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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Israel's tourism industry has faced a major drop in visitors and revenues since October 7, 2023.</li><li>Businesses have closed due to Hamas' rocket strikes in the south and Hezbollah's fire in the north.</li></ul>Israel's tourism industry has suffered significantly since Hamas launched its terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/publications/doclib/2024/tourism_q1_24/t01.pdf">statistics</a> from Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, the number of tourists dropped from around 300,000 in September to around 89,000 in October, falling to around 38,000 in November.So did tourism income.In 2023, it declined from around $1.4 billion in the third quarter to around $464 million in the last quarter, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/publications/doclib/2024/tourism_q1_24/t18.pdf">data</a> from Israel's CBS."2023 was supposed to be a record year for tourism in Israel; we were close to 4.5 million tourists," said Peleg Lewi, a foreign affairs advisor to Israel's Tourism Ministry.The downward trend has continued over the first six months of this year, with just 501,100 visitors compared to 2.1 million in the same period last year, per <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbs.gov.il/he/mediarelease/pages/2024/%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%91%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99-2024.aspx">data</a> from Israel's CBS.The lack of visitors has been compounded by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/blog/2023/travel_advisory/israel-security-incident-travel-notice-exception-policy.html">many</a> <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/aegeanairlines/status/1710655166687461491">international</a> <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.aircanada.com/uk/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2023/civil-unrest-israel.html#/">airlines</a> <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/airindia/status/1710945413401088065?lang=en">pausing</a> flights to Israel in the wake of Hamas' terrorist attacks, with some still <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-08-12/ty-article/lufthansa-and-swiss-extend-suspension-of-flights-to-israel-until-at-least-august-21/00000191-46e7-d7bb-a1df-efef150e0000">canceling</a> flights as recently as this week.Samuel Scanlon, a Ph.D. candidate with University College Dublin's School of Sociology, pointed to other factors in a piece for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://theconversation.com/war-in-gaza-has-plunged-israels-tourism-industry-into-a-crisis-it-will-struggle-to-recover-from-229151">The Conversation</a> in May.He said Israel's tourism sector may be suffering from the fallout of US college student-led <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/harvard-students-groups-signed-anti-israel-letter-without-them-knowing-2023-10">protests</a>, calls for boycotts and divestitures, and social media advocacy and solidarity movements, which could hurt its revenues.As many as 46,000 businesses have been forced to shut down since the October 7 terrorist attacks, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/up-to-60000-israeli-businesses-may-close-in-2024-as-war-takes-toll-on-economy/#:~:text=CofaceBDI%20says%2046%2C000%20businesses%20have,services%20sectors%20are%20hit%20hardest">business information</a> company CofaceBDI, relayed by The Times of Israel last month.<h2 id="4d49ed02-db0c-445b-9a38-1960e49b42e1">Relying on domestic clients, exporting abroad, and cost-cutting</h2>David Tucker, general manager of the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in Jerusalem, said that the hotel is facing a challenge due to a "big" drop in international visitors.Since the Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks, the hotel's tourism mix has changed, he told BI, with about 30% of tourists now coming from Israel and 70% from abroad, versus about 10% of Israelis and 90% of foreigners before the attacks.And, "obviously," the hotel's profits "dropped" last year, Tucker added.He declined to give BI the hotel's profit figures or the number of visitors staying there before and after the October 7 terrorist attacks, but he said he expected the hotel to "break-even, plus" this year.Yossi Navi, general manager of the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv, said the hotel also weathered the war over the last 10 months.<div type="image" title="A view of the 'Carlton' hotel in 2013" height="3355" width="4497" msid="112604987" hostid="261" sizebytes="1331924"></div>He told BI that the hotel made a bigger profit in the first quarter of this year than in the same quarter last year, but he declined to give BI the hotel's profit numbers.He said the hotel stayed afloat by cutting back on outsourcing services, turning to cheaper food and amenity suppliers, and getting support from Jewish organizations — all while housing war evacuees for free in 60 of its 270 rooms.The Israeli government paid $250 per room per night for a couple, he said, which means he hasn't had to pay extra to house evacuees."This is the only way to survive," he said. As of May, just 65% of the hotel was full, up from 45% in October and 55% between December and April, he said.Israeli tour guides, meanwhile, told BI in May that they have had to pivot to "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-gaza-tour-guides-pivot-october-7-tours-make-money-2024-6">grief tourism</a>" as their only means of making money as the sites of the October 7 attacks are the only ones in demand.On October 7, 2023, more than a thousand people, mostly civilians, were <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/video-wreckage-destruction-at-israeli-festival-attacked-by-hamas-2023-10">killed</a> in Hamas attacks on Israel, with the Nova musical festival being the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-festival-attendees-played-dead-for-hours-during-hamas-attack-2023-10">site</a> of the highest number of casualties.Israel retaliated <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-israel-trying-to-achieve-in-gaza-bombing-2023-12">against Hamas in Gaza,</a> which, according to the UN, has led to more <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/gaza-war-un-revises-death-toll-women-and-children">than 35,000 Palestinian deaths</a>.<h2 id="3e61ee4b-bedf-4d14-8658-bc3486993066">On the brink of war</h2>Things have not been as easy in northern Israel.Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating out of Lebanon, have regularly exchanged fire since Hamas staged its cross-border terrorist attack from Gaza.While this tit-for-tat has so far been contained to the border region, it could <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wider-war-hezbollah-could-unleash-unprecedented-missile-barrage-against-israel-2024-7">escalate into a wider war</a>.Tensions rose again recently after Israel <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-tried-killing-top-hezbollah-commander-beirut-with-us-bounty-2024-7">killed</a> a Hezbollah commander in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.The IDF <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/IDF/status/1818397182602707308">said</a> the attack came in retaliation to the armed group's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-promised-revenge-attack-on-hezbollah-yet-to-follow-through-2024-7">lethal rocket strike</a> on a soccer field in the part of the Golan Heights controlled by Israel.Yaara Alfasi, vice president of marketing and export at Mount Odem Winery, said the family business, located in the northern part of the Golan Heights, near the Israel-Lebanon border, has borne the brunt of constant fire in the area.<div type="image" title="Smoke billowed after a hit from a rocket fired from southern Lebanon over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on July 8, 2024." height="1333" width="2000" msid="112604988" hostid="261" sizebytes="158012"></div>He told BI that the winery was declared a closed military area from October until November, at the peak of the harvest season, and the winery's sales dropped 70–80% in the last quarter of 2023.Even now, he said, there is still "uncertainty as to whether we will be able to get to the vineyards because the security situation warms up and relaxes every time.""Although the market has gradually recovered, it is still far from what it was at the beginning of the war," he said.Gal Yaniv, CEO of Pelter Winery, a family-owned business in the Golan Heights, finds himself in a similar situation.He told BI that most of the vineyards are on the Lebanese-Syrian border, and some are out of reach due to cross-border fires and explosions."Due to fires caused by Hezbollah missiles, we have already lost about 7% of the expected crops," he said, adding: "If the situation continues, we are in big trouble."He said his profits have dropped by about 5% since October 7.<h2 id="ef44bd6e-4229-415d-9c8e-43aa2e04e6c6">The tourism industry has been there before</h2>Having worked for more than 40 years in Israel's hospitality industry, Tucker of the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel said the country has experienced multiple crises, including two intifadas and two Lebanese wars."And once things settle, within a couple of months, tourists come back, big time, because people want to visit Israel and the Holy Land," he said.Tucker said he hopes the war will end "as soon as possible."However, for this to happen, the hostages must be released, he said, adding that he wouldn't want to be in Netanyahu's "shoes" right now.Navi from Tel Aviv's Carlton Hotel echoed Tucker's comments, saying ending the war with Hamas would "absolutely" help.Lewi, the foreign affairs advisor to Israel's Tourism Ministry, predicted that if the conflict ends, the industry's recovery would take longer than in past conflicts, likely between three and six months."In the last 20 years, it was usually short cycles of violence — two or three weeks. We have been there for 10 months," he said.According to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/up-to-60000-israeli-businesses-may-close-in-2024-as-war-takes-toll-on-economy/#:~:text=CofaceBDI%20says%2046%2C000%20businesses%20have,services%20sectors%20are%20hit%20hardest">business information</a> company CofaceBDI, relayed by The Times of Israel, as many as 60,000 businesses are expected to close in 2024."We were making plans for the day after, the day after, and the day after hasn't arrived," Lewi said.

