UTTARAKHAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
India’s burgeoning adventure tourism faces problems that, if not fixed, will kill this golden goose
India has vast adventure tourism potential due to its diversity of geography and opportunities. But many trek operators are doing good business but, unfortunately, cutting corners on the crucial issue of trekkers' physical safety, neglecting to check fitness levels, employ trained staff or adequately warn customers that while adventure tourism can be thrilling, they can kill people if certain protocols are not followed.
Northeast floods: Home Minister Amit Shah backs use of satellite imagery provided by ISRO
Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed creating 50 large ponds in the Northeast to divert Brahmaputra water for flood management, agriculture, and tourism. He emphasized using ISRO satellite imagery for water management and preparing for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risks.
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu to launch new industrial policy and reforms to boost investment and development
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the introduction of a new Arunachal Industrial Policy, aligned with the UNNATI Scheme, to attract investments. After being sworn in, Khandu convened a Cabinet meeting to launch Reforms 3.0, focusing on 24 citizen-centric initiatives. Priorities include 100% digitalization of Finance and Planning Departments, strengthening local administration, and forming the Institute for Transforming Arunachal. Plans also include a new educational policy, revamped Dulari Kanya Scheme, enhanced agricultural policies, and the development of Itanagar-Naharlagun. Additionally, new handloom, handicrafts, and tourism policies will be introduced to boost the economy.
BJP allies push for key positions as Modi prepares for third term; Here's what the demands are
Two days after the Lok Sabha election results, the BJP's allies in the NDA are negotiating for key posts in the new government. With the BJP falling short of a majority, parties like TDP, JDU, Shiv Sena, and LJP-Ram Vilas are crucial for reaching the majority mark. N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar have emerged as kingmakers, pushing for prominent roles as discussions continue ahead of Narendra Modi's third swearing-in ceremony.
India's first astro tourism campaign begins in Mussoorie
India's first astro tourism campaign 'Nakshatra Sabha' was inaugurated at the George Everest peak in Mussoorie, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley.
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Kedarnath: Helicopter carrying 7 pilgrims makes emergency landing on grass as pilot loses control after hair-raising tail spin. Watch video
A helicopter carrying seven people, including six pilgrims, made an emergency landing near Kedarnath's helipad due to a technical snag. All passengers, including the pilot, are safe. The incident prompted Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar to commend the pilot's quick decision, averting a major mishap. Investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary urges Chardham pilgrims to register and follow allocated dates for a smooth yatra experience.
SCO members including India brainstorm July summit agenda
Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India's Ministry of External Affairs, represented India at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming SCO Heads of States Council meeting in July and discussed ongoing cooperation, regional security, and global issues like extremism. Ravi also met with counterparts from other SCO member states and Kazakh officials. The SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation among member states in various fields, ensuring regional peace, security, and stability. Kazakhstan currently chairs the SCO until July 2024.
Merchandise exports likely to reach $500 bn in FY25, growth of labour intensive sectors a concern: FIEO
FIEO also said that while meeting the ambitious target of $2 trillion exports by 2030, requiring a CAGR of 12.7%, is challenging, it is within reach and can be achieved.
Manipur's proactive initiatives to rebuilding lives and communities affected by the conflict
State Government of Manipur initiates diverse relief efforts, including skill training in hospitality and healthcare restoration for ethnic conflict victims. Emphasis on long-term solutions to foster societal well-being and economic growth in the region.
Unified GCC visa: Middle East’s multi-nation travel permit to be rolled out this year
The Saudi Tourism Authority has said the imminent introduction of the Unified GCC visa, permitting travellers to explore all six Gulf nations for more than 30 days, is scheduled for implementation by year's end. This initiative, introduced by the UAE Minister of Economy at the Arabian Travel Market, seeks to stimulate tourism and streamline travel throughout the GCC region. Comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf Cooperation Council is actively participating in this endeavour.
Gulf's version of the Schengen visa to be called 'GCC Grand Tours', open up access to six countries
The GCC Grand Tours unified tourist visa aims to boost tourism by simplifying travel across Gulf countries, with an estimated 128.7 million visitors by 2030, enhancing the regional economy and cultural exchange opportunities.
Schengen visa rule to give more Indians a reason to plan European summers
According to the newly adopted visa "cascade" regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining.
Dubai Crown Prince approves series of initiatives to mitigate impact of severe weather in Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of initiatives and measures to urgently mitigate the impact of the severe weather in Dubai, which were formulated at a recent meeting he held with heads of government entities.
Even progressive Islamic nations have UCC, says Rajnath Singh stresses need for legislation
"BJP is the only party in the country that delivers all the promises it made to the people of this country. There is no difference in words and deeds of the party," he added. G Kishan Reddy, who has served as the Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and North-East Region, is contesting the polls from the Secunderabad constituency.
