Check out the latest news and updates about the travel and tourism industry from around the world.
1. Heavy Rains lash Dubai again! Flights canceled, Travel Advisories issued
Dubai recently experienced another round of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, causing significant travel disruptions. Residents in Dubai woke up to strong winds, thunder, and lightning around 3 AM on Thursday. An hour later, the country’s weather department issued an amber alert, signaling that rain clouds had covered most parts of the country.
After heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Abu Dhabi and Dubai, many flights to Dubai were canceled and bus services in Dubai were stopped.
Also Read: Dubai’s Watery Wake-Up Call: Reflecting on the Recent Dubai Floods
2. NLB Services: Travel, Tourism sector to contribute 58.2 million more jobs by 2033
Great news for travel enthusiasts and job seekers alike! According to NLB Services, a global technology and digital talent solutions provider, with a steady growth trend, the travel and tourism industry is expected to create 58.2 million jobs nationwide by 2033.
3. Uttarakhand launches Astro Campaign ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ for Astrology Lovers
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes, an astro-tourism company, have joined hands to introduce India’s first astro-tourism campaign, Nakshatra Sabha an initiative crafted to provide a holistic Astro Tourism experience for the visitors as part of their Uttarakhand Tour Packages. This endeavor goes beyond mere stargazing, intending to engage participants in a range of activities including special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the vast celestial canopy.
Nakshatra Sabha is scheduled to begin in early June at George Everest in Mussoorie and will continue until mid-2025, showcasing a sequence of immersive events at different locations throughout Uttarakhand.
Calling All Astrology Lovers: Checkout India’s First Astro Village: Benital – A Celestial Haven for Stargazers.
4. From the Streets of Spain to the Souks of Morocco, to be connected by a High-Speed Train soon
After being initially proposed 45 years ago, a tunnel connecting Spain and Morocco may finally become a reality. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is planned to be hosted jointly by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
If approved, the tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar would facilitate a new train service between Spain and Morocco, with stops from Madrid to Casablanca, located 300 kilometers south of Tangier. The complete train journey is anticipated to take approximately five and a half hours, providing a more sustainable travel alternative and attracting more visitors to plan a Morocco trip with the easy-to-apply Morocco visa online and all-inclusive Morocco tour packages.
5. Upcoming: Dubai to construct the World’s Largest Airport at a cost of $35 Billion
Dubai is gearing up to construct the world’s largest airport, boasting a staggering 400 terminal gates and five parallel runways at an investment of $35 billion. Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate’s ruler, revealed plans to transform the emirate’s second-largest airfield, the Al Maktoum International Airport, into the largest airport in the world.
According to reports, the project aims to create the world’s largest airport, capable of accommodating a whopping 260 million passengers. This multi-billion-dollar project further promises to enhance the travel experience for visitors during their Dubai tour.
6. Saudi Arabia simplifies the Umrah Process: Grants access to all Visa Holders
Planning an Umrah tour package? Here’s some great news for Umrah Pilgrimage Travelers. Saudi Arabia has granted Umrah travelers access to all visa holders. Individuals holding any type of visa can now undertake the Umrah pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umrah can now be easily performed from any location, irrespective of the type of Saudi Arabia entry visa, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas, are eligible for participating in Umrah rituals ensuring convenience and peace of mind for pilgrims. The Ministry also suggests utilizing the Nusuk App to acquire Umrah permits.
7. The Closing Dates for Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, and Tiger Reserve have been announced
The Divisional Forest Officer of Mangaldai Wildlife Division has issued a notice regarding the closure of tourist activities in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve of Assam. As per the release, effective May 15, 2024, the jeep safari and elephant safari will be suspended for the 2024-25 tourist season until further notice. Before this announcement, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve had already announced the closure of elephant safari from May 1, followed by the suspension of jeep safari from May 16.
8. The Yamunotri Temple in Uttarakhand will be open for the Chardham Yatra 2024 from May 10 to October 31
The Yamunotri Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, India, is all set to welcome devotees on May 10, an auspicious date chosen based on the Hindu Panchang, coinciding with Akshay Tritiya. As one of the Chota Char Dhams, this temple is believed to be the source of the sacred Yamuna River in the country. The closure of the Yamunotri Temple is scheduled for October 31, a decision made by the Char Dham Temple Committee.
