Archive 2018

Fifth Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) is being held in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre from June 26th to June 30th, 2018. The main focus of this fair is on Exploring the Colors of Indonesia. 

Many experts have been invited to discuss the opportunities and trends in tourism along with the diverse culture of Indonesia. As this fair is focused on business to business event, it is acting as a meeting point for buyers and sellers. Various branches of tourism have been represented in this fair. 

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said, “Our biggest challenge is to create a harmonious synergy among all entities”. He also added, “The success of the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair since its first staging is proof of the Penta helix. It has motivated us to fully support the BBTF, which has proven itself to be an acclaimed travel fair with an incredible track record”.  

Head of BBTF, I Ketut Ardana said it was a proud thing to be a part of the development of Indonesian Tourism. He said, “We chose 'Exploring the Colors of Indonesia' as the theme as we believe in the country’s potential, and how Bali can function as a marketplace”. 

Source: Travel Guide

UAE recently announced that transit passengers will be exempted from all entry fees for first 48 hours. "This transit visa can be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of only AED 50. Getting transit visa will be facilitated by a number of express counters at the passport-control hall across UAE airports," as per a cabinet announcement. 

UAE Ambassador to India, Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, said, "this has been done to encourage people from abroad to come to the UAE and experience the development and the tremendous changes that took place in UAE in the last 36 years. Relaxed rules for Indians carrying Green Cards or have a US visa or residency in Europe and UK have already been in force. They can come directly and get a visa upon arrival. The 48-hour visa fee waiver was created to further enhance tourism". 

According to some reports, it is said that Dubai is the 4th most visited city for Indians. ‘The Economic Times' wrote, "Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the top tourist destinations for Indians". This decision by the UAE will fetch many tourists in Dubai and Abu Dubai. 

Executive of Cox and Kings, Karan Anand said, "The move by the UAE to exempt transit passengers from all entry fees for the first 48 hours is significant. Many new attractions are opening up in these destinations, and as Dubai gears up for the Expo Dubai 2020, these measures will boost tourism inflows." 

Source: Emirates News Agency

As people are engaging more and more into traveling, travel insurance is usually neglected. People think that they have had enough experience with traveling and nothing can go wrong. One such incident occurred with Vaneeta Sethi. When she was traveling to the UK to meet her son, though it wasn’t the first time that she was traveling to the UK, she lost her luggage. She was traveling by a foreign airline, which caused more complications. She said, "I was nervous. I asked the airport officials to help me out. They tried to look for my luggage but could not locate it. Here I was ready to meet my son after a year and yet, all that I had brought for especially for him was lost. I first blamed the airline, which promised me the best of help. But I realized later that not taking a travel insurance was actually my fault".  People usually risk their belongs and do not choose a proper travel insurance policy. 

Travel insurance offers various types of policies which may or may not cover all the loss. So, it is essential to carefully choose a policy which best fits your travel plan. Usually, medical insurance is covered while one applies for a travel insurance. But, it is expected when one chooses a policy he/she is well which is beneficial when any situation occurs. 

There are few things to keep in mind while buying an insurance policy. Points that should be considered are, how much amount is payable? What loss is included? Are medical emergencies covered? Along with this, it is important that you keep the bill of whatever things you have and you might require while reclaiming to the insurance company. 

Also, adventure sports usually are not covered under the travel insurance policy. Especially when it has a travel warning. If one is high on alcohol or drugs, your insurance coverage gets void and you cannot claim. 

Source: NDTV

A new airport at Sikkim has made traveling to north-east easy. Cox & Kings’ head of relationships, Karan Anand said, “The new airport at Pakyong (Sikkim) will further make reaching the northern part of the State, especially to tourist attractions such as Nathu La Pass, easier.” 

By 2019, tourism is expected to grow by 10 - 12 percent in northeastern states. After the improved air connectivity, a huge number of tourists will be attracted here. Anand mentioned, “The bookings for North-East have gone up by 18 percent compared to the same period (April-June) last year. Tourism in the North-East region is expected to grow by at least 10-12 percent even in the next year.” The eight states will experience a high demand after the opening of the airport at Pakyong, Sikkim. 

“Air connectivity has tremendously improved with new routes opening in the region last year. New flights have been introduced using Shillong as a hub to travel to other prominent tourist destinations of Meghalaya like Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong,” added Anand. The age group between 25 - 50 from the major metropolitans have been preferring north-east for their holiday destination to explore the wildlife!

Source: The Hindu Business Line