Tag Archives: United Arab Emirates

Japan implments e-Visa for tourists from 11 countries

As per its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan has implemented electronic tourism visa system for eligible nationalities for a period of 90 days.

This single-entry visa is applicable for nationals from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, VisaGuide.World reports.

Under the new policy, applicants can apply for a visa online and obtain it through the Japan e-Visa system. However, as the Japanese authorities further noted, e-Visas are only available to individuals who travel by plane and have an ordinary passport.

During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview.

However, for Chinese nationals living in China, such visas will be issued for stays up to 15 or 30 days, while for Vietnamese nationals living in Vietnam, e-visas will be granted for stays up to 15 days.

Meanwhile, travellers holding an electronic visa must present a “visa issuance notice” at the airport in the Internet environment.

Goa International Travel Market throws the spotlight on regenerative tourism

The first day of the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2024 commenced at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium with an air of excitement and anticipation as industry leaders, government officials, and tourism enthusiasts gathered to witness the unveiling of a new era in Goa’s tourism landscape.

A notable focus of this year’s GITM was on regenerative tourism, a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices that prioritise the restoration and revitalisation of local ecosystems and communities.

The day kicked off with the grand inauguration of the Goa Tourism stall, a symbol of the state’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. The stall was inaugurated by Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC, Parag Rangnekar, Member of the Goa Tourism Board, Jack Sukheeja, President-elect of TTAG, Ralph Desouza, Chairman of Desouza Group of Hotels, Mark Mendes, Member of the Goa Tourism Board, Carlos Desouza, Convenor of CII, Deepak Narvekar, and Deputy General Manager of GTDC, alongside other esteemed dignitaries.

Following the inauguration, attendees were treated to a thought-provoking knowledge-sharing session by Travel Trends with a focus on Regenerative Tourism, exploring the evolving landscape of tourism in Goa. This session provided valuable insights into emerging trends and strategies for driving Goa’s tourism industry forward.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Anchipaka, shedding light on the topic of Regenerative Tourism. With a focus on sustainability and responsible travel practices, he outlined Goa’s vision for a tourism sector that not only thrives but also preserves the state’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

“With a steadfast focus on sustainability and responsible travel practices, we envision a tourism sector that is not just economically prosperous but also environmentally and socially conscious. Our commitment to Regenerative Tourism goes beyond mere preservation; it encompasses a holistic approach that seeks to regenerate and rejuvenate our ecosystems, communities, and cultural traditions. Our vision for Goa’s tourism sector is one that harmonizes with nature, respects local cultures, and fosters meaningful connections between visitors and our communities. By embracing Regenerative Tourism, we not only enhance the visitor experience but also ensure the long-term sustainability of our tourism industry.”

With a robust turnout of 65 international buyers and 80 domestic buyers, GITM 2024 has attracted a diverse array of participants from around the globe, including delegates from different parts of India, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Norway, Thailand, Czech Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Zimbabwe, Finland, Nepal, Kuwait, South Africa, Spain, France, Turkey, Slovakia, Netherlands, Belgium, Russian Federation, Vietnam, Kenya, Oman, Bahrain, Hungary, Australia, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, and more.

As the curtains close on the first day of GITM 2024, anticipation mounts for the 2nd day ahead, filled with more enriching sessions, productive engagements, and exciting opportunities to shape the future of tourism in Goa and beyond.

Bangkok emerges as the most popular city for India’s solo travellers: Agoda

With Singles’ Day around the corner, digital travel platform Agoda looked at the most popular destinations for solo travellers. For India, Bangkok is in first place, followed by Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

Singles’ Day, or 11-11, takes place annually on the eleventh day of November. The unofficial holiday originated in China as an answer to Valentine’s Day, celebrating those who aren’t in a romantic relationship. Over the years, Singles’ Day has gained popularity globally. The day is now recognised as one of the most impactful online shopping days with many online platforms, including Agoda, offering special discounts.

“As Agoda, we have talked a lot about family travel this year but with travel numbers up compared to recent years, we’ve also seen an increase in solo travel,” said Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda. “Going on a solo trip is arguably one of the best gifts one can give oneself. Whether it is to explore new cultures, to make new friends, or to reconnect with those across the globe, going on a trip alone often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone. But those who set out on an adventure of their own are usually rewarded with the creation of the most special memories.”

To determine the solo travel favourites, Agoda looked at the most popular destinations for solo travellers checking in on weekends and across a wide range of hotel stays. Around Asia Pacific, the top three consist of Tokyo, Japan in first, Bangkok, Thailand in second, and Seoul, South Korea in third. For India, the most popular destinations are:

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Renowned as one of the world’s most accessible destinations for solo travellers, it’s no surprise that Bangkok made the list. Thailand’s capital is welcoming to solo travellers on any budget, but being the home of hostel-packed Kao San Road, Bangkok is sure to be on the travel itinerary for backpackers.

Making new friends has never been so easy, thanks to the friendly locals and the abundance of fellow solo travellers anywhere across the city. During the daytime, there’s lots to explore, like the Grand Palace, the famous Chatuchak weekend market, or the arty and chaotic alleys of Chinatown.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ranked at number 2, the glittering skyline of Dubai is sure to attract any kind of traveller. Solo adventurers are in for a great time with a seemingly never-ending list of things to do: Shop-till-you-drop in one of the malls or a bazaar, go dune bashing in the desert, visit the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa, or meet locals and fellow travellers during frequently hosted quiz nights in one of the pubs. And after all that, there’s always the beach for some well-deserved relaxation.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Known for its warm hospitality, Kuala Lumpur is a haven for solo adventurers. With its mix of modern skyscrapers and historical treasures, there’s something for everyone. The city’s bustling street food stalls, vibrant markets, and iconic Petronas Twin Towers provide ample opportunities to go out and explore during the day. And you can even go on a hike within the city’s KL Forest Eco Park. At night, it will be a breeze to make new friends in the popular Changkat Bukit Bintang nightlife scene.