Israel's tourism industry is struggling under the weight of the war

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the <keyword id="19998949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Payments-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Payments Interface</keyword> in the archipelago nation, which will have a "very positive" impact on its <keyword id="20260982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-sector" source="keywords">tourism sector</keyword>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives. "Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives," he said in a post on X. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their "productive discussions", Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has "revolutionised digital transactions". Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said "Today 40 per cent of the world's real-time digital payments take place in our country." "We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said. "I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism," he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange. Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past," Jaishankar said. "It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities," he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, "Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education." "Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers," he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, "India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner." He said the "enduring friendship" was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. "High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership," he said. "Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India," he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing "effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations." Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzu's proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. "This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries," he said. Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects "our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region." India's relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date. "On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights," Zameer said. In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives "are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners." "Today, we are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts," he said. In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted. India's actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper', Jaishankar said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/brainbees-solutions-firstcry-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/112403576.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/brainbees-solutions-firstcry-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/112403576.cms" target="_blank">Brainbees Solutions (Firstcry) IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank">India’s wearables market decline for the first time as smartwatch shipments fall</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-wants-to-re-enter-the-quick-commerce-business-to-take-on-blinkit-and-swiggy-instamart/articleshow/112364583.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-wants-to-re-enter-the-quick-commerce-business-to-take-on-blinkit-and-swiggy-instamart/articleshow/112364583.cms" target="_blank">Ola wants to re-enter the quick commerce business to take on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart</a>

