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The Karnataka government is considering proposals to allow tents and <keyword id="21356640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alcohol-sales" source="keywords">alcohol sales</keyword> on the state's beaches, similar to <keyword id="19895061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="keywords">Goa</keyword>, in an effort to boost tourism. Speaking at the 'Connect 2024' event in <keyword id="19936741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mangalore" source="keywords">Mangalore</keyword> on Wednesday, Rajendra K V, tourism department's director, emphasised that changes are necessary to attract tourists. "We need to relax restrictions on alcohol consumption along the beaches of Karnataka, which may bring more influx of tourists just like in the state of Goa," he added. According to him, to enhance safety and encourage people to spend more time at the beaches during the night, the department is contemplating the installation of additional lights along the coast. District officials have been instructed to identify government and private lands near beaches to promote <keyword id="23668481" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tent-tourism" source="keywords">tent tourism</keyword> in the state. Rajendra also revealed that a facilitation centre would soon be established to expedite approvals for tourism projects, including CRZ (<keyword id="20495401" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coastal-Regulation-Zone" source="keywords">Coastal Regulation Zone</keyword>) permissions. He added that the new <keyword id="20021259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-policy" source="keywords">tourism policy</keyword> will include specific guidelines for coastal tourism. Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan, said tourists should be allowed access to beaches late at night. "Restaurant and licensed business operating hours in Mangalore city have already been extended to 1 am and the same should apply to the beaches as well," he added. He further stated that discussions would be held with the police department to resolve issues regarding the current restrictions on <keyword id="22266283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beach-access" source="keywords">beach access</keyword> after 9 pm and appropriate action would be taken.

Karnataka to go Goa way and allow alcohol sales in coastal cities to lure tourists

In 2007, <keyword id="21532126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brian-chesky" source="keywords">Brian Chesky</keyword> and Joe Gebbia, two hustlers in San Francisco, were struggling to pay their rent. To make ends meet, they devised a creative solution: renting out air mattresses in their living room to travellers. This simple yet innovative idea, dubbed "Air Bed &amp; Breakfast," aimed to offer affordable lodging options by leveraging the unused space in people's homes. It created a new industry in itself and made <keyword id="19900375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AirBnB" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AirBnB" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AirBnB">AirBnB</keyword> a startup worth dozens of Billions. But it did create a dilemma for travellers! As the service quality tends to vary quite a lot based on the location and the host, how can you be sure that your stay will be comfortable? <h2>A monsoon staycation in <keyword id="19895061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goa" source="keywords">Goa</keyword></h2>In mid-August, my friend and I planned a week-long budget staycation in Goa to relish the monsoons and enjoy the hospitality of this tourist paradise of India. But the very first day, the long and arduous bus travel from Goa’s Dabolim airport to our AirBnB in Palolem wringed out every bit of our zeal for adventure from our bodies. It was dark, raining cats and dogs and we could not see a thing on our two-wheeler journey from the bus stop to our AirBnB. Only our strong desire to find a mattress (hopefully dry) to rest our weary backs on got us to our destination. It was 10 PM when we reached our homestay and it was still raining, giving us a real taste of the Goan monsoon we were so eager to experience. The caretaker was nowhere to be found, but our host assured us via WhatsApp that all had been taken care of and that we just needed to get the keys from the security guard stationed outside the gated community. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112809655" title="Hosts have ruined Airbnb with excessive fees, high demands, and bad customer service, travel experts say" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Struggles at the Goa AirBnB </h2>Soaked to our bones and shivering, we were quick to follow his bidding. As the key turned in the door, I was already thrumming with excitement at the prospect of a hot bath and warm blankets. However, as we stepped inside, the musty scents of mould and rotting wood hit our nostrils. Still optimistic, we warily ventured inside, reassuring each other that the room just needed a little bit of airing out. Peak monsoon was still in its last vestiges and the place had been closed for a long time, it was only normal for the place to smell musty, we comforted each other. But once we’d taken care of our sodden selves and equally sodden luggage, we got a closer look at our accommodation — the one we had booked after much deliberation and thoroughly going through the reviews. The place didn’t just reek of mould, the black stuff was everywhere and the smell wasn’t going anywhere. One asthmatic looked to the other, knowing that staying here for the entire duration of our trip was out of the question. Amongst them, the socially awkward one told the people-pleasey one to speak with the host and inform him of what was going on. When we texted our “superhost”, he offered to shift us to another property he owned in the same building. But lo and behold, that flat was just as bad, if not worse. We finally made the tough call of possibly upsetting our host and asking for a refund so we could find another property. Simultaneously speaking with him and AirBnB <keyword id="19925749" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customer-support" source="keywords">customer support</keyword>, we shared why we couldn’t continue our stay there and attached a bunch of pictures — clearly displaying the mould and dust. The response was pleasantly surprising! <h2>Experience with the customer service</h2>The customer service executive immediately agreed to cancel our reservation and our host agreed to refund all of our money as well. In the meantime, we were panicking about finding another accommodation in the short window of time we had. Every passing moment felt like we were inching closer to a night stranded in the storm. Our refund was guaranteed, but there was a twist! The hosting platform said that it would need about 2 weeks to process our refund. And since we were overly confident about our meticulous planning, we didn’t have enough cash to book a whole other property without the refund. We communicated the same to our hosting partner’s customer service and they turned out to be empathetic to our situation. After much back and forth, mostly to get a better understanding of our situation, and which location we wanted to shift to, we finally went to bed at the same property, hoping for amicable resolution in the morning. Within a few hours, the AirBnB asked for our preferences for relocation. We also spoke with our potential new host to make sure their place was mould-free. Soon, customer service got back to us saying that they had reserved the new accommodation for the rest of our week-long trip and also gave us a “one-time courtesy” coupon for the same amount that the new place would cost us. It slowly dawned on us that this meant that our stay would be practically free! All the hopelessness from starting the trip full of rain and rot turned into glee and we wasted no time packing up our bags and riding off to our new destination — which turned out to be much cleaner, mould-free and in a much better location! <h2>Takeaway</h2>Our main takeaway from the whole experience was that you cannot research a place enough! When looking at reviews, firstly make sure that there are enough of them, and then ensure that they’re recent. Read between the lines and ask your potential host very specific questions. Most importantly, document any issues that you’re having immediately because Airbnb generally sides with the guest if there’s clear evidence, as per reports. Have a few alternative listings saved in case something goes wrong, especially during peak travel times or in popular locations and keep some extra funds handy for emergencies, like needing to book a hotel for a night while sorting out an issue with Airbnb or the host. This way, you can possibly skirt past the problems we faced during our stay and increase your chances of having a positive homestay experience! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112495578" title="Airbnb&amp;#39;s struggles go beyond people spending less. They&amp;#39;re losing some travelers to hotels." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

