Page 9 - Tourism

N Korea to launch major tourism site in 2025 despite blocking tourists

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a major tourism site being constructed on the country's eastern coast and discussed steps to open the zone by next year, state media reported Thursday, though the country still blocks visits by most foreign tourists. The Wonsan-Kalma zone is one of Kim's most talked-about tourism projects. For years North Korea has been building luxury hotels and recreational facilities there to create a key attraction for international visitors. But the project reportedly suffered setbacks due to shortages of construction materials as a result of toughened UN sanctions and COVID-19 restrictions. Kim toured the Wonsan-Kalma zone with top deputies on Tuesday and discussed preparations for its opening by May 2025 as decided by a ruling party meeting in January, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. A coastal wonderland to be known to the world as the best tourist resort of (North Korea) would be successfully built, Kim was quoted as saying by KCN

'Goa targeting new markets for tourism through international trade fairs'

Goa is looking forward to tap new and emerging markets through participation in global trade fairs after international tourism was affected due to the Russia-Ukraine war and other problems, minister Rohan Khaunte said on Wednesday. During COVID-19, the international footfall in Goa was only 33,000, which has now increased to 4.5 lakh for this particular year (calendar year), Tourism Minister Khaunte said in the state assembly. Responding to a question raised by Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai in the assembly, he said after the COVID-19 pandemic, the perception about tourism in the state is changing, taking it away from beaches. Sardesai said Goa spent Rs 63 crore in the last four years (on various events), including Rs 29.84 crore to promote the state within the country. Former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar had emphasised on the pre-audit of roadshows and that accountability parameters should be framed, he said. Khaunte said after the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism ...

Saudi Arabia to lure ultra-luxury travelers with Red Palace stays

The Red Palace was built in the 1940s for the then-crown prince. Now, the 9-acre, art-deco manse is being transformed into an ultra-luxury hotel designed to give guests a taste of the Saudi royal life

Why are Barcelona residents spraying water on tourists? Explained

The recent wave of 'anger' follows a significant protest on June 8, when around 3,000 young people rallied in the streets

Indonesia plans free entry visas for Indian tourists by Oct: Details here

Indonesia is looking at more quality tourist arrivals - people who stay longer and spend more on the local economy

No visa fee for Malaysians visiting India!: Here's what you must know

Earlier, Malaysians had to pay RM465 (Rs 8,186) for an e-visa

Israel introduces new entry system for foreign tourists: Details here

Tourists from 99 countries on Israel's short-stay visa exemption list must now apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Post waterfall tragedy, prohibitory orders enforced at picnic spots in Pune

The Pune district administration has imposed prohibitory orders at several popular picnic spots, including Bhushi Dam and the Pavana Dam region, to ensure the safety of tourists during the monsoon season. The order, effective from July 2 to 31, prohibits gatherings of five or more persons, restricts individuals from entering deep water bodies, and bans taking selfies and creating reels at these sites. The administration has already outlined a series of safety measures for hazardous tourist locations, which includes identification and demarcation of dangerous areas, the presence of lifeguards and rescue teams, and the installation of warning boards. The move comes after anincident on Sunday when a woman and four children were swept away at a waterfall near the Bhushi Dam, a well-known picnic spot in the picturesque Lonavala hill station of Maharashtra's Pune district. According to a notification issued by Pune Collector Suhas Divase on Tuesday, section 163 of the newly implemented .

Pilgrim deaths in Mecca bring underworld of Hajj industry into spotlight

While pilgrims with permits are transported around the holy city of Mecca in air-conditioned buses and rest in air-conditioned tents, unregistered ones are often exposed to the elements

Aiming to boost tourism, UP to market 'Buddhist Circuit' in South-East Asia

UP tourism minister Jaiveer Singh directed the officials to promote and market the various Buddhist Circuit destinations of UP at the national and international levels

Affluent Latin Americans, tourists draw hotel investments to Madrid

The home of the Real Madrid stadium and the Prado museum is now ranked the second most-attractive city in Europe for hotel investments behind London

Disney, Florida Governor end feud with deal on 15-year expansion plan

Under the agreement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Disney said it would spend at least $8 billion at the resort over a decade with a total of $17 billion invested over 10-20 year

Thailand aims for 3% economic growth this year, to attract more tourists

Growth was 1.5 per cent in the first quarter year-on-year, slowing from 1.7 per cent in the prior quarter

TBO Tek Q4 result: 64% jump in PAT to Rs 46 crore, revenue up 31%

Travel distribution firm TBO Tek Ltd on Thursday said its profit after tax (PAT) rose by 64 per cent to Rs 46 crore in the quarter ended March 2024 from Rs 28 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The revenue during the reporting quarter jumped 31 per cent to Rs 369 crore crore compared to the year-ago period. For FY 2023-24, the PAT stood at Rs 201 crore, up 31 per cent over FY23 while the revenue was recorded at Rs 1,393-crore, an increase of 35 per cent over the financial year ended March 2023, the company said. "FY 24 was a landmark year for TBO. Following our successful IPO, we have recorded another year of remarkable growth, with revenue soaring to Rs 1,393-crore, showcasing 31 per cent increase with adjusted EBITDA at Rs 270-crore," said Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder and Joint MD, TBO Tek Limited. The gross transaction value during FY24 surged to Rs 26,536-crore, marking a 19 per cent year-over-year growth, he added. "Our acquisition of Jumbonline has alre

Urban Governance Management

Earlier tourism haven Cape Town and now, IT hub Bangalore. Both show how urban governance management is to key to solving key crises like water. > >

Uttar Pradesh govt eyes rural economy push through agri-tourism sector

The supplementary aspects of agri-tourism such as horticulture, apiculture, floriculture, and perfumery give a fillip to the rural economy

US to China: Check out WEF's top 10 countries for travel and tourism

India is in 39th position among 119 countries ranked by the forum based on infrastructure, sustainability and other factors

The white man's burden on global tourism

Shahnaz Habib's book delves into fundamental questions: Why travel? Where to travel to? And what to see once we're there? In the process infusing a philosophical edge into the concept of travel

Domestic travel, tourism sector ready to capitalise on upcycle: IHCL MD

The Indian travel and tourism sector is well-positioned to capitalise on an upcycle, driven by factors, including the demand-supply gap, penetration opportunities in Tier II and Tier III markets and rebound in foreign tourist arrivals, according to Indian Hotels Company Ltd Managing Director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal. In his address to shareholders in the company's Annual Report for 2023-24, Chhatwal said the Tata group hospitality firm is uniquely placed to capitalise on the opportunities provided by a dynamically growing industry. The company plans to make its 'Gateway' brand -- a full-service hotel offering in the upscale segment targeting emerging micro markets in metros, Tier II and Tier III cities -- 100 hotels portfolio by 2030, he added. "In India's evolving economic landscape, tourism has emerged as a powerful force driving not only economic growth but also forging a path towards a brighter and more inclusive future. With its rich cultural heritage and warm traditions, ...

Tourism's share in global GDP to return to pre-Covid levels this year: WEF

India soars to 39th, sole South Asian nation in top 50: WEF