Tag Archives: tourists

Similipal Tiger Reserve reopens, welcomes tourists

 

Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) reopened for tourists yesterday after Cyclone Dana led to a temporary closure. The reserve, part of Similipal National Park, had been inaccessible since October 23 due to severe weather conditions and damage. Currently, visitors can only access STR through the Jashipur (Kalikaprashad) gate, with the Pithabata gate remaining closed until road repairs are complete.

Cyclone Dana made landfall in Odisha on October 25, causing extensive rainfall and road damage, particularly in the Pithabata region. Officials confirmed that once repairs are finalised, access through Pithabata will resume. Visitors are advised to check the official STR website for updates on this entry point.

The Similipal Tiger Reserve, covering 2,750 square kilometers, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts over 96 species of orchids, 42 mammal species, 242 bird varieties, and 30 types of reptiles. The park is especially famous for its rare melanistic tigers and Royal Bengal tigers, along with leopards, Asian elephants, and several deer species.

Visitors to STR can experience sightings of jungle cats, wild boars, four-horned antelopes, and the giant squirrel, making it a key site for wildlife tourism and conservation in India. The reopening marks a positive step for tourism in the region following the disruption caused by Cyclone Dana.

South Africa to ease visa rules for tourists

 

South Africa is set to ease visa regulations for visitors from India and China to attract more tourists from these populous nations. Currently, travellers from many Western countries, including the US and UK, can visit South Africa without a visa for short stays, while Indian and Chinese tourists face significant red tape, requiring prior authorisation.

To address this, the Department of Home Affairs will introduce a Trusted Tour Operators system starting in January. This initiative will allow vetted tour operators to facilitate travel for groups from India and China, streamlining the process and making it more appealing for potential visitors. South Africa’s Home Minister, Leon Schreiber, noted that simplifying visa access is essential, especially as other countries like Thailand have successfully attracted Indian tourists with easier visa policies.

In addition to these changes, South Africa plans to implement an electronic travel authorisation system in the future, indicating a move towards more modernised travel facilitation. The current Trusted Tour Operators program is intended to be a temporary measure to boost tourism while these broader reforms are enacted.

The initiative comes amid a broader strategy to enhance South Africa’s tourism sector, which has lagged behind other major markets, particularly from India and China. Last year, South Africa welcomed only about 80,000 tourists from India and 37,000 from China, compared to around 350,000 visitors from the US and UK each. Schreiber emphasised that increasing the number of tourists from these markets represents significant growth potential for the South African economy.

Bintan Resorts: A Serene Getaway for Indian Tourists Amid Overtourism Challenges

VFS Global has partnered with Bintan Resorts to boost its presence in the Indian market. Located less than an hour by ferry from Singapore, the Indonesian island of Bintan has the potential to become a sought-after destination for Indian travellers seeking for a peaceful escape from overtourism.

Prasenjit Chakraborty/Indonesia

Incredible, Impressive, and Inconceivable are three words that aptly describe Bintan Resorts. Although situated in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, it is just a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore. This proximity makes Singapore a favoured getaway for Indian travellers wishing to visit Bintan Resorts. To attract more tourists from the Indian market, VFS Global recently entered into a partnership with Bintan Resorts, Indonesia. To enter Bintan, travellers need a multiple-entry visa for Singapore. Once they arrive in Bintan, they will receive a visa on arrival.
Bintan Resorts is a stunning destination with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. It features luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities, including water sports and cultural experiences. This blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and convenience all set to make it a popular destination for Indian travellers in the months to come.

The Bintan Resorts occupies an exclusive space within the island, offering a modern escape set within nature, combining serenity and calmness with a unique advantage- zero traffic. In contrast to the traffic congestion common in Indian cities, Bintan Resorts provides a hassle-free experience, allowing travel from one point to another in just 15-20 minutes. Low or no traffic within the resorts facilities is due to its separation from Tanjung Pinang, the capital of the Riau Islands, where most locals live. Only those working in the Bintan Resorts reside in designated areas, ensuring travellers feel freedom of movement and vast spaces. This aspect is especially appealing when choosing a destination in the post-COVID era. To be candid, the destination is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with themselves. Its tranquil atmosphere is also ideal for bonding with family, friends, and colleagues.

