AUSTRALIA TOURIST VISA
Australian state invites tourists with surprise job offers. Are you ready?
Tasmania's Off Season offers 10 distinct experiences for those seeking a break from routine. From conducting music in caves to exploring paranormal activities at historical sites, these odd jobs promise adventure and creativity. Essential information for travelers includes visa requirements, biosecurity measures, time zone details, and communication options. Enjoy a winter adventure with these diverse experiences!
Delays in Schengen visa appointment prompt Indians to change course to Georgia, Japan
For the third consecutive year, delays in Schengen visa appointments have led Indian travelers preparing for their summer vacations to explore alternative destinations. Industry executives note a growing trend of Indian holidaymakers turning to countries like Georgia, Australia, and Japan, which offer simplified visa procedures. Particularly noteworthy is Georgia's e-visa system. According to Rajeev Kale, President of Holidays at Thomas Cook (India), demand for Georgia has skyrocketed by an impressive 600% year-on-year.
China to allow visa-free entry for foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ships
China is set to allow visa-free entry for foreign tour groups arriving via cruise ships, aiming to boost inbound tourism. Effective from May 15, groups can stay up to 15 days without a visa, entering from 13 ports. The move supports the cruise industry and enhances people-to-people exchanges.
Indian footfalls to Australia surge; India becomes 5th largest inbound market for Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia reported a 6% increase in Indian tourist arrivals to Australia in January 2024, with 26,200 visitors. India rose to become the fifth largest inbound market, up from seventh in 2019. Joint efforts with airlines and distribution partners, increased flight connections, and easier visa processes contributed to this growth.
UAE updates visa-on-arrival for 87 countries; is India included?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its visa exemption policy, allowing citizens from 87 countries to enter without a pre-entry visa. However, nationals from 110 countries still need a visa before arriving in the UAE. GCC citizens can enter with just a passport or identity card. Those interested can find the list of exempt nationalities on the provided link.
'Visa-on-arrival' Fiji is trying to attract more Indian tourists
Fiji aims to increase tourist footfalls from India by 5-7% through targeted marketing and digital platforms, focusing on segments like honeymoon, sustainable tourism, wellness travel, and multi-generational families. Indian arrivals reached pre-Covid levels in 2023, with December seeing a 300% increase.
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South Africa eyes 1 lakh tourists from India in 2024
"We hosted over 79,000 Indian travellers in 2023, which is 82 per cent of the pre-Covid levels. In 2019, 95,000 Indian visitors travelled to South Africa, and this year, we are expecting the footfalls from India to cross 1,00,000 tourists.
Singapore received 1.1 million Indian tourists last year; overall numbers surge to 13.6 mn in 2023 from 6.3 mn in 2022: Report
Singapore's tourism sector recovered strongly in 2023, with 13.6 million visitors, including 1.1 million from India. The recovery was driven by demand from key markets like Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. Singapore's tourism receipts are expected to exceed forecasts, reaching 24.5-26 billion Singaporean dollars. Visitors spent more time in Singapore, with an average length of stay of 3.8 days. In 2024, the recovery is expected to continue with increased flight capacity and the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel agreement between China and Singapore. The hotel industry also performed well, surpassing 2019 levels in average room rate and revenue per available room.
Strong economy has nations vying to lure Indian tourists
A McKinsey study released Thursday showed, globetrotters from India are set to soar, given the relative economic prosperity and a growing propensity for international travel. "If India follows China's outbound travel trajectory (which it could, due to similarity in population size and per capita income trajectory), then Indian tourists could make 80 to 90 million trips a year by 2040," said the report, From India to the world: Unleashing the Potential of India's Tourists.
Indonesia launches 5-year visas for tourists, business people
Under the new visa, holders can stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days per visit. However, the announcement did not specify the time frame within which the 60 days must be used.
These are the best countries to start or join a business in 2024
Drawing from the latest statistics and trends across various sources, the following countries emerge as prime choices for starting or joining a business in 2024. However, personal preferences, business goals, target market, industry sector, financial limitations, risk tolerance, and growth potential also play pivotal roles. Thorough research and consultation with experts are recommended before reaching any decisions.
Why are so many foreign countries wooing Indian travellers?
More Indians might be holidaying overseas this Christmas-New Year season than last year as relatively cheaper fares and packages, better connectivity, and easier entry requirements have made the proposition more compelling, ET has reported. Tour and travel companies such as Thomas Cook, SOTC and EaseMyTrip have seen up to 30% uptick in demand for short-haul international routes compared to last year.