Local issues take centrestage in Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency of Uttarakhand
Many big faces, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have campaigned for Baluni. Modi held a public rally in Rishikesh which is a tri-junction for Garhwal, Haridwar, and Tehri Lok Sabha constituencies.
Thomas Cook launches helicopter darshan to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat
The base camp for the tour will be Pithoragarh, in Uttarakhand. The darshans will start from the second day onwards. On the day-2 of the trip Manokamna temple darshan will be organised and on day-3 onwards there will be Adi Kailash & Om Parvat darshan.
Cricket tourism and hospitality takes off in the US
Founded by an Indian-American couple from Bihar, Florida-based Cricketbuster is trying to capture this "cricket mania" among the Indian-American population and those from the cricket-playing nations by offering them customisable travel packages that include official match tickets, hotels, flights, cruises and many other attractions for international cricket tournaments and the all-important T20 leagues all across the world.
Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council unveils report highlighting sector's demand and skill gap
The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Sector Council (THSC) has released a report on the Demand And Skill Gap, estimating that 5.7 million youth could be trained to meet an expected incremental labor demand of 3 million workers between 2025-2028. Challenges such as low wages and long working hours deter youth from continuing in the industry. The report was unveiled by Atul Kumar, secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and highlighted the need for skills like problem-solving and communication.
Asian Development Bank approves funding of Rs 1294 crore for various developmental projects in Tehri District
Sachin Kurve, Secretary, Tourism, and CEO of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board said that in order to promote sustainable inclusive, climate resilient tourism, and for the development of designated areas in Tehri, the state decided to develop Tehri Lake and surrounding areas as a “Special Tourist Area” after which Tehri Special Area Development Authority (TADA) was established under the Tehri Special Area Development Act 2013.
Assam Cabinet greenlights 'Kiran Sheikh' development council
Assam Cabinet approved the formation of a development council for the 'Kiran Sheikh' community in Barak Valley. Assam government is conducting a socio-economic census of indigenous Assamese Muslims. The BJP-led government proposed a development board for indigenous Muslim communities.
Offbeat Bucket List: Tourism departments promote unique travel experiences across India
Looking for a unique holiday experience? Consider skydiving in Madhya Pradesh, exploring a “seabeach” in Rajasthan, or going on a temple trail in Goa. State tourism departments are promoting new destinations and activities to attract more travelers. Goa is promoting unexplored attractions beyond its beaches, while Rajasthan is developing new tourist spots like a seabeach near the India-Pakistan border. Uttarakhand is also developing lesser-known destinations and offering a special tourist train to explore its picturesque locations.
Turtuk residents demand seat for Baltis in Hill Council of Ladakh
Residents of the border area of Turtuk in Ladakh are demanding an additional seat in the Ladakh Hill Development Council and a degree college for the area. Turtuk, a Balti-speaking region, was part of Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan until 1971 when it came under Indian control. The BJP MP from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, has raised concerns about the lack of development and problems faced by the people in the region.
PM Modi lays foundation of projects worth nearly Rs 4,200 crore in Uttarakhand
The projects whose foundation stones were laid by the prime minister at an event in Pithoragarh included 21,398 poly-houses, cultivation of high density intensive apple orchards, five works of double-laning of roads and slope treatment of national highways and the construction of 32 bridges in the state.
Summer of discontent: Climate change is crippling tourism in the Himalayan belt
While increased tourism and infrastructural development is critical, it should not be at the expense of the environment. Recent events in 2 states show there is an urgent need to review the way policies in these areas are implemented.
UP Cabinet approves policy for making state water tourism, adventure sports destination
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a policy that aims at making the state a water tourism and adventure sports destination. The Uttar Pradesh Water Tourism and Adventure Sports Policy, 2023, will be valid for 10 years from the date notified by the state government, an official release quoting Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra suspension: Uttarakhand authorities explore alternative ways to offer pilgrims glimpse of Mount Kailash
With the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra suspended for several years, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department is exploring the possibility of offering pilgrims a glimpse of Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, from the old Lipulekh peak here, officials said on Tuesday. The peak is situated on the western side of the Lipulekh Pass, the gateway to Tibet.
Kedarnath Dham to open for devotees on April 25
The portals of the Kedarnath Dham will be opened for all devotees on 25 April, officials said on Wednesday. Chief Minister Dhami had said, "Health ATM will be set up for health screening during Chardham Yatra. With this facility, the devotees will get a lot of conveniences. This would be a good step for the strengthening of medical facilities on the Char Dham Yatra route."
You can now book helicopter services for Kedarnath Dham on IRCTC website
The DGCA has issued a circular for the conduct of helicopter pilgrimage operation for 2023 in February. The circular lays down the responsibilities and other guidelines that helicopter operators must follow. It also mentions certain guidelines to respective Shrine Boards or District Administration to ensure safe and smooth helicopter operations. This comes as IRCTC recently signed an MoU with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) for a period of 5 years for providing Helicopter ticket booking service to the pilgrims of Shri Kedarnath Dham.
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