An AirBnB property almost ruined our Goa staycation, but customer support saved the day with another free accommodation!

To call <keyword id="19895061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="keywords">Goa</keyword> beautiful would be the grossest of understatements. Its nearly untamed greenery, expansive beaches and vibrant, stately buildings are a sight for sore eyes. And tourists can hardly resist the allure of photographing or getting photographed against the backdrop of colonial-era architecture. But how do Goa’s <keyword id="19907251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="residents" source="keywords">residents</keyword> feel about the constant barrage of camera shutters going off around them? <h2>Fed up of being the backdrop</h2>North Goan headquarters <keyword id="20144307" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Panjim" source="keywords">Panjim</keyword> is a bustling hub of activity, its “Latin Quarter” a particular favourite for tourists looking to take in São Tomé and Fontainhas. It’s pretty commonplace to see people posing in front of these lanes to get that perfect Instagram shot. Sadly, this relentless influx of visitors has transformed the once peaceful neighbourhood into a noisy and intrusive environment for its residents. In recent times, many Goan residents have started to keep their doors and windows tightly shut, trying to shield themselves from the noise and constant disruptions. A walk around Panjim would reveal a number of residential buildings sporting a “No Photography/Videography” sign, but these are often ignored by tourists who brazenly pose next to them. The blatant disregard for the residents' privacy by some tourists has led to frequent confrontations, leaving locals frustrated and fed up. If it were just one or two tourists coming once every month and photographing your house, you would feel happy to let them. But when hundreds come every single day, it becomes a nuisance, rues a Panjim resident. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111809476" title="Why is a music festival causing controversy in Goa?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2><keyword id="22861081" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="invasive-tourism" source="keywords">Invasive tourism</keyword> </h2>The situation has escalated to the point where the charm of living in these historic neighbourhoods is overshadowed by the daily challenges posed by “invasive <keyword id="19997361" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism" source="keywords">tourism</keyword>”, a term often used to characterise the negative impacts of mass tourism on local communities and ecosystems. It often involves large numbers of tourists who visit destinations without respecting local customs, cultures, or environments. While concerns around the erosion of traditional ways of life have been long-standing among the Goans, fears of a growing threat to their privacy are also coming to the forefront now. Residents report that photographers often instruct their clients to block traffic for the sake of a shot, while others casually walk into private homes, uninvited. The heritage of São Tomé and Fontainhas is rich and deeply rooted in history, but for many tourists, the area is merely a backdrop for their social media feeds. This disregard for the cultural and historical significance of the neighbourhood is also a source of ongoing resentment among the locals. As the tourism boom shows no signs of slowing down across Goa, the residents of Panjim's Latin Quarter are left grappling with the consequences. While tourism brings economic benefits, it also poses a threat to the integrity and peace of these historic neighbourhoods. For the residents, the need for a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving their way of life has never been more urgent. Tourists must endeavour to be more responsible and empathetic during their travels as well. Maybe then, Goa will continue to remain the haven for the weary that it is and not turn into a hostile territory that dislikes tourists. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109950935" title="Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