All travelers, regardless of origin or destination, can apply for a digital Schengen visa
The updated regulations outline the transformation of Schengen visas into a digital format, featuring a 2D barcode cryptographically signed by the Country Signing Certificate Authority of the issuing Member State. Digital visas will include the facial image of the visa holder and will be both printable and accessible for all travelers, regardless of origin or destination.
Tour companies request PMO to campaign for Brand India
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said on Friday it has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention for the revival of the inbound tourism industry.
World Cup 2023 leads to 12.5% surge in contactless cross border transactions, reveals Visa Report
As per Visa’s data, there has been a 12.5% growth in contactless cross border transactions during the World Cup as compared to July 2023, before the festive season began. 36% of the cross-border transactions in India were contactless, 2X of the total domestic contactless transactions. Further, according to Visa, the average stay of the international audience during the world cup was 11 days whereas visitors from New Zealand stayed longer.
Good news for travellers to Europe! The Schengen visa is going digital
The change is expected to come into effect following technical work on the visa platform, which is anticipated to take several months, and subsequent publication in the EU's administrative gazette.
Booking.com is bullish on the India opportunity
According to Laura Houldsworth, MD, Asia Pacific at Booking.com, destinations worldwide are now focusing on attracting Indian travelers, as they see potential in this market. Houldsworth believes that India presents a big opportunity due to its large population and the desire for personalization among Indian travelers. Tier two and three cities in India are also gaining popularity as travel destinations.
India Canada Standoff: Travel operators express concerns
The temporary halt in visa services by India has raised concerns among tour operators and travel agents, who fear a potential retaliatory measure from Canada. While the suspension of visas will have an impact on inbound tourism, industry insiders worry that a strict visa regime on both sides could lead to a slowdown in travel.
Myanmar to offer visa on arrival to Indian tourists
Myanmar will introduce visa-on-arrival for Indian tourists as part of a one-year trial scheme, according to state media. The start date for the scheme is yet to be announced. Currently, Indian tourists have to apply for a visa online or at a Myanmar embassy. The visa will allow visitors to access all sites except restricted areas for security reasons.
Reasons why Indians give up citizenship, surrender passport
Nearly 1.7 million Indians have acquired citizenship in other countries, while about 70,000 Indians have surrendered their passports, according to an immigration consultant. Reasons for giving up citizenship range from obtaining higher qualifications and gaining employment in skill-shortage sectors to seeking ease of travel, availing social security benefits, and getting government or sensitive sector jobs.
Govt working to upgrade ports, give e-visa facilities to promote cruise tourism in India: G Kishan Reddy
Today, the Ministry of Tourism through central financial assistance scheme has been supporting tourism infrastructure development-related projects, whether it is ports, cruise terminals, development of light houses, purchase of ferries, development of river cruise circuits, the Union tourism and culture minister said.
Europe's Schengen visas are all set to go digital
The change not only improves convenience but also enhances security within the Schengen area by reducing the risk of visa sticker falsification and theft, noted Sweden's Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, as Sweden currently holds the EU presidency.
Wealthy Indians will find it difficult to get European golden visas from now
Golden visas offer the opportunity for wealthy people to essentially ‘buy’ the right to residency - sometimes even without having to live in that country. However, this practice has been seen as posing risks in terms of security, money laundering and tax evasion as well as inflating real estate prices.
Overseas tourism boards to continue tapping into India even as China eases curbs
In the absence of Chinese travellers, various markets had been focusing a lot more on India last year considering the diverse population base. Isada Saovaros, director at Tourism Authority of Thailand's Mumbai office said India has played a 'very important' role in the country's tourism recovery.
Australian Tourist Visa from India: Complete guide for 2022
Know all the information related to Australian visitor visas. See how you can get one.
Amid Schengen visa delays, demand for Australia surges
The number of applications from Indians for tourist visa to Australia have shot up by over 60% as compared to 2019. Online application process and multiple-entry options (from one to three years) have made Australian visa a big draw, amid prolonged processing periods and lack of appointments dogging Schengen visa applicants.
For Indian tourists to the EU & US, all but visa is ready
Travellers and tour operators familiar with the matter said no appointment dates are available for this month and the next at many embassies. Visas for US and Canada are also taking time, they said.
Indian tourists are flocking back to Australia. Here's why
The Australian government announced a number of initiatives to encourage visitors to return, including the ability to apply for a free visitor visa if one had a visa and was not able to use it due to the pandemic. The island nation is also offering a visa application charge waiver for tourists whose visa to Australia has either expired or is expiring between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2022.
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