The pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has concluded its participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held in Dubai recently.
Under the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), 29 partners succeeded in highlighting the treasures of Saudi tourism, and its diversity, depth and tremendous opportunities, in addition to the success in re-communicating and confirming the commitment with the tourism industry and major international companies, by holding more than 4,000 meetings and concluding more than 90 partnership agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the STA, as saying that the Kingdom enjoys the confidence of the tourism industry and major international companies, which translates the volume and quality of agreements and memoranda of understanding that were concluded in Dubai ATM 2022.
One of these is the Imphal Polo Ground, the oldest polo ground in the world. Imphal also hosts several events, like Lai Haraoba, the Kang Rath Yatra and Ningol Chakouba Festival, to name a few…reports Olivia Sarkar
North East India has everything that a tourist would want. A little adventure, amusement, culture, and heritage. This area has it all. All of the north-eastern states, from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, are blessed with nature’s bounty, and anyone visiting the region for the first time is both excited and surprised to see such a diverse landscape.
However, there are a few destinations in the North East that have something unique to offer. It could be because of their wildlife, landscape, or culture, but each destination offers a unique experience.
Guwahati, Assam
Guwahati is the gateway to the Northeast, besides being one of the largest cities in this region. There are several opportunities for sightseeing in this city. The most prominent attractions of Guwahati are the Kamakhya Temple, Fancy Bazaar, Regional Science Center, Assam State Zoo and Accoland. There are also several gardens in the city where you can spend quality time with your friends and family.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is renowned for being home to the one-horned rhino. It’s also one of the most amazing holiday destinations in Northeast India. They are an endangered species, though. Spotting this colossus beast with its thick hide and horn which juts out menacingly from its head is a rewarding experience. Indeed, no visit to Assam is complete without a safari in the Kaziranga National Park.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
What makes Tawang one of the most visited destinations in Northeast India is its resemblance to heaven if you know what heaven looks like. The smallest district of Arunachal Pradesh is home to several attractions, including Tawang Monastery, Nuranang Waterfalls, Taktsang Gompa, Pankang Teng Tso Lake and Jaswant Garh, among others.
Agartala, Tripura
Agartala is the second-largest city in the Northeast and has attracted a large number of tourists. It is one of India’s fastest-growing cities and the third international internet getaway after Mumbai and Chennai. Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and the Tripura Government Museum are among the magnificent monuments in Agartala. Other popular tourist destinations include Rose Valley Amusement Park, Dumboor Lake, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, among many others.
Kohima, Nagaland
Nagaland’s capital city, Kohima, is one of the most amazing cities to visit in Northeast India. Kohima is most well-known for hosting the annual Hornbill Festival in December, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. After sightseeing, you can go on a family trek to Dzukou Valley, which is about 20 km from Kohima.
Imphal, Manipur
Imphal, Manipur’s capital city, is blessed with a beautiful landscape that will capture your heart at first sight. It is home to several tribes and is also the cultural capital of the state. For a tourist, there are several fascinating sights to explore. One of these is the Imphal Polo Ground, the oldest polo ground in the world. Imphal also hosts several events, like Lai Haraoba, the Kang Rath Yatra and Ningol Chakouba Festival, to name a few.
Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Mawsynram, about 56 kilometres from Shillong, is a tiny village in Meghalaya. Along with Cherrapunji, it is known for being the wettest place on Earth. It is said to receive nearly 11,872 mm (39ft) of rain per year! It is, however, a natural paradise, and visitors enjoy the fresh air, sliding slopes, and rolling green mountains.
Aizawl, Mizoram
Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital and a breathtakingly beautiful hill city, offers the best sightseeing opportunities. In Aizawl, you will also come across the friendliest people in the entire Northeast. There is also scope for adventure, from paragliding to rafting.
