New Delhi, April 1 — Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Air India Group has scheduled 30 flights today, with a total of 16 flights to the UAE. Indigo has urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. As per agency report, Indigo Airlines stated in its travel advisory that a total of 30 flights will operate to West Asia as per the scheduled timetable on April 1.

The airline confirmed that flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, and Doha will continue amid the tense situation. The company advised passengers to check the latest status of their flights on Indigo's website or mobile app before going to the airport. The airline emphasized the importance of staying updated due to changing travel conditions amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, as flight schedules may change. Therefore, passengers are requested to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport. Indigo has set a schedule for operating flights.

Additionally, Indigo mentioned that updates are being shared on your registered contact details, and their support teams are available to assist you. Meanwhile, ongoing rain and storms are currently causing delays in flight operations in Delhi. The company stated that their teams are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that your travel can commence as soon as conditions improve. Indigo advised that if you are traveling today, you should check your flight status on their website: https://goindigo.in/check-flight-status.html or app before leaving for the airport. Please allow extra time for travel as traffic on the roads may be slower than usual.

Air India stated that Air India and Air India Express will operate 30 flights to West Asia, including a total of 16 flights to the UAE. The airline mentioned that the Air India group, which includes Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express, will operate a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region on April 1. These flights include both scheduled and non-scheduled services to several Gulf destinations.

New Delhi - The deepening conflict in West Asia and the resulting turmoil in the global oil market have started to directly impact the pockets of air passengers. Major domestic carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have reintroduced fuel surcharges in response to the rising prices of aviation turbine fuel and mounting operational costs.

Aviation experts estimate that airfares could witness a steep increase of up to 20 percent in the coming days, as per agency report. Traveling on international routes is expected to become significantly more expensive compared to the past, which is bound to negatively affect foreign tourism and the budgets of students studying abroad. The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has not only disrupted crude oil supplies but has also forced airlines to avoid West Asian airspace due to security concerns.

This diversion of flight paths has increased both the distance and duration of journeys, leading to a massive surge in fuel consumption, crew expenses, and the cost of technical stopovers. Consequently, Air India has started levying an additional fee ranging from 10 dollars on international routes to 200 dollars, which is approximately 16,600 rupees, for flights to North America. Similarly, IndiGo has implemented a distance-based surcharge ranging from 425 rupees to 2,300 rupees, making air travel increasingly difficult for the common man to afford.

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the combination of longer routes and increased insurance premiums has resulted in a substantial hike in actual ticket prices. For instance, a family of four traveling to destinations like Europe will now have to bear an additional financial burden of around 50,000 rupees. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced new regulations to provide some relief to passengers, such as mandating the free allocation of 60 percent of seats. However, experts believe that airlines will ultimately recover the losses incurred from these rules by passing the costs onto the passengers. Considering the current global situation, there appears to be no possibility of a reduction in airfares in the near future.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body representing Indian traders, has called for a complete boycott of travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their open support for Pakistan. CAIT has urged Indian citizens and the travel and tourism sector to refrain from visiting these two countries as a strong protest against their stance against India. This call comes as an extension of CAIT’s long-running campaign to boycott Chinese products.

Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s National Secretary General, stated that a collective refusal by Indian citizens to travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan would significantly impact the economies of both countries, particularly their tourism sectors. Referring to 2024 data, he pointed out that Turkey received 62.2 million international tourists last year, including approximately 300,000 from India—a 20.7% rise from 2023. Indian tourists reportedly spend an average of $972 each, amounting to around $291.6 million in revenue for Turkey. Khandelwal emphasized that a travel boycott could directly cost Turkey this amount, with additional losses expected from cancellations of Indian weddings, corporate events, and cultural functions.

Regarding Azerbaijan, CAIT noted that the country received about 2.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, including around 250,000 from India. With an average Indian tourist spending 2,170 AZN (roughly $1,276), the estimated contribution of Indian tourists to Azerbaijan’s economy stood at approximately $308.6 million. A boycott would, therefore, result in significant losses, particularly in segments such as leisure, adventure, and destination events.

