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. Delhi Airport will soon become ‘The World’s Largest Airport’, thanks to its upcoming 4th Runway
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport could soon surpass Atlanta International Airport in terms of passenger capacity, according to Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation. Currently, the Delhi airport serves 70 million passengers annually, and by the end of this year, that number is expected to rise to 109 million. It is the only airport in India with 3 operational runways, and the 4th runway is expected to start operations in September. With the airport’s ongoing massive expansion, it will be the only airport in India to have 4 runways and will undoubtedly become one of the biggest airports in the world.
Must Read: The Busiest Airports in the World: Layover Lessons
2. The Indian Government permits Banks to issue RuPay Prepaid Foreign Exchange Cards for Indians travelling Abroad
The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to allow banks to issue RuPay prepaid foreign exchange (forex) cards for Indians traveling abroad. It is an important step in expanding India’s global presence and internationalizing the RuPay card. Several bilateral agreements with foreign partners, as well as co-badging agreements with international card schemes, have helped Indian banks to gain global acceptance for RuPay cards. For Indians traveling abroad, RuPay Prepaid Forex cards will be issued by Indian banks for use at ATMs, PoS devices, and online merchants abroad.
Looking for an alternative mode of payment? Go Cashless! Use UPI Payment In These 9 Countries!
3. Is Double-decker Seating the Future of Air Travel?
Recently, Núñez Vicente’s Chaise Longue Airplane Seat prototype displayed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany has created waves across the internet. What’s so special about this prototype you ask? The prototype for economy class features a double-decker style of seating wherein passengers will be able to able to seat above or below other passengers in the plane. Although some people are not happy with the prototype others find it amusing and the designer is happy with all the attention it is receiving. So, if given a choice, which seat would you choose?
4. Bali imposes a blanket Ban on all Tourism Activities on Mountains and Volcanoes
Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster recently made a landmark announcement banning all tourism activities on mountains and volcanoes in the region. The decision was taken after multiple tourists were caught indulging in public displays of nudity and violating the sanctity of the holy mountains. The ban also extends to local people and domestic tourists, restricting their access to all the 22 mountains unless there is a religious ceremony, or to aid in disaster management and relief. In order to limit the entry of undesirable tourists and attract the ones that behave well, and boost the local economy, the local government plans to reinvent Bali as a health hub and research. They hope this measure will help lure talented nomads, retirees, and health buffs.
5. Grand Canyon’s North Rim now open for visitors
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is now open for visitors. This star attraction of our US tour packages was closed off temporarily for visitors due to record-breaking snowfall in the region. Heavy snowfall and low temperatures caused a water pipeline to burst which resulted in limited access to the North Rim. According to the National Park Service, several water conservation measures will be put up in place till the water pipeline break can be fixed.
6. Mumbai’s Dahisar to get a Nature Park with Tourism Facilities
The Forest Department’s mangrove cell’s proposal for a vast nature park surrounded by 200 acres of mangroves is one step closer to completion. Once completed, the park will include a Mangrove Museum and a suspended glass bridge that will allow guests to see the nearby wetlands. Additionally, a pick-up point for planned kayaking excursions into the Gorai Creek and Dahisar River is being built along a 400-meter-long Mangrove Trail that runs parallel to the high-tide line and will only be accessible during high tides for 60 – 90 minutes.
Check out: 10 Underrated Places In Mumbai You Should Visit
7. Helicopter Services between Bangalore and Tirupati Airport launched by FlyBlade India
As part of its expansion strategy, FlyBlade India (“BLADE India”) has begun offering same-day return helicopter services from Bengaluru to Tirupati Airport. The flights can carry up to 5 passengers at once and are available “on demand”. The service aims to improve accessibility to Tirupati and make travel for pilgrims, especially the elderly, more comfortable and efficient in terms of time.
Also Read: 5 Most Spectacular Helicopter Rides In India
8. Now use ‘DigiYatra’ at Delhi Airport without downloading the Mobile Application
Now, travellers travellling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport can use the ‘DigiYatra’ service without downloading the mobile application. The initiative that was launched at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport will allow users to access the facility through a straightforward three-step registration process. To check-in, passengers must have their boarding pass and face scanned by security personnel stationed near the registration desk and also provide identification. After successfully registering, the passengers will be able to move about the terminal, the security checkpoint area, and the boarding gate with ease.
9. Cordelia Cruises sets off from Chennai to Sri Lanka marking India’s First International Cruise
Love cruises? Like cruising through the vast endless and open ocean? Then this update is for you. The first international cruise from India departed on June 5, 2023, from Chennai for Sri Lanka. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, shared the news on Twitter saying, “Historic Beginning! Flagged off the first regular international cruise service from @PortofChennai, the MV Empress to Sri Lanka. Cruise tourism holds huge opportunity for our maritime sector, and this cruise will further boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the economy.”
10. A 500 year old Banyan Tree in Bulandshahr bags ‘The Oldest Banyan Tree in the World’ Title
Recently a team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India, Prayagraj Centre, Babe-Bolyai University, Romania, and a lab from Johannesburg, South Africa discovered the oldest banyan tree in the world in Upper Ganga Ransar region of Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr. Using radiocarbon dating technology the scientists were able to estimate the age of the tree which is around 450 to 500 years old. Earlier the title for the oldest banyan tree in the world belonged to the Great Banyan Tree in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah which is around 350 years old.
11. Karnataka State Government announces Free bus travel for Women
The Karnataka State Government has announced they will be starting free bus travel for women in state run buses from June 11, 2023. All women including the transgender community must apply for Shakti Smart Card through sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in in order to avail this facility. Until the smart cards for women are issued they must travel with a valid government photo ID card that has their residential address on it.
12. Delhi’s one of a kind newest Tourist Attraction Timarpur Lake to open soon
Located close to the Vidhan Sabha and spread across 40 acres the Timarpur Lake in Delhi is set to open soon. The one of a kind lake will not only help with water storage but will also house a Sewage Treatment Plant that feeds clean water to the lake. Several eco-friendly measures were taken to add a butterfly park, open air theatre, auditorium, etc. to this newest addition to our Delhi tour packages.
13. Travelling to Jammu anytime soon? Exciting news for you
- A heaven for nature lovers, Basohli in Jammu is to be developed into a water sports, adventure, leisure and heritage destination. A hidden and underrated gem of our Jammu and Kashmir tour packages, Basohli is home to traditional art galleries and museums that showcase vibrant miniature paintings depicting love stories and the royal court.
- Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir plans to tap into eco and adventure tourism potential of the region. The district administration has planned to set up a Jungle World, Tent Village, a hub for hiking, camping and adventure activities in the Chinta Valley. The administration is eager to create a world-class tourism infrastructure that will captivate tourists from all over the world.
14. With Flights from 5 Indian Cities Spicejet commences Haj Operations
SpiceJet has commenced its Haj operations by operating special flights to Jeddah from Bhopal, Gaya, Vijayawada, Aurangabad and Srinagar. Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, flagged off SpiceJet’s first Haj flight from Srinagar. From June 7, 2023, till June 22, 2023, SpiceJet will operate special flights to Jeddah from these cities. Also starting from July 17, 2023, till August 2, 2023 return flights from Medina are planned.
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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