A unique experience in Aizawl is meeting the world’s largest family. Headed by Pu Ziona, who has 38 wives, 89 children and numerous grandchildren, this family has been registered by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, and its beauty justifies its status as one of the state’s most important cities. Beautiful, exuberant, and adorned with clouds all over. Sikkim is endowed with the kind of cultural and historical significance that Gangtok adds to the state’s pride. To catch breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, you must fly to Gangtok while exploring Sikkim.
As the 1,200-2,200 year old caves fall in the core area of the forest, electricity and water supply were not available but now power is supplied through solar energy sources…reports Asian Lite News
Mumbai’s ancient centre of learning, the Kanheri Caves – located on hills deep inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali – will now come alive with a 3D virtual tour of its sprawling monastic complex along with an Interpretation Centre.
The newly-inaugurated Interpretation Centre will facilitate visitors’ engagement by highlighting the outstanding features and uniqueness of the principal caves with the help of 11 illustrative panels.
The trail map of Kanheri Caves, situated on several hills around 1,550 feet tall, will help visitors save time and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is finalising a 3D virtual tour of the entire complex.
Launching a host of tourist amenities here on Monday, Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy said Kanheri Caves are a part of our ancient heritage as they provide evidence of evolution and our past.
“It’s a privilege to inaugurate the works here on the occasion of Buddha Purnima today… Lord Buddha is relevant even today in addressing challenges such as conflict and climate change,” he said.
Stressing on the PPP model for protesting, preserving and propagating the heritage treasures for the future, he said that Indian Oil Foundation is providing the upgraded tourist facilities – a pavilion, a custodian quarter, booking office, landscaping, etc, here in collaboration with the ASI.
As the 1,200-2,200 year old caves fall in the core area of the forest, electricity and water supply were not available but now power is supplied through solar energy sources.
The Kanheri Caves, one of the major tourist attractions in the country’s commercial capital, are chiselled out of a massive basaltic rock outcrop and demonstrate Buddhist style of art and architecture in its sculptures, pillars, stupas, relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions.
Dating between 1st CE to 10th CE, the complex has around 109 caves, mostly monasteries, some chaityas and viharas, and flourished as a centre of learning under the Satavahana, Triakutakas, Vakatakas and Shilaharas rulers and donations by merchants of that region.
Do you consider yourself a city kid who grew up in a city? Have you always been on the go, ready to take on the world in your own special way? Have you recently sought an escape, an escape that will transport you to another world?
Relax your mind and body by participating in water sports, and don’t forget to photograph and share beautiful moments with those you care about.
We have a list of excursions that are perfectly tailored to your ‘out of town’ experience:
Munjoh, Andaman
Enjoy your private time as you dine under the starlit tropical sky in an incredibly romantic setting. Munjoh’s private shorefront awaits you with a candle-lit dinner full of delicacies and a devoted private butler. This is an ideal getaway to recharge your batteries and face the world with renewed vigour.
Coconut Lagoon Backwaters, Kerala
There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon over the water. Coconut lagoon is located upon the Vembanad lake, one of India’s largest inland lakes with its own distinctive ecology that supports a plethora of natural life.
Kanha Earth Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha earth lodge is nestled in a small tribal hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone, and it occupies less than 5 per cent of the 16 acres of natural forest that surrounds it. The lodge and its furnishings are built and designed with local waste wood and recycled wood, exemplifying the highest standards in green architecture. With everything so close to nature, you’ll undoubtedly feel the serenity of a vacation.
La Mangrove, Goa
La Mangrove is a place where you can be completely authentic. From yoga enthusiasts to partygoers, and lounge lizards to lazy loungers, people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities are welcome. La Mangrove boasts of being a perfect home base to explore the rich diversity of Goa, away from all the hustle and bustle, with the goal of bringing vacationers closer to mother nature.
Chef Francesco Mascheroni cuisine brings together classic Italian culinary traditions with an international twist…reports Asian Lite News
Food is an essential part of any trip. A restaurant that combines unique tastes and flavours with stunning decor creates an unforgettable experience and becomes a key component of the destination. Here are some of the most luxurious restaurants in the world to bookmark for your travel this year, as a treat for both your eyes and taste buds.
