The Coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a grinding halt. Lockdowns around the world have virtually eliminated all but the most essential travel within cities and countries. International travel has been shelved indefinitely. At this juncture when travel is being seen as an activity that endangers individuals and communities, the tourism industry--destinations, tour operators, hotels, and the cross-section of people employed in the sector--has been virtually decimated. In this first episode of The Future Series we focus on what lies ahead for the travel and tourism industry with a special focus on Thailand.

The Future Series - Episode 1: Travel and Tourism

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded.

While some expect the COVID-19 shock to last around year, the lasting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-target-high-spending-tourists-to-revive-tourism-297463">impact on travel</a> is unclear.

The UN forecasts&nbsp;that the world economy will shrink by 3.2 per cent this year, the sharpest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression.

However, as the realisation dawns that the world will have to learn to live with the virus, governments are keen on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-governments-banking-on-tourism-for-economic-revival-298732">kickstarting tourism </a>for economic revival.

European Union&nbsp;is planning to salvage the summer tourist season and is asking member nations to throw open their borders. It has called for&nbsp;unrestricted movement across member states,&nbsp;albeit with safety measures, such as face masks on aeroplanes and social distancing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-coronavirus-impact-on-the-tourism-industry-277803">Also read:&nbsp;Explained - Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry</a>

The tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the BLOC's economy.&nbsp;Europe’s museums, beaches and plazas have been virtually empty since mid-March under a near-blanket travel halt that has destroyed jobs, pulverised the airline and hospitality sectors and undermined Europe’s cherished principle of free movement in a bid to contain the virus.

Austria and Germany are planning&nbsp;to fully reopen their border on June 15. That will particularly help Austria’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on German visitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the aim is to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen region.

Furthermore, governments are working on individual plans too. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have opened their borders to one another, creating a coronavirus "travel bubble".&nbsp;This is the first "travel bubble" in Europe since nations began shutting their borders earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
India too is keen to restart tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to tourism said that he saw the potential for domestic tourism "but we need to think of the contours of the same".

He&nbsp;said, "We can now focus our strategy in this battle against coronavirus, as should be the case. We have a twofold challenge –- to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually, while adhering to all the guidelines. We will have to work towards achieving both these objectives."

Social-distance travel

Under the European Commission’s proposals, airlines and airports would insist passengers wear masks and reorganise check-ins, dropoffs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds. 
 
The Brussels-based Commission also wants vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays to be valid for at least a year, with protection against bankruptcies, so people would accept them instead of demanding refunds from cash-strapped airlines and travel firms.

It said people should be able to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or go to beaches - though it stressed the situation would have to be monitored to prevent a new surge in infections. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded.

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded. While some expect the COVID-19 shock to last around year, the lasting impact on travel is unclear. The UN forecasts that the world economy will shrink by 3.2 per cent this year, the sharpest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression. However, as the realisation dawns that the world will have to learn to live with the virus, governments are keen on kickstarting tourism for economic revival. European Union is planning to salvage the summer tourist season and is asking member nations to throw open their borders. It has called for unrestricted movement across member states, albeit with safety measures, such as face masks on aeroplanes and social distancing. Also read: Explained - Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry The tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the BLOC's economy. Europe’s museums, beaches and plazas have been virtually empty since mid-March under a near-blanket travel halt that has destroyed jobs, pulverised the airline and hospitality sectors and undermined Europe’s cherished principle of free movement in a bid to contain the virus. Austria and Germany are planning to fully reopen their border on June 15. That will particularly help Austria’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on German visitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the aim is to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen region. Furthermore, governments are working on individual plans too. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have opened their borders to one another, creating a coronavirus "travel bubble". This is the first "travel bubble" in Europe since nations began shutting their borders earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. India too is keen to restart tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to tourism said that he saw the potential for domestic tourism "but we need to think of the contours of the same". He said, "We can now focus our strategy in this battle against coronavirus, as should be the case. We have a twofold challenge –- to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually, while adhering to all the guidelines. We will have to work towards achieving both these objectives." Social-distance travel Under the European Commission’s proposals, airlines and airports would insist passengers wear masks and reorganise check-ins, dropoffs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds. The Brussels-based Commission also wants vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays to be valid for at least a year, with protection against bankruptcies, so people would accept them instead of demanding refunds from cash-strapped airlines and travel firms. It said people should be able to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or go to beaches - though it stressed the situation would have to be monitored to prevent a new surge in infections. (With inputs from Reuters)

What's the importance of tourism to the world's economy?