CAIT added that such an economic impact could force both nations to reconsider their diplomatic stances toward India. A travel boycott would also lead to reduced cultural exchanges and hurt local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and related service providers.

CAIT Gujarat Chairman Pramod Bhagat stressed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is strong and resolute. He said that India’s sovereignty and integrity cannot be undermined and that Indian traders are ready to support the nation’s interests in every way. A unified travel boycott, he emphasized, would not only apply economic pressure but also deliver a strong political message that may compel Turkey and Azerbaijan to re-evaluate their positions on India.

New Delhi, May 9 – As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, several online travel booking platforms have suspended travel packages to countries perceived as supportive of Pakistan—namely Türkiye and Azerbaijan. These platforms have also issued advisories urging Indian travelers to avoid non-essential travel to these destinations and exercise caution when planning trips to sensitive regions.

As per agency report, leading travel company Cox & Kings announced on Friday that it has temporarily removed new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye. Company Director Karan Agarwal stated that the decision was taken in response to recent geopolitical developments and reflects the company’s commitment to national sentiment. “We urge Indian travelers to act with discretion and avoid any non-essential travel to these destinations until greater geopolitical clarity emerges,” he said.

Another platform, EaseMyTrip, issued a travel advisory on Thursday evening via social media platform X, warning travelers to remain alert following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the growing India-Pakistan conflict. The advisory emphasized that Türkiye and Azerbaijan have expressed support for Pakistan and advised customers to consider traveling to these countries only if absolutely necessary.

Travomint echoed the sentiment, announcing a complete suspension of travel package sales to Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Chairman and CEO Alok K. Singh stated that the company supports the nationwide call to boycott travel to these nations amid rising diplomatic strain. He confirmed that all sales to Türkiye and Azerbaijan had been suspended with immediate effect and added that customers canceling existing bookings to these destinations will not be charged cancellation fees. Emergency bookings, however, will remain available for critical cases.

Meanwhile, Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and spokesperson for the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), reported a rise in booking cancellations across states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. “We have begun to see cancellations coming in... and we are closely monitoring the situation,” he told PTI.

These coordinated actions by the travel and hospitality sectors signal growing caution and solidarity in the face of escalating cross-border hostilities and geopolitical alignment.

Ahmedabad, April 17: Gujarat witnessed a significant influx of tourists to its heritage sites last year, with over 3.695 million domestic and international visitors exploring 18 historically important locations across the state. As per agency report, the state government released this data on Thursday, highlighting the growing popularity of Gujarat’s cultural and architectural heritage.

According to an official release, more than 1.288 million of these tourists visited four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing a boost to the local economy and generating employment opportunities in surrounding areas.

Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO-recognized heritage city, attracted over 715,000 visitors in 2024. The intricately carved stepwell Rani Ki Vav in Patan drew 364,000 tourists, while the ancient Harappan site of Dholavira in Kutch saw over 160,000 visitors. Meanwhile, the historical site of Champaner in Panchmahal district welcomed around 47,000 tourists.

These four locations have been honored with UNESCO World Heritage status due to their exceptional architectural designs, historical significance, innovative water management systems, and urban planning concepts. Champaner and the nearby Pavagadh region were granted the designation in 2004.

The release further stated that under Gujarat’s Heritage Tourism Policy 2020-25, the state is actively developing historical buildings, palaces, and forts located in villages and towns into fully functional tourism destinations. The policy aims to preserve the region’s rich legacy while promoting sustainable tourism development.

New Delhi, April 16: India’s sustainable tourism market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, reaching a value of USD 2.16 billion from its current size of around USD 370 million, according to MakeMyTrip founder and chairman Deep Kalra.

As per agency report, Kalra made these remarks while addressing a travel conference organized by the MakeMyTrip Foundation, highlighting the immense potential for growth in sustainable tourism development across the country.