 

FCM Meetings & Events growing global footprint with technology & workforce expansion

FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), and flagship division of the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), has announced a global expansion of the business.

Events, event travel and meetings are leading the business travel bounce back globally with a recent white paper by FCM M&E revealing that the MICE market size, in terms of revenue, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD1563.3 billion by 2030.

FCM Meetings & Events is committed to growing its global footprint and presence in this sector. Priorities include the development of innovative technology solutions and investing in extra talent with the company planning to focus on three core areas:

• Meetings: Provide a wide range of meeting services, including venue sourcing, managed meetings, basic planning, and onsite support
• Event Travel: Offer group travel, from flights and hotels, through to transfers and team building
• Events: Provide full event management services including planning, strategies, execution, and delivery

According to Manpreet Bindra, President, FCM India’s Meeting & Events, the surge in bookings due to high demand in 2023 has continued to shape the sector. FCM Meetings and Events India has achieved more than 90% in growth compared to 2022.

“Meetings and Events are the core of business interactions, both in India and across the globe. FCM Meetings and Events India is experiencing exponential growth, presenting a wealth of opportunities.”

“In India, we have witnessed a dynamic surge in demand for personalised, high-quality experiences, reaffirming the value of face-to-face engagements. This trend mirrors a global sentiment, showcasing the universal significance of in-person interactions.”

“By leveraging our global network, we’re confident to deliver exceptional meetings and events experiences that captivate audiences, shaping the future of business gatherings both here in India and worldwide.”

“FCM India has completed over 2,000 events in India in 2023, hosting over 91,000 business travellers. Popular MICE destination cities include Goa, Jaipur, Dehradun, Udaipur, and Bangalore.”

“We assisted SMEs, MNCs, Enterprises and Conglomerates from various industries such as Banking, Finance, Insurance, FMCGs, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and others in managing large groups of business travellers. As of this year, we have successfully facilitated over 17,000 travellers to international destinations such as Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Europe, and Turkey, just to name a few.”

“We know we have an incredible opportunity to both grow and position ourselves as the travel management company of choice for meetings, events, and event travel and are experiencing and anticipating a steady annual growth rate of demand at 12 per cent year on year for in-person meetings, which means we have some exciting opportunities coming our way.”

flydubai to start direct flights to Mogadishu, Somalia from March 9

Flydubai has launched a daily service to Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) from March 9, 2023. The carrier will double the frequency of flights from June , 2023, making it the first carrier to connect Somalia directly with Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said, “We continue to look for opportunities to grow our network in East Africa and open up underserved markets. This region has seen significant economic growth and development in recent years; our direct flights will further stimulate the economy and help create free flows of travel and trade.”
With the start of flights to Mogadishu, flydubai expands its network in Africa to 11 destinations, providing passengers from the UAE and the region with more convenient options for travel. This includes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Khartoum, Juba and Zanzibar.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said, “flydubai will offer convenient and reliable travel services between both countries. This route will be operated by our fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering customers the comfort of our Business Class cabin or a more customised experience in Economy Class. We are looking forward to doubling our frequency to Somalia from 01 June 2023 and further connecting the market to Dubai and beyond.”

Flight details
Flights will operate daily between Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) and Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to MGQ start from AED 12,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 3,000. Return Business Class fares from MGQ to DXB start from USD 3,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 800.

Qatar Tourism appoints Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead its International PR & Communications

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The Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has appointed Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead the International PR and Communications team, to assist in marketing the destination in key markets as part of the country’s strategy to become a world-leading tourism destination. Nijhawan’s remit covers key markets including India, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and United Arab Emirates with a focus on engaging and penetrating travel trade and consumer media.

She is a senior professional with over 10 years’ experience in PR & Communications in the hospitality sector. Commenting on this appointment, she said, “I am very excited to join QNTC and embrace this new challenge. I am looking forward to developing and implementing a holistic integrated PR and Communications strategy to position Qatar as a popular tourist destination, while promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings.”

As part of the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, QNTC is on a journey to welcome six million visitors a year by 2030, by improving and expanding the country’s tourism proposition with visitor experience at its core. She will support the international marketing strategy, while Qatar continues to grow and improve tourism assets, enhance the end-to-end customer experience and invest in service excellence across every touch point. Nijhawan will execute QNTC’s tailored global communications campaigns, with a focus in key markets.

Berthold Trenkel, COO, QNTC, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Deveekaa to the team. She will play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious tourism development strategy. Her extensive PR and Communications experience and knowledge of global markets will help us engage with travellers as we prepare to welcome tourists back to Qatar.” QNTC’s commitment to developing bespoke relationships in key markets is reinforced by the new appointments of representation agencies, such as BRANDit, Black Diamond and Lobster.

They are integrated strategic tourism sales and marketing agencies in India, United Kingdom and Germany, which will define and execute Qatar’s in-market trade engagement, product development and joint marketing campaign strategy.