India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

The <keyword id="151047" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rural-development-ministry" source="Orion">rural development ministry</keyword> has sought additional funds of about Rs 25,000 crore for the <keyword id="145241" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MGNREGS" source="Orion">MGNREGS</keyword>, in a clear indication of a rise in demand for work, sources said on Tuesday. The ministry has sought Rs 25,000 crore from the finance ministry and it is expected that the funds will be allocated by the second week of this month, the sources said. In the <keyword id="6360189" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="union-budget" source="Orion">Union Budget</keyword> for 2022-23, an amount of Rs 73,000 crore was allocated for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Of this amount, about Rs 54,000 crore have been allocated to the states so far, the sources said. About 181 crore person days of work has also been generated under the programme so far, they added. The total expenditure on the MGNREGS is expected to touch the last financial year's level of Rs 98,000 crore. The government would take Parliament's approval for the additional fund allocation under the MNREGA through the first batch of the Supplementary <keyword id="15401700" type="TOPIC" weightage="60" keywordseo="Demands-for-Grants" source="TOPIC" sourcekeytype="budget,investopedia" meta.keywordsubtype="null" meta.seopath="d/demands-for-grants" meta.entityname="Demands for Grants" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="demands-for-grants">Demands for Grants</keyword> to be tabled in the upcoming winter session. The MGNREGS aims at enhancing the livelihood security of households in the rural areas of the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household, the adult members of which volunteer to do unskilled manual work. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/gst-collections-touch-151718-cr-in-oct-second-highest-since-april/articleshow/95225501.cms">GST collections touch ₹1,51,718 cr in Oct, second highest since April</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/pakistans-forex-reserves-are-close-to-nil-says-local-newspaper-dawn/articleshow/95224526.cms">Pakistan's forex reserves are close to nil, says local newspaper Dawn</a>

Rural development ministry seeks additional funds of ₹25,000 crore for MGNREGS

New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Ahead of the presentation of the interim budget 2024-2025, Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> arrived at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday. MoS finance Bhagwat Karad and Pankaj Chaudhary also accompanied her to the finance ministry. The Union Finance Minister will table the interim budget as the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> polls are due to be held this year. This will be her sixth Budget as the Finance Minister and last in the second term of the Modi government. The interim budget will take care of the financial needs of the intervening period until a government is formed after the Lok Sabha polls. A full budget will be presented by the new government. The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and <keyword id="19895369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="keywords">Rajya Sabha</keyword>. <keyword id="19916494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sitharaman" source="keywords">Sitharaman</keyword> equaled the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who as finance minister, presented five annual budgets and one interim budget between 1959 and 1964. In her address, the President said 2023 was a historic year for the country and among other steps, the country kept up the momentum of being the fastest-growing major economy. "The year 2023 was a historic year for <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> when it grew the fastest among major economies despite the global crisis. India grew about 7.5 per cent for two consecutive quarters," she said. The last session before Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May this year, will have a total of eight sittings spread over 10 days. A day before the session was set to start, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, at an all-party meeting, said the budget session would mainly be devoted to the financial business relating to the interim union budget for 2024-25 and discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. However, essential legislative and other business may also be taken up during this session. The all-party meeting was attended by 45 leaders from 30 political parties. In addition, he also informed that Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2023-24 in respect of the Union Government will be discussed. The presentation and discussion on the Interim Budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25 along with Supplementary Demands for Grants of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2023-24 will also be taken up and voted. The Indian economy is projected to grow close to 7 per cent in the financial year 2024-25 which starts this April, said the Ministry of Finance in a review report. India's economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22. The Indian economy is expected to grow 7.3 per cent in the current financial year 2023-24, remaining the fastest-growing major economy. The last full Budget of Modi government 2.0 had proposed to increase capital expenditure outlay by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore in 2023-24, which would be 3.3 percent of the GDP. It was almost three times the outlay in 2019-20. (ANI)

Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Finance Ministry ahead of Budget 2024

Even after five years of a parliamentary committee circular ordering the filling up of around 4,500 backlog posts in <keyword id="6360099" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="delhi-university" source="Orion">Delhi University</keyword> (DU), the recommendation is yet to be implemented. Now, the varsity teachers are demanding implementation of the circular. The committee had held a meeting with the <keyword id="181369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="education-ministry" source="Orion">Education Ministry</keyword>, <keyword id="56459" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="university-grants-commission" source="Orion">University Grants Commission</keyword>, <keyword id="245696" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="department-of-personnel" source="Orion">Department of Personnel</keyword> and Training (DoPT) on the reservation policy for SC, ST, teaching and non-teaching staff and roster issues. The Committee had found a backlog of 4,500 posts in Delhi University and many discrepancies in colleges' rosters. Apart from this, the rosters of three colleges were not prepared as per DoPT. On December 22, 2016, the panel asked the vice-chancellor of the varsity to implement minutes of meeting. Forum of Academics for Social Justice and <keyword id="12648626" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-university-sc" source="Orion">Delhi University SC</keyword>, ST OBC Teachers has expressed deep concern over non-implementation of the circular. Forum chairman Hansraj Suman said the letter by the committee to Yogesh Kumar Tyagi says that 4,500 posts are lying vacant, colleges are not following the reservation policy properly, rules of roster system are not being followed and liaison officers do not have freedom to do their work. In such a situation, the UGC, being the nodal office to implement the reservation, should stop the grant, he said. Aryabhatta College, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College and College of Vocational Studies are the institutions where discrepancies in making roster were found. Suman said that that the then vice chancellor was also told that a time frame should be decided to fill up the backlog vacancies. He said that the letter also mentions that the liaison officer should be thoroughly trained. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-users-continue-to-experience-dropped-calls-even-after-ios-update/articleshow/88029934.cms">iPhone users continue to experience dropped calls even after iOS update</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/apple-announces-winners-of-third-annual-apple-music-award-the-weeknd-named-as-global-artist-of-the-year/articleshow/88029356.cms">Apple announces winners of third annual Apple Music Award; The Weeknd named as 'Global Artist of the Year'</a>

