Tag Archives: tourism

Malaysia extends visa waiver for Indians till end of 2026

 

Malaysia has extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, aligning with the country’s 2025 Asean chairmanship and Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The announcement, made by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman on December 20, also includes a similar extension for Chinese nationals.

The visa liberalisation plan, active since December 1, 2023, grants a 30-day visa-free stay to Indian and Chinese nationals. This initiative aims to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a global travel destination while contributing to the growth of its tourism and economic sectors. The policy also emphasises maintaining national security alongside increased tourist influx.

Datuk Awang Alik highlighted that the move reflects Malaysia’s broader efforts to position itself as a key travel hub in the region. With the extended visa exemption, Malaysia hopes to attract a significant number of visitors from India and China, bolstering local businesses and tourism-related industries.

The extension is part of Malaysia’s strategic preparations for future milestones, such as its Asean leadership in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026. These efforts are expected to strengthen the country’s position as a preferred travel destination while supporting long-term economic and cultural growth.

Goa unveils transformative digital initiatives

 

Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, launched groundbreaking digital and tourism initiatives in Porvorim, Goa. This collaborative effort by the Departments of Information Technology and Tourism aims to propel Goa’s digital infrastructure and elevate its position as a premier tourism hub. The launch of these initiatives marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey toward innovation and smart governance.

Key initiatives include the introduction of free public WiFi hotspots across 75 locations, providing seamless connectivity for residents and visitors. The installation of 11 4G BSNL towers will enhance mobile coverage across the state, ensuring uninterrupted communication. The “Let’s Goa” platform simplifies tourist experiences through an interactive and user-friendly digital solution, while the One Map Goa GIS Portal will revolutionise spatial planning and governance by offering detailed geospatial data. Together, these measures showcase Goa’s commitment to a digitally advanced future.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasised Goa’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision. Highlighting the transformative impact of these initiatives, he stated that the introduction of free WiFi, advanced communication networks, and smart governance tools ensures that Goa remains digitally inclusive and tourism-friendly. Minister Rohan A. Khaunte reinforced this sentiment, highlighting the role of these advancements in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat while fostering connectivity, innovation, and opportunity for all Goans.

The launch also included the unveiling of the “Let’s Goa” portal, a transformative tool for the tourism sector. It connects local service providers with tourists, enhancing the booking process and showcasing Goa’s heritage, culture, and adventure opportunities. With over 100 hotels and 50 activity providers already onboard, the platform empowers local businesses and promotes sustainable tourism. Goa’s integration of technology and tradition ensures its continued appeal as a world-class destination for travellers.

Tourism sector to add 61 lakh jobs by 2034: Whitepaper

 

India’s tourism and hospitality sector is on the brink of significant growth, projected to generate 61 lakh new jobs by 2034. Spending in the sector is also expected to rise by 1.2 times, underlining its role as a major economic driver. A whitepaper by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY, unveiled at the 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit, highlights the industry’s resilience post-pandemic and its capacity to adapt to a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Of the anticipated new roles, 46 lakh will be for men and 15 lakh for women, showcasing opportunities for gender inclusion and diversification. Currently contributing 8% to India’s employment, the sector is poised for expansion driven by domestic tourism and a rising demand for skilled professionals. To meet these challenges, the report recommends enhancing skills in digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and customer service. Measures like gamified learning systems and standardised training through a Ministry of Tourism task force are proposed to bridge skill gaps.

Key policy recommendations include granting industry status to tourism, Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes, and targeted subsidies to attract investment. A central body for tourism and hospitality is suggested to streamline governance, improve infrastructure, and boost operational efficiency. The introduction of a Tourism Employment Index (TEI) aims to track workforce trends and seasonal needs, leveraging the gig economy to address labor shortages during peak periods.

The report also highlights untapped avenues like medical tourism and community-driven programs. By integrating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and fostering innovation, the sector can achieve global leadership. With the right industry and policy support, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is set to transform, driving economic growth and creating millions of opportunities by 2036-37.

Rajeev Kohli is an an experienced travel professional with over 2 decades of experience.

Rajeev Kohli elected to the SEPC Committee of Administration

Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director of Creative Travel, has been elected to the Committee of Administration of India’s prestigious Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC).

