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In a major move to enhance the <keyword id="23342045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-experience" source="keywords">tourism experience</keyword> across India, the <keyword id="20246604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Tourism" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Tourism" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Tourism">Ministry of Tourism</keyword> has launched an ambitious initiative titled '<keyword id="23342044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paryatan-Mitra" source="keywords">Paryatan Mitra</keyword>' and 'Paryatan Didi' on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The initiative is designed to foster responsible tourism and create local ambassadors who will serve as guides and hosts, enriching the travel experience for visitors while promoting <keyword id="20467200" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-tourism" source="keywords">sustainable tourism</keyword> practices. The program, which was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of using tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress, is aimed at empowering locals in some of India’s most visited destinations. The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to build a network of <keyword id="22391259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-ambassadors" source="keywords">tourism ambassadors</keyword>, rooted within <keyword id="21350228" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-communities" source="keywords">local communities</keyword>, to act as proud custodians of their regions. Initially piloted in six diverse tourist hotspots — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands) — the program has already begun training locals in these areas. By August 15, over 3,000 individuals had undergone training, becoming official Paryatan Mitras, dedicated to offering tourists a more informed, friendly, and memorable experience. <h2>Enhancing hospitality and local storytelling</h2>The key objective of this initiative is to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling. By offering specialised training to those who frequently interact with tourists — such as cab drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, street vendors, and even police personnel — the Ministry hopes to elevate the tourist experience to new heights. The training program emphasises the importance of cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and top-quality hospitality, all aligned with India’s age-old philosophy of 'Athithi Devo Bhava', meaning “The guest is equivalent to God.” This initiative goes beyond mere hospitality training. Each participant is also educated about their destination's hidden gems, historical significance, and <keyword id="19911712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-heritage" source="keywords">cultural heritage</keyword>, turning every local into a knowledgeable storyteller. This not only improves the quality of the tourist experience but also helps locals take pride in their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s tourism ecosystem. <h2><keyword id="20646064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering-women" source="keywords">Empowering women</keyword> and youth</h2>One of the most remarkable aspects of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs is their focus on empowering women and young people. By training them to offer new tourism experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, and nature treks, the initiative opens up exciting employment opportunities. Many of these individuals are also trained to become homestay operators, tour guides, and food and culture experience providers, allowing them to monetize their skills and knowledge in tourism-driven local economies. In a nod to modern technology, the initiative also incorporates <keyword id="20055241" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-literacy" source="keywords">digital literacy</keyword> training, equipping locals with the tools to make their tourism offerings more discoverable to both national and international visitors. By leveraging digital platforms, trained individuals can now market their homestays, tours, and cultural experiences online, allowing for a broader reach and better economic opportunities. At its core, this program reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating a collaborative tourism experience that benefits both visitors and locals. The initiative is not just about training individuals to work in tourism but is also about fostering a sense of community and ownership over the tourism experience, which in turn helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. As more individuals join the program, tourism in India could see a shift toward more sustainable practices, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping how tourists experience their destinations. By connecting visitors to trained locals with a passion for their culture and environment, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a major step toward creating memorable, responsible, and sustainable tourism across the country. (With inputs from ANI)

