Here’s your weekly dose of travel updates!
Check out the latest news and updates about the travel and tourism industry from around the world.
1. US plans to issue more than 1 Million US Visas to Indians in 2023
As per a senior official, the US is planning to issue more than 1 million US visas to Indians. The official also assured that all the US student visa applications will be processed by summer for the students whose academic year starts this fall. The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, also added that they are prioritizing H1-B and L visas as they are the most sought after categories by Indian IT Professionals.
Also Read: Top Tips To Nail The US Visa Interview
2. China scraps mandatory Negative PCR Test Rule for Travellers
From April 29, 2023, travellers will no longer be required to provide negative PCR test results when arriving in China. Although the airlines would not be required to check the proof, travellers can choose to show a negative Rapid Antigen Test.
Also Read: Have doubts about the China Visa? Get all the information you need here.
3. Bali to introduce Tourism Tax for Tourists
Due to the increasing number of misdemeanors by tourists Bali plans to introduce a tourism tax for tourists. Many tourists visit Bali during their holiday in Indonesia and end up breaking traffic rules while riding motorbikes or violating religious sites by not wearing appropriate clothing or disrespecting the deities by making silly faces while clicking selfies. The money raised by collecting this tax will be used to fund the conservation of mangroves and corals and restoration work on the island.
4. India’s First Water Metro inaugurated in Kochi
On April 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s First Water Metro services in Kochi. Currently, the Kochi Water Metro fleet includes 15 battery operated electric and diesel hybrid boats which will operate on 8 different routes from 7 in the morning till 8 in the evening.
5. Jadung in Uttarakhand to be Developed as a New Tourist Hotspot
The first village of India from the Tibet border, Uttarakhand’s Jadung will soon be a tourist hotspot. It will be the first of the 5 villages that the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will be rehabilitating to create a sustainable tourism destination for camping, astro tourism, trekking, hiking and so much more. Make sure to include Jadong the next time you plan your Uttarakhand tour packages.
6. 3 New Wildlife Conservation Reserves announced in Rajasthan
On April 22, 2023, Rajasthan’s Forest Department announced that Hamirgarh, Khichan, and Sorsan in Rajasthan will receive new wildlife conservation reserves. These reserves will aid in the protection and conservation of the rare and endangered wildlife of the region. Rajasthan already has 26 wildlife conservation reserves that you can visit during your Rajasthan holidays.
7. Japan introduces New Simplified Japan Visa System from April 21, 2023
In a bid to attract more foreign nationals, Japan introduced a new Japan visa system on April 21, 2023. Under this new simplified system, foreign nationals holding a master’s degree or higher or having an annual income of 20 million yen or higher, could obtain a 5 year Japan visa. After residing in Japan for 1 year, foreign nationals holding a 5 year Japan visa will be eligible for a permanent visa.
8. Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express inaugurated
On April 26, 2023, India got its 16th Vande Bharat Express with the inauguration of the Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express. It is Kerala’s 1st Vande Bharat Express Train and will travel across 11 districts on its route from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram. It will also reduce the journey from 10 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours and 30 minutes approximately.
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9. Bandipora’s Aragam Village in Kashmir set to become India’s Largest Book Village
Bookworms rejoice! If all goes well, Aragam village of Bandipora district in Kashmir will become the country’s largest book village. A Pune based NGO, Sarhad will be working with the Jammu and Kashmir Government on this collaboration. Located in the scenic mountains, Aragam is one of the newest attractions for tourists enjoying their Jammu and Kashmir tour packages.
10. Puducherry’s First Microbrewery starts a Brewery Bus Tour Service between Chennai and Puducherry
Here’s something new to experience on your Puducherry holidays. From April 22, 2023, Catamaran Brewing Co, Puducherry’s first microbrewery has started a Brewery Bus Tour which will operate between the cities of Chennai and Puducherry. Earlier called the Beer Bus and later renamed as Brewery Bus Tour to avoid confusion, the service will offer a 3 course meal, along with unlimited craft beer and a private tour of the microbrewery.
11. South Africa to streamline South Africa Work Visa Process
In order to attract more foreign workers and streamline their visa process, the South African Government plans to revise the work visa system. The country plans to launch a point based system which will reduce the South Africa work visa processing time. Along with this, the country also plans to implement a Trusted Employer Scheme in addition to expanding the e-visa system to cover study visa and business visa categories.
12. Tripura to be developed as a World Class Tourism Destination
In efforts to increase tourism in the northeastern state of Tripura, the Government of Tripura plans to build tourism infrastructure in the state. The state will focus on various types of tourism such as eco-tourism, tea tourism, adventure tourism, etc., and will also be setting up houseboats, ropeways, etc.
13. Pune plans 4 more Heritage Walks across Pune after the success of the ‘Know Pune’ Initiative
After the success of the ‘Know Pune’ initiative, wherein participants were taken on a heritage walk across the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation recently announced their plan to start 4 more routes for heritage walksin the city. This initiative will create awareness, share information and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city.
14. IndiGo to start Direct Flights from Bhubaneshwar to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok
Working in collaboration with the Odisha Government to strengthen Bhubaneshwar’s air connectivity IndiGo is also going to operate direct flights to Dubai from Bhubaneshwar from May 15, 2023. And from June 5, 2023, you will be able to fly directly from Bhubaneshwar to Singapore and Bangkok with IndiGo.
Get your Dubai Visa in 24 hours!
15. Akasa Air now flies to Odisha
Akasa Air continues to expand. With the latest flight services operating between Bhubaneshwar and Pune and Bhubaneshwar and Bangalore, Akasa Air is now flying to and from Odisha. Founded in 2021 and starting operations in 2022, Akasa Air currently connects 17 Indian cities across 36 routes.
With so much to see and experience in the world who wouldn’t be excited to travel? Head over to Akbartravels.com and find solutions to all your worries related to visa applications, flight tickets, and hotel bookings. What else? We have the best budget holiday packages available to make your holiday truly peaceful.
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