Representing Tourism Services at the national level, Kohli will join a distinguished panel of 10 members from diverse service sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, IT, and entertainment, to drive India’s service export agenda.

The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) is an apex trade body in India established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote the export of services. It plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s position as a global hub for service-based industries, including tourism, healthcare, IT, education, entertainment, and legal services. SEPC facilitates international trade by organizing trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and policy advocacy. It provides a crucial platform for service exporters to connect with global markets, fostering partnerships and boosting India’s export competitiveness.

Aligned with the Ministry of Commerce’s objectives, SEPC contributes to India’s economic growth by driving service sector exports, which constitute a significant portion of the country’s GDP. It also assists exporters in navigating global regulations, ensuring that Indian services meet international standards, thereby enhancing India’s reputation as a provider of quality and innovation-driven services globally.

Talking about this development, Kohli said, “I am truly delighted and honoured to have this opportunity. Taking the agenda of tourism growth directly to the Ministry of Commerce opens new avenues for me to voice opinions with national decision-makers. I have long admired the work SEPC does and look forward to contributing to the council during my term. My objectives include increasing membership from the tourism industry by highlighting the council’s value, collaborating with colleagues across the tourism sector to capture their insights and incorporate them into our strategy, and developing a plan to expand the tourism industry’s contribution to the economy. SEPC has a highly qualified professional team that is supportive of tourism, and I aim to harness that to advance the tourism agenda.”

He has held numerous national and international volunteer roles, including being the first President from Asia of the global Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), as well as serving as President of Euromic, the MICE industry’s oldest DMC association.

With his extensive experience and leadership in the tourism sector, Kohli’s election to the SEPC is expected to bring valuable insights and momentum to the council’s efforts in promoting India’s services exports, particularly in tourism.

 

China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy to 54 countries 

China has announced a 10-day visa-free transit policy for travellers from 54 countries, including the United States, Japan, and European nations. Effective immediately, visitors can stay in 24 provincial regions while transiting through 60 international ports, with new additions such as Hainan, Guizhou, Shanxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu. However, stays are restricted to certain cities within some provinces. This move aims to boost tourism and economic activity as China works to attract foreign visitors post-pandemic.

 

The updated visa-free transit allows tourism, business, or family visits, requiring travellers to have a valid passport and a ticket to a third country within 10 days. Round-trip tickets are not eligible. Since China reopened its borders in January 2023, inbound tourism has seen an 86% increase, with over 29 million foreign visitors recorded in the first 11 months of 2024. Notably, nearly 60% of travellers entered without visas, signaling growing interest.

 

This visa-free policy aligns with President Xi Jinping’s efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges and support the National Tourism Strategy. Jens Eskelund of the EU Chamber of Commerce welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need for clear guidelines on interprovincial travel. Critics noted that the policy still requires integration of a third country, which might deter travellers planning direct visits.

 

The National Immigration Administration emphasised that these changes aim to improve entry convenience and attract more foreign business and tourism. Officials highlighted that further opening up would create a market-oriented, legal, and international business environment, promoting economic recovery and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Heritage Aviation launches helicopter service on Pithoragarh-Almora route

 

Heritage Aviation has introduced daily helicopter services on the Pithoragarh-Almora route, aiming to enhance regional connectivity in Uttarakhand. The service promises swift and efficient travel, offering breathtaking aerial views of the region’s landscapes while reducing travel time significantly. This initiative is expected to bolster local tourism and contribute to regional economic growth.

The flights, operating under the UDAN scheme, will run twice daily on 7-seater helicopters. The first flight departs Pithoragarh at 10:00 AM, with a return flight from Almora at 10:20 AM. A second round of flights departs Pithoragarh at 1:40 PM, with the return journey from Almora at 2:05 PM. With fares set at an affordable INR 2,500 per person, the service makes air travel accessible for locals and tourists alike.

Heritage Aviation is the sole private operator providing regional helicopter connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Rohit Mathur, CEO,expressed plans to expand the network, adding routes such as Dehradun-Bageshwar and Dehradun-Nainital soon. Mathur emphasised the company’s vision to connect all major towns in Uttarakhand, offering economical fares to encourage widespread usage.

This new service highlights Heritage Aviation’s commitment to transforming travel in Uttarakhand, offering safe, fast, and affordable options for residents and visitors.