After five years, circular for filling up 4,500 posts in Delhi University not implemented

Premium EV motorcycle startup <keyword id="16680899" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="raptee" source="Orion">Raptee</keyword> on Thursday said it plans to invest ₹85 crore in its newly opened manufacturing facility in <keyword id="12864" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chennai" source="Orion">Chennai</keyword> with a capacity of 1-lakh units per annum. Announcing the opening of the facility, spread over 3 acres, the ex-Tesla executives-backed company said it will also house a majority of its research and development team. It will serve as the primary production plant for the next 24 months. The Chennai factory is expected to roll out the first motorcycle later this year, the company founded by four engineers from Chennai said. "This is a huge leap forward for us. We are at an inflection point where we move from a small R&amp;D outfit to becoming a full-blown OEM," Raptee co-founder and CEO <keyword id="2128784" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="dinesh-arjun" source="Orion">Dinesh Arjun</keyword> said. The company said the R&amp;D centre will house on-site development and testing facilities and will aid in future products. The plant will also have a dedicated battery pack assembly line. "We have been very particular about having R&amp;D and manufacturing teams in the same campus to improve collaborations in this extremely crucial period for the company and that meant the entire property will need to be inside the city," Arjun said. Early this year, Raptee received a grant of ₹3.27 crore from the Automotive Research Association of India under the AMTIFs (Advance Mobility Transformation &amp; Innovation Foundation) Industry Accelerator programme as a part of the Capital Goods Scheme by the <keyword id="165278" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-heavy-industries" source="Orion">Ministry of Heavy Industries</keyword>. "The facility is big enough to cater to the growing size of our team for the next two years. From a manufacturing capacity standpoint, it also gives us enough flexibility to meet the customer demand from the time of launch," said <keyword id="17711228" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jayapradeep-vasudevan" source="Orion">Jayapradeep Vasudevan</keyword>, Chief Business Officer at Raptee. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/truecaller-launches-call-recording-for-android-and-ios-offers-ai-powered-call-transcription/articleshow/101017853.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/truecaller-launches-call-recording-for-android-and-ios-offers-ai-powered-call-transcription/articleshow/101017853.cms" target="_blank">Truecaller launches call recording for Android and iOS, offers AI-powered call transcription</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazon-launches-ad-supported-prime-lite-membership-in-india-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/101010668.cms">Amazon launches ad-supported Prime Lite membership in India – here’s everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2-to-launch-in-india-on-july-11-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/100968848.cms">Nothing Phone (2) to launch in India on July 11 – here’s everything we know so far</a>

Raptee plans to invest ₹85 crore in its Chennai manufacturing facility

<ul><li><keyword id="9875222" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="a-parliamentary-standing-committee" source="Orion">A Parliamentary Standing Committee</keyword> has taken note of the high air fares charged by some airline operators in the domestic sector.</li><li>The <keyword id="47865" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="committee" source="Orion">Committee</keyword> also pointed out the wrong information published by the private airlines on their websites, regarding the number of seats left in the flight and the prices of the tickets.</li></ul>New Delhi, A Parliamentary Standing Committee has taken note of the high air fares charged by some airline operators in the domestic sector, and held that they are misguiding the public and forcing passengers to pay more. The Committee also pointed out the wrong information published by the private airlines on their websites, regarding the number of seats left in the flight and the prices of the tickets. "The level of misinformation can be gauged from the fact that even after the last tickets have been sold, the same number of seats show on the website, as indicated before the tickets sale. This indicates that airline operators are misguiding the public and forcing passengers to pay more," the panel said in the Demand for Grants (2023-24) report of the <keyword id="58151" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="civil-aviation-ministry" source="Orion">Civil Aviation Ministry</keyword>. In view of the above, it recommended that the Ministry should formulate appropriate guidelines regarding rationalisation of fares and publishing the correct information on the website of the airlines. It also pointed out that 'Predatory Pricing' is being restored to by the domestic airlines sector. "A particular airline may sell its air tickets at such a low level, that other competitors cannot compete and are forced to exit the market. A company that does this will see initial losses, but eventually it benefits by driving competition out of the market and raising its prices again," said the report. The Committee desired to know whether aviation regulator, the <keyword id="6354787" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="dgca" source="Orion">DGCA</keyword> had at any point of time intervened to check the fares of air tickets. It also expressed concern at the fact that in the domestic sector, private airlines are charging different fares for the same sector, route and same direction of flights. This is specifically so for the northeastern region and hilly areas including Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, where the prices of domestic sector tickets are, sometimes, even more than the international airline sector prices. The Committee took note of the fact that after the repeal of the Air Corporations Act, 1953, the airfare is market driven and depends on market fares, and is neither established nor regulated by the government. "It notes the DGCA's comments that the airfares were regulated for a fixed period during the Covid pandemic in compliance with <keyword id="1773277" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aircraft-act" source="Orion">Aircraft Act</keyword>, 1934 and the regulation was withdrawn as the Covid pandemic abated and that airlines are free to fix reasonable tariffs under the Aircraft Rules, 1937, with regard to cost of operation, services, reasonable profit and generally prevailing tariff," said the report. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-is-gpt-4-different-from-chatgpt-and-what-makes-it-unique/articleshow/98688465.cms">How is GPT-4 different from ChatGPT, and what makes it unique?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/googles-new-ai-features-for-docs-gmail-and-more-to-rival-microsofts-workspace-toolsheres-what-it-means/articleshow/98657324.cms">Google’s new AI features for Docs, Gmail, and more to rival Microsoft’s workspace tools—here’s what it means</a>