Epicure at Le Bristol Paris
Celebrity chef Eric Frechon, who has four Michelin stars, has created a temple of French gastronomy at Epicure at the iconic Le Bristol Paris.
Chef Eric Frechon has called Le Bristol home for the past two decades, resulting in one of the most prestigious signatures in contemporary fine dining. Epicure was awarded three Michelin stars in 2009, which it has kept every year since. Eric Frechon’s cooking is awe-inspiring for its creativity, with his subtle sense of flavour harmony and delicate use of sauces. His macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke, and duck foie gras, gratinee with aged Parmesan, is a must-try for visitors to Paris.
The Epicure restaurant is open every day of the year, with tables set in an exquisite garden setting during the summer.
Plenitudeat Cheval Blanc Paris
Plenitude, the gastronomic restaurant of Chef Arnaud Donckele (awarded five toques and a 19/20 rating by Gault & Millau), is an intimate place where sensual pleasures emerge from new alliances: maturity and freshness, tradition and location, familiar and far-flung. Suddenly, time stops, frozen in unforgettable moments.
Plenitude’s cuisine is inspired by the tradition of preservations such as broths, vinaigrettes, creams, veloutes, and juices. These rural traditions of potting, refining, and maturation produce indelible essences and perennial aromas. Arnaud Donckele has descended into this ancestral art of preservation with zeal in search of new fragrances and flavours. He combines this heritage, completely reinvented during his exploratory walks, with the day’s freshest ingredients.
For each of his “magic potions”, Arnaud Donckele has given a number, such as his Veloursn 1, whose secret lies in a skilful composition of bonito belly filets, prawn consomme, Lambrusco-and Chardonnay vinegar, chestnut honey and citron essence, rosemary infusion, roasted fish-head oil, and Java pepper. And then there are his other sublime sauces: Juice n2, Cream n7, Vinaigrette n6 or Bouillon n9. So many extracts of happiness infused into the moment and the plate of the day. The discoveries continue with Maxime Frederic’s desserts, which seal another alliance: that of two artists’ flavours.
Armani/Ristorante at Armani Hotel Milano
Armani/Ristorante draws on the rich gastronomic traditions of Italy to provide you with classic and authentic culinary delights. The dishes take advantage of fresh produce served amid an elegant ambience with impeccable and lifestyle service. Armani/Ristorante features a unique Enoteca with an exclusive and wide selection of wine and a private dining.
Chef Francesco Mascheroni cuisine brings together classic Italian culinary traditions with an international twist. Francesco carefully selects the finest produce from Italy and beyond, creating dishes that aim to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient. Francesco’s creations feature a carefully balanced selection of textures and flavour combinations that are sure to surprise and delight the palate.
L’Atelier Robuchon at The Woodward Geneva
After seven years as Executive Chef of L’Atelier in Taipei, Chef Olivier Jean is at the helm of the kitchens at The Woodward, an all-suite hotel located on the shores of Lake Geneva. L’Atelier Robuchon features the legendary chef’s open kitchen concept, creating a theatrical dining experience for 36 guests seated around the counter, as well as two dining rooms that can be privatised.
After Paris, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Las Vegas and Miami, Geneva welcomes the first and only Swiss address for the French chef.
La Grande Table Marocaine, Royal Mansour Marrakech
The fine-dining restaurant, emblematic to Marrakech, offers nothing but taste discoveries and sensory delight. Sh’hiwates, seafood pastillas, seven-vegetable couscous and Amlou ice-cream show you a new interpretation of Moroccan cuisine based on the deep secrets of tradition. The very best of Moroccan fine dining is served in an equally matched setting: simply royal. High ceilings, original artworks, designer linens, cutlery, glassware and peaceful melodies from luth and oud musicians: the omnipresent elegance is there to give rise to the greatest pleasure. Taste of Siam, Chiva-Som Hua-Hin
Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the Taste of Siamrestaurant at Chiva-Som, Asia’s renowned and pioneering wellness destination, is the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional Thai architecture. Ideal for those who want to relax and recover from the rigours of a hectic lifestyle, ‘Taste of Siam’ Restaurant showcases Thailand’s exceptional wellness cuisine and is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of serenity.