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders, which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic.

EU recommends restarting summer travel amid COVID-19 crisis

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders.

EU recommendations for tourism &amp; travel 
- overall strategy on the recovery of tourism in 2020 
- coordinated, gradual and safe lifting of restrictions 
- a framework to ensure the safety of passengers &amp; personnel 
- use vouchers as an attractive alternative for travellers 
- ensure health protocols are followed in all public spaces&nbsp;

In Europe, the tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the whole bloc's economy. But, with inevitable lockdown--the sector has suffered an unimaginable loss.

Now, the EU has urged member nations to adopt unrestricted free movement once again and has envisaged a framework to revive the travel and tourism business across the continent. 
&nbsp; 
EU commission executive vice-president, Margrethe Vestager, said: "People need of course to be able to travel between European countries. So we're giving guidance on how to gradually re-open transport links without risking the health of travellers or transport workers. Third (point): travellers and workers, they need to know that the places that the tourists visit are safe. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, other tourist sights, they need to be run in a way that minimizes the risk of passing on the coronavirus."

Potential travel corridors of EU 
- Austria to reopen border with Germany and Czech soon 
- Estonia, Latvia &amp; Lithuania to reopen each other's border 
- Greece to reopen borders with Cyprus, Austria &amp; Germany &nbsp; 
- Israel, non-EU member likely to open its border for Greece

Countries like Italy, Spain, and France--which are battered by coronavirus pandemic are also some of the major tourist destinations in Europe.

The governments of these three countries are already strategising an exit plan for lockdown and likely to restart operations soon.

Austria and Germany plan to fully reopen their border and Switzerland with an exception of Italy will start free travel on June 15.

Authorities in Spain are planning to keep the country's borders closed until July. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the aim was to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen area. However, experts have warned about a possible second wave of infections.

EU transport commissioner, Adina Valean, about compensations offered by companies over cancelled travel or holidays due to the COVID-19 pandemic said: "Of course, we are the guardians of the (European Union) treaty and we are looking at how (European Union) member states are implementing legislation (on customers' right) and if this situation of infringing the European law would emerge in various member states, of course, we are determined to take steps but this would be I would say a different letter, a letter of infringement, a different letter from the one I'm going to send with (European justice) commissioner (Didier) Reynders tomorrow."

Most EU member nations have imposed emergency border control rules and have adopted strict social distancing measures.

More than 6 million people in the are currently jobless and the tourism sector is at the brink of collapse.

As of now, the deadly virus has infected more than 1.6 million and has killed over 157,000 in Europe.

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders.

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders. EU recommendations for tourism & travel - overall strategy on the recovery of tourism in 2020 - coordinated, gradual and safe lifting of restrictions - a framework to ensure the safety of passengers & personnel - use vouchers as an attractive alternative for travellers - ensure health protocols are followed in all public spaces In Europe, the tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the whole bloc's economy. But, with inevitable lockdown--the sector has suffered an unimaginable loss. Now, the EU has urged member nations to adopt unrestricted free movement once again and has envisaged a framework to revive the travel and tourism business across the continent. EU commission executive vice-president, Margrethe Vestager, said: "People need of course to be able to travel between European countries. So we're giving guidance on how to gradually re-open transport links without risking the health of travellers or transport workers. Third (point): travellers and workers, they need to know that the places that the tourists visit are safe. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, other tourist sights, they need to be run in a way that minimizes the risk of passing on the coronavirus." Potential travel corridors of EU - Austria to reopen border with Germany and Czech soon - Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania to reopen each other's border - Greece to reopen borders with Cyprus, Austria & Germany - Israel, non-EU member likely to open its border for Greece Countries like Italy, Spain, and France--which are battered by coronavirus pandemic are also some of the major tourist destinations in Europe. The governments of these three countries are already strategising an exit plan for lockdown and likely to restart operations soon. Austria and Germany plan to fully reopen their border and Switzerland with an exception of Italy will start free travel on June 15. Authorities in Spain are planning to keep the country's borders closed until July. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the aim was to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen area. However, experts have warned about a possible second wave of infections. EU transport commissioner, Adina Valean, about compensations offered by companies over cancelled travel or holidays due to the COVID-19 pandemic said: "Of course, we are the guardians of the (European Union) treaty and we are looking at how (European Union) member states are implementing legislation (on customers' right) and if this situation of infringing the European law would emerge in various member states, of course, we are determined to take steps but this would be I would say a different letter, a letter of infringement, a different letter from the one I'm going to send with (European justice) commissioner (Didier) Reynders tomorrow." Most EU member nations have imposed emergency border control rules and have adopted strict social distancing measures. More than 6 million people in the are currently jobless and the tourism sector is at the brink of collapse. As of now, the deadly virus has infected more than 1.6 million and has killed over 157,000 in Europe.