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

<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

<ul class="summary-list"><li>New Zealand will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.</li><li>It will now cost about $62, though Australians and some Pacific Islanders are exempt.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-zealand-best-ways-to-save-money-travel-tips-2023-12">New Zealand</a>'s government <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy/what-is-the-ivl#:~:text=The%20IVL%20is%20a%20%2435,eligible%20visitor%20to%20New%20Zealand.">announced on Tuesday</a> that it will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for foreign tourists will increase from the current fee of NZD 35 (about $22 in US currency) to NZD 100 (about $62 in American money).<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy">According to New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, </a>the IVL exists to "address current challenges in the tourism and conservation systems," ensuring that New Zealanders do not "unduly bear" the costs associated with international visitors.The ministry noted that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-zealand-adds-jobs-residency-fast-track-immigration-green-list-2023-9">New Zealand</a> has experienced a significant increase in international visitors in recent years, which it said has challenged the country's "infrastructure, environment, communities, and the social license for tourism to operate in certain areas."Australian citizens, people from certain Pacific Island nations, and those transiting through New Zealand are exempt from the fee.The IVL has been used to fund various tourism and conservation initiatives, including pest control, biodiversity investments, and enhancing visitor access to tourism sites.A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/28322-proposed-changes-to-the-international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy-ivl">consultation held in June on proposed changes</a>, which included 1,100 submissions, found that 88% of submitters agreed that the current level of IVL revenue — about $50 million US — was insufficient to address issues facing tourism and conservation.Additionally, 93% of submitters agreed that the IVL fee should be increased, with a majority favoring the biggest price increase to NZD 100.According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy/what-is-the-ivl#:~:text=The%20IVL%20is%20a%20%2435,eligible%20visitor%20to%20New%20Zealand.">the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the </a>increased IVL amount is expected to generate about $229 million in New Zealand currency yearly.A study published by<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/assets/insights/industry-insights/Views-on-Tourism-New-Zealand-YE-Dec-23-EXTERNAL.pdf"> Tourism New Zealand</a> last year found that New Zealand residents felt that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barcelona-overtourism-making-it-impossible-to-live-there-local-says-2024-8">tourism</a> negatively impacted their communities through increased litter, difficulty finding parking, and heavier traffic.About two-thirds of those surveyed also expressed concerns about the impact of tourism on the environment.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/assets/109-Alpha-Series-Tourism-and-the-environment.pdf">According to the Royal Society of New Zealand</a>, an independent non-profit that provides funding and policy advice on the region's science and technology, an influx of tourists can lead to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/popular-travel-destinations-fight-overtourism-unique-strategies-2024-7">overcrowding, </a>habitat destruction, wildlife disturbance, and noise pollution.While tourism contributes to 3.7% of New Zealand's economy, forming one of its main industries, it also directly impacts the country's natural landmarks.According to the country's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/human-values/nature-of-wellbeing-summary.pdf">Department of Conservation</a>, about 70% of all international trips involve some "nature-base" activities, such as hiking or visiting scenic natural attractions.The department noted in 2021 that increased tourism to Milford Sound-Piopiotahi, a fjord sometimes touted as the eighth wonder of the world, put it under "considerable stress." Funding from the IVL previously went toward <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021-media-releases/next-step-to-protect-milford-sound-piopiotahi/">a master plan for protecting it.</a>

Visiting New Zealand just got more expensive as the country triples tourism fee

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sicily, Italy, is in a state of emergency over the worst drought the country has seen in 20 years.</li><li>Water rations are so strict that hotel and inn owners are turning tourists away.</li></ul>An extreme drought in Sicily is the worst the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-know-change-trip-to-sicily-italy-2023-5">Italian island</a> has seen in 20 years, and it's so bad it's threatening the region's economy.The drought in Sicily has caused the local climate to mirror that of Ethiopia, UK outlet Sky News reported, causing a state of emergency, drying up lakes, and prompting officials to implement strict water rations.The rations are so strict — with some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">residents</a> being asked to cut their water use by as much as 45% — it's prompting some hotel and inn owners to turn guests away because they cannot guarantee showers will run or toilets will flush, CNN reported."Rightly, people ask us for reassurances before coming, but we don't know what to say," Giovanni Lopez, who owns the Le Cinque Novelle bed and breakfast (B&amp;B) in central Agrigento, told CNN. "The situation is quickly impacting the entire tourist accommodation sector, which risks serious economic consequences, given that tourism is a sector almost everyone in this part of Sicily relies on."The economic impact is impossible to ignore — between empty reservoirs and livestock that have died due to the drought, CNN reported the region has lost more than a billion Euros, or nearly 1.1 billion USD.Representatives for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-in-rome-italy-local-tips-2023-2">Italy's Ministry of Tourism</a> did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. However, CNN reported that Italy's tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, suggested in April that Sicily should attempt to expand its tourism beyond summer to address the region's worsening water crisis.In addition to the drought, numerous regions of Italy, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">Sicily,</a> are also facing population destabilization, prompting officials to offer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/italy-pays-to-move-tuscany-residence-in-mountains-2024-6">incentives to relocate</a> to its rural regions in hopes that new residents will help stabilize the population levels.

