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.
US Visa Interview Wait Time Now More Than 1000 Days
As per recent reports, the US visa interview appointments wait time is now more than 1,000 days. That is almost 3 years! According to the State Department spokesperson Ned Prince, “The United States is making every effort to reduce the waiting time for visa interview appointments in India as soon as possible. Visa processing is recovering faster than projected and over the coming year, we expect to reach pre-pandemic processing levels.” If you wish to get an edge over the other US visa applicants and are planning to book a US tour package then we suggest you visit Akbartravels.com right now!
New Goa Airport Begins Operations
On Thursday, January 5, the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Goa officially began its commercial operations. This new Greenfield Airport which will aid in boosting tourism and enable Goa to become a hub for exporting perishable items like fish, fruits and vegetables, etc. was inaugurated by PM Modi in December 2022. How about booking a Goa tour package and flight tickets to Goa to check it out?
Dubai Scraps Tax On Alcohol
It appears that Dubai aims to cement its reputation as Middle East’s premier business and tourism hub. Dubai started off the New Year by getting rid of its 30% alcohol tax and granting liquor licenses for free. In addition to catering to a larger audience, this one year trial will further improve Dubai’s overall position as a liberal holiday destination. Looks like your Dubai holiday won’t be dry anymore. Apply for your Dubai visa now!
World’s Longest River Cruise From Varanasi To Dibrugarh To Be Flagged Off By PM Modi
On January 13, 2023, PM Modi will flag off the World’s Longest River Cruise. Starting from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh the cruise will travel for around 50 days all the way to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh. Over the course of 4,000 km, the cruise will take visitors over 27 river systems such as those of Ganga, Bhagirathi, Hooghly, Brahmaputra and West Coast Canal in India.
Dates For Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Announced
India’s largest multicultural festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will take place from February 4 – 12. This annual vibrant street festival has different sections like Cinema, Food, Heritage Walks, Dance and Literature for all to enjoy.
Spain To Introduce Digital Nomad Visa Soon
Non-EU nationals who wish to live and work in Spain can now apply for Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Expected to be available by the end of January 2023, this visa for Spain is a part of the Spain Parliament’s recently passed law – Startup Act, which aims to attract entrepreneurs to boost the country’s tech scene.
Mumbai To Host Elephanta Festival In February
From February 13 to 15, the Maharashtra Tourism Department Corporation will be hosting the Elephanta Festival. This festival will be a great opportunity to promote culture and tourism in Mumbai and will also allow visitors to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
Around 4,500 International Driving Permits Issued By Pune RTO In 2022
Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) recently revealed that they issued around 4,500 international driving permits in 2022, which is significantly more than the pre-pandemic level of 2019. As per the Deputy RTO, these permits, also known as international driving licenses, were previously applied by students going overseas to study but now even tourists planning on a short trip are applying for them.
10 Day Long Taj Mahotsav To Take Place In February
If you need a reason to book an Agra tour package apart from marveling at the Taj Mahal, then book it to attend the Taj Mahotsav. Starting on February 18 and concluding on February 27 this festival, hosted near the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal, celebrates India’s rich heritage, culture, arts and crafts, cuisines, music and dance.
Helicopter Rides In Jaisalmer Discontinued
Recently, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) started helicopter rides in Jaisalmer to add a touch of excitement to your Rajasthan tour package. However, the services were discontinued within a week due to a violation of forest rules. Local wildlife lovers raised objections against the helipad which is located near the Desert National Park (DNP), an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) and the natural habitat of the endangered – Godawan (Wild Indian Bustard).
2 Indian Airports Among Top Performing Global Airports 2022
Cirium Aviation Analytics recently released its latest report. As per the report, Bangalore and Delhi airports made it to the list of Top Performing Global Airports in 2022. The Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore secured the 2nd spot on the list whereas the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi secured the 7th spot. Indeed a moment of pride for the Indian aviation industry.
Sky Diving Festival Starts In Madhya Pradesh
From January 5 to 15, Datana Airstrip in Ujjain will play host to the second edition of the Sky Diving Festival. Organised by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism, and “Sky-High India” a DGCA and USPA certified organization the festival aims to boost adventure tourism in the state. The festival will also witness delegations of the G-20 conference, Global Investors Meet and Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan taking part in various activities. Are you excited to book your Madhya Pradesh tour package?
Lakshadweep Bans Entry On 17 Islands
Planning to book a Lakshadweep tour package? Here’s an update. The Lakshadweep administration has banned entry for all on 17 islands out of the 36 islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Citing national security and public safety concerns, the District Magistrate of Lakshadweep issued a proclamation under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Akasa Air Introduces In-Flight Safety Manual In Braille
Recently, Akasa Air partnered with The Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) to develop their in-flight safety manuals in Braille for the visually impaired. The instructions in the safety manual are provided in both Hindi and English and will be provided onboard to the passengers upon request. The safety manual will include information regarding the location of life jackets and emergency exits along with other essential safety measures.
Heavy Snowfall Causes Road Blocks Due To Cold Wave In Himachal
Due to heavy snowfall in higher regions including Lahaul and Spiti, 92 roads were closed in the last few days in Himachal. With temperatures dropping between -12 and -15℃ and icy winds sweeping across the whole region, the Indian Meteorological Department issued an advisory warning that the temperature may drop further in the upcoming days.
Karnataka Reinstates Mandatory Quarantine For Travellers From 6 Countries
For international travelers arriving in Karnataka, carrying a negative RT-PCR test report is a must. The test must not have been conducted more than 72 hours before their departure. For travellers from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Thailand, the Karnataka State Government has made 7 days of quarantine mandatory.
Himachal Pradesh Bans Trekking In Kangra
One of the key features of Himachal Pradesh tour packages, trekking is now banned in Kangra district on routes above 3,000 meters. The authorities announced that trekkers must acquire permission from the Kangra district authorities if they wish to trek on any of the low level routes of Kareri, Triund, etc. However, the permissions could be cancelled in case of any warning or alert of bad weather from the Meteorological Department. This decision was made considering the heavy snowfall that the region received in the last few days.
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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