Serving delicious wellness cuisine, the exclusive beachside restaurant offers a contemporary guilt-free menu of Thai and international cuisine. The culinary team’s skills and techniques, which has been developed over many years, are combined with the freshest of organic ingredients, many grown in the resort’s own organic garden, to deliver masterful cooking that delivers both flavour and goodness.
Chiva-Som believes nutrition should be viewed as a foundation of health, as well as a source of pleasure seducing the senses and satisfying your hunger. Balanced meals are created in its open kitchen by award-winning Chefs. Chiva-Somembraces your dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian and halal — just let the tream know.
All this is paying off, Data shows Kerala is on the bucket list of over 45% of national travelers, 32% European, and 24% long-haul inter-regional travelers…reports Soniya Kirpalani
Interviewing 250 global luxury and leisure travelers, we are seeing a striking new trend, wherein travel is catalyst for travelers in their choices, reflecting in their ecological footprints, social purpose, lifestyle choices, contemplative practice subtly offering personal growth and self-actualization for travelers.
For the last three seasons, Kerala’s travel and tourism sector stood still. One of its largest contributors to the growth of the state, travel and tourism, was decimated. It is estimated that the industry lostRs 35,000 crore revenue during the pandemic. However,Kerala’s travel sector is one of the first few to set a roadmap towards recovery, whilst finding silver lining to their dark clouds. This is thanks to the collaboration between Kerala’s boutique hotels, tour operators and Kerala’s leadership, who consciously spurred a swift comeback. During the lockdown they promoted the workcation culture. Upskilling their teams, creating new safety standards, networking and strategizing they worked diligently to revive travel to God’s Own Country.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures says “I still believe travel can be the biggest distributor of wealth the world has ever seen. This pause gives us the gift of time to consider how we can travel more consciously.” His prophecy seems to be playing out in Kerala. Working with the tourism ecosystems in Kerala, the Unknown Planet India’s cofounders were pleasantly surprised to see the foresight of the 30 boutique hospitality properties and 21 Experience Curators they were working with. Team leader Ravi NK says “It was amazing to see them conceptualize and consciously design transformational routes and products, with a clear focus on inter-regional travel development, whist adopting digitizing at exponential speed.”
“Unlike other states, Kerela’s ecosystems remained proactive, working with renewed commitment exploring this new concept of Transformational Tourism, which does beyond experiential travel. For example, Kerala’s boutique hospitality providers realized the ‘new normal travel’ will need to reflect a traveler’s ‘new normal lifestyle. Redesigning their inhouse and local journeys focusing on traveler’s personal growth and development, they also subtly support local- creative, culinary and cultural providers- planning recovery in amutually beneficial manner.”
Neelambari Resorts, a premium boutique resort in Thrissur which caters to discerning travelers, offering leisure experience, offers a perfect case study. Founder Sreeni T.S explains “I am a technologist with a hospitable heart. I returned to my roots, to reimagine hospitality and travel experiences.” During lockdown Sreeni evangelized existing partnerships, tAyurvedic roots gives us an advantage. Thissur, where Neelambari Resorts is located, was once the cultural, creative capital of Kerela. I wanted to revive this ethos, so as to offer authentic personal development opportunities for travelers.
Designing experiences that entertain and empower his guests Sreeni tapped into Kerala’s inherent strength -Wildlife, Nature Learning, Creative Economy -Kalaripayatu (Martial Arts), Tholppavakkoothu (Puppetry, Song, Dance) Koppu Designers, Koodiyattam (Sanskrit Performers Dancers) and Award Winning Melaamkaar (percussion payers)- offering new skills and personal development. Windermere Retreats, KNDP’s hospitality, CGH Earth, Tyndis Heritage, Blue Yonder, leading stalwarts involved experts to enhance their existing social, cultural. Renjith Hadlee, a Naturalists, Wildlife Architect, designs informative and interactive experience in an intuitive manner where guests Herping, Walking with Elephants, Permaculture Walks learn about ecological footprints whilst experiencing a hereto unknown Kerala.
