation of the tourism industry’s development and performance as follows: –
i. Forge smart partnerships with travel industry players e.g. airlines, travel agents, top tour operators and OTAs. The establishment of both private and public sector partnerships is pertinent; both sectors will work together to offer new packages and better service quality to realign Malaysia as the preferred tourism destination.
ii. Enhance tourism promotion (online and offline) through digital medium/ online brochures, and participation at international tradeshows/ exhibitions/ travel expos and roadshows,
iii. Optimise strategic communication/media engagement; for instance hosting social media influencers, media, travel agencies, corporate companies, travellers, incentive groups, and tourism associations from India to experience Malaysia through familiarisation trips.
iv. Co-organise international events like the International India Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 to Malaysia; a major platform to showcase Malaysia to the most prestigious event from the Bollywood industry.
v. Collaborations with travel agencies and online platforms to streamline the visa-free process could also be part of the strategy. Additionally, efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and ensure safety and comfort for Indian tourists could play a significant role in attracting diverse segments of Indian travellers to Malaysia.
Q. Currently, where does India rank as a priority market for Malaysia. With this development, how do you see India improving in its ranking?
India is a significant priority market for Malaysia, with strong economic ties and cultural connections. India is Malaysia’s fifth largest source of tourists. Malaysia recorded 14.4 million tourist arrivals between January and September 2023, with 472,479 from India.
In terms of air accessibility, 180 flights with 33,374 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, and IndiGo. In addition, the availability of flights as well as the expected increase in flights and new routes will also be able to increase the number of Indian tourists arriving in Malaysia.
The country has emerged as the fastest-growing outbound destination, surpassing other nations in tourism sector growth. The decision to waive off visa could enhance this relationship, fostering tourism and business exchanges, and potentially elevating India’s ranking in Malaysia’s priority markets.
Q. In terms of forecast, how will this announcement impact competitiveness between India and China, both considered as strong tourism source markets in Asia?
The Malaysian government’s decision to waive off visas could lead to increased competitiveness between India and China as tourism source markets in Asia. This move may attract more tourists from both countries and the impact on competitiveness will depend on various factors including marketing strategies, accessibility, and travel infrastructure. Monitoring tourism trends and promotional efforts will be crucial to assess the evolving dynamic between India and China in Malaysia’s tourism sector.