Tag: tourism

For Tourism Sake, Himachal Is Copying Kashmir’s Houseboats, Shikaras

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: The government of Himachal Pradesh is readying to introduce water body tourism in the state on the analogy of Kashmir’s Dal Lake.
The HP government is contemplating to introduce shikaras, houseboats and cruise boats under a new scheme of tourism department, in its major water bodies which are mainly the reservoirs of the hydropower projects, besides promoting the water sports, Hindustan Times reported.
The proposal to introduce the shikaras and houseboats at the Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam) in Kangra district on the lines of Dal Lake is expected to become a major hit in tourism sector in North India, HT reported.
It reported that the Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to allow setting up tourism infrastructure along the water bodies.
The NTPC operates 300-megawatt Kol Dam Hydroproject while the BBMB operates Bhakra Power Project and Pong Dam project.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had recently asked the officers to prepare a new policy to promote Chamera, Pong, Bhakra and Koldam from a tourism point of view.
Notably, tourism constitutes seven percent of Himachal’s GDP and 14.42 percent of direct and indirect employment to the total employment in the state.
To develop new tourist destinations, the state government had implemented a new scheme “Nai Rahein Nai Manzilein” in the year 2018-19 to develop the unexplored areas of the state from tourism point of view.

The government is further mulling to develop infrastructure for promoting water sports activities and other tourism related activities along these water bodies in the state.

[ad_2]
#Tourism #Sake #Himachal #Copying #Kashmirs #Houseboats #Shikaras
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 11, 2023
Turkey expects thriving tourism season despite earthquake

[ad_1]
Ankara: Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is expected to see a large number of tourists flowing in this summer despite the devastating earthquakes in February, industry professionals have said.
As temperatures rise, “Turkish Riviera”, the southern part of the country famed for its Turquoise coast and ancient heritage sites, is entering the start of its peak tourism season, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sector representatives reported a decline in reservations following the deadly February 6 earthquakes in the southeastern parts of Turkey, but things soon returned to normal, they said.

“Last year’s favorable data on foreign arrivals and revenues have given us hope this year at the start of the summer season,” Burhan Sili, chair of the Alanya Touristic Hoteliers Association, told the news agency in a recent interview.
Turkey’s tourism income in 2022 saw an all-time high, jumping to $46.3 billion with 51 million foreign visitors, the country’s statistical authority announced in January.
Sili said that demand dropped in the aftermath of the devastating tremors but then picked up in a couple of weeks, making a full recovery.
Alanya, a main tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, saw a 55-percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the local governorate in early April.
Sili said the tourists from Russia and the European countries, especially Germany and Britain, will make up a large share of the arrivals.

“Overall, we estimate that we will close the 2023 season with a better performance than 2022 in terms of the number of arrivals and revenues,” Sili added.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in January that foreign arrivals are expected to reach 60 million in 2023, before hitting $90 million in 2028, while the income will reach $56 billion this year and $100 billion in five years.
The sharp depreciation of the Turkish currency against hard currencies since the start of 2022 has also made Turkiye an affordable destination for European nationals that are witnessing a rising cost of living.
Kaan Sahinalp, the Turkey representative of German travel giant TUI, was also upbeat about the 2023 outlook, indicating that the country is in for a better year than 2022.
Sahinalp pointed out that the weak lira generally favours foreign travelers on a budget and that Turkey is likely to be once again one of the top choices for many foreigners.
The tourism sector plays an important part in the country’s economy, which saw a widening current account deficit in recent years. The industry also provides the livelihood of over two million people in the country.
[ad_2]
#Turkey #expects #thriving #tourism #season #earthquake
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 10, 2023
Sri Lanka sees increase in tourism earnings in first quarter

[ad_1]
Colombo: Amid the ongoing economic crisis, Sri Lanka has witnessed an increase from tourism earnings with around $530 million being received in the first three months of 2023, according to the latest data from the country’s central bank.
Sri Lanka earned $198.1 million in March, bringing tourism earnings in the first quarter to $529.8 million, the data showed.
In the first three months of 2022, Sri Lanka earned $482.3 million from tourism, reports Xinhua news agency.