“Please do not photograph our homes!” plead Goa’s homeowners

For us Indians, summer is not just about sultry weather and parched lands. It's also about nostalgia with two-month-long vacations, travel with family, and exploring new places every year. Summer travel is a time-honoured tradition that beckons adventurers, families, and sun-seekers alike to embark on journeys of discovery and relaxation. Whether it's basking on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through mountains under clear skies, or immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of cultural experiences, summer offers a plethora of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. As travellers eagerly pack their bags and plan their escapades, the data around these plans also tells a story. And the popular travel portal Make My Trip has now revealed some interesting trends in its report “<keyword id="17059737" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Summer-Travel-Trends" source="Orion">Summer Travel Trends</keyword>”! The report gives a peek into the evolving preferences and behaviours of travellers across India. From the bustling streets of <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> to the serene landscapes of <keyword id="6354931" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayodhya" source="Orion">Ayodhya</keyword>, summer 2024 travel trends encompass a dynamic mix of traditional favourites and emerging destinations. Spiritual tourism remains vibrant, with pilgrimage sites like Puri and Varanasi drawing considerable interest. Additionally, the influence of external factors such as elections on travel patterns reflects the interconnectedness of travel and societal events. As one delves into the data, intriguing insights are evident not just on destinations but also on shifting trends in accommodation preferences and the duration of travel. Here are a few key takeaways from the report: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up" comment="subhead" text="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up">Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up</cmsannotation> Goa retains its position as the top searched destination for travellers this year as well. However, Ayodhya has seen the sharpest growth in search volumes, attributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Following Ayodhya, interest in travel to Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills also shows noticeable increases. Read - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/best-beaches-to-visit-in-goa/articleshow/109728267.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best beaches to visit in Goa in 2024</a> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual tourism shows no decline" comment="subhead" text="Spiritual tourism shows no decline">Spiritual tourism shows no decline</cmsannotation> This summer, Puri and Varanasi emerge as the most searched pilgrimage destinations. Travellers are showing keen interest in exploring the spiritual and cultural richness offered by these revered sites during their summer journeys. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Travel behaviour during elections" comment="subhead" text="Travel behaviour during elections"><keyword id="21579458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-behaviour-during-elections" source="Orion">Travel behaviour during elections</keyword></cmsannotation> Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and CEO of Make My Trip says they have seen a surge in traffic and bookings on redBus during election dates. People prioritise visiting their hometowns to cast votes, reflecting a significant trend in travel behaviour during electoral periods. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Growth in family and solo travel" comment="subhead" text="Growth in family and solo travel">Growth in family and solo travel</cmsannotation> In 2024, the family travel segment experienced a remarkable 20% growth compared to summer 2023. Solo travel also sees a significant uptick, with a 10% increase over the previous year's numbers, following the trend set by family travel. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mountains over beaches" comment="subhead" text="Mountains over beaches">Mountains over beaches</cmsannotation> Places with cool mountain terrains emerge as the top choices for domestic holiday destinations this summer. Travellers show a preference for destinations offering refreshing mountain landscapes, highlighting a trend towards seeking cooler climates for summer getaways. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="These international destinations saw the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="These international destinations saw the highest growth">These international destinations saw the highest growth</cmsannotation> Baku, Almaty, and Nagoya are witnessing the highest growth in searches among international destinations. Travellers are showing increasing interest in exploring these diverse and vibrant cities, reflecting a shift in preferences for their summer travel plans. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Average travelling days" comment="subhead" text="Average travelling days">Average travelling days</cmsannotation> On average, domestic travel durations range from 3 to 5 days, offering shorter yet fulfilling getaways. In contrast, international travel tends to span longer periods, averaging between 8 to 10 days, allowing travellers to immerse themselves more deeply in their chosen destinations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Most booked domestic packages" comment="subhead" text="Most booked domestic packages">Most booked domestic packages</cmsannotation> The most booked domestic tour packages today include <keyword id="6358126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh" source="Orion">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast region. These destinations offer diverse experiences ranging from serene mountain escapes in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir to tropical beach getaways in Goa and Kerala, along with the enchanting cultural and natural beauty of the North East, attracting travellers seeking a variety of experiences. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth">Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth</cmsannotation> The tariff range of INR 2.5K to 7K per night constitutes approximately 45% of all homestay bookings. However, homestays and villas with tariffs exceeding INR 20K per night are experiencing the highest growth. Similarly, in the hotel sector, the INR 2.5K to 7K range remains preferred, but notable growth is observed in the INR 10K to 15K category, indicating a trend towards premiumisation. The summer travel landscape of 2024 presents a tapestry of diverse destinations and evolving travel behaviours. While Constant favourites like Goa continue to reign supreme, the rise of destinations such as Ayodhya and the growing interest in spiritual tourism demonstrate a nuanced shift in traveller preferences. The surge in family and solo travel, coupled with the increasing popularity of mid-range to premium accommodations, underscores the evolving dynamics of the Indian travel market. As travellers seek refuge in the cool mountain terrains or go on soul-searching journeys to pilgrimage sites, one thing remains clear – travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the experiences that enrich our lives along the way. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/ahmedabad-makes-it-to-the-top-8-global-destinations-for-slow-travel-see-the-list/slidelist/109916139.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Ahmedabad makes it to the top 8 global destinations for slow travel; See the list</a>

Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

For Indian families looking to travel domestically, <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> is the most common search destination, while Dubai is the most popular international destination. Based on search data from digital travel platform <keyword id="4070751" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agoda" source="Orion">Agoda</keyword>, the states / cities of Goa, New Delhi and NCR, Mumbai, <keyword id="624190" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="pondicherry" source="Orion">Pondicherry</keyword>, and <keyword id="6354779" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="jaipur" source="Orion">Jaipur</keyword> popped up as the top five national favourites, while Dubai, Singapore, the Maldives, Bali (Indonesia) and Phuket (Thailand) lead the search charts in the international segment. In addition to Dubai, the search data reveals that Southeast Asian countries are preferred by Indian families for their international holidays. These places are appealing because they have a tropical climate, stunning beaches, and a variety of lodgings and activities that make travelling with kids simpler. Although city stays are common when travelling domestically, each of the top locations has something special to offer that families can take advantage of. Goa is known for its vibrant beaches, New Delhi NCR and Mumbai are popular destinations for sight-seeing, Pondicherry is well-known for its serene aesthetics, and Jaipur provides a rich history and culture. The places mentioned above are in line with the findings of Agoda's Family Travel Trend Survey, which surveyed over 14,000 family travellers from 12 markets around the world. The survey found that the top three family attractions were seeing landmarks, relaxing on the shore, and having a good time at theme or amusement parks. "Families are taking advantage of the school breaks to spend quality time on trips together. And Agoda's data shows that when travelling, Indare choosing beach destinations for family travel abroad," said <keyword id="560584" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="krishna-rathi" source="Orion">Krishna Rathi</keyword>, Country Director Agoda India. "Planning vacations with large groups across different age groups and budgets can be a challenge. Which is why at Agoda, we have done our best to make the booking journey as seamless as possible with accommodations, flight, and activities all at the click of a button." There is no one style of lodging that works for all families travelling together. While some families prefer a hotel with kids' clubs, babysitting, or adjoining rooms for families, others search for villas that offer kitchens or additional living area to accommodate family groups. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/shark-tank-india-s2-these-startups-founders-couldnt-impress-judges-with-multiple-reasons/slidelist/98294036.cms">From paper furniture to DNA jewellery: Products that got no takers on Shark Tank India S2</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/six-types-of-influencers-in-india-market-as-per-asci-report/slidelist/98295305.cms">Experts, self-help gurus &amp; others: The 6 types of influencers as per ASCI</a>

Goa tops domestic travel spots for Indian family trips

Prices of luxury properties appreciated by 8-12 per cent during the last year across major cities and have breached the 2015 peak level, according to <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> Sotheby's International Realty. In its annual 'Luxury Outlook Survey 2023', India Sotheby's International Realty (<keyword id="14413008" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="isir" source="Orion">ISIR</keyword>) revealed that 61 per cent of High-Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High-Net-worth Individuals (UHNIs) are looking to buy luxury real estate during 2023-24. The sample size of the survey is more than 500 HNIs and UHNIs. Asked about the price range of the property respondents were considering, the ISIR said that the highest interest (65 per cent) came in the price bracket of Rs 4-10 crore for their property investment. The survey found that 33 per cent of HNIs and UHNIs are willing to spend upwards of Rs 10 crore to acquire the right luxury property. On rates of luxury properties, the ISIR said, "Even though luxury property prices have gained 8-12 per cent in 2022, they are only marginally higher than the 2015 peak." ISIR CEO Amit Goyal said the housing sales remain strong amid pent-up demand and the country's economic growth. "As the wealth of a nation grows, it is bound to bring in a new set of buyers into luxury real estate and that's what we are witnessing," Goyal said. "We all are witness to a fundamental shift in the desire for home ownership across age groups, post the pandemic. A young thriving workforce in India will continue to drive demand for the housing sector," he added. Ashwin <keyword id="297510" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="chadha" source="Orion">Chadha</keyword>, President of ISIR, noted that Indian real estate has started its multi-year bull run in 2021, after years of remaining subdued. "Prices of luxury homes have risen in the last 16 months, but they are still only marginally higher than the peak prices of 2015, making it possible for HNIs to strike well-priced deals even now," Chadha added. On key demand drivers, the ISIR said that lifestyle upgrade remains the key motivation for buying property in 2023- 24. "Capital appreciation is the second most important motivation factor for buying property. This indicates that HNIs and UHNIs are expecting prices to rise in the coming years," the report said, adding that 12 per cent of the wealthy also ticked real estate as a chosen asset class to create multi-generational wealth to pass on to the next of kin. Among other findings, the ISIR report said that Delhi NCR, Mumbai, <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> and Bengaluru remain the top four cities for respondents to buy real estate. "Eleven per cent of India's wealthy are searching for real estate in overseas destinations. This number was negligible when we conducted our survey at the end of 2021," it added. ISIR survey revealed that 57 per cent of those surveyed still consider the city and urban community for their luxury real estate purchase in the coming years. Another 33 per cent of people gravitated towards owning a farmhouse/holiday destination. High-rise apartments remain the most sought-after real estate investment for respondents followed by farmhouse/holiday homes. Rent-yielding commercial real estate is also in demand as 23 per cent of the respondents would like to invest in it. Larger homes and open green spaces combined with excellent physical and social infrastructure came as the top two reasons for wealthy Indians choosing a property to buy, the survey report said. "We were happy to see 11 per cent also picked sustainable features as one of the key reasons driving their purchase," it added. The report further said that 74 per cent of the surveyed HNIs and UHNIs believe real estate is an important asset to hedge against inflation. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/award-winning-compostwali-poonam-kasturi-wants-money-not-awards-finds-it-on-shark-tank-india/slidelist/97087692.cms">Compostwali Poonam Kasturi says she wants money, not awards, on Shark Tank India and gets it</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/janitri-on-shark-tank-india-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-backed-startup-provides-ai-solutions-to-monitor-pregnant-women/articleshow/97088842.cms">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation backed startup provides AI solutions to monitor pregnant women</a>

Luxury property prices up 8-12% in 2022; surpasses 2015 peak level: India Sotheby's International Realty

The domestic hospitality industry is gearing up to make the most of full-fledged <keyword id="8206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="christmas" source="Orion">Christmas</keyword> and <keyword id="6389817" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year" source="Orion">New Year</keyword> celebrations this time around after two years of washout by the pandemic, with rooms at many hotels and resorts already sold out. As people seek to make up for the winter holidays lost to COVID-19, destinations like Karjat, Lonavala, Vizag, Dharamshala, <keyword id="42774" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="udaipur" source="Orion">Udaipur</keyword>, <keyword id="6363190" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="manali" source="Orion">Manali</keyword> and Gir are witnessing good demand, apart from traditional popular places like <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword>, Kerala and Shimla. "The year-end festive season looks very positive and this year appears to be one of the best years so far for the hospitality sector," Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd Managing Director, Vijay Dewan told PTI in an e-mailed response. He further said, "All our hotels are gearing up for sold out spaces along with high occupancy in rooms. This year we have lined up some great events during Christmas and New Year's which the guests missed out during the last 2 years due to the pandemic." Mahindra Holidays &amp; Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) Managing Director and CEO Kavinder Singh, "If you really look at it this year, this Christmas and New Year will be the first proper Christmas-New Year after 2020...if I were to look at December occupancy, in some of our resorts we have no space for even a single room available in December because people have all booked up." Even in 2021, he said the Christmas and New Year celebrations were marred after the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19, which continued beyond January. Now, Singh said, people are going to Coorg, Gir, Shimla, Manali beyond the usual destinations like Goa, while some are even travelling abroad to places like Singapore and Dubai. There is a very high level of occupancy in the southern side, he said, adding in the western region locations like Alibaugh and Lonavala are already full. "It's a very, very big momentum now in December and January, aided by the holiday season, and years of not being able to spend time in this period of the year with your loved ones, and that is really aiding the momentum in December and January," Singh said. On the kind of demand coming from travellers, Hotel Association of India Vice President K B Kachru said, "We are finding dates getting sold out months in advance and lots of enthusiasm for innovative and creative offers that showcase the locale that the hotel is in, including its culture and cuisine given our unique and authentic culinary specialties across the country through our culinary ambassadors." Kachru, who is also Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, further said there is an uptick in demand for the upcoming wedding season as well. "Our hotels across key leisure destinations, including Karjat, Lonavala, Vizag, Goa, Dharamshala, and Udaipur are geared up for welcoming guests," he added. InterGlobe Hotels Head - Asset Management, Manoj Agarwal said, "We expect a healthy and robust room demand during the festive season for our leisure destinations. The ongoing travel patterns and trends have had a positive impact on the hospitality industry, and we are quite optimistic with our portfolio performance already surpassing our pre-COVID numbers." Similarly, an OYO spokesperson said, "Based on advanced bookings for the upcoming holiday season between December 25-31, we are witnessing a 44 per cent rise in booking demand, led by leisure cities such as Goa, Hyderabad, Puri, Manali and Kolkata. Business travel is also showing strong signs of revival."

Hotel, resorts sold out as demand soars for first full Christmas-New Year party after two years

In order to curb drunk driving accidents in the state, <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> will implement a new norm as per which bar and restaurant owners will have to arrange <keyword id="432469" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cabs" source="Orion">cabs</keyword> for their inebriated customers to drop them home or hotels in case of tourists. Speaking during 'Road Safety Week', Transport Minister Mauvin <keyword id="864619" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="godinho" source="Orion">Godinho</keyword> on Monday said that this is the new norm now. Earlier last year too, Godinho had announced this effort but it had not come into reality. However, recently police had intensified checks during the night and had fined those involved in drunk drinking. According to him if people are drunk, then bar owners should not allow them to go in their own vehicle, but they should arrange a cab to drop them off. "They can take their vehicles the next day," he said. "I am telling officers to liaison with <keyword id="6355410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bars" source="Orion">bars</keyword> and restaurants with heavy footfall, where people go. If somebody is drunk, it is the responsibility of the bar owner to send them home by hiring a cab. Don't send them off driving their own car. This is a new norm in Goa for the safety of people. We will implement it very strictly," he said. He said that everyone has to follow rules just like they do in foreign countries. "Goans and tourists when they go abroad, don't they follow rules? Goa is somewhere you can break every rule because everybody knows everybody and is well connected, as we have only 15 lakh population. You can walk into the secretariat with the minister and phone that you are being caught and to not issue a challan. It is bad," Godinho said. "We want to discontinue it. Now henceforth those who break rules will be fined," he said. "I am really concerned with drunk cases. The cases of accidents are alarming. Around 20 per cent of cases coming to Goa Medical College are accidents. You may be so innocent on the road by driving so slow, but one fine day a drunk person can come and hit you. This should not happen. Therefore, I am telling Regional Transport Officers (<keyword id="48945" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rto" source="Orion">RTO</keyword>) that you have to be ruthless as far as drunk and drive cases are concerned," he said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mumbai-international-airport-switches-to-green-sources/articleshow/94761659.cms">Mumbai International Airport switches to Green sources</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/article/70-of-bengaluru-kids-have-lung-related-issues-environmentalist-warns-against-dangers-of-breathing-bengaluru-air/articleshow/94757838.cms">"70% of Bengaluru kids have lung-related issues": environmentalist warns against dangers of breathing Bengaluru air</a>

Soon, bars might have to book cabs for their drunk patrons in Goa

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s forex reserves rose around $2.4 billion during the week ending July 29, after falling for last four consecutive weeks, on back of positive inflows by foreign investors in the Indian equity market. The country's foreign exchange reserves rose by $2.315 billion to $573.875 billion during the week ending June 29, according to the <keyword id="6354335" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="Orion">Reserve Bank of India</keyword>'s (<keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>) weekly supplementary statistical data. "India's foreign exchange reserves, supplemented by net forward assets, provide insurance against global spillovers. Our umbrella remains strong," RBI Governor <keyword id="6359111" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="shaktikanta-das" source="Orion">Shaktikanta Das</keyword> said. "The <keyword id="50847" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="reserve-bank" source="Orion">Reserve Bank</keyword> has also used its foreign exchange reserves accumulated over the years to curb volatility in the exchange rate," he added. During the current financial year (up to August 4), the US dollar index (DXY) has appreciated by 8 per cent against a basket of major currencies. In this milieu, the <keyword id="91748" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="indian-rupee" source="Orion">Indian Rupee</keyword> has moved in a relatively orderly fashion depreciating by 4.7 per cent against the US dollar during the same period - faring much better than several reserve currencies as well as many of its EME and Asian peers. The depreciation of the Indian rupee is more on account of the appreciation of US dollar rather than weakness in macroeconomic fundamentals of the Indian economy. "Market interventions by the RBI have helped in containing volatility and ensuring orderly movement of the rupee. We remain watchful and focused on maintaining stability of the Indian rupee," Das added. In July, foreign investors turned net buyers in the Indian equities nearly after 10 months, with an investment of around Rs 4,980 crore in the Indian equity markets. This comes heavy sell-off by these entities of around Rs 50,203 crore. According to NSDL data, investment of foreign investors in July month stood at Rs 4,989 crore, as compared to over Rs 50,000 crore outflows in June, Rs 39,993 crore in May and Rs 17,144 crore in April. The other central banks of Asia also used their foreign exchange reserves to defend their currency. Despite the resultant drawdown, India's foreign exchange reserves remain the fourth largest globally. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-consumers-are-packing-their-bags-to-travel-to-goa-and-bali/articleshow/93393370.cms">August has a long weekend and Indian consumers are packing their bags to travel to Goa and Bali</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/markets-to-keep-a-close-watch-on-us-and-indian-inflation-data/articleshow/93419790.cms">Markets to keep a close watch on US and Indian inflation data</a>

As FIIs come back, India's forex reserves rise by $2.4 bn

Agoda, a digital travel platform, has revealed the top trending holiday destinations today, as international travel is slowly regaining popularity. Explorers are dusting off their suitcases and getting ready to celebrate the holiday season after a two-year hiatus. Indians are increasingly crossing borders to satisfy their wanderlust and seek new experiences. According to Agoda Booking Data, the top five current preferences are South-East Asian countries such as <keyword id="11905404" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="thailand" source="Orion">Thailand</keyword>, <keyword id="8692" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="indonesia" source="Orion">Indonesia</keyword>, and <keyword id="6356662" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="singapore" source="Orion">Singapore</keyword>, as well as European destinations such as France and Switzerland. Indians are looking for scenic views, rich culture, and places where they can enjoy the best of both worlds (mountains and beaches). Interestingly, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore have consistently topped the list of top destinations, and they were also the most popular pre-pandemic destinations [2019 Booking Data]. Domestic travel booking data show that the lively metropolises of New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and <keyword id="12864" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="chennai" source="Orion">Chennai</keyword> are the most popular choices within the country. It is unsurprising that <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> remains a strong contender, ranking alongside the bustling metropolises as the ideal beach destination for unwinding. Bangkok will be the world's most populous city in 2022. The bustling city has embraced the holiday season, offering nightlife, beaches, temples, culture, and cuisine, with almost entirely relaxed travel rules. Other Asian treasures that make the top five are Jeju Island, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Seoul. Top Global Destinations in 2022: . Bangkok . Jeju Island . Kuala Lumpur . Tokyo . Seoul . Singapore . Bali . Pattaya . Manila . Penang . Hong Kong . Busan . Osaka . Johor <keyword id="14515210" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bahru" source="Orion">Bahru</keyword> . <keyword id="582547" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="taichung" source="Orion">Taichung</keyword> "We are seeing an increase in international travel this year as travel restrictions ease, demonstrating that people have been looking forward to travelling internationally again for the past two years." Travellers are making the most of their vacations and are eager to visit both domestic and international Asian destinations." "Reliving memories as well as going back to places travelers once enjoyed seems to be the theme this summer. At Agoda, we strive to enable even more people to travel by providing best-in-class travel options both on the website and app, with great deals on accommodation, and flights along with great things to do as travel continue to get back to normal," said Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda. Summer travel facts: . Indian travellers are excited to re-visit Thailand, followed by Indonesia, Singapore, France and Switzerland this summer holiday season . Bangkok is the top <keyword id="119132" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="asia-pacific" source="Orion">Asia Pacific</keyword> destination for both US and UK travellers, and ranks in the top three spots globally for all regions . Singaporeans are visiting neighbour Malaysia the most followed by Thailand and Indonesia . Australians are the biggest international travelers to Bali, followed by Singaporeans, Koreans, and Indian travelers . American travellers' top three Asia Pacific destinations are Bangkok, Manila and Tokyo

Travel platform reveals that Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are top destinations for Indians this summer

A special court here on Thursday dismissed the interim bail application of <keyword id="155796" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="avantha-group" source="Orion">Avantha Group</keyword> promoter <keyword id="3910012" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gautam-thapar" source="Orion">Gautam Thapar</keyword>, who was arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of a Rs 515 crore loan from Yes Bank. The Special Judge, Rouse Avenue Court Complex has dismissed the interim bail application of <keyword id="174" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="thapar" source="Orion">Thapar</keyword>, which was filed on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health. During the course of proceedings, the judge requisitioned the medical status report of Thapar from the Chief Medical Officer, <keyword id="56350" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tihar-jail" source="Orion">Tihar Jail</keyword>, where he is currently lodged in. The medical officer-in-charge of the Central Jail opined that Thapar continues to have persistent left-sided chest pain, palpitations, vertigo, blackouts, severe lumbar pain, and his previous records show severe co-morbidities. The report further stated that any delay in investigation and intervention may lead to irreversible damage. Counsel for Directorate of Enforcement, N.K. Matta, strongly objected to bail, stating that the jail authorities are well equipped to provide necessary treatment. Thapar was represented by counsel Sandeep Kapur, Senior Partner, Karanjawala &amp; Co., and his team comprising Vir Sandhu, Rajat Soni, <keyword id="13977064" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vivek-suri" source="Orion">Vivek Suri</keyword>, Mridul Yadav, Abhimanshu Dhyani, and <keyword id="13977065" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sahil-modi" source="Orion">Sahil Modi</keyword>. The team had briefed senior advocate N. Hariharan to appear on behalf of Thapar. SEE WORK: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/goa-has-the-highest-car-ownership-in-india-check-out-the-states-with-highest-and-lowest-car-ownership/slidelist/91664118.cms">Goa has the highest car ownership in India, check out the states with highest and lowest car ownership</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/navjot-singh-sidhu-gets-one-year-in-jail-in-the-1988-road-rage-case/articleshow/91662761.cms">Navjot Singh Sidhu gets one year in jail in the 1988 road rage case</a>

Avantha Group promoter denied interim bail on his arrest for alleged misuse of ₹515 crore loan