He noted that although the sector is currently modest in size, it is poised for rapid expansion. Presently, the sustainable tourism segment in India is valued at approximately INR 320 crore (USD 37 million), but is projected to become one of the fastest-growing markets over the next ten years, reaching an estimated USD 2.16 billion.

Kalra also pointed out that only one to two percent of India’s overall tourism can currently be classified as sustainable, which contrasts sharply with global trends. He emphasized the gap between India and international benchmarks in this regard.

At the global level, the sustainable tourism market is expected to grow from approximately USD 3.12 trillion in the current fiscal year to USD 11.4 trillion over the next decade, underscoring the rising global emphasis on environmentally responsible travel and tourism practices.

New Delhi: The central government has amended passport regulations, making a birth certificate the sole acceptable proof of date of birth for applicants born on or after October 1, 2023. Officials confirmed that a notification has been issued this week to enforce the amendment to the Passport Rules, 1980. The new rules will take effect upon their publication in the official gazette.

Under the revised guidelines, a birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, a municipal authority, or any other body empowered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, will be mandatory for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, when applying for a passport.

However, applicants born before this date can continue to provide alternative documents as proof of date of birth, such as a driving license or a school leaving certificate.

Srinagar, December 2 - Ride-hailing giant Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, allowing users to book Shikara rides on the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar through its app. This marks Uber's first such venture in Asia, blending technology with tradition to enhance tourism and provide a unique travel experience.

Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, shared the news on Monday, stating, “Uber Shikara is an effort to integrate technology with Kashmir's rich tradition, offering passengers a seamless Shikara ride experience. We are proud to contribute to promoting tourism in the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir.”

Initially, Uber has partnered with seven Shikara owners and plans to expand its fleet based on the service's popularity. Users can book Shikara rides at government-regulated rates through the Uber app. Importantly, Uber is waiving service fees, ensuring that the entire fare goes directly to the Shikara operators.

This initiative aligns Uber with global water transport services, such as those offered in Venice, Italy, and other European countries.

Wali Mohammad Bhatt, President of the Shikara Owners Association, welcomed the move, noting, “With nearly 4,000 Shikaras operating on Dal Lake, we hope Uber will onboard more partners, helping us reach a wider audience and promoting local livelihoods.”

Uber’s entry into water transport in India not only promotes tourism but also supports traditional Shikara operators, offering them a modern platform to connect with travelers.

Mumbai (Maharastra) [India],October 29: With the Maldives continuing to rise as a top destination for Indian travelers, a prominent Mumbai-based tour operator, is bridging cultural connections through tourism. In alignment with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, AsYouPlan Pvt. Ltd., along with other industry leaders is leading initiatives to promote tourism and strengthen ties between India and the Maldives. The result is the curation of fabulous, family-friendly, safe, and luxurious travel experiences.

This commitment recently took the spotlight in an exclusive live interview with Bollywood star Sunny Leone, who shared her family’s fond experiences on four visits to the Maldives, all planned by AsYouPlan. The interview, hosted by a popular Maldivian lifestyle influencer, highlighted the growing relationship between the countries, showcasing the warmth and respect Maldivians have for Indian cinema and its celebrities.

The live session also highlighted the enthusiasm Maldivians have for Bollywood, showing a deep cultural bond that AsYouPlan’s travel packages bring to life.

Sunny and her husband, Daniel Weber, offered heartfelt insights into their vacations in the Maldives, describing AsYouPlan’s thoughtful planning and attention to detail that has enhanced their experiences. Sunny shared, “The team headed by Sumukh has made each of our visits feel special for our family, creating memories we will cherish forever,” underscoring the role of the travel company in providing not just a getaway, but a cultural experience.

Daniel, reflecting on their family trips, praised the focus on safety and family-friendly arrangements, adding that he felt secure even when Sunny traveled to the Maldives alone with their young children. This approach aligns well with the goals of promoting India-Maldives tourism as a mutually enriching experience, focusing on shared values of hospitality and safety.