A tourism official said earlier this month that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is aiming to attract 2 million visitors in 2023, compared to the previous target of 1.5 million.
Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign exchange earners, suffered a setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as economic and political crises in the country.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Sri #Lanka #sees #increase #tourism #earnings #quarter

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 8, 2023
National strategy, roadmap formed to boost medical tourism: Govt

[ad_1]
Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a national strategy and roadmap for medical and wellness tourism in order to boost medical tourism in the country, said Union Minister G Kishan Reddy in Lok Sabha on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the strategy has identified several pillars including developing a brand for India as a wellness destination, strengthening the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism, enabling digitalization by setting up Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal, enhancement of accessibility for medical value travel, promoting wellness tourism and governance and institutional framework
The Minister said the central government liberalized the e-Tourist Visa Scheme pursuant to the Cabinet approval on November 30, 2016 and the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme was renamed to e-Visa scheme and at present, it has e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa as sub-categories of e-visa.
In the case of e-Medical Visa and for e-Medical Attendant Visa, triple entry is permitted and extension may be granted up to six months on case to case basis on the merits of each case by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned. Medical Attendant Visa was co-terminus with the validity of the principal e-Visa holder, the Minister informed.
Further, as conveyed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it is coordinating with other Ministries and stakeholders to promote medical value travel in the country. Several rounds of stakeholder consultations have been conducted with line Ministries, Hospitals, MVT facilitators, Insurance Companies and NABH etc to identify the challenges and opportunities in the sector, said the Ministry of Tourism statement.
[ad_2]
#National #strategy #roadmap #formed #boost #medical #tourism #Govt
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 21, 2023
Secretary Tourism Kicks Off Spring Fest At Badamwari Park

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: The onset of spring was marked today with the inauguration of the spring festival by Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, the Secretary of Tourism, at the iconic Badamwari Park located in this region.
During his speech at the event, the Secretary expressed his pleasure about the commencement of the festival, emphasizing that the Spring Festival provides a chance for individuals to unite and commemorate the advent of this splendid season. He further noted that this time of year is ideal for relishing the natural environment, immersing in local customs, and fostering connections with our fellow citizens.
The Secretary further highlighted that such kind of festivals is aimed at promoting tourism and showcasing the diversity and beauty of many unexplored destinations. He added that the department will organize such kind of events across the length and breadth of the UT to tap the potential of virgin tourist destinations here.
Dr. Abid on the occasion also highlighted the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing tourism services, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of Tourism Kashmir, Faz Lul Haseeb said that the department has lined up a series of activities at different tourist destinations across the Kashmir division to give people and visitors maximum avenues for recreation. He added that the department is providing all possible assistance to tourists and visitors who want to visit Kashmir and experience its enthralling scenery and beauty.
Remarkably, during the festival, traditional and historical arrangements were made for the visitors. Cultural events and performances by renowned artists from Kashmir also enthralled the audiences during the festival.
The Festival features a range of activities, like food fairs, and arts and crafts exhibitions, among other activities. Visitors can experience the local traditions, taste the unique cuisine, and explore the natural beauty of the historical Badamwari Park.
Meanwhile, a similar kind of event was also organised by the Tourism Department at Nagam, Chadoora Budgam in which senior officers of the department and a large number of locals participated. (GNS)

[ad_2]
#Secretary #Tourism #Kicks #Spring #Fest #Badamwari #Park
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 20, 2023
Sri Lanka earned $169.9 mn from tourism in Feb

[ad_1]
Colombo: Sri Lanka earned $169.9 million from tourism in February, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said on Monday.
Fernando told the media that the figure represented an increase from the $169.4 million a year earlier, reports Xinhua news agency.
Over 210,000 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in the first two months of 2023, and $331.7 million were earned in the cited period, according to the Minister.
The South Asian country recorded 102,545 visitor arrivals in January and 107,639 in February.
The cumulative number of visitor arrivals for the year until March 8 was 234,547, an increase of 9.6 per cent from the same period of last year, he said.
Russia, India and Germany were Sri Lanka’s top three source markets of tourists so far in March, according to the Tourism Development Authority data.
Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign exchange earners, has suffered a setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic and domestic economic and political crises.
Sri Lanka aims to attract around 1.5 million tourists in 2023 and 3 million in 2024.

