Tag: travel

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi inks key deal Emirates to boost tourism

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer…reports Asian Lite News

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost inbound tourism into Saudi Arabia and attract new segments of travellers across the airline’s extensive global network. The new agreement aims to capitalise on the airline’s global network of over 120 cities to raise awareness and amplify the Saudi Arabian experience for leisure travellers to come and visit the Kingdom’s unique attractions.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia, and Muhammad Bassrawi, VP of the Saudi Tourism Authority were the signatories of the MoU, at a ceremony in Riyadh. Also present at the signing were other senior executives from both organisations. The MoU underscores the importance of partnerships within the travel eco-system and the role different stakeholders play to support a more resilient recovery.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Emirates together with the Saudi Tourism Authority will explore opportunities to jointly collaborate on key initiatives to enhance the Kingdom’s global tourism competitiveness, including promotional activity and travel trade support across key global source markets to convert interest into bookings, sharing insights around market and customer trends, amongst other initiatives.

Through the strategic partnership, the airline will also explore opportunities to align its schedules from key source markets in the Emirates network to its gateways in Saudi Arabia, providing greater connectivity and convenience for its customers and further developing inbound tourism arrivals. Emirates and the Saudi Tourism Authority will also evaluate ways to enhance the travel experience that cultivates a more supportive visitor infrastructure for those journeying to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina, the airline’s four gateways.

“The memorandum of understanding signed between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Emirates Airline will enable us to reach over 120 destinations around the world and attract tourists from these destinations to various Saudi destinations,” said Hamidaddin.

“The Saudi Tourism Authority continues its efforts to attract tourists, promote tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia by targeting the most important major markets in the GCC, the region and the world, and forging important partnerships to achieve the goals of the Authority and the aspirations of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem, which is in harmony with Vision 2030,” he added.

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said, “We’re proud to strategically partner with the Saudi Tourism Authority and support its efforts to unlock the immense potential and attractions of the Kingdom’s vibrant culture, heritage and stunning biodiversity to the world. KSA has positioned itself as a must-visit destination and this is just the beginning. We have a shared objective to contribute to the Kingdom’s broader tourism plans to attract a diverse range of visitors, strengthen awareness of its iconic sites, and make them more accessible through enhanced connectivity. We look forward to growing our relationship with the STA and to positively impact the Kingdom’s tourism growth.”

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia backs US efforts to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons

The partnership between STA and Emirates is part of the Authority’s efforts to build a framework of cooperation and integration with its partners in the private sector. This framework will support the wider travel trade in promoting tourist destinations in Saudi to travellers from all over the world and developing services that enable visitors to experience the country. Saudi’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant entertainment sector, all delivered with the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people, are a compelling offer for global travelers.

Emirates has been facilitating tourism and trade in the Kingdom since 1989, developing its operations to Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam and today serves the four gateways with 53 weekly flights, including A380 services to Jeddah. The airline has also carried more than 25 million passengers to and from the Kingdom since the start of its services.

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-Top News Travel UK News

UK to lift all travel restrictions on February 11

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We have entered a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re taking a balanced approach as we learn to live with the virus.”…reports Asian Lite News

All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Britain will be scrapped from next month, as the UK government goes one step further to reopen the Covid-battered travel sector.

From 4 a.m. on February 11, all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form now required, according to a statement released on Monday by the British government.

Arrivals not recognised as fully vaccinated will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

“We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in the statement.

“We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it.”

“This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season,” he added.

The country is also set to recognise vaccine certificates from 16 more countries, including China and Mexico, bringing the recognition total to more than 180 nations and territories worldwide, according to the statement.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We have entered a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re taking a balanced approach as we learn to live with the virus.”

“Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, now is the right time to take this additional step towards opening up international travel once again.”

He added: “Extending the NHS COVID Pass to children aged 12-15 in England will also make the outward journey easier for families and I am delighted we have taken this step in time for February half term.”

Official figures revealed that Britain added 88,447 Covid-19 cases in the latest 24 hours, bringing the total caseload to 16,063,010, and a further 56 additional fatalities, taking the national death toll to 154,430.

More than 90 per cent of people aged 12 and above in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine, over 83 per cent are fully inoculated, and some 64 per cent have received booster jabs.

ALSO READ-Covid-19: US urges citizens to reconsider travel to India

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-Top News India News UK News

Indians to benefit from new UK travel rules

S.African govt welcomes removal of travel curbs by UK

Before the end of February, eligible fully vaccinated travellers will only need to fill a simplified passenger locator form that will confirm their vaccination status, travel history and contact details…reports Asian Lite News

The new changes in the UK’s Covid-19 travel rules will be a big relief to foreign passengers, especially Indians who travel to UK.

Fully inoculated Indian nationals will no longer be required to take any medical test to travel to the UK from February 11, although they will still have to fill out a passenger locator form, the Hindustan Times reported.

Those who are not fully vaccinated will have to produce a negative RT-PCR test result before departure and also take another test on or before the second day of their arrival, the UK government said in a statement. No traveller will need to self-isolate on arrival, and will only need to do so if they test positive, it was reported.

“All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK will be removed from 4 am on 11 February, as the government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector,” the statement said.

The changes in travel rules will be in place ahead of the February half term for educational institutions and follow the success of Britain’s booster programme, the statement added.

Before the end of February, eligible fully vaccinated travellers will only need to fill a simplified passenger locator form that will confirm their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.

For inward travel, all under-18s, regardless of their individual vaccination status, will continue to be considered as fully vaccinated, it was reported.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia Travel

Book Umrah online with Zamzam.Com

Umra, Makkah, mecca, grand mosque, kaaba

Travel agents and pilgrims worldwide are now able to plan and organize religious travels with Zamzam.com…reports Asian Lite News

A joint venture with TBO.com, the world’s leading travel distribution technology platform, the first Online Travel Agency (OTA) platform for religious travels launched recently with a vast range of B2B services aiming to deliver an unparalleled and memorable experience to clients.

The one-stop specialized resource travel platform was developed in response to the growing need for modern and seamless religious experiences. Guests of the Holy Cities of Makkah al Mukarrama and Al Madinah al Munawwarah are now able to complete their spiritual journey with confidence and ease of mind thanks to curated travel itineraries suited to their requirements.

Omar Akbar

OMAR AKBAR, CEO, ZAMZAM.COM: “Inspired by purpose and our core values of integrity, reliability, and transparency, we have created Zamzam.com to simplify the process of Umrah booking for everyone. Our vision behind the OTA platform is to assist travelers to search, plan, and book every service they need via a single platform. More travelers than ever are looking for unique experiences and religious travelers are no different. To provide a peaceful spiritual experience, we collaborated with many partners, agencies and suppliers around the world to strengthen our position in the hope of introducing more personalized services and B2C packages in the future.”

The booking search engine is approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umra, and it leverages technology with a user-friendly interface allowing users to book their Umrah trips with MAQAM – the ministry’s Global Distribution System. Hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, online visas, meet and greet services and sightseeing tours can all be tailored to the users’ preferences.

ALSO READ: Saudi starts receiving Umrah requests from foreigners

With the aim to revolutionize the travel experience for religious travelers coming to Saudi Arabia from more than 110 countries across the globe, Zamzam.com is committed to creating meaningful pilgrimage experiences for individuals, partner agents, industry professionals, and destinations managers alike. With affordable rates and a straightforward registration and booking process, Zamzam.com will work in true partnership with all of its providers to pioneer curated packages, competitive pricing and loyalty benefits, supported by a 24/7 multi-lingual world-class support center to offer an exclusive Umrah travel experience.

To know more about the online platform, visit www.zamzam.com  

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-Top News Europe UK News

France eases UK border restrictions for vaccinated travellers

France

Eurostar had recently cut the number of trains connecting Paris to London in the face of declining demand, and may now need to review plans…reports Asian Lite News

Vaccinated UK travellers will no longer need an essential reason to enter France from Friday, ending almost a month of restrictions.

With the omicron variant now widespread in both countries, the curbs are no longer needed, a statement from French Prime Minister Jean Castex’s office said on Thursday.

Coming at a peak point for holiday travel, the restrictions had dampened hopes of a much-needed boost for the tourism industry, one of the worst casualties of the pandemic.

France is the biggest market for UK tourists, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with British residents accounting for 14% of visits to the country. Overall, international tourists spent 60 billion euros ($68.8 billion) a year in France before the pandemic, said the group, which represents tourism businesses including airlines and hotels.

“This will come as a huge relief to those with trips planned over the coming weeks – in addition to airlines and tour operators with a big presence in the ski market,” said Tim Alderslade, chief executive of carrier lobby group Airlines UK. “It’s a busy time in the winter season.”

Shares of Air France-KLM and Eurotunnel operator Getlink SE reversed earlier losses and were up less than 1% at 10:35 am in Paris. Low-cost UK carrier EasyJet Plc was down less than 1% in London, as was British Airways owner IAG SA.