European Union push forward to reopen internal borders

Covid-19: EU’s big push for lifting restrictions

The tourism industry has declined due to coronavirus Pandemic. Top tourist destinations across the world have been left deserted. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic hits Afghan tourism: No footfall in Bamiyan this year

What will tourism look like in the post-pandemic world? Australia and New Zealand are currently working on a tourism project. Both countries have almost control the epidemic. Watch report.

COVID-19 under control in New Zealand and Australia

A tiny Austrian lakeside village so picturesque it had to limit throngs of tourists is now longing for visitors to return to its empty lanes.

Do you wanna go to Hallstatt? 'Frozen' village deserted as coronavirus restrictions bite

As the world observes the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day on 18 April, we bring you top 5 breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth visiting.

Top 5 World Heritage Sites to Visit

In Thailand's western province of Kanchanaburi, Taweechai Elephant Camp is struggling to feed its elephants since the country declared a state of emergency last month, forcing it to close the gates.

Hungry and out of jobs: Thailand's elephants suffer as coronavirus outbreak hits tourism

Ranks of tourist buses idle under a burning sun while once-bustling theme parks lie empty from above, striking images reveal the hollowing out of Thai tourism due to the effect of the new coronavirus.

Chinese tourists 10 million of whom were expected to visit this year have abandoned Thailand, staying at home as a health crisis sweeps the globe, or under quarantine by their government.

The attractions around Pattaya, a Thai tourist resort close to Bangkok which for several years has made its money from mainland tour groups, are struggling for survival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-27-new-virus-deaths-lowest-rise-in-cases-since-january-284962">China reports 27 new virus deaths, lowest rise in cases since January</a>

Beaches are quiet and shopping malls deserted as an economic malaise settles over a kingdom heavily dependent on tourist spending.

"The situation is very bad, there are very few tourists left," said Songsak Srimuang, a 27-year-old tattoo shop manager.&nbsp;

"Maybe I'll go back to my hometown and go back to farming."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-growth-to-fall-below-last-years-level-due-to-coronavirus-imf-284325">&nbsp;Global growth to fall below last year's level due to coronavirus: IMF</a>

Pattaya, like the capital Bangkok, is fuelled by migrant labour from poorer Thai provinces as well as neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Economic growth is forecast to shrink to as low as two per cent this year.

As tourism is eviscerated by the virus, Thais in spin-off industries fear the worst.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-this-economic-slowdown-is-different-from-the-previous-ones-283955">How this economic slowdown is different from the previous ones</a>

"I make 1000 baht a day, it's not enough to earn a living," Pattaya ice-cream seller Rasmee Thapa, 28, told the sources.

Hotels and shops are shutting down, while those that stay open rely on Western ex-pats and Russian tourists who are still holidaying.

"Usually there are many tour buses but now it's nothing," said waitress Kochawan Greeglang, 30.

"If this keeps... the bar will have to close down and I won’t have anywhere else to work."

Thailand has confirmed 50 cases of the virus, with one death. &nbsp;

Ranks of tourist buses idle under a burning sun while once-bustling theme parks lie empty from above, striking images reveal the hollowing out of Thai tourism due to the effect of the new coronavirus.

Ranks of tourist buses idle under a burning sun while once-bustling theme parks lie empty from above, striking images reveal the hollowing out of Thai tourism due to the effect of the new coronavirus. Chinese tourists 10 million of whom were expected to visit this year have abandoned Thailand, staying at home as a health crisis sweeps the globe, or under quarantine by their government. The attractions around Pattaya, a Thai tourist resort close to Bangkok which for several years has made its money from mainland tour groups, are struggling for survival. Also read: China reports 27 new virus deaths, lowest rise in cases since January Beaches are quiet and shopping malls deserted as an economic malaise settles over a kingdom heavily dependent on tourist spending. "The situation is very bad, there are very few tourists left," said Songsak Srimuang, a 27-year-old tattoo shop manager. "Maybe I'll go back to my hometown and go back to farming." Also read: Global growth to fall below last year's level due to coronavirus: IMF Pattaya, like the capital Bangkok, is fuelled by migrant labour from poorer Thai provinces as well as neighbouring countries. Economic growth is forecast to shrink to as low as two per cent this year. As tourism is eviscerated by the virus, Thais in spin-off industries fear the worst. Also see: How this economic slowdown is different from the previous ones "I make 1000 baht a day, it's not enough to earn a living," Pattaya ice-cream seller Rasmee Thapa, 28, told the sources. Hotels and shops are shutting down, while those that stay open rely on Western ex-pats and Russian tourists who are still holidaying. "Usually there are many tour buses but now it's nothing," said waitress Kochawan Greeglang, 30. "If this keeps... the bar will have to close down and I won’t have anywhere else to work." Thailand has confirmed 50 cases of the virus, with one death.