In a competitive market where, other destinations are aggressively promoting their offerings, VFS Global and Bintan Resorts need a strategic and tailored approach to effectively promote Bintan. To achieve this, it’s crucial to build substantial market awareness among travel partners. Going forward, they have to ensure that travel agents and trade partners are well-informed about what Bintan offers to Indian travellers.
In recent years, worldwide many known destinations have suffered from their own success. With the surge in tourism, overcrowding has become a significant problem, diminishing the charm of once-pristine locations. However, adventurous travellers need not worry. There are many lesser-known destinations are waiting to be explored, offering unique experiences far from the tourist crowds. And Bintan Resorts is certainly one of them!

Visitors to Bintan Resorts will discover a unique experience that few destinations can match. The key distinguishing feature? The unparalleled peace and tranquillity that make this destination truly special.

Target Audiences and Cities in India

VFS Global and Bintan Resorts will focus on the family, young travellers, MICE and wedding segments within the Indian market. From a MICE destination perspective, corporates could pair Bintan with Singapore in their offerings, allocating perhaps two nights to each destination.

It is important to note that Bintan Resorts is being reintroduced to the Indian market. The Tourism Service Unit within the VFS Global will promote the destination across India, not just in metro cities. Singapore has direct connections from above 15 cities in India, and the audiences from these gateways will naturally be of priority to engage with.

“Bintan Resorts offer the Indian audiences a diverse range of experiences in a tranquil, bountiful nature and beautiful setting. From beaches to forests, idyllic resorts to a delightful range of food and relaxation activities, the Indian audiences will enjoy their visit and re-visits,” stated GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global. “We will work closely with our travel trade partners in India to bring the island’s offerings to their clients. Our strategy will include targeting travellers from secondary cities.” He also mentioned that, based on his 13+ years of experience with the Indian travel and tourism market, he has observed a growing demand for outbound travel from secondary cities with a good propensity to spend on experiences.

In 2023, 1.08 million Indians visited Singapore. Moving forward, VFS Global and Bintan Resorts aim to significantly increase the number of tourists travelling to the island. To realise this vision, it is crucial to share relevant information with the travel trade, embark on meaningful consumer outreach efforts and marketing collaborations. “In the coming years, we are optimistic about achieving a double-digit percentage of visitors to Singapore spending a few nights in Bintan Resorts,” Srithar stated emphatically.

Bintan Island Infrastructure Development

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts, outlined their immediate plans for the Indian market, which include working closely with VFS Global to organise roadshows in key cities across the country and launch trade engagement efforts. “We will soon invite Indian travel agents for a familiarization trip,” he announced.

Wahab noted that Bintan alone might not be an attractive destination for Indian tourists, so they have paired it with Singapore. “Bintan and Singapore are already recognised as a twin destination holiday,” he explained. He also mentioned that their focus will be on both family vacations and the MICE segment. “We’ve already hosted several meetings for pharmaceutical companies from Ahmedabad and aim to continue this,” Wahab added.

Regarding infrastructure, Wahab stated that it is not an issue since Bintan Resorts is managed by a single company. Currently, the destination has 2,800 hotel rooms, with an additional 1,200 rooms expected by the end of the year. “This will bring the total to 4,000 rooms by next year, which is sufficient for Bintan Resorts to establish itself as an international destination,” Wahab pointed out.

Additionally, construction has begun on an international airport, “The airport is set to become operational by 2027,” Wahab revealed.
It is believed that the collaboration between VFS Global and Bintan Resorts will yield positive results. In the past, the Bintan Resorts team participated in Singapore Tourism Board’s tourism roadshows and will continue working closely with the Board. Wahab mentioned that VFS Global not only has extensive reach and expertise in India, but its tourism division is now led by Srithar, a seasoned professional who has spent over a decade promoting Singapore in India. “GB Srithar’s knowledge and expertise regarding the Indian market will be invaluable in achieving positive visitor-ship growth results,” said an expert, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Another significant development that could attract more tourists to Bintan Resorts is the issue of overtourism in some popular destinations frequented by the Indian travellers. Some destinations aim to manage the growing number of tourists and safeguard their natural beauty, cultural heritage and residents’ need for their own space, which are currently under threat from increased tourism.

If everything goes as planned, Bintan Resorts is poised to become one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists in Southeast Asia in the coming years. The strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships aimed at raising awareness will further enhance its appeal. As more Indians seek new and exciting travel experiences, Bintan Resorts is ready to welcome them with their distinctive Indonesian hospitality and unique island charms.