Airlines misguiding people, forcing passengers to pay more, says Parl Panel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Anchorage-based <keyword id="12670155" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alaska-helicopter-tours" source="Orion">Alaska Helicopter Tours</keyword> experienced a 250% boom in 2021 <keyword id="11922509" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sales" source="Orion">sales</keyword> compared to 2019.</li><li>Hiring enough ground staff was the company's biggest challenge during the surge in demand.</li></ul>The pandemic wrecked the <keyword id="11894427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tourism" source="Orion">tourism</keyword> industry in the northern-most US state of <keyword id="12020240" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alaska" source="Orion">Alaska</keyword>, but it's seeing a speedy recovery with one tourism company more than doubling its 2019 sales this year.Anchorage-based <a href="https://www.alaskahelicoptertours.com/">Alaska Helicopter Tours</a> is a flightseeing company that flies adventurous customers across the beautiful state, offering aerial views of places like Denali National Park, as well as glacier hiking and dogsled tours. Like many other companies across the country, the operator was a victim of the coronavirus pandemic, having temporarily lost its allowance to serve tourists. However, it was fortunate to be able to operate as an essential service flying for the local electric company on behalf of its parent organization, Alpha Aviation.Following strict health and safety protocols as a utility service, Alaska Helicopter Tours was granted a waiver at the end of March 2020 by the state's Congress to offer flight tours to local Alaskans. According to the company's Director of Operations, Jennifer Hanks, who was born and raised in the state, the service helped keep the business going."We could offer something for locals to do to get out of their house," Hanks told Insider. "We were one of the first companies to be up and running and it was really nice to be able to open our doors to local Alaskans."While the company was able to continue business during the pandemic, which was a rarity for tourism operators, it did not expect a huge <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> surge in 2021. But, by January, it was clear Alaska Helicopter Tours was in for a big year."We thought it was going to be pandemic style with not many employees and not many <keyword id="11897410" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="helicopters" source="Orion">helicopters</keyword> on the tourism side, but we ended up having the craziest, busiest year ever," Hanks told Insider. "2019 was our busiest season and we are already two and half times over that in sales for 2021. And, for 2022, our presales are already double what they were this year."Hanks explained that the surge comes from people desperate for a vacation and finally being able to travel again. She said a chunk of their guests were big families, and she believes that the airlines offering deals on flights helped people visit the state at a lower cost.With the spike in sales came challenges, including finding enough labor and resources to meet demand. Before the pandemic, the company operated a fleet of three helicopters, including two Robinson R44s and one A-Star Helicopter, but had to add one more of each to handle the surge. The company also plans to grow the fleet event more due to the booming 2022 presales.<div type="image" title="Alaska Helicopter Tours Robinson R44." height="398" width="530" msid="88092432" hostid="261"></div>Though the company's business is growing, Alaska Helicopter Tours is no stranger to the <keyword id="11908404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="labor-shortage" source="Orion">labor shortage</keyword>. Hanks told Insider that the company's biggest hurdle during the surge was hiring ground staff."Just like everywhere in the US, we could not find people because the hiring pool was very small and a lot of people were on unemployment," she explained. "A lot of Alaska's employees are also J1 [international] students, but they couldn't enter the US, so we did a lot of local advertising and got set up on Indeed."According to Hanks, finding pilots was not an issue because having "Alaska time" for flight is a big benefit for their resumes.Going into 2022, Alaska Helicopter Tours is cautious about the new <keyword id="11893994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword> Omicron variant, but it still expects a strong season."Realistically, the 2022 sales will be about 30% above what we did this year," Hanks told Insider.