EasyJet welcomed the lifting of restrictions, saying it is particularly good “for those looking to book a last-minute half-term break or planning to head to the slopes.”

Eurostar had recently cut the number of trains connecting Paris to London in the face of declining demand, and may now need to review plans.

“We are ready to welcome more passengers on board and will continue to increase the frequency of our services in the coming weeks,” the train operator said.

Under the new guidelines, France is also lifting the requirement to self-isolate for people who have had the Covid vaccine. All travellers will need a negative test less than 24 hours old. The rules remain unchanged for non-vaccinated people.

France had banned tourists and almost all business travel starting Dec. 18, with a stringent list drawn out for exceptions to the rule. The list of reasons was broadened earlier this month, especially for business travellers.

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Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

Ready for a luxurious getaway?

It provides a great traditional Kerala buffet with this place also has a spa and wellness centre for you to rejuvenate…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Travellers who love to stay by the beach for peace and rejuvenation should check out these private beach resorts. Whether it’s a getaway with family or your partner, these boutique properties won’t disappoint you.



Munjoh Resort in Andaman and Nicobar

Experience luxury at a glance at Munjoh – A Private Ocean Resort. Known for its warm hospitality and stay, it is a premium and iconic luxury resort in Andaman. Offering you a wide range of handpicked amenities and magnificent interiors to make the resort a place to revel in. A beach house with private land is all you need to enjoy your wine with a mesmerizing evening and glistening blue water. Swim in the blue waters of the Andaman Islands or build a sandcastle on the beach. It also offers world-class dining.

Abhishek Beach Resort And Spa

The resort located in Ganpatipule not only offers a private beach with a breathtaking sea view but also facilities like an indoor gym, games, relaxing spa as well as a garden catering to all your needs. Best picks for intimate getaways or to make special occasions even more special.

Rockholm at the LightHouse Beach

For all nature lovers out there this is the place for you to relax and unwind. Indulge in luxury rooms with a delightful sea view. Providing a great traditional Kerala buffet this place also has a spa and wellness centre for you to rejuvenate.

Sonesta Inns

This resort in Candolim, Goa features Portuguese decor and rooms with stylish, modern interiors. The Flavors Cafe overlooks the sea and offers light snacks and refreshing drinks. Enjoy the nightlife of North Goa while you sip on cocktails served at the Ocean Deck Disco Lounge.

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News Travel World

Japan extends travel ban on non-resident foreigners

Japan extends travel ban on non-resident foreigners

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday an entry ban on non-resident foreigners will be further extended until the end of February…reports Asian Lite News

“The infection situations regarding Omicron are clearly different at home (and) from abroad, so the framework of the current border controls will be maintained until the end of February,” Kishida told reporters.

The entry ban on non-resident foreigners in its current form has been in place since November 30, 2021, following Japan’s first case of the highly contagious Omicron variant, reports Xinhua news agency.

ALSO READ: Israel to lift travel ban

The current border control measures were initially set to last for about a month, which prohibited entry into Japan of non-resident foreigners and require returning Japanese nationals and foreign residents to quarantine in government-designated facilities.

The government said it would also restrict the number of people entering Japan to around 3,500 people a day.

Meanwhile, bans were in place for the re-entry of foreign residents in the country who have been to 11 nations, including South Africa, within 14 days, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press briefing.

The restrictions could be lifted based on “humanitarian considerations”, Matsuno added.

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-Top News India News Travel

India: 7-day quarantine must for all international arrivals

Travellers coming from countries other than the list of risk countries will also undergo home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake an RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India…reports Asian Lite News

 India on Friday revised the existing guidelines for all international arrivals in India in view of the rising Covid cases and the Omicron threat, to make seven days home quarantine mandatory.

The new guidelines will be effective from January 11 till further notice.

Travellers coming from specified countries at risk will have to undergo home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake an RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India, as per the guidelines. These travellers will have to submit samples for the post-arrival Covid-19 test at the point of arrival (self-paid). Such travellers will be required to wait for their test results at the arrival airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight. If they tested negative, they will follow home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake another RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India.

The travellers shall also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for Covid-19 done on the 8th day on the Air Suvidha portal. If negative, they will further self-monitor their health for the next 7 days. However, if such travellers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network, as per the new guidelines.

Travellers coming from countries other than the list of risk countries will also undergo home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake an RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India. They will have to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test on the Air Suvidha portal and If found negative, they will further self-monitor their health for the next 7 days.