To highlight the initiatives, a warm welcome from the Maldives Tourism Minister forms a testament to the strong diplomatic and tourism ties between the countries, bolstered by AsYouPlan’s efforts to showcase the Maldives as a family-friendly, safe, and culturally rich destination.

Mr. Sumukh, Founder and Director of AsYouPlan Hospitality Pvt Ltd., added, “Reflecting the goals of Indian PM, Mr. Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, AsYouPlan’s focus is on providing top-tier hospitality and strengthening India-Maldives relations through tourism. By enhancing cultural appreciation, we hope to boost the Maldives’ appeal as a welcoming, family-friendly destination for Indian travelers.“

Daniel, reflecting on their family trips, praised the focus on safety and family-friendly arrangements, adding that he felt secure even when Sunny traveled to the Maldives alone with their young children. This approach aligns well with the goals of promoting India-Maldives tourism as a mutually enriching experience, focusing on shared values of hospitality and safety.

The Maldives has quickly become a favorite destination for Indian tourists, and Sunny’s positive experiences resonate with the company’s mission to create enjoyable, safe family travel options for all. AsYouPlan’s unique ‘Vacation with Celebrity’ concept, where clients can embark on vacations alongside popular figures, continues to appeal to travelers looking for personalized memorable adventures. Sunny’s anecdotes from the interview, including special moments with her children snorkeling in the open ocean and a romantic night with Daniel under the stars on a private yacht, emphasize AsYouPlan’s ability to craft unique, exceptional experiences.

Founded in 2014, AsYouPlan has evolved to offer curated, high-quality travel experiences for families, couples, and individuals seeking personalized luxury. The company’s steady growth and focus on innovative travel packages reflect its commitment to building bridges between neighboring countries and fostering a shared appreciation of each culture’s unique qualities.

With support from both Indian and Maldivian tourism sectors, AsYouPlan’s initiatives continue to enhance cross-cultural relations and promote the Maldives as a premier destination.

So if it’s time to plan a vacay, reach out to AsYouPlan’s team or visit www.AsYouPlan.com.

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New Delhi [India], October 26: Explore Sikkim’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture like never before with Sikkim Tourism, your expert partner in creating unforgettable journeys. Known for its tailor-made Sikkim Tour Packages, Sikkim Tourism combines top-tier services with the scenic wonders of this stunning Himalayan state, ensuring travellers a unique and personalized adventure.

Why Choose Sikkim Tourism’s Sikkim Tour Packages?

1. Wide Range of Customizable Packages : Sikkim Tourism offers an array of packages meticulously crafted to cater to diverse traveller preferences. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, an adventurous expedition, or a family-friendly holiday, Sikkim Tourism provides tailored itineraries that reflect the unique desires of each traveller.
2. Luxury and Comfort : As a leading name in luxury travel planning, Sikkim Tourism curates exclusive tours that combine comfort, opulence, and natural beauty. From premium accommodations to personalized guides and seamless travel arrangements, they ensure that every journey aspect exudes luxury.
3. Destination Expertise : Sikkim Tourism specializes in Sikkim and the surrounding Himalayan regions, making them the go-to experts in the area. Their seasoned travel planners possess an in-depth understanding of the region’s hidden gems, popular landmarks, and rich cultural heritage, guaranteeing a well-rounded and immersive experience.
4. Personalized Service: A Mark of Sikkim Tourism : At Sikkim Tourism, the team prides itself on delivering more than just a tour; they provide a personalized travel experience. The company goes the extra mile to ensure every detail aligns with the traveler’s preferences, ensuring each trip is as unique as the individual embarking on it. This dedication to personalized service has earned Sikkim Tourism its reputation as a trusted name in the travel industry.

Explore the enchanting hills, serene monasteries, and vibrant landscapes of Sikkim with packages that are customizable to the finest detail. Book your journey today to experience the charm and elegance of the Himalayas like never before.

For more information, visit www.sikkimtourism.in or Call at +918240923170, +917001608599 and discover the best Sikkim Tour Packages designed with you in mind.