An Alaska helicopter tour company says it's seen a 250% surge in business compared to 2019 as an influx of tourists travel to the state

<ul><li>The <keyword id="56459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="University-Grants-Commission">University Grants Commission</keyword> (<keyword id="44171" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="UGC">UGC</keyword>) has laid out guidelines for the next <keyword id="646572" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="academic-calendar">academic calendar</keyword> after the lockdown lifts. </li><li>As per the UGC directive, university students will be giving the examination in July and the next academic session will begin in August, 2020. </li><li>The final year students will have to sit for exams — online or offline. However, the students in other semesters may be promoted based on the internal assessments. </li><li>According to the guidelines, the exams shall be conducted for a duration of two hours now instead of three hours. In addition, the universities will have to follow a six-day week pattern “to compensate the loss for the remaining 2019-20 session”.</li></ul>The University Grants Commission (UGC) has laid out guidelines for the academic calendar after the lockdown lifts. As per the UGC directive, university students will be giving the final examination in July and the next academic session will begin in August, 2020. “The academic session 2020-21 may commence from August 1 for old students and September 1 for fresh students.” <div type="twitter" handle="DrRPNishank" handlename="Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1250023125191819266/Bx7kBZRg_normal.jpg" favoritecount="206" retweetcount="74" status="👉For intermediate semester/year students, the universities may conduct examinations, after making a comprehensive a… https://t.co/AWhQvUeg6t" createdat="1588175028000" id="1255523184406913031"></div> The final year students will have to sit for exams — online or offline. “Universities may conduct terminal, intermediate semester examinations in offline or online mode, as per their ordinances and regulations, scheme of examinations, observing the guidelines of ‘social distancing’ and keeping in view the support system available with them and ensuring fair opportunity to all students,” the directive said. However, the students in other semesters may be promoted based on the internal assessment, the statutory body told the higher education institutions. “For intermediate semester students, the universities may conduct examinations, after making a comprehensive assessment of their level of preparedness, otherwise grading will be done based on the internal evaluation,” said <keyword id="60487" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ramesh-Pokhriyal">Ramesh Pokhriyal</keyword>, Minister of Human Resource Development. The global health emergency has already disrupted the academic calendar of students. As Indian went into a lockdown mode, the MHRD directed all the educational institutions — schools and universities — to suspend classes due to <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> scare. The university entrances like JEE Mains are also delayed due to the pandemic. Given the delay in the academic year, the higher education regulatory body also suggested other measures. According to the guidelines, the exams shall be conducted for a duration of two hours now instead of three hours. In addition, the universities will have to follow a six-day week pattern “to compensate the loss for the remaining 2019-20 session”. However, given the uncertainty due to Coronavurus, the guidelines said, “If the situation demands, universities can have summer vacations for 30 days in June.” The ministry said that the institutions can teach via virtual labs with recorded visuals and video conferencing methods. <div type="twitter" handle="DrRPNishank" handlename="Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1250023125191819266/Bx7kBZRg_normal.jpg" favoritecount="96" retweetcount="22" status="👉The universities may conduct Ph.D., M. Phil. and practical examinations and Viva-Voce Examinations through Skype o… https://t.co/t6uZplOZwl" createdat="1588175373000" id="1255524632268025856"></div> “The faculty should be trained for the use of ICT and online teaching tools, so that they complete about 25% of the syllabus via online teaching and 75% through face to face teaching,” the official notice said. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/in-a-post-covid-world-the-number-of-freelancers-contractual-workers-will-go-up-says-deloitte/articleshow/75462448.cms">In a post-Covid world, more companies will engage freelancers, says Deloitte</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-meet-premium-video-conferencing-app-is-now-free-for-everyone/articleshow/75463380.cms">Google Meet premium video conferencing app is now free for everyone</a>

UGC rolls out academic plan for the year — 2 hour exams, 6-day weeks and promotions based on internal assessment