Four out of five elections in the bag ⁠— the first incumbent party in <keyword id="6357713" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="Orion">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> to win the state in 37 years ⁠— is enough for a delirious party (celebration). The Bharatiya Janata Party (<keyword id="14666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bjp" source="Orion">BJP</keyword>) is not a new party, but it’s the only one that seems to have the strongest organisation among all political parties. But money and power may just be two of the ingredients that make it so effective. The result of the latest election in Uttar Pradesh (UP) has reinforced one fact about the state’s changing politics: identity politics, as we’ve come to know it, is passe. <div type="image" title="UP election results" msid="90135835" hostid="261"></div> The wave of anti-establishment leaders, who emerged in North India in the 1980s, saw India as a mishmash of several identities, based on religion, caste, language and so on, saw an opportunity in becoming individual power centres by representing one or more of these factions promising them clout along with affirmative action. Their fiefdoms seemed to have broken by the Narendra Modi wave in 2014 and haven't recovered since then. It’s not because those identities have suddenly dissolved into a larger national, or even a state level, group. Both caste-based oppression and religious discrimination is alive and well. The <keyword id="6354265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samajwadi-party" source="Orion">Samajwadi Party</keyword> gained a lot by tapping into the fear of persecution among Muslims this time and won the best ever-vote share in the party’s history. <div type="image" title="SP won back the vote share in Muslim dominated constituencies" msid="90135994" hostid="261"></div> However, on a larger scale, the issue hasn’t won them the election. It just seems like people don’t expect politicians to resolve these issues. After decades of broken promises, people don’t seem to be looking for anti-dynasty messiahs who, eventually, initiate their own dynasty. People want to hear something new from the challengers. So, parties fell back on the tried and tested issues like unemployment and inflation. But that hasn’t worked in UP either. <div type="image" title="Assembly Elections 2022" msid="90135864" hostid="261"></div> It’s not like there were no chinks in the BJP armour. Even what the government could do on its own, it hasn’t. Over 10 million young people who applied for a Railways recruitment exam have not received the results in over 2 years. A teacher eligibility test to be held by the government became a controversy after it <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/till-when-varun-gandhi-raises-unemployment-issue-in-latest-criticism-aimed-at-centre-up-govt-101638421572885.html">got cancelled just before the elections</a>. But these things have happened in UP even when the BJP was not in power. The fact is even in the Modi or <keyword id="43254" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yogi-adityanath" source="Orion">Yogi Adityanath</keyword> era, UP has seen massive job losses, partly due to the pandemic. But they were able to offer some tangible solutions too: additional work for the unskilled, under the rural employment guarantee scheme (<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/71-mgnrega-wages-not-paid-on-time-14-delayed-beyond-30-days-study-shows-121102901592_1.html">as flawed as it may be</a>), and free food for the poor. The free ration, in the wake of the pandemic, provided by the government has been particularly popular in states like Uttar Pradesh that rank very poorly by level of poverty and contribute a large proportion of India’s migrant workers. <div type="twitter" handle="SVishnuReddy" handlename="Vishnu Vardhan Reddy" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1451805156316647433/FRMMeG5I_normal.jpg" favoritecount="3947" retweetcount="1334" status="So @ndtv deleted this video tweet as they didn't want to show the ground reality of Uttar Pradesh to the people of… https://t.co/7OLeqlT3OK" createdat="1645603213000" id="1496394449781665796"></div> Issues like the <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/67-journalists-arrested-detained-questioned-india-2020-their-work-140963">arrest of journalists</a>, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lakhimpur-kheri-case-ashish-mishra-released-on-bail/articleshow/89594633.cms">killing of farmers in Lakhimpur</a>, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hathras-gangrape-murder-case-top-developments/articleshow/78474943.cms">the rape in Hathras</a>, have not enraged the collective conscience in a way that the <keyword id="6360456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OPPOSITION" source="Orion">opposition</keyword> would have wanted. Essentially, BJP leaders and supporters can say <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1474456355163488268?t=Y7LhxIvK7syYZNglPJEdcQ&amp;s=19">any abhorrent thing</a> against religious minorities ⁠— Modi and other icons can continue to condone or ignore it ⁠— as long as the policies themselves aren’t discriminatory. Simply put, for example, as long as no one is denied free ration because of their religion or caste, the people are able to ignore the rhetoric. Does that mean that the BJP will remain in power forever? No. But the alternative has to be a new face, a new outfit that captures the imagination of the Indian youth in a way that existing leaders don’t. The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) sweeping win in Punjab is proof of exactly that. AAP is a 7-year old political upstart that has become a credible political alternative in Delhi and Punjab, and broken ground in <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword>. What works for it is Kejriwal’s crafty cocktail of welfare politics, anti-establishment posturing with a healthy dose of religious flattery. <div type="image" title="Punjab Election Results" msid="90136060" hostid="261"></div> In fact, it may even seem like what the voter wants isn’t exactly a new idea, but s/he surely doesn’t want to hear it from the same old flock of career/dynastic politicians. Even now, BJP has serious challengers in many states but none of them have any traction beyond their home states. Mamata Banerjee’s attempt to seek votes for Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh hasn’t yielded much. Even the idea of a coalition of regional parties ⁠— from Arvind Kejriwal to MK Stalin, from Mamata Banerjee to Pinarayi Vijayan, from Jagan Reddy to Ashok Gehlot ⁠— taking on Modi seems jaded, if not flimsy. The way people vote for a state election is different from how they vote for the Parliament. This was the best chance for opposition to show some might and they’ve lost it. The opposition needs a new face to change the face of the government.

You Searched For "goa well" and got 12 results

Karnataka to go Goa way and allow alcohol sales in coastal cities to lure tourists

PTI

An AirBnB property almost ruined our Goa staycation, but customer support saved the day with another free accommodation!

Ashmita Gupta

“Please do not photograph our homes!” plead Goa’s homeowners

Ashmita Gupta

Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

Ayush Mehrotra

Goa tops domestic travel spots for Indian family trips

IANS

Luxury property prices up 8-12% in 2022; surpasses 2015 peak level: India Sotheby's International Realty

PTI

Hotel, resorts sold out as demand soars for first full Christmas-New Year party after two years

PTI

Soon, bars might have to book cabs for their drunk patrons in Goa

IANS

As FIIs come back, India's forex reserves rise by $2.4 bn

IANS

Travel platform reveals that Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are top destinations for Indians this summer

IANS

Avantha Group promoter denied interim bail on his arrest for alleged misuse of ₹515 crore loan

IANS

SIMPLY PUT: Uttar Pradesh is bored of the opposition

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