The guidelines said that all travellers should submit complete and factual information in a self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal before their scheduled travel, including travel details of the last 14 days. They need to upload a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR report. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey.

The passengers coming from or travelling to at-risk countries shall be informed by the airlines that they will undergo post-arrival testing. They will be quarantined if tested negative and will be subjected to stringent isolation protocols if tested positive, as per the new guidelines.

ALSO READ-New Covid cases cross 1 lakh mark, Omicron count at 3000

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Arab News COVID-19 Travel

Israel to lift travel ban

Israel to lift travel ban

Israel is set to lift the travel ban to eight countries as the Covid-19 positivity rate among the arrivals from these nations has dipped…reports Asian Lite News

The eight countries are the United Arab Emirates, the US, Ethiopia, Britain, Tanzania, Mexico, Switzerland and Turkey, reports Xinhua news agency.

The move, subject to the approval of the cabinet and a parliamentary committee, is expected to take effect on Friday, according to the Ministry.

By doing so, Israel will scrap the list of countries labelled “red” to which it banned its citizens from flying.

ALSO READ: Israel facing “unprecedented” Covid-19 wave

The decision came as a result of the government policy, according to which the “red” country outline will be suspended as the number of people tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival falls below 5 per cent of the total patients.

Accordingly, vaccinated and recovered passengers arriving in Israel from all countries will have to enter quarantine of up to 24 hours, until a negative coronavirus test result is obtained.

Unvaccinated arrivals must have to enter a seven-day quarantine and receive two negative tests: one upon arrival, and one after seven days of quarantine.

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 UK News

No test needed to fly into Britain now

An additional 194,747 new cases were reported across the U.K. on Wednesday — another daily record if Tuesday’s data, which included a backlog of cases from over the New Year holiday, is excluded…reports Asian Lite News

Boris Johnson warned of serious challenges ahead in tackling the omicron Covid-19 variant, as he eased testing rules to free up capacity to cope with a virus caseload that’s surging across the U.K.

Pre-departure tests for vaccinated travellers entering Britain will be scrapped from Friday, while people who test positive using rapid home kits will no longer need to take so-called PCR tests to confirm the result from Jan. 11.

“Thanks to the sheer size of the omicron wave, we still need to take steps to ensure our testing capacity reaches those who need it most,” Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday. The UK is “experiencing the fastest growth in Covid cases that we have ever known,” he said, while hospital admissions are “rising rapidly, doubling around every nine days.”

An additional 194,747 new cases were reported across the U.K. on Wednesday — another daily record if Tuesday’s data, which included a backlog of cases from over the New Year holiday, is excluded.

Even so, Johnson reiterated his plan to rely on light-touch regulations to manage omicron, with his cabinet formally approving his plan for England to stick to “Plan B” measures on Wednesday. That is despite warnings from National Health Service leaders that hospitals are coming under severe strain.

Critical Incidents

More than 20 hospital trusts are currently reporting “critical incidents,” his office said, while Johnson warned that “potentially of greatest concern” is the rapid rise in cases among older and more vulnerable people, “with the obvious risk that this will continue to increase the pressures on our NHS.”

The prime minister would likely trigger fresh fury from members of his ruling Conservative Party if he had to bring in tighter regulations, and in Parliament he repeatedly said he’s confident they won’t be needed.

Tory MP Steve Baker pressed Johnson over how long rules he likened to the “sword of Damocles” would be hanging over businesses and investors, while his colleague Mark Harper asked for an “exit strategy” from curbs.

Current “Plan B” rules — including compulsory face masks in most public indoor venues, and guidance to work from home — will be in place until Jan. 26, when Johnson said the measures will be reviewed.

“Whatever the situation may be — and I’m confident it will be much better — we will continue with the fundamental tools that we have; that is vaccination, therapeutics and testing,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile the change to domestic testing rules means the government will effectively now be relying on people reporting their results from home tests to track the path of the pandemic.

It is estimated that about a million people report their lateral flow test results every day; of those testing positive, between 60% and 80% then go on to meet the current requirement to get PCR confirmation.

The question is how many people will continue to report their test results once they are no longer told to get a PCR test, and knowing that logged rapid test results are now the key component in the official test-and-trace program.

Even so, scientists generally welcomed the change given the high prevalence of the virus. “This is a sensible approach as long as positive results are reported and the lateral flow kits are in good supply,” Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, said in a statement.

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