<ul><li>The Indian government today unveiled its vehicle scrappage policy to take old, unfit and polluting vehicles off the road.</li><li>The policy offers incentives to owners of these vehicles in the form of reduced road taxes and waiver of registration charges on their subsequent vehicle purchase.</li><li>The government aims to attract investment to the tune of ₹10,000 crore and generate over 35,000 jobs in the process.</li></ul>In a virtual address during an investor summit in Gujarat, India’s Prime Minister Narendra <keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword> announced the <keyword id="3393307" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Voluntary-Vehicle-Fleet-Modernisation-Programme">Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Programme</keyword>, or the vehicle scrappage policy. This, Modi said, will attract investment to the tune of ₹10,000 crore. The vehicle scrappage policy has been in the works since 2015. It provides incentives to owners of old, unfit and polluting vehicles to scrap them and make the roads cleaner, and reduce raw material costs for manufacturers. Union Minister for <keyword id="61316" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Road-transport">Road Transport</keyword> and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said that this policy has the potential to cut down raw material costs by 40%. This could eventually lead to a reduction in prices of vehicles for customers. The scheme will be kickstarted with government vehicles that are 15 years and older, by April 2022. It will be expanded to unfit heavy commercial vehicles from 2023, and personal vehicles older than 20 years will be covered from June 2024. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Buyers can expect discounts, other incentives" comment="subhead" text="Buyers can expect discounts, other incentives">Buyers can expect discounts, other incentives</cmsannotation> Automobile customers can also expect some rationalisation in the prices of vehicles, but the extent of benefits that the manufacturers pass on to buyers eventually is not known yet. “The association of automobile manufacturers is also going to offer some discount on the purchase of new vehicles and the certificate of deposit for the scrapped vehicles,” said Giridhar Aramane, secretary in the <keyword id="168381" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-road-transport">Ministry of Road Transport</keyword> and Highways. In addition to this, Aramane added that buyers will benefit from a 25% reduction in road taxes, and a complete waiver of registration fees when purchasing a new vehicle next time. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vehicle scrappage policy to benefit various stakeholders" comment="subhead" text="Vehicle scrappage policy to benefit various stakeholders">Vehicle scrappage policy to benefit various stakeholders</cmsannotation> The government believes that this policy will help generate employment for 35,000 people at vehicle fitness centres and scrapyards. A Grant Thornton report dated August 11 said that this policy will result in benefits for several sectors. "Be it generating employment, reducing pollution, or accelerating demands for electric vehicles, the policy proves to be a win-win situation for the auto industry and various other stakeholders," the report said. The report added that the metal recycling business will be one of the major gainers. "One of the key opportunities that will emerge from the vehicle scrappage policy will be for the metal recycling business. It will also to an extent reduce the cost of production. Steel is a crucial component for automobile manufacturers, and its price has been growing up to almost 30% in the last six months," said Saket Mehra, Partner and Automotive Sector Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Scrapping industry unorganised in India" comment="subhead" text="Scrapping industry unorganised in India">Scrapping industry unorganised in India</cmsannotation> Stating that the scrapping industry in India is unorganised and uses manual labour to dismantle machinery, Aramane said that this leads to serious economic loss. Official estimates <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/vehicle-scrapping-policy-to-offer-about-5-rebate-on-new-cars-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/81569841.cms">suggest</a> that there are over 10 million motor vehicles in the country, which are either older than 15 years or don’t have fitness certificates. “We want to modernise this process through a modern automated scrapping centre where vehicles will be deregistered before scrapping with the help of regional transport offices (RTOs), component by component, which can generate better value. This will reduce raw material costs, increase the availability of raw materials such as rare earths and other metals,” Aramane added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-scooter-launch-date-set-for-august-15/articleshow/84997219.cms">Ola Scooter launch date set for August 15 – here’s everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/simple-energy-launching-one-electric-scooter-on-august-15-check-out-booking-price-battery-specification/articleshow/85268668.cms">Simple One electric scooter pre-bookings begin August 15 – check out the booking price, battery specs and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/simple-energy-new-electric-scooter-promises-240km-range-on-a-70-minute-charge/articleshow/84164967.cms">This new electric scooter promises 240KM range on a 70-minute charge, could be priced under ₹1,20,000</a>

Indian government announces vehicle scrappage policy, aims to generate 35,000 jobs and attract ₹10,000 crore investment

New Delhi, Mar 16 () The Civil Aviation Ministry will hold a meeting with airlines to consider rationalisation of ticket cancellation charges, according to a parliamentary standing committee report tabled in Rajya Sabha on Monday. Civil Aviation Secretary P S Kharola informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture about the meeting when his attention was drawn to the "high cancellation charges levied by the private airlines" in India. As flight operations are getting curtailed drastically across the world due to coronavirus pandemic, passengers have been complaining on social media about the high cancellation charges that the airlines are levying. The report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on "demands for grants (2020-21) of Ministry of Civil Aviation" was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Monday. "There is no uniformity in the cancellation charges levied by the airlines," stated the report of the committee chaired by BJP MP T G Venkatesh. "The committee lends it support to the demand of rationalising the cancellation charges and is of the view that the airlines may be persuaded to restrict not more than 50 per cent of the base fare as cancellation charges. The tax and fuel surcharge collected should be refunded to the passengers on cancellation of tickets," the report added. It is hoped that the Ministry of Aviation would be able to persuade the airlines for such rationalisation in the interest of the passengers, the report noted. "The committee's attention was drawn towards the high cancellation charges levied by the private airlines operating in this country. On this issue, the Secretary (Kharola) responded that through the ministry has no power to give any direction to private airlines, he would hold a meeting with all the airlines to consider rationalizing the cancellation charges," the report stated. DSP SMN

Aviation Ministry to hold meeting with airlines on rationalisation of cancellation charges