Massive drought in Italy threatens to destroy Sicilian tourism

<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

Jaipur, "I sometimes think of leaving it, but the chief minister's post doesn't leave me," <keyword id="49103" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ashok-gehlot" source="Orion">Ashok Gehlot</keyword> famously said earlier this year, in part as a signal to the Congress top brass not to pick someone else for the job if the party wins the assembly polls. Over the past several months Gehlot, 72, tried every trick up his sleeve -- he has his magician father's blood running through his veins, after all -- to retain the post. Last year, MLAs loyal to him even defied the party high command by boycotting the Congress Legislature Party meeting summoned in Jaipur to possibly pave the way to the CM's post for Sachin Pilot, who in 2020 led a rebellion against the older colleague. The Gandhis wanted Gehlot to quit state politics and become the next national president of the Congress. But Gehlot succeeded in staying put. He then set himself on the task of trying to get the Congress back in a state that for the last three decades has never returned the same party to office twice in a row. Gehlot introduced a slew of welfare measures, including cheaper cooking gas for the poor and a Rs 25-lakh medical insurance scheme. The old pension scheme was back for government employees. And the Congress stalwart ensured that he was identified with each scheme. Had the Congress won, most observers feel, it would have been forced to pick Gehlot over Pilot again as CM. But the 'kursi' did leave him this time. On Sunday evening, Gehlot conceded defeat even as the final results of the counting in Rajasthan were yet to come in but it was clear that the BJP was set to cross the majority-mark. Polling was held in 199 of the 200 seats in the assembly. Gehlot's "failure", however, cannot erase his past successes, attributed mainly to his mass connect. He has been the state's chief minister thrice, in 1998-2003, 2008-13 and 2018-23. Only three other leaders have done this -- Mohan Lal Sukhadia of the Congress was the CM four times, while Haridev Joshi (Congress) and Bhairon <keyword id="3468188" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="singh-shekhawat" source="Orion">Singh Shekhawat</keyword> (BJP) were chief ministers thrice. Gehlot began with student politics. He became the president of the Rajasthan unit of the National Student Union of India (NSUI) in 1974, a post he held up to 1979. He has represented Jodhpur in the Lok Sabha five times. In Jodhpur's Sardarpura assembly segment, he had won five times in a row since 1999 before these elections -- and was on course for the sixth success. Gehlot, the story goes, came to then prime minister Indira Gandhi's notice for his work with refugees from East Bengal. He remained in the good books of Rajiv Gandhi as well. The party acknowledged his leadership as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Gujarat, when he led a tough fight on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf in 2017. Next year, he was appointed AICC general secretary (organisation). Earlier at the AICC, he has been in charge of the Seva Dal and the party's Uttar Pradesh and Delhi units. Gehlot has been the <keyword id="5569832" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajasthan-congress-committee" source="Orion">Rajasthan Congress Committee</keyword> president thrice, the first time when he was just 34. In 1980, Gehlot became a Member of Parliament for the first of his five times. At the Centre, he has been the junior minister for <keyword id="9363621" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tourism-and-civil-aviation" source="Orion">Tourism and Civil Aviation</keyword>. He has also led the Sports and Textiles ministries. He is married to Sunita Gehlot and the couple has a daughter and a son. His son <keyword id="578912" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vaibhav-gehlot" source="Orion">Vaibhav Gehlot</keyword>, who is the president of the <keyword id="73403" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajasthan-cricket-association" source="Orion">Rajasthan Cricket Association</keyword>, contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Jodhpur but lost to BJP's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who later became Jal Shakti minister in the Modi government. Gehlot and Shekhawat don't tire of running each other down. The outgoing CM has accused the Union minister of trying to topple his government, and of being involved in the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society 'scam', an allegation over which Shekhawat has taken him to court. As the counting trends came in, Shekhawat alluded to Gehlot's early days as his magician father's assistant, and also to the politician's reputation for out maneuvering his rivals. "The magic has ended and Rajasthan has come out of the spell of the magician," he said.