All this is paying off, Data shows Kerala is on the bucket list of over 45% of national travelers, 32% European, and 24% long-haul inter-regional travelers.
But meaningful travel is just about to start; this will be Kerala’s litmus test. Kerala’s is setting up the pillars of travel, vaccination has been made mandatory (for locals and travelers alike), Covid incidents are almost negligible, regular testing and social safety measure in place as this state opens its borders. Proactively setting high new safety and hospitality standards, consciously creating safe and sustainable routes they are amplifying these new practices through high value marketing, industry meets and events.
Kerala Travel Mart 2022, May 6th to 8th, sets a precursor by hosting1500 regional delegates and 300 international delegates, curating over 55000 Back To Business meetings. Taking charge during tumultuous time, Minister of Kerela Tourism Mr. P.A. Mohamed Riyas analyzes “The two consecutive floods in 2018 and 2019, and now the Covid-19 pandemic has flattened the tourism sector. Yet after the 2018 megafloods, the state reported the highest growth rate in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in the last 24 years, around 8.5% growth in international travelers 17.8% domestic tourist in 2019”. Yet he cautions that it will take some time for global tourists to return.
(Picture Credits: Vishnu Deva)
Witnessing the buoyancy at Kerala Travel Market 2022, abuzz with excitement, Sandeep Dayal of Journeymart, a boutique Leisure & Luxury Experience Company says “It is an excellent kick start, revealing KTM’s courage, persistence and resilience by hosting this event. Kerala’s Travel & Tour Fraternity is also revealing their commitment by showcasing sustainable exciting new experiences which holds immense value in a new world order. My own assessment that they have shown the road to resurrecting the industry, generating local employment and accelerate the multiplier economic effect, as they embrace and engage with domestic / regional tourism with greater strategic focus.”
A negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) – 72h before boarding, or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test- 24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list)…reports Asian Lite News
Portugal welcomes all visitors, regardless of their country of origin or reason for visiting.
With its mild climate, 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and magnificent contrasting landscapes within its seven regions, as well as superb cuisine, fine wines, and hospitable people, Portugal is the ideal year-round vacation destination.
Portugal is known for its mild, sunny climate and diverse landscapes, which range from the magnificent coastal beaches to the golden plains of the Alentejo, the verdant mountains of the interior, and the peaceful, lush nature of the Azores and Madeira islands.
It is also known for its long history and imposing heritage, for its dynamic culture, for its unique, comforting cuisine full of flavours and aromas, and for its relaxed, simple, and unrivalled setting, with open arms for those who visit and return. Portugal is home to the world’s oldest demarcated wine region – the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Port Wine is produced – as well as one of Europe’s oldest universities, the magnificent University of Coimbra, which was founded in the 13th century and is also classified by UNESCO. The land of the Discoveries, Fado, and age-old traditions bound together by a vast sea.
“India has always been a strong source market for us, and in the pre-covid period, we saw a significant increase in tourists from India. We can’t wait to welcome back Indian visitors to Portugal,” says Claudia Matias, Director, Visit Portugal India.
With over eight centuries of history and a happy mix of cultures and traditions, we are one of Europe’s oldest nations. Portugal is a modern, cosmopolitan country with a plethora of leisure activities and places to visit and explore with your family, partner, or on your own.
Visitors arriving on the mainland Portugal from India, will be required to present the following documents as mandate & no quarantine will be obligatory upon arrival. The document includes:
A negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) – 72h before boarding, or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test- 24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list)
Exception, children under 12 do not need to present certificate or test.
The initiative will educate Emirati youth on career opportunities within the tourism sector and help inspire future talent to enter the hospitality industry…reports Asian Lite News
Medyaf, the industry nationalisation initiative at Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, has launched the ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, designed to empower Emirati talent seeking to join the tourism workforce with the fundamental knowledge and skills through an immersive programme of interactive workshops, field trips, vocational experiences and hands-on training.