9. Venice implements Entry Fees for Day Trippers as a measure to combat Overtourism
If an Italy trip is on your mind or you have booked your Italy tour package already, then be ready to pay an entry fee on arrival in Venice. Venice recently introduced a pioneering program to impose a fee on day-trippers entering the historic Italian city, aiming to ease the strain of mass tourism. The ‘Venice Access Fee’ is being piloted on 29 busy days throughout 2024, primarily on weekends from May to July.
10. IRCTC introduces Economy Meals @ just Rs. 20 at 100 Railway Stations
In an effort to enhance passenger experience, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched ‘Economy Meals’ These meals are priced at an incredibly affordable rate of Rs 20, specifically targeting general passengers at select railway stations across India. This initiative is a welcome move, especially for those traveling in unreserved compartments who often struggle to find budget-friendly and hygienic food options during their journeys.
Want to earn extra income? Become an IRCTC agent and earn up to Rs.60,000 per month.
11. Indonesia building New Capital City ‘Nusantara’ in the wake of Jakarta sinking
Indonesia is taking significant steps to relocate its capital from Jakarta to the new city of Nusantara due to Jakarta’s alarming sinking issue. Located on the northwest coast of Java, where the Ciliwung River meets the sea, Jakarta has served as Indonesia’s capital and largest urban center. If reports are to be believed, this project, estimated to cost around $35 billion and scheduled for completion by 2045, aims to address the challenges posed by Jakarta’s sinking while also serving as a strategic governance move.
12. Enjoy the Northern Lights on every Princess Cruise Tour to Alaska
Is an international cruise trip on your mind? This year, Princess cruise guests will have the opportunity to experience a unique attraction as they step inside a planetarium set up in the Princess Theater. They will enjoy a front-row seat to the “Northern Lights” presentation, which showcases the beauty and wonder of this natural phenomenon. The presentation will feature live imagery, specifically designed to captivate and engage both adults and children alike.
13. Foreign Tourist arrivals in India will cross pre-pandemic level in 2024
Although the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India is still lower than the pre-pandemic level of 10.93 million in 2019, experts are expecting that in 2024, India might surpass the pre-pandemic FTA figures, reaching an estimated 11.05 million by the year-end.
“In the last 12 months, inbound tourism has witnessed growth, and hotels have possibly experienced their best year ever during this period,” stated industry insiders. Despite geopolitical tensions, the India tour package is emerging as a favored choice among global travelers.
14. Greece: Athens’ former Airport transforms, emerging as Ellinikón, the largest Smart City in Europe
On the southern coastline of Greece’s capital, a long-awaited plan to transform the city’s former airport into the largest smart city in Europe is finally gathering attention. After a decade of delays, a vision for Ellinikón is starting to take shape. Spread across 6,200 acres, a 20-minute drive outside of Athens, Ellinikón will not only transform the coastline but also the country as a whole.
Greece is one of Europe’s most beautiful countries and a must-visit. All you will need to do is apply for a Schengen visa online. The Schengen visa grants access to 26+ European countries that are part of the Schengen agreement. So, along with Greece, you can visit France, Germany, the Netherlands, etc. on a single visa.
15. China lifts ban, allows tourists from Fujian province to visit Taiwan
China has lifted the ban on tourists from Fujian province visiting Taiwan, as reported by Nikkei Asia citing China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Sunday. Vice Minister Rao Quan of China announced the relaxed restrictions to a visiting delegation from Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which aims to foster closer ties with China.
16. Europe’s Travel Strike: Expect Flight and Train Disruption in May
Planning a Europe trip in May or deciding on your Europe tour package? All those heading to Europe, know that due to a travel strike in Europe, expect certain flight and train disruptions in May. Kindly be prepared and plan your travels accordingly. For added benefit, visit the government sites for the latest updates on the strikes.
17. Southwest Airlines Introduces “Wanna Go Wednesdays” for Affordable Getaways
Southwest Airlines Co. is adding a touch of excitement to Wednesdays with “Wanna Go Wednesdays,” catering to customers in search of spontaneous escapes or quick getaways. Effective May 1, customers can now explore Southwest.com every Wednesday to take advantage of the airline’s budget-friendly fares for their upcoming adventures.
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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