Tour buses idle as Thai economy takes gut punch from virus

About 10,000 Japanese men clad only in loincloths braved freezing temperatures to pack into a temple at the weekend and scramble in the dark for lucky wooden talismans tossed into the crowd, in a ritual that dates back more than 500 years.

Loin-clothed men brave cold for Japan's 'naked festival'

This year winter in France has so far remain mildest and this had a direct impact on key resorts which is situated in France. Tha lack of snow has forced resorts to shut down its key runs in midseason.

Global warming impacts ski resorts in France

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists.

Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of&nbsp; ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bhutan-hold-talks-on-development-cooperation-265490">India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation</a> 
 
Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day.&nbsp;

Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area.

To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts.

The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ad031aa-96f5-4f88-bd8b-364db7d3c428" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_73.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP</h6>

 
According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. 
 
However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers.

The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts.

 
Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. 
 
Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly&nbsp;1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020. Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry. Also read: India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day. Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area. To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts. The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each. This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers. The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts. Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly 1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

Indian tourists visiting Bhutan will have to pay ₹1200 per day starting July

The beaches, hotels and pools that Cuba hopes to have thronged by foreign tourists appear far emptier than normal as the Caribbean nation's tourist sector has been hard hit by the Trump administration's tightening of U.S. restrictions on travel there.

U.S. sanctions sting Cuba's tourism sector

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair.

The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food.

In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run.

The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas.

The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.”

Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty,&nbsp;but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules.

Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away.

Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility.

I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places.

There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state.

In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas.

The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed. Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair. The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food. In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run. The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas. The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.” Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty, but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules. Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away. Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility. I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places. There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state. In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas. The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The sorry state of Himalayas

Chinese authorities for railway, air and highway transport are taking measures to guard against any epidemic outbreak in the Spring Festival travel rush, said officials at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

Transport authorities to guard against epidemic outbreak in travel rush

With the launch of India's first premium luxury cruise liner, the cruise tourism industry is poised for exponential growth in the country. With a vast coastline and multiple intra-country destinations, India's high seas and waterways are brimming with potential for tourism. What are the challenges, and how are those being tackled? WION takes an in-depth look at Cruise Tourism in India. #Tourism #Cruise #CruiseTourism

Anchors Aweigh! Cruise Tourism sets sail in India

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities. The visa will be valid for five years.

"#UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE," the government of Dubai Media Office tweeted, referring to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-entities-to-invest-up-to-7-billion-in-india-uae-food-corridor-piyush-goyal-256334">UAE</a> prime minister and ruler of Dubai.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> Cabinet chaired by <a href="https://twitter.com/HHShkMohd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHShkMohd</a>, approves new amendment for tourist visas in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a>. The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities. <a href="https://t.co/T2gZolAkjy">pic.twitter.com/T2gZolAkjy</a>
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1214178579514372096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to Sheikh Maktoum's Twitter handle, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">the UAE</a> currently attracts 21 million tourists a year.

"The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities," the Dubai Media Office wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-crown-prince-arrives-in-pakistan-to-boost-bilateral-ties-271674">UAE Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan to boost bilateral ties</a>

Before this provision was introduced, travellers from Africa, a few South American countries, many Arab states, and non-European Union European countries needed visas.