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In August, <keyword id="6355882" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="israel">Israel</keyword> and the <keyword id="6354870" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="United-Arab-Emirates">United Arab Emirates</keyword> signed a historic deal that normalized ties between the two nations.</li><li>For the first time, there are direct flights between <keyword id="6354539" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Dubai">Dubai</keyword> and Tel Aviv.</li><li>Airlines have struggled to keep up with the demand for flights between the two cities.</li><li>Businesses are being set up at a rapid pace in Dubai to cater to the new Israeli audience.</li><li>Despite security concerns, Israeli tourists report that they feel safe and welcomed in the Emirati city.</li></ul>It's long been known for its towering skyscrapers, high-end hotels, and mammoth shopping malls. But now, just months after the signing of a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-announces-historic-deal-between-israel-and-uae-2020-8">ground-breaking peace deal</a>, Dubai is set to add synagogues, kosher restaurants, and a Jewish school into the mix.Ever since the Abraham Accords were announced in August - a historic deal that normalized ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel - Israeli tourists have flocked to the desert nation in unprecedented numbers.The introduction of easily attainable tourist visas, the existence of a Coronavirus <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> corridor, and a boom in kosher provisions have all made Dubai the must-visit hotspot for Israeli tourists.So much so that airlines have struggled to keep up with demand.<div type="image" title="Israeli man presents passport" height="991" width="1321" msid="79694275" hostid="261"></div>FlyDubai, one of only four airlines that now provides direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, told Business Insider that they've had to double the number of daily journeys since their inaugural voyage in late November. They now offer four flights a day.Before normalization, traveling directly between the two nations wasn't possible. Now, there are at least 28 flights a week. The journey time is three hours. According to <a href="https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israelis-flock-to-uae-as-travel-corridor-opens-in-midst-of-covid-lockdown-651463">The Jerusalem Post</a>, these flights are filled to the brim with tourists.One of these jet setters, Tel Aviv-based blogger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nadavslom/">Nadav Slom</a>, recently returned from a 10 day trip to Dubai. He jumped on the opportunity to visit as soon as it became viable for Israeli tourists.He told Business Insider: "You're seeing thousands of Israelis going to Dubai every day with these new direct flights. Now, my entire Instagram feed is filled with Israelis posting pictures of their trips there."Slom continued: "I think Israelis have always wanted to go there because it was like the forbidden fruit. Now, given that there's no need to quarantine after and there's an easy flight direct, Dubai is and is going to remain as a tourist hotspot for Israelis."<h2>'It kind of feels like a gold rush'</h2>In recent weeks, Dubai has benefited from being a 'green' country for Israelis. Visitors are not required to self-isolate upon returning from their trips. That, combined with it being the holiday season - Hanukkah - has resulted in a rush of tourists visiting the city.In response to the sudden influx of Israeli tourists, businesses have moved extraordinarily quickly to cater to clients, most of whom are Jewish.Armani/Kaf, a kosher restaurant in the iconic Burj Khalifa, opened only three weeks after the peace deal was announced. Similarly, 1070 Kitchen - a company that supplies hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions with kosher food - has just been set up.<div type="image" title="Sukkah in Dubai" height="721" width="961" msid="79694277" hostid="261"></div>Besides the sudden availability of kosher food, other amenities aimed at a Jewish audience are being introduced. The first-ever Jewish school will be opened in Dubai early next year, according to <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SkRfSqGjD">ynet news</a>.Dubai has had a small Jewish community for nearly two decades. This year, however, it has ballooned in number. Rabbi Levi Duchman, the UAE's resident rabbi, expects the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah - celebrated this week - will be "very different" to other years.He told Business Insider: "This year, we will have much larger crowds coming to celebrate from Israel and all over the world."Duchman believes that the community will only grow larger as more Israelis see the "unbelievable" business opportunities afforded by the peace deal."It kind of feels like a gold rush. People are coming in from all over trying to see where the chips fall," he said.According to <a href="https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S1v00IFsXP">Israeli estimates</a>, trade with the UAE could eventually total $4 billion and create 15,000 new jobs.The so-called 'gold rush' is attracting business people from Israel to set up shop in Dubai in the hope of capitalizing on this new economic opportunity.David Walles, the owner of KosherTravelers.com, opened a branch of his travel agency in Dubai last month. The agency, which caters to an Orthodox Jewish audience, is currently overwhelmed by requests for kosher package holidays, tours, and weddings.<div type="image" title="A view of the bu" height="1015" width="1353" msid="79694279" hostid="261"></div>Walles has been astonished by the speed at which Israeli businesses have been set up in the UAE. He told Business Insider: "It's been a rollercoaster ride since normalization and everything has gone at a rapid pace. I can't even begin to describe it."The businessman has an extremely optimistic outlook on the future, given how busy Dubai has been in recent weeks."There are literally hundreds of Israelis here," Walles said. "I'm hearing Hebrew on the streets, Hebrew by the pools, Hebrew by all the main attractions."<h2>'I felt safer there than walking in the streets of Paris or London'</h2>Despite the rosy picture painted by those on the ground, there have been teething problems.Two hundred Israeli travelers were denied entry this week due to issues with new visa regulations. It was only resolved after an intervention by Israel's foreign ministry, <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-israelis-reportedly-denied-entry-to-uae-after-landing-in-dubai/">The Times of Israel reports</a>.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has <a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-bahrain-israel-iran-united-arab-emirates-c375da2af1f863fbc3a249067a10d3d1">urged Israelis to avoid traveling to the UAE</a>.Following the death of an Iranian nuclear scientist, Netanyahu has expressed concern that Israeli travelers might become victims of Iranian attacks. Regardless, Israeli tourists in Dubai don't seem to share that concern.Nadav Slom, the travel blogger who has just returned from the trip, told Business Insider: "I felt absolutely safe as an Israeli. To be honest, I felt safer there than walking in the streets of Paris or London."Rabbi Duchman agreed. He said: "Emirati people are very hospitable to us. The only concern for Jewish residents and visitors is the hot summer sun."On Thursday, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-announces-israel-morocco-to-normalize-relations-2020-12">Trump announced that Morocco</a> had become the latest country to normalize ties with Israel.It is yet to be seen whether the North African nation will follow suit in becoming a hotspot for Israeli holiday-makers.

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