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New Delhi [India] October 11: Guinness World Records has officially recognised Indian traveller Sujoy Kumar Mitra for setting a new world record for the fastest time to visit the New Seven Wonders of the World. Mitra completed this extraordinary journey in an impressive 5 days, 17 hours, and 28 minutes.

The record-breaking expedition commenced on 2 September 2024 in Petra, Jordan, and concluded on 8 September 2024. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the world of travel and exploration, showcasing both human endurance and the efficiency of modern transportation.

Sujoy Kumar Mitra, renowned for his extensive travel accomplishments, has further solidified his reputation as one of India’s most prolific travellers. Mitra has achieved the remarkable distinction of visiting all 198 countries (193 UN Nations plus Vatican City, Taiwan, Kosovo, Palestine, and Antarctica).

This latest achievement adds to Mitra’s impressive record-breaking history. He has previously established two notable Guinness World Records:

1. Fastest Travel Across 7 Continents: As part of an Indian duo, Mitra set the world record for the fastest travel across all seven continents.

2. Fastest to Visit 25 Michelin Stars in One Day: Mitra set a record for visiting the most Michelin-starred restaurants in a single day.

The journey presented numerous challenges, including tight connections and potential delays. At Beijing Airport, Mitra faced a critical situation when he arrived just 45 minutes before his flight’s departure. “In China, the immigration officers questioned my brief stay. Any additional questioning could have resulted in missing my onward flight,” Mitra explained.

In compliance with Guinness World Records guidelines, Mitra utilised only scheduled public transportation, with licensed taxis permitted for distances up to 50 km between transportation hubs or accommodations. The attempt required meticulous planning and documentation, including proof of travel, time-stamped photographs, video recordings, and witness signatures at each wonder.

Upon confirmation of his latest Guinness World Record, Mitra stated: “This achievement represents the culmination of meticulous planning and a passion for global exploration. It’s not merely about setting a record, but about experiencing these incredible wonders of human creativity and perseverance in rapid succession. I hope this inspires more people to explore our world’s rich cultural heritage.”

Mitra aims to encourage more Indians to travel both domestically and internationally. “Travel broadens one’s perspective. The most enriching stories are often found between the pages of a passport,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Mitra disclosed that he is pursuing a total of 13 Guinness World Records, with five already achieved, two under validation, and six more planned.

This record underscores not only Mitra’s determination but also the advancements in global travel that enable such feats. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity, both in the creation of these wonders and in the ability to experience them in such a condensed time frame.

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New Delhi, August 23 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of electronic toll collection, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced reforms that will fully automate the recharge process for FASTags and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC). This integration into the e-Mandate framework aims to eliminate the disruptions caused by low balances at toll plazas, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic.

According to the RBI, these payment instruments will now automatically top-up from linked bank accounts when funds fall below a preset limit. This development is set to significantly reduce the frequency of vehicles stopping at toll plazas due to insufficient balances, facilitating a more streamlined toll payment process across the country.

The e-Mandate framework, established in 2019, was primarily designed to protect consumers by providing them with prior notifications of automatic debits from their bank accounts. However, with the new system, such notifications for FASTag and NCMC recharges will no longer be necessary, reducing the administrative burden on users and speeding up transactions.

The decision to include FASTags and NCMCs in the e-Mandate framework was initially announced during the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting from June 5 to 7. The integration of these instruments into the framework is part of a broader effort to increase the adoption and convenience of using FASTags and NCMCs, which are becoming increasingly prevalent for various transactions across India.

Previously, users had to manually recharge their FASTag or NCMC accounts, which could lead to delays and inconveniences, especially when traveling through toll plazas. With the new changes, these instruments will automatically fetch the required funds from linked bank accounts without any need for manual intervention.

This update is expected to enhance the functionality of over 10 million FASTags currently in use, making road travel more efficient for millions of commuters across India. The RBI’s initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the financial ecosystem and promoting digital transactions in the country.