The deliberation and decision-making on the process happened during the cabinet's first meeting of the year which was chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.&nbsp;

No details regarding the visa application fee have been released yet.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday upped the ante on its efforts to boost tourism in the country by introducing a multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities. The visa will be valid for five years. "#UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE," the government of Dubai Media Office tweeted, referring to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai. #UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE. The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities. pic.twitter.com/T2gZolAkjy — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 6, 2020 × According to Sheikh Maktoum's Twitter handle, the UAE currently attracts 21 million tourists a year. "The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities," the Dubai Media Office wrote. Also read: UAE Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan to boost bilateral ties Before this provision was introduced, travellers from Africa, a few South American countries, many Arab states, and non-European Union European countries needed visas. The deliberation and decision-making on the process happened during the cabinet's first meeting of the year which was chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. No details regarding the visa application fee have been released yet. (With inputs from AFP)

In a bid to boost tourism, UAE launches multiple-entry visas for all

It is rare to see ten thousand horses galloping together. But in the Yili horse-breeding base in the northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, it is part of the local life and a tourism program.

Ten thousand horses galloping in snow-covered grassland

As healthcare turns costlier in developed countries, India's medical value travel (MVT) market is expected to reach a volume of nine billion dollars (about Rs 65,000 crore) by next year, according to a new knowledge paper released by industry body FICCI. 
 
The global MVT market estimated at 54 billion dollars is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13 per cent until 2025. With its growing emphasis, several Asian countries have developed ecosystems necessary to become an MVT hub. 
 
"Among these economies, India is viewed as one of the preferred destinations and holds the fifth position among 41 major medical tourism destinations," said the paper titled 'India: Building Best Practices in Healthcare Services Globally' prepared in collaboration with consulting major Ernst &amp; Young. 
 
The key drivers of growth of MVT are affordability and accessibility of good healthcare services, availability of the latest medical technologies and accreditations, facilitation around hospitality services and minimal waiting time. 
 
The report says India is more affordable in terms of medical treatment and travel when compared to western countries. Medical travellers can save up to 50 per cent as the average daily cost of travel within India is 31 dollars (about Rs 2,232) compared to the United States having 223 dollars (about Rs 16,056). 
 
Besides, the quality of medical service is one of the hallmarks of India's position in global MVT. Currently, there are 38 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and 619 accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). 
 
Even being affordable, the mortality rate after 30 days of surgery is less in India (1.4 per cent) compared to the United States (1.9 per cent) which shows the quality of post-operative care provided by the Indian health service providers. 
 
However, there is a need to improve on post-operative care in terms of environment, hygiene and precautions required after a patient is being operated, said the report. 
 
Besides, India is performing low when it comes to regulations. As of today, there are no regulations applicable to the industry pertaining to facilitators, hospitals, insurance, legal or medical issues, and promotion activities carried out by stakeholders. 
 
"With a lack of regulations, MVT in India might not be able to thrive at a steady pace. Hence, the formulation of regulations is important to make this industry sustainable," said the report. 
 
Significantly, there are no government-to-government institutional arrangements between India and patient source countries. The institutional tie-ups are maintained by hospitals and facilitators without government interference. 
 
In addition, there is no grievances or redressal mechanism in place for international patients to raise any complaints. There is no policy arrangement in place to insure patients in case of unexpected complications in treatment. 
 
Gaurav Taneja, National Director and Leader for Government and Public Sector practice at EY India, said the government must form institutions for regulation and implementation of MVT. There is a need to build a robust platform for patients to interact with different stakeholders of the industry and define a code of conduct for MVT business. 
 
"With a branding and marketing campaign 'Heal in India,' I am sure the country will elevate its existing position to rank among the most preferred MVT destinations," he said in the report.

As healthcare turns costlier in developed countries, India's medical value travel (MVT) market is expected to reach a volume of nine billion dollars (about Rs 65,000 crore) by next year, according to a new knowledge paper released by industry body FICCI.