The goal of the Medyaf initiative is to provide students with a better understanding of opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting new talent and supporting their continued professional development, in addition to contributing towards further enhancing the visitor experience.
Mariam Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalisation at Dubai College of Tourism: “We are delighted to launch the Medyaf ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, inspired by the constant efforts of our visionary leadership to boost the economy by providing opportunities for Emirati talent to excel across sectors. The initiative is also in line with the important role played by Medyaf in supporting the UAE’s industry nationalisation strategy, which aims to support and bolster Emirati talent and increase the number of UAE nationals entering the tourism sector. Medyaf is a comprehensive public-private collaboration which includes a plethora of immersive workshops, training events, and industry activities contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, in addition to supporting the diversification of the national economy.”
As part of the initiative, two workshops were hosted by Medyaf last month; the first was conducted in Al Seef Heritage Hotel and attended by 10 participants, whilst the second was held in Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, and welcomed 11 participants. Both workshops contained theoretical and practical activities in an engaging, interactive environment, and provided participants the opportunity to learn about hotel operations, hospitality and fundamentals of culinary arts, along with hands-on training.
Medyaf launches ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’
Medyaf organises a year-round programme of workshops, training programmes and activities related to the different functions of hospitality such as HR, IT, marketing and finance which provide participants with an in-depth understanding of hospitality operations as part of its mission to support industry nationalisation and meet the needs of the tourism sector.
Medyaf was established in 2016 to help attract, train and encourage UAE citizens to take up tourist-facing roles across the tourism ecosystem, in order to enhance the experience provided to tourists during their visit to Dubai, as well as support the growth of the tourism sector.
RAK tourism authority named one of UAE's best workplaces
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has further added to its credentials as an employer of choice with a top ten ranking on the Best Workplaces List of 2022 – Small & Medium Organisations…reports Asian Lite News
Awarded by the Great Place to Work, the global authority that recognises high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures, RAKTDA is the category’s highest placed government entity at number six.
The latest in a series of accolades, the Authority was also named one of the Best Workplaces for Women and a Great Place to Work in 2021, the first and only organisation in Ras Al Khaimah to be awarded this certification. It was also recognised as the ‘Government Entity with the Happiest Work Environment’ in the Emirate and ‘Happiest Employees in Ras Al Khaimah’ by the Sheikh Saqr Program for Government Excellence (SSPGE).
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “This amazing recognition for our tourism board didn’t happen overnight or come following a one-off initiative. It was a sustained approach that began two years ago and touched almost every part of our employees’ lives in very meaningful ways. The pandemic took a huge toll not only on the industry but on everyone working in tourism and hospitality, and I believe our dedication to ensuring employee well-being, not only for our own colleagues but across the sector as a whole, has resulted in our successful recovery as a destination.”
As part of its ongoing employee driven efforts to create a work environment that places employee health and wellbeing at the core of its operations, the Authority has recently announced a platform of initiatives aimed at enriching connectivity, community life and facilities for tourism sector employees in the Emirate.
Working closely with government entities, industry stakeholders and hospitality partners, the Authority has set out a roadmap for the Emirate to drive its attractiveness for people to live, work and be immersed into a larger community.
These initiatives include expanded public and inter-city transport across the Emirate, a thorough review of employment regulations and policies, community engagement programmes, employee recognition schemes, a RAK FAM community card, providing travel and tourism employees with special discounts across retail, leisure and activities in the Emirate, and certification for travel and hospitality partners. These initiatives build on the progressive policies put in place by the Authority, such as its ‘Lifestyle Benefits’ programme which ensures employees are provided for equally, regardless of age, gender, parental or marital status. It was also one of the first government entities in the Emirate to introduce an Official Remote Working policy and extensive hardship assistance programme. Additionally, its robust Emiratization programme provides Emirati nationals with leadership training and development opportunities for placement within the Authority or in leading industries throughout Ras Al Khaimah.
