Tourism

Delhi,15th September, 2022: SriLankan Holidays appoints Delhi based Linkin Reps as one of the Franchise Operator for its passenger holiday business in India.This decision will assist Srilankan Holidays in strengthening its presence and outreach to potential customers in the Indian market and will feed into Srilankan Airlines flights to/from India. This partnership includes providing complete tour packages with set itineraries through marketing, and overall sales support services to agencies. As franchise operator, the company will also aim to strengthen the carrier’s brand awareness, develop efficient and strategic commercial activities, boost revenue from ticket sales and encourage trade partners to select Srilankan Holidays as their first choice. This new partnership is a major challenge for Linkin Reps, as it marks the restart of tourism in the post covid and national emergency era which brings new growth opportunities for both leisure and business travel between India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s tourism officials, conscious of the dire need to shore up their country’s economy also plan to woo a greater number of Indian tourists, who constitute the single largest segment of foreign tourists. “Srilankan Holidays continues to strive for excellence in all areas of the business and we seek partners that share similar aspirations,” said Ravindran, Regional Manager India & Bangladesh, Srilankan Airlines. “We believe we have found such a partner in Linkin Reps, a leading representative company to help us expand our footprint in India.” “We are pleased that Srilankan Holidays has partnered with Linkin Reps to assist them in these markets and hope this will lead to further success for this new partnership,” said Komal Seth, Founder & Director, Linkin Reps. “Linkin has the experience, industry knowledge and personnel to generate strong growth for this carrier.”

New Delhi, August 04, 2022: Da Nang Tourism Roadshow in New Delhi was organized by the Da Nang Tourism Department in cooperation with Vietjet Air. The roadshow showcased the destination and introduced new direct routes connecting Da Nang to major cities in India. The event presented Da Nang, one of Asia’s top trending destination, the city of exciting events and festivals to Indian tourism partners and was packed with all information of tourist products and services of Da Nang and Central Vietnam, especially for leisure, MICE and weddings, with an aim to boost the tourism exchange between Da Nang and India. “It’s golden time for us to enhance our mutual understanding and cooperation for tourism recovery and growth, considering the significant growth in trade and commerce exchange between Vietnam and India”,Nguyen Thị Hoai An, Director of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, the event organizer remarked. “Da Nang Tourism Roadshow in India 2022is a great opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful coastal city along with its diverse tourism products and services as well as promote the MICE and wedding destinations to India”, Ms. Nguyen believed the event “opened a new chapter for tourism cooperation between New Delhi and Da Nang, Vietnam. The event was attended by Pham Sanh Chau, The Ambassador of Vietnam Republic Socialist to India, Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, more than 90 guests comprising Indian travel companies, wedding planners. Giving his speech at the roadshow, Pham Sanh Chau emphasized on the remarkable increase of outbound tourism from India due to the pent-up demand from for the last two year. According to Mr. Pham, the average number of visas for Indians to enter Vietnam has surged after COVID-19, it has increased 24 times i.e., from 250 visas per day pre-COVID-19 to 6000 visas per day at the moment. In this, the Vietnamese Embassy has received many requests for weddings or conferences in Vietnam. Vietjet Air to launch direct flights between India and Vietnam, including Da Nang In cooperation with Da Nang to organize Da Nang Tourism Roadshow in India 2022, Vietjet Air has announced its their new route plan with flights directly connecting major cities in India to Vietnam’s top destinations, including Da Nang. Vietjet will launch two first direct services linking Mumbai and New Delhi with Da Nang starting October 17 and 18. The airline will launch three more routes to Da Nang from Bengaluru (Bangalore), Hyderabad and Ahmedabad on November 28, 29 and December 1 respectively. Additional services from key Indian cities New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad to Vietnam’s economic and tourism hubs Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc will also get operational starting September. Travelers can book promotional tickets from India to Vietnam with fares as low as INR9 (excluding taxes and fees) on every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from now until August 26 for travel period from August 15, 2022, to March 26, 2023 (excluding public holidays) at www.vietjetair.com “With 17 direct services, Vietjet will operate the largest flight network ever between India and Vietnam from September onwards”, said Mr. Jay L Lingeswara, Vietjet Commercial Director. “Travelers from five key Indian cities can now take direct flights to visit the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang, and then to surrounding tourism destinations including Hoi An ancient town, Hue Imperial city, My Son sanctuary and Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, etc.” “It is also more convenient and affordable for Indian travelers to visit not only Vietnam’s top destinations but also connect to other destinations in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and all over Asia Pacific thanks to Vietjet’s expanding flight network. As the first airline flying directly between Vietnam and India, Vietjet is confident of further strengthening both countries’ connection in the coming time to meet travelers’ evolving demands while being able to offer them the most affordable airfares and joyful flight experiences,” Jay added. MOU for enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and India A Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony for tourism cooperation and partnership was held in Da Nang Tourism Roadshow in India 2022 in the presence of the Ambassador and tourism businesses. Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center (DTPC), the agency under the Tourism Department specializing in destination marketing and promotion established the partnership with Global Aviation Services Ptv. Ltd. (GASPL) to promote Da Nang in India. According to the MOU, the Da Nang agency pledged its support to Indian clients looking to learn more about the new destination. Global Aviation Services has consulted DTPC in promoting activities to India since 2017, the company is also coordinator for Da Nang Tourism Roadshow in India 2022. Prabodh Tipnis – Group Managing Director of GASPL believed the recent tie-up between the company and Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center along with the enhanced air connectivity from various Indian city to Da Nang, will witness a surge in tourism from different travel segments. “Da Nang Tourism will now have a local address in India and can be reached through our offices PAN India. This will also assist in enhancing the knowledge of the Indian trade partners the city has to offer, apart from Dragon Bridge and Bana Hills. The “Team Da Nang” in Global is confident in promoting the destination”, Mr. Tipnis shared his positivity about the MOU. Da Nang Tourism Association (DTA) joined the MOU with Network of India MICE Agents (NIMA) aimed at developing MICE segmentation. DTA will respond to its partner’s request for MICE products and services, meanwhile, attract more MICE groups through the association with NIMA. The partnership established in 2019 resulted in the series of webinars co-organized by DTA and NIMA in 2020 to provide destination knowledge to India travel agents. According to Mr. Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator of NIMA, the organization is keen to continue the relationship with the Da Nang Tourism and believes in everlasting, constructive and progressive partnership between two organisations for mutual benefit. Business networking session 17 tourism enterprises representing Da Nang, Central Vietnam tourism community including Furama

New Delhi, 04 August 2022: *German tourism invest 5 lakh euros to promote tourism in India *In 2021, Germany accounted for 9% of European trips of Indians *German National Tourist Office, India announces new marketing campaigns German.Local.Culture & Embrace German Nature for the year 2022 With tourism industry making a stark recovery post the pandemic, German National Tourist Office, India has observed an y-o-y increase of 214% in its business. In its annual conference, GNTO, India shared the travel trend analysis (globally and for the Indian market). The Press conference showcased India as an important market for inbound travel to Germany with genuine hospitality to inspire potential Indian visitors to Germany.Germany is topping the charts amongst the best travel destinations in Europe for Indian travellers for its scope culture and attraction. As per the Nation Brands Index, Anholt Ipsos Nation Brands Index SM 2021, Germany ranks