As healthcare turns costlier in developed countries, India's medical value travel (MVT) market is expected to reach a volume of nine billion dollars (about Rs 65,000 crore) by next year, according to a new knowledge paper released by industry body FICCI. The global MVT market estimated at 54 billion dollars is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13 per cent until 2025. With its growing emphasis, several Asian countries have developed ecosystems necessary to become an MVT hub. "Among these economies, India is viewed as one of the preferred destinations and holds the fifth position among 41 major medical tourism destinations," said the paper titled 'India: Building Best Practices in Healthcare Services Globally' prepared in collaboration with consulting major Ernst & Young. The key drivers of growth of MVT are affordability and accessibility of good healthcare services, availability of the latest medical technologies and accreditations, facilitation around hospitality services and minimal waiting time. The report says India is more affordable in terms of medical treatment and travel when compared to western countries. Medical travellers can save up to 50 per cent as the average daily cost of travel within India is 31 dollars (about Rs 2,232) compared to the United States having 223 dollars (about Rs 16,056). Besides, the quality of medical service is one of the hallmarks of India's position in global MVT. Currently, there are 38 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and 619 accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). Even being affordable, the mortality rate after 30 days of surgery is less in India (1.4 per cent) compared to the United States (1.9 per cent) which shows the quality of post-operative care provided by the Indian health service providers. However, there is a need to improve on post-operative care in terms of environment, hygiene and precautions required after a patient is being operated, said the report. Besides, India is performing low when it comes to regulations. As of today, there are no regulations applicable to the industry pertaining to facilitators, hospitals, insurance, legal or medical issues, and promotion activities carried out by stakeholders. "With a lack of regulations, MVT in India might not be able to thrive at a steady pace. Hence, the formulation of regulations is important to make this industry sustainable," said the report. Significantly, there are no government-to-government institutional arrangements between India and patient source countries. The institutional tie-ups are maintained by hospitals and facilitators without government interference. In addition, there is no grievances or redressal mechanism in place for international patients to raise any complaints. There is no policy arrangement in place to insure patients in case of unexpected complications in treatment. Gaurav Taneja, National Director and Leader for Government and Public Sector practice at EY India, said the government must form institutions for regulation and implementation of MVT. There is a need to build a robust platform for patients to interact with different stakeholders of the industry and define a code of conduct for MVT business. "With a branding and marketing campaign 'Heal in India,' I am sure the country will elevate its existing position to rank among the most preferred MVT destinations," he said in the report.

India's medical value travel to reach $9 billion: FICCI

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taj-mahal-gets-air-purifier-as-delhi-breathes-toxic-air-259900">Taj Mahal</a> which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours. 
 
State Minister Girraj Singh Dharmesh on Saturday inaugurated the Mehtab Bagh Taj viewpoint, which will allow tourists to view Taj Mahal at the cost of Rs 20 for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. This new point will be opened for tourists from morning 7 to 10 am and in evening 7 to 10 pm. 
 
"The Taj viewpoint has been developed by the Agra Development Authority. I wish more such viewpoints are developed in Agra so that more foreign tourists can come here," Dharmesh told media. 
 
Tourists present on the day of the inauguration were happy to see Taj Mahal through a new viewpoint. 
 
"I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have been to Taj Mahal before, but not to this place (Mehtab Bagh Taj View Point). I think it is a wonderful spot," said a foreign tourist. 
Another tourist from Jammu and Kashmir said, "It is a good thing for tourism. It is a dream come true moment if I get to see the Taj Mahal during the night." 
 
Earlier this month, the Agra District Administration had installed two air purifier machines at the gates of the Mughal era monument Taj Mahal to combat air pollution in the region.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of Taj Mahal which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of Taj Mahal which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours. State Minister Girraj Singh Dharmesh on Saturday inaugurated the Mehtab Bagh Taj viewpoint, which will allow tourists to view Taj Mahal at the cost of Rs 20 for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. This new point will be opened for tourists from morning 7 to 10 am and in evening 7 to 10 pm. "The Taj viewpoint has been developed by the Agra Development Authority. I wish more such viewpoints are developed in Agra so that more foreign tourists can come here," Dharmesh told media. Tourists present on the day of the inauguration were happy to see Taj Mahal through a new viewpoint. "I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have been to Taj Mahal before, but not to this place (Mehtab Bagh Taj View Point). I think it is a wonderful spot," said a foreign tourist. Another tourist from Jammu and Kashmir said, "It is a good thing for tourism. It is a dream come true moment if I get to see the Taj Mahal during the night." Earlier this month, the Agra District Administration had installed two air purifier machines at the gates of the Mughal era monument Taj Mahal to combat air pollution in the region.

Agra: Government opens new viewing spot for tourists to see Taj Mahal

Saudi Arabia welcomed 24,000 tourists in the 10 days after it issued tourism visas for the first time, state television reported Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia announced on September 27 it would start offering tourist visas, opening up the kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil.

"In 10 days, some 24,000 foreigners entered Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa," the state television reported, citing the Saudi foreign ministry.

Up until September 27, the ultra-conservative Islamic state only issued visas to Muslim pilgrims, foreign workers and recently to spectators at sporting or cultural events.

To encourage arrivals, authorities announced Sunday they would allow unmarried foreign couples to rent hotel rooms together.

Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the Arab world's largest economy for a post-oil era.

Citizens from 49 countries are now eligible for online e-visas or visas on arrival, including the United States, Australia, several European nations, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, China and Kazakhstan.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 24,000 tourists in the 10 days after it issued tourism visas for the first time, state television reported Tuesday. Saudi Arabia announced on September 27 it would start offering tourist visas, opening up the kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 24,000 tourists in the 10 days after it issued tourism visas for the first time, state television reported Tuesday. Saudi Arabia announced on September 27 it would start offering tourist visas, opening up the kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil. "In 10 days, some 24,000 foreigners entered Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa," the state television reported, citing the Saudi foreign ministry. Up until September 27, the ultra-conservative Islamic state only issued visas to Muslim pilgrims, foreign workers and recently to spectators at sporting or cultural events. To encourage arrivals, authorities announced Sunday they would allow unmarried foreign couples to rent hotel rooms together. Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the Arab world's largest economy for a post-oil era. Citizens from 49 countries are now eligible for online e-visas or visas on arrival, including the United States, Australia, several European nations, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, China and Kazakhstan.

Saudi Arabia welcomes 24,000 tourists in ten days

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;tourist&nbsp;arrivals&nbsp;in&nbsp;September&nbsp;were down 27.2 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Arrivals&nbsp;fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive&nbsp;monthly&nbsp;fall.

Since the Easter Sunday attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-maithripala-sirisena-to-not-contest-sri-lanka-polls-next-month-report-254239">the number of foreign visitors has&nbsp;fallen </a>to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago.

Arrivals&nbsp;in the five&nbsp;months from May to&nbsp;September&nbsp;were down 44.4 per cent&nbsp;to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2 per cent from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2 per cent from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday. Arrivals fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive monthly fall. Since the Easter Sunday attacks, the number of foreign visitors has fallen to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago. Arrivals in the five months from May to September were down 44.4 per cent to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals in September fall for sixth month

As Saudi Arabia opens to the world, a look at its key tourist spots

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said.

Large waves swamped and overturned the wooden boat off one of the world's most famous tropical holiday resorts, killing four male and three female rowers at sunrise, they added.

"There are many rocks in the area so it's possible that they hit their head on them," local disaster officer Catherine Ong Fulgencio told AFP by telephone, explaining why they did not survive even though they could swim.

Fourteen other team members, including a Chinese and a Russian woman, were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment, Fulgencio added.

The Filipino victims were training for the Kaohsiung City Cup scheduled for the southern Taiwanese city in November, said team member Remedy Aquino, who was not aboard the boat.

Dragon boat racing is a popular sport in the Philippines and many parts of Asia, where 20 paddlers sitting two abreast atop a long wooden 12-metre (39-foot) boat sandwiched by a cox who steers the vessel from the rear and a drummer in front.

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said.

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said. Large waves swamped and overturned the wooden boat off one of the world's most famous tropical holiday resorts, killing four male and three female rowers at sunrise, they added. "There are many rocks in the area so it's possible that they hit their head on them," local disaster officer Catherine Ong Fulgencio told AFP by telephone, explaining why they did not survive even though they could swim. Fourteen other team members, including a Chinese and a Russian woman, were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment, Fulgencio added. The Filipino victims were training for the Kaohsiung City Cup scheduled for the southern Taiwanese city in November, said team member Remedy Aquino, who was not aboard the boat. Dragon boat racing is a popular sport in the Philippines and many parts of Asia, where 20 paddlers sitting two abreast atop a long wooden 12-metre (39-foot) boat sandwiched by a cox who steers the vessel from the rear and a drummer in front.

Seven rowers die in training accident off top Philippine resort

National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India'&nbsp;theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife.

The aircraft is being decorated at the AI Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in Nagpur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-speech-2019-nation-celebrates-73rd-independence-day-today-pm-to-unfurl-tricolour-at-red-fort-shortly-243045">Independence Day speech</a> had said, "There is a "huge" scope to improve our tourism and India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays, but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom."

After Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Air India took the decision to decorate its Boeing B777 aircraft to promote India's tourist destination.

The aircraft is decorated with pictures of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark Temple, Golden Temple and Statue of Unity.

Air India is going to start a flight from Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto on the World Tourism Day on September 27.

Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier tweeted: "Delighted to announce the commencement of a thrice-weekly Air India flight between Sri Amritsar Sahib and Canada. The Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight will commence on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2019."