Sara Boueri, Senior Director of Human Resources at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, added: “At the Authority, we embrace our role in creating a progressive and welcoming working environment for everyone in the industry and are delighted that are efforts have been recognized once again. Our goal is to make Ras Al Khaimah one of the best places to live, work and raise a family, driven by a happy and strong community, diversified economy and a sustainable environment. As such we are continuously working on innovative ways to boost the mental wellbeing and livability of our Emirate.”
Indigo’s maiden direct flight service from Hyderabad to Dhaka took off at 12.45 p.m from GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) Ltd. Senior officials from GHIAL along with Indigo officials and other stakeholders flagged off the first flight amidst a festive atmosphere…reports Asian Lite News
The Hyderabad international airport has added yet another international destination to its portfolio with the launch of Indigo’s direct flight service from Hyderabad to Dhaka on Monday.
Apart from boosting tourism and leisure travel between Bangladesh and Telangana, the direct flights are expected to give a fillip to medical travel to Hyderabad.
The IndiGo Flight 6E 1931 will depart from GMR Hyderabad International Airport at 12.45 p.m. The return IndiGo Flight 6E 1932 from Dhaka will arrive in Hyderabad at 6.50 p.m. The two hours forty-five minutes flight will operate between GMR Hyderabad International Airport and Dhaka twice a week – Saturday and Monday.
As per data released by the Indian tourism ministry, about 54 per cent of all international medical visitors to India for treatment are from Bangladesh. With some of the finest medical facilities in the region, Hyderabad has emerged as one of the preferred destinations for medical tourists from Bangladesh. To attract medical tourists to the city, airlines are adding new flight routes connecting to the popular international destinations catering to the medical tourists.
Pradeep Panicker, CEO- GHIAL, said: “Apart from many tourist places to visit in Hyderabad, the city has also been a major hub for medical tourism. Over the years we have seen a massive influx of medical tourists along with leisure travellers. There is a great demand for direct connectivity between Hyderabad and Dhaka. This new connectivity will not only allow Bangladeshis to explore our city and medical facilities but also give a chance for the Hyderabadis to experience the unique charm of Dhaka.”
Indigo’s maiden direct flight service from Hyderabad to Dhaka took off at 12.45 p.m from GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) Ltd. Senior officials from GHIAL along with Indigo officials and other stakeholders flagged off the first flight amidst a festive atmosphere.
Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, Indigo said: “We are pleased to commence new flights connecting the Indian hub of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to the cultural and economic capital of Bangladesh. Hyderabad has seen significant recovery in air traffic over the last few weeks, even surpassing the pre-covid levels on some days. Travellers from Dhaka could also use Hyderabad as the hub to connect more than 70 cities within the country. We are very confident that these flights will command high traffic, promoting leisure and medical tourism across both countries.”
Hyderabad International Airport is now connected to over 70 domestic destinations, from the pre Covid period of 55 domestic destinations and 16 international destinations. Though the overall international travel was subdued during the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, Hyderabad International Airport is now connected to its earlier favorite destinations like London, Singapore, Kualalumpur, Colombo, Dubai, Qatar to name a few.
Hyderabad is the only airport in the country where all ten domestic airlines fly. For the ‘Summer-22’ schedule, International Airlines have filed flight slots to 20 International destinations. The international summer slots filed is 103 per cent of the pre-Covid times. Flights from Hyderabad to Thailand and Hongkong will resume soon, GHIAL stated.
Domestic air passenger traffic crosses 4L mark
India’s daily domestic air passenger traffic crossed the 4 lakh mark on Sunday – for the first time in the last two years, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said on Monday.
In a tweet, he said: “And we hit the 4 lakh mark for the first time in the last two years!”
On Sunday, 407,975 domestic passengers were ferried on 2,838 flights. The total flight movement stood at 5,672.
According to industry experts, lower Covid infection rate as well as lesser restrictions and holiday travel propped up the passenger numbers.