Ashok Gehlot: Magician leaves centre stage in Rajasthan

<keyword id="6355572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka" source="Orion">Sri Lanka</keyword> will allow visa-free entry to visitors from seven countries, including India, China and Russia, under a pilot project the country's foreign affairs minister said on Tuesday. The decision was approved by the Sri Lanka Cabinet, minister <keyword id="8316702" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ali-Sabry" source="Orion">Ali Sabry</keyword> said. The minister said that the pilot project that has begun with immediate efffect will continue till till March 31, 2024. Taking to X, Minister Sabry said, "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia &amp; Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March." Last week, the Ministry of Tourism announced that a Cabinet Paper had been presented during the previous Cabinet meeting, proposing the issue of free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who intend to visit Sri Lanka as tourists, The Daily Mirror reported. (ANI)

Sri Lanka announces free visa entry for Indians

The government is planning to lease out '<keyword id="3118090" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Ashok" source="Orion">The Ashok</keyword>' to investors for turning the sprawling 25-acre property in the heart of the national capital into a 'multi-purpose' building, housing an array of facilities including service apartments and a mall, an official said. The <keyword id="68177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-ministry" source="Orion">Tourism Ministry</keyword> is working on the contours of bidding and aims to complete the process in the current fiscal. "The intention is to turn 'The Ashok' into an iconic building which would house service apartments, besides a mall and other amenities taking advantage of its location," the official told PTI. The lease could be of 90-100 years, he said, adding that since the hotel land spreads over 25 acres and is close to the Diplomatic Enclave, the service apartments could attract international dignitaries. The Ashok, and the adjacent Hotel Samrat are among the eight <keyword id="187728" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india-tourism-development-corp" source="Orion">India Tourism Development Corp</keyword> assets listed under the <keyword id="10696324" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-monetisation-pipeline" source="Orion">National Monetisation Pipeline</keyword> announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month. "The government is not looking to ramp up collections from this transaction. The intent is to utilise the asset to its full potential and build a multi-purpose building like those in foreign countries," the official added. The government last month launched the asset monetisation pipeline under which brownfield assets worth Rs 6 lakh crore may be monetised through fiscal ending March 2025. The ownership control would, however, be retained with the government. Assets in various sectors including road transport, railways, power, civil aviation, shipping ports and telecommunications will be monetised under the plan. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/income-tax/news/do-not-forget-to-check-form-26as-before-filing-your-income-tax-return-heres-why/articleshow/85972783.cms">Do not forget to check form 26AS before filing your income tax return. Here’s why</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/realme-pad-is-launching-its-first-tablet-check-out-design-and-specifications/articleshow/85969560.cms">Realme Pad: Here’s everything we know about Realme’s first tablet</a>

New Delhi's iconic Hotel Ashok will soon have a mall and service apartments

<ul><li>The total financial implication of the free tourist visa plan would be ₹100 crore. </li><li>The free visa will be available to a tourist, only once, coming to <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>. </li><li>Indian government has also announced a loan guarantee scheme for registered tour guides. </li></ul>The government of India is offering free tourist <keyword id="6414213" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Visas">visas</keyword> to over half-a-million (five lakh) <keyword id="6356297" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourists">tourists</keyword> visiting the country by next year. This step has been taken to re-energise India’s tourism industry, which has taken a huge hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. India’s Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>, during a press conference held on June 28, announced that on an average, daily stay of a foreign tourist in India is 21 days and the average daily spending is $34 (₹2,400). Once the issuance is restarted, the first five lakh tourists visas issued till March 31, 2022, will be issued free of charge. The benefits will be available only once per tourist, <keyword id="679937" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sitharaman">Sitharaman</keyword> added. The total financial implication of the move is expected to be ₹100 crore. The finance minister also added that 10.93 million foreign tourists visited India in 2019 and spent $30 billion on leisure and business. Besides this, the union government has also announced financial support to more than 11,000 registered tourist guides, and travel and tourism stakeholders. For instance, about 10,700 regional level tourist guides and travel and tourism stakeholders will be offered loans under 100% guarantee schemes. These guides should be registered with the <keyword id="62889" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-tourism">Ministry of Tourism</keyword> and their respective state governments. "No processing charges” will be imposed on the guides, the ministry has emphasised. Overall, Sitharaman has also announced a ₹1 trillion loan guarantee scheme for COVID-19 affected sectors like healthcare. In addition, the minister has announced an additional ₹1.5 trillion to the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), which provides coverage to the banks, non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) and other lending institutions. The relief package announced today is for stressed loans through the credit guarantee scheme, which facilitates loans of up to ₹1.25 lakh per individual. The scheme aims to cover 25 lakh people through micro finance institutions (MFIs). The interest rate on each of these loans from banks is capped at marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) plus 2%. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/news/nirmala-sitharaman-announces-over-1-trillion-loan-guarantee-scheme-for-covid-affected-sectors-like-healthcare/articleshow/83918564.cms">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces over ₹1 trillion loan guarantee scheme for COVID-19 affected sectors such as healthcare</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/tiger-global-overtakes-sequoia-as-the-top-investor-in-indian-unicorns-in-2021-cracks-15-deals-this-year-so-far/articleshow/83912624.cms">Tiger Global overtakes Sequoia as the top investor in Indian unicorns in 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/kims-ipo-listed-in-stock-market-at-over-20-premium/articleshow/83912694.cms">KIMS IPO: Stock listed at over 20% premium, loses initial gains after soaring to ₹1059 per share</a>