"Our Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani have given the task to decorate the aircraft with world heritage photos before going to Toronto. We started the work and today the aircraft is ready for use as per our CMD direction. Before decorating the aircraft we had taken prior clearance from Aviation watchdog Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," Vaibhav Simpy, Senior Engineer, Air India MRO and Nodal officer of the aircraft told ANI.

National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India' theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife.

National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India' theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife. The aircraft is being decorated at the AI Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in Nagpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had said, "There is a "huge" scope to improve our tourism and India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays, but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom." After Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Air India took the decision to decorate its Boeing B777 aircraft to promote India's tourist destination. The aircraft is decorated with pictures of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark Temple, Golden Temple and Statue of Unity. Air India is going to start a flight from Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto on the World Tourism Day on September 27. Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier tweeted: "Delighted to announce the commencement of a thrice-weekly Air India flight between Sri Amritsar Sahib and Canada. The Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight will commence on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2019." "Our Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani have given the task to decorate the aircraft with world heritage photos before going to Toronto. We started the work and today the aircraft is ready for use as per our CMD direction. Before decorating the aircraft we had taken prior clearance from Aviation watchdog Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," Vaibhav Simpy, Senior Engineer, Air India MRO and Nodal officer of the aircraft told ANI.

Ahead of World Tourism Day, Air India implements PM Modi's vision

Know about Svalbard, the fastest warming place on planet

Climate Change bringing in Tourism

Once a sleepy fishing town seated in the far east of Indonesia, Labuan Bajo, popularly known as the gateway to the Komodo National Park, has seen an economic boom in recent years following plans to make it one of the ten 'new Balis' by President Joko Widodo.

Small Indonesian town eyes economic takeoff on the back of Komodo dragons

Sri Lanka Friday ordered an investigation following the collapse of a skeletal 70-year-old elephant after being forced to parade at a high-profile Buddhist pageant popular with local and foreign tourists.

Sri Lanka Friday ordered an investigation following the collapse of a skeletal 70-year-old elephant after being forced to parade at a high-profile Buddhist pageant popular with local and foreign tourists. Tourism and wildlife minister John Amaratunga said he ordered wildlife authorities to investigate how the elephant, known as Tikiri, was forced to take part in a lengthy parade despite her failing health. Animal-lovers slammed the authorities for deploying the aged animal at the annual Esala pageant wearing elaborate clothing at a night festival watched by tens of thousands in the central city of Kandy earlier in the week. After a howl of protests over social media, festival organisers withdrew the aged animal from the grand finale on Wednesday. "I have been informed that the elephant collapsed yesterday," the minister said in a statement. "Considering what has transpired, I have ordered officials to initiate an inquiry and ascertain how and why an elephant in such poor health was used in the (pageant) and to take necessary action against those responsible." The minister said he had also instructed wildlife authorities to ensure there was no repetition of such cruel treatment to some 200 elephants in captivity and routinely paraded at Buddhist temple festivals. Sacred but abused Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka and protected as an endangered species, but there are reports of cruelty to many animals who have been domesticated. Several rich Sri Lankans keep elephants as pets, but there have been numerous complaints of ill-treatment and cruelty. "Many more elephants in Sri Lanka are suffering similar or worse treatment in service to the exploitative and abusive tourism industry," said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals senior vice president Jason Baker. PETA offered to transfer the ailing Tikiri to a sanctuary where she could live and be treated by veterinarians. Officials of the Temple of the Tooth which organised the Esala festival in Kandy said Tikiri was not a temple elephant, but they withdrew her from Wednesday's finale which involved dozens of other jumbos. Asian elephant expert Jayantha Jayewardene described the animal's treatment as inhumane. "The animal is severely under-nourished, it is close to death," Jayewardene told AFP. "Owners parade their elephants to gain merit for themselves and not for the animal. This should never have been allowed," he said. Lek Chailert, the founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, said on social media that spectators did not realise how weak Tikiri was because she was covered in an elaborate costume. "No one sees her bony body or her weakened condition, because of her costume," Chailert said. "No one sees the tears in her eyes, injured by the bright lights that decorate her mask, no one sees her difficulty to step as her legs are short shackled while she walks." The Temple of the Tooth, Buddhism's holiest shrine on the island, holds the annual festival with traditional drummers and dancers as well as nearly 100 tame elephants.

Sri Lanka probes elephant cruelty at Buddhist parade

Hong Kong economy slumps, Government blames protesters

Hong Kong's Tourism Industry takes a hit

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