South Africa Launches Quick Visa Processing for Indian Visitors
South Africa's government launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) as part of a new tourism initiative aimed at boosting visitor numbers from India and China. The scheme is designed to make the visa application process easier and faster for tourists from these countries, addressing the relatively low number of Chinese visitors to South Africa compared to other destinations like Australia.
Oct 25, 2024
Shillong Tops Travel Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2025
Shillong emerged as the most popular destination for Indian travellers in 2025, as revealed by Skyscanner's "Travel Trends Report". Meghalaya's capital topped the list, surpassing Baku (Azerbaijan) and Langkawi (Malaysia), showing a strong interest among Indians for unique and immersive experiences. The report indicated that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in the coming year.
Known as the 'Scotland of the East, it offers a mix of culture, natural beauty, and adventure, attracting travellers who want more than just relaxation. Meanwhile, Baku, Azerbaijan, and Langkawi, Malaysia, also ranked high for their balance of leisure and exploration.
Oct 22, 2024
Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur Airports Launched by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The newly inaugurated airports are located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).
Oct 17, 2024
EAM Jaishankar Launches e-Migrate Portal to Ensure Safe Overseas Travel
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the revamped eMigrate V2.0 web portal and mobile app in Delhi, aiming to enhance safe and legal migration for Indian citizens. This initiative underscores the Indian government's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of workers abroad while facilitating their mobility and welfare. It aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and reflects India's proactive approach to global migration dynamics.
Jaishankar emphasised that the eMigrate portal symbolises the government's dedication to creating a safe, transparent, and inclusive environment for Indian migrants. He highlighted that since 2015, India has accelerated negotiations with various countries on migration and mobility, recognising the growing global demand for skilled workers.
The upgraded portal incorporates significant technological advancements, including integration with DigiLocker for secure document storage and a 24/7 multilingual helpline for addressing urgent migrant issues. This development is part of the government's broader effort to improve the ease of living for citizens travelling abroad and to ensure their well-being, especially in challenging circumstances.
Oct 07, 2024
ADB Approves $162 Million Loan to Boost Sustainable Tourism Development
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $162 million loan aimed at enhancing tourism development projects in Himachal Pradesh.
As per Vivek Vishal, ADB's Senior Project Officer, the initiative will bolster the state's tourism potential by upgrading and preserving cultural and heritage sites, and build new facilities to strengthening the tourism sector.
The Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Project in Himachal Pradesh is designed to promote heritage and cultural centres in the Mandi and Hamirpur districts. It will also involve restoring the historic Naggar Castle in Kullu, beautifying public spaces, and constructing a convention centre along with other amenities in Kangra. Additionally, there will be improvements in wayside facilities across Kullu, Hamirpur, and Kangra.
Furthermore, ADB will assist in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board to formulate a comprehensive tourism strategy and marketing plan.