[ad_2]
#Sri #Lanka #earned #tourism #Feb
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 13, 2023
Tourism Department celebrates Intl Women’s day

[ad_1]
Cycling event, plantation drive, painting completion mark the occasion
Srinagar, Mar 08 (GNS): The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir celebrated International Women’s Day with a host of activities here today.
The objective of holding the event was acknowledging the contribution of the women who have been associated with the tourism sector and the Department.
On this occasion, a massive plantation drive was conducted by the female employees of the Department in which the female officers and employees of the Tourism Department planted saplings at the TRC garden.
Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Fazlul Haseeb led the plantation drive.
An all women cycling event was also part of today’s programme to celebrate International Women’s Day. Besides a painting competition on varied facets of womanhood was also held in which students from various educational institutions participated.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Tourism hailed the contribution of women in the Department. He said today’s event gives us a message to think about the immense contribution made by women in society, both at home and at the workplace.
Mr. Haseeb said this event was the first of such initiatives to celebrate the role and contribution of employees in running the affairs of the Department. This, he said, would enhance confidence among officials thereby improving their work efficiency and output.

On the occasion, he gave away prizes among the winners of cycling and painting events.
Senior officers of the Department, female officers and officials, students from various educational institutions were present on the occasion.(GNS)
[ad_2]
#Tourism #Department #celebrates #Intl #Womens #day
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

March 8, 2023
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah Appointed As Admin Secy Tourism Department, Mandeep Kumar As Principal Secy to LG

[ad_1]
Srinagar, Mar 6 (GNS): Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday ordered transfers and posting of two IAS ranked officers in the interest of the administration with immediate effect.
“Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, IAS (AGMUT:2001), awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor. He shall also hold the charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, in addition to his own duties”, reads an order, a copy of which lies with GNS.
“Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS (AGMUT:2012), Administrative Secretary, Culture Department, holding additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency, J&K, is transferred and posted as Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department relieving Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, IAS, of the additional charge of the post. He shall also hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Culture Department and Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency, J&K, in addition to his own duties, till further orders”, the order reads. (GNS)
[ad_2]
#Syed #Abid #Rasheed #Shah #Appointed #Admin #Secy #Tourism #Department #Mandeep #Kumar #Principal #Secy
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

March 6, 2023
Kashmir Witnesses Arrival of Over 1 Lac Tourists in February: Director Tourism

[ad_1]
‘Department working on several methods to prepare itself for the upcoming tourist season’
Srinagar, Mar 4 (GNS): Department of Tourism Kashmir is anticipating a comparatively much high flow of tourists this year, as over one lac tourists have already visited Valley in the recently concluded month of February.
Expressing his contentment Fazl-ul-Haseeb, the recently appointed Director for Kashmir Tourism, talking to media persons said that the Valley received over one lac tourists in the month of February alone.
Haseeb, as per GNS, said that the Department is working on several methods to prepare itself for the upcoming tourist season.
“We are working on scientific methods to calculate the number of tourists given it is an age of big data”, he said.
“We are collecting data-based on scientific methods besides also collecting data from registered and unregistered hotels also”, Haseeb said. (GNS)
[ad_2]
#Kashmir #Witnesses #Arrival #Lac #Tourists #February #Director #Tourism

( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

March 4, 2023
Over 1 lakh tourists visited Kashmir in February: Director Tourism

[ad_1]
Srinagar, Mar 04: The tourism department of Kashmir on Saturday said more than 1 lakh tourists thronged the Kashmir Valley i. the month of February alone and that they are hoping the number will increase in coming days.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Director Tourism Kashmir, Fazlul Hafeez, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the month of February alone recorded more than 1 Lakh tourist in the Valley.
He said they are working on several methods and preparing for the upcoming tourist season so that number of tourists in the Valley will increase.
“We are working on scientific methods of calculating tourist numbers as this is the age of big data, so we collect dats based on scientific methods. We collect data from registered and unregistered hotels also,” he said.
Director further said they have to ensure collecting of right data of tourist numbers, so it is important to collect the same on scientific methods—(KNO)
[ad_2]
#lakh #tourists #visited #Kashmir #February #Director #Tourism
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 4, 2023