India is giving out free visas for half a million tourists

Panaji, <keyword id="826" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>'s <keyword id="53865" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-industry">tourism industry</keyword> may have suffered a loss of between ₹2,000 to ₹7,200 crore and job losses in the range of 35% to 58% on account of the <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">Covid-19 pandemic</keyword>, an official report said. The report 'Coping with COVID-19: Survival and Revival of Goa's Tourism Industry' compiled by <keyword id="10458902" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-goa-tourism-ministry">the Goa Tourism Ministry</keyword> and consultancy firm KPMG Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd, also said that the state tourism industry directly contributes 16.43% revenue towards the <keyword id="2284783" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Gross-Domestic-Product">state Gross Domestic Product</keyword> (GDP) and approximately 35% of state's population is directly employed by the tourism sector. The report was based on a survey conducted by the Goa Tourism Ministry and KPMG which involved reaching out to 600 respondents. The objective of the survey was aimed at examining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry in Goa and also offers recommendations to allow tourism stakeholders to "survive, revive and thrive". "This survey was really a ground-breaking initiative as, for the first time, it covered the tourism industry in a very comprehensive manner, from upscale starred hotels to guest houses, from shacks to taxi drivers, independent guides, freelancers, etc," a statement issued by the Goa government said. The data collected from the survey, will be utilised for mitigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, the statement added. Goa is regarded as one of the top beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the country and attracted nearly eight million <keyword id="10459644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourists-last-year">tourists last year</keyword>. The Covid-19 pandemic has however severely impacted tourist footfalls to Goa this year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ikea-india-cfo-says-she-still-has-3500-crore-to-be-spent-in-india-the-pandemic-has-changed-targets-but-not-the-investment-plan/articleshow/79790938.cms">INTERVIEW: Ikea CFO says she still has ₹3,500 crore to be spent in India⁠— the pandemic has changed targets but not the investment plan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-will-produce-300-million-doses-of-the-russian-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-next-year/articleshow/79795341.cms">India will produce 300 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine next year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-mrs-bectors-food-specialities-ipo-allotment-status-online/articleshow/79808672.cms">Mrs Bectors Food Specialities IPO allotment: Here’s how to check share allotment status</a>

You Searched For "Ministry of Tourism" and got 10 results

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

BI India Bureau

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

Thibault Spirlet

Visiting New Zealand just got more expensive as the country triples tourism fee

Joshua Nelken-Zitser

Massive drought in Italy threatens to destroy Sicilian tourism

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

PTI

Ashok Gehlot: Magician leaves centre stage in Rajasthan

PTI

Sri Lanka announces free visa entry for Indians

ANI

New Delhi's iconic Hotel Ashok will soon have a mall and service apartments

PTI

India is giving out free visas for half a million tourists

Kritti Bhalla

Goa tourism suffered loss of ₹2,000-7,200 crore due to COVID-19, says Official report

IANS

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