 

No cap on tourist footfall: Bhutan Tourism

Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer, Bhutan Tourism, has said that there will be no cap on the number of tourists visiting the country, addressing concerns over potential limits on visitor numbers.

With resurgence in international tourism following the reopening of its borders, this announcement highlights the country’s openness to welcoming tourists from around the world.

Nimah emphasised that while Bhutan remains dedicated to its celebrated “high-value, low-impact” tourism model, there will be no restrictions on how many visitors can experience the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Instead, Bhutan will focus on managing tourism sustainably, ensuring that each visitor enjoys an authentic experience while protecting the environment and cultural identity of the Kingdom.

This decision comes amidst growing interest in Bhutan as a travel destination, especially as eco-tourism gains momentum globally. The tourism sector aims to balance this increase in visitors with careful management, ensuring that the local economy benefits without compromising Bhutan’s natural and cultural resources.

Bhutan has long maintained a controlled approach to tourism, avoiding the pitfalls of mass tourism and its environmental consequences. The latest announcement reaffirms the country’s commitment to sustainability while remaining open to more travellers seeking unique, responsible tourism experiences. With the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, Bhutan Tourism is gearing up to attract a new wave of eco-conscious travellers eager to explore the country’s untouched beauty and vibrant culture.

 

NZ to raise triple tourist entry fee from Oct 1

 

New Zealand plans to nearly triple entry fees for tourists starting October 1, increasing the international visitor and conservation levy from NZ USD 35 to NZ USD 100 (USD 62.20).

The government stated that the hike is necessary to ensure tourists contribute fairly to public services and maintain the high-quality experiences New Zealand offers. While the government is confident that the country will remain an attractive destination, the Tourism Industry Association expressed concerns that the higher fees could deter visitors, especially as the sector is still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 border closures.

The original NZ USD 35 fee, introduced in July 2019, was insufficient to cover the environmental and infrastructural costs caused by the high number of tourists.

Jordan attracts 2.79mn tourists during H1, 2024

Jordan’s tourism sector experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, according to the mid-year report of the executive program for the Economic Modernization Vision. The country welcomed 2.79 million tourists during this period, with tourism revenues reaching JD2.33 billion.

The report highlighted that the tourism sector employed 54,000 workers by the end of the first quarter. Additionally, 138,000 passengers arrived in Jordan through low-cost and regular flights, with a total of 993 flights bringing visitors to the Kingdom. Unified ticket sales during this period totaled 59,000.

Progress has been made in developing archaeological and tourist sites, including the Citadel Mountain project, which has reached 55 percent completion. Preparations are also underway to finalize studies and designs for the Jerash archaeological site.

The report noted efforts to enhance connectivity with target countries. By mid-year, about 123,000 passengers arrived via contracted low-cost airlines from 18 destinations. United Airlines brought 15,000 passengers from Washington to Amman, while a charter flight from Slovakia to Aqaba carried 111 passengers in June. New agreements with Jazeera Airways and Ethiopian Airlines will further improve flight connectivity, linking Jordan with Kuwait and Addis Ababa.

Heritage preservation and development efforts have also progressed. The Falah Al-Hamad Heritage House in As-Salt has been restored, and various archaeological sites, including Shobak Castle and Jerash Archaeological Wall, are under maintenance. A new facility, the Nujes Center for the Preservation of Archaeological Holdings, was completed to safeguard archaeological pieces.

The amended Tourism Law of 2024 introduced a fund for tourism sector development, replaced the licensing system with an approval system, and promoted sustainable tourism. The law also simplifies procedures to attract more tourists and boost the local economy.

Significant strides were made in product and experience development, with projects like the Rum Village Expansion and Wadi Rum Road Rehabilitation underway. Cultural tourism trails and other initiatives aim to enhance tourist experiences and promote regional attractions.

The “Our Jordan is Paradise” program has boosted domestic tourism, achieving a 122 percent growth in the first half of the year compared to 2023. Additionally, Jordan hosted several international conferences, including the 11th Ministerial Cooperative Conference of Asia-Pacific Countries, enhancing its profile as a conference destination.

Overall, the report underscores Jordan’s commitment to expanding its tourism sector, with various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, preserving heritage, and enhancing connectivity, all contributing to the country’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination.