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. Vietnam Tops List Of India’s Top 10 Most Searched Destinations of 2023
For the year of laid-back yet adventurous travel, Indians took to the search engine giant ‘Google’ to plan their vacations. According to Google, Vietnam was the most Googled tourist destination among Indian travellers in 2023. Few reasons Indians are looking towards Vietnam include its rich cultural history, diverse experiences like trekking in Sapa, cruising through Halong Bay, exploring the floating markets, devouring Vietnamese cuisine, and easy Vietnam visa application online.
Other destinations on the list are Goa, Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kashmir, Italy, etc.
2. ITA Airways To Add New Services On Rome-London Route
Recently, ITA Airways announced that they will be commencing a new direct service between Rome Fiumicino and London City for the Summer 2024 season. The Italian airline is looking to meet “significant demand” from both leisure and business travellers for flights from Rome to London. The service will use Airbus A220-100 aircraft and will run 12 times a week beginning April 1, 2024.
3. Iran To Lift Visa Rules For 33 Countries Including India
In latest development, Iran on 14th December 2023, joined Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc. to lift visa requirements for India. This means that Indian visitors will no longer need an Iran Visa to enter the country. As per authorities, “The Ministry of Tourism believes that an open-door policy will showcase Iran’s determination to engage with different countries of the world…. The unilateral cancellation of visas, in line with priorities set by the ministry, was ratified today in the government session.” Many Gulf countries are also beneficiaries of this visa programme.
4. Coronavirus Updates:
- Covid Resurges as 2023 Year-End Holiday Travel Is Peaking
Amidst all the chaos of millions around the world jetting off to celebrate the Christmas and New Year Holidays, several positive Covid cases have resurfaced. Over the past week, covid cases (the new JN.1 variant) have risen in the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, China, etc. These and many other countries seeing a surge of incoming foreign travellers are bringing back thermal masks and face scanners at airports.
- WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan says ‘No need of travel mandate…. On New JN.1 Covid Variant
In a high-level review meeting, WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan spoke about the severity of the new Covid sub-variant. Talking about travel precautions, Dr. Swaminathan says, “There is no need for travel mandates. And take precautions at the individual level. Wear a mask if you are in a crowded place…it does not make sense to impose travel restrictions.”
- Singapore Recording More Than 56,000 Covid Cases, Govt Issues Travel Advisory
Singapore is facing a fresh rise in Covid with more than 56,000 cases and 965 Covid-19 cases recorded in the past week itself. According to the travel advisory issued by the Singapore government, travellers are required to wear masks at airports, take preventive measures, carry travel insurance and steer clear of poorly ventilated and crowded spaces.
So, if you are planning a Singapore holiday it is very much safe to visit with proper precautions. You just need to get your hands on a Singapore Visa online.
5. Holiday Travel: USA Airports Seeing Holiday Rush In Full Swing
The USA is seeing the holiday travel rush in full swing at airports and highways as about 115 million Americans are looking to head out of town for the winter break. Airlines as well as airports have announced measures for smooth travel for passengers. However, the American weather is not cooperating completely resulting in delays in travel plans.
Even other parts of the world are seeing enough tourist traffic for the year-end holiday season 2023.
6. From Sustainable Escapes To Micro-Cations: Top Travel Trends Of 2023
2023 is coming to an end and here is a list of myriad trends from around the world that have shaped how travellers are exploring the world.
- Sustainable Escapes
- Wellness Wanderlust
- Tech-infused Exploration
- Workations and Bleisure Travel
- Niche and Offbeat Destinations
- Slow Travel Movement
- Micro-cations
7. Blue Lagoon In Iceland Reopens For Tourists
Iceland’s famous tourist spot, Blue Lagoon has now reopened for tourists from 21st December 2023 following its closure due to volcanic activities in November. “After several challenging weeks, we look forward to reopening our operations in Svartsengi. Our invaluable staff is excited to welcome guests back to Blue Lagoon Iceland,” says a Blue Lagoon official.
Visitors on a trip to Iceland now can experience the famous spa with its iridescent pools, Blue Café, Lava Restaurant, the Retreat Spa and Spa restaurant, and its skincare store with the Schengen Visa.
8. Govt Looking To Spend INR 1.5 lakh cr To Improve Tourist and Religious Places Connectivity
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highway under Nitin Gadkari is looking to develop important economic, tourist and religious places across the country. Under the project 321 National Highways with a length of about 8,544 km will be improved by sending INR 1,49,758. The project will make an impact in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Ladakh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and more.
9. Hyderabad: India’s Most Booked City According To OYO Travelopedia 2023 Year-end Travel Trends
Drawing insights from OYO’s key trends and data, Travelopedia 2023 concludes Hyderabad saw the highest hotel bookings in India. It was followed by Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. For leisure cities, Jaipur was the most visited along with Goa, Mysore, and Pondicherry.
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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