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. Henley Passport Index 2023 for Q2 Announced: Singapore dethrones Japan as The World’s Strongest Passport, India Ranks 80th with Visa-free Access to 57 Countries
The World’s Strongest Passports for 2023 Q2 were recently revealed and to everyone’s surprise, Japan lost its top spot to Singapore after holding onto it for 5 consecutive years. The Indian Passport which held the 85th spot in Q1 jumped 5 places and currently holds the 80th spot.
2. Airline News:
- Vistara to Operate More Flights from Mumbai – Vistara plans to add more international flights from Mumbai in the upcoming months as a part of its merger with Air India which is expected to be completed by 2024.
- IndiGo Announces Direct Flights on 2 New Routes: Delhi – Baku and Hyderabad – Singapore – IndiGo will be operating direct flights from Delhi to Baku from August 11, 2023, whereas daily direct flights connecting Hyderabad and Singapore will start from October 29, 2023.
- EgyptAir Announces Flights from Delhi to Cairo – From August 2023, EgyptAir will operate direct flights from Delhi to Cairo four times a week.
3. India COVID-19 Travel Guideline: Random Testing of 2% Inbound International Travellers Discontinued
As per the new regulations by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, due to the global decline in the number of COVID cases, the COVID-19 requirement for RT-PCR-based testing of 2% random inbound international travellers has been removed from July 20, 2023.
4. To Detect Banned Items in Baggage, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport To Implement In-line Remote Screening
Kerala has done it again! Thiruvananthapuram’s international airport will implement advanced in-line remote baggage screening technology to efficiently detect and prevent passengers from carrying banned items in their cabin and check-in bags. Hundreds of prohibited items were detected in past months leading to stricter security checks.
5. Indian Railways to Operate New Trains from Next Year for Lower Income Groups
Indian Railways plans to introduce permanent non-airconditioned trains specifically catering to lower-income groups, primarily manual laborers. The service, which is expected to begin next year, will operate on selected routes with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, offering both sleeper and general class services.
6. IND vs PAK ODI World Cup Match Craze Knows No Bounds – Fans Book Hospital Beds as Ahmedabad Hotel Prices Reach Sky-high!
With the India vs Pakistan ODI World Cup match scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on October 15, 2023, Ahmedabad hotels are not only nearly sold-out but their prices have also skyrocketed. Some die-hard fans have come up with the idea to book hospital beds in order to save money on their accommodations. But with Akbartravels.com, you need not have to go through such lengths. Simply visit our website and book your choice of hotel in Ahmedabad and witness the epic clash live in action!
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7. ‘Yuva Tourism Club’ Initiative Launched by Arunachal Pradesh to Promote Tourism in India
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary launched the ‘Yuva Tourism Club’, an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and brainchild of PM Modi to nurture young tourism ambassadors. The club which starts from 6th standard and continues through college aims to promote tourism in India by introducing students to different cultures.
8. Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina Wins the World’s Best Vineyard for 2023 Award
The 2023 winner of the World’s Best Vineyard Award has been revealed, and Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina, grabbed the top spot. If you have a taste for Malbec wine, an appreciation for Mayan-inspired architecture, a desire for immersive multisensory masterclasses, and the most magnificent vineyard experience, then our Argentina tour packages would be perfect for you.
9. New Integrated Terminal of Port Blair Airport Inaugurated by PM Modi
On July 18, 2023, Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Veer Savarkar International Airport’s new integrated terminal building was virtually inaugurated by PM Modi. With the aid of skylights on the roof, the terminal building, which is shaped like a shell to reflect the surroundings of the islands, is intended to receive 100% natural lighting for 12 hours per day.
10. World’s Highest Motorable Road – Umling La, Ladakh to Host a Fashion Show
The Ladakh International Music Festival is all set to return with a unique fashion show, which will be held at the world’s highest motorable road, Umling La, at 19,022 ft. The fashion show will be called the Ladakh International Fashion Runway and is scheduled to take place between August 23, 2023, and September 3, 2023.
11. Have a US H1-B visa? You can get a 3-year Canada Open Work Permit!
Canada is now offering open work permits to H1-B visa holders from the US, aiming to attract highly skilled workers. This move is particularly advantageous for Indians, as they make up to 75% of H1-B visa holders in the US. Under this initiative, eligible H1-B US visa holders can work in Canada for 3 years. Additionally, approved applicants’ family members have the opportunity to study or pursue work opportunities in the country.
12. Encalm Privé: India’s Largest Airport Lounge at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport Now Open
A new area for relaxation has been added to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Encalm Privé, an opulent business lounge for visitors at Terminal 3, has been opened by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). It is also the largest airport lounge in India.
13. Darjeeling Toy Train Services Suspended Temporarily
The toy train service on the Northeast Frontier Railway’s (NFR) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), has been suspended till August 31, 2023. The decision was taken due to the ongoing monsoon. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most popular tourist attraction in our Darjeeling tour packages.
14. Vegan River Cruise on the Ganges to operate from September 6, 2023
Antara Cruises has announced an 11-day-long vegan cruise over the Ganges fully equipped with a vegan kitchen, and wines onboard the Ganges Voyager. The round-trip historic cruise from Kolkata will pass battlefields, and colonial palaces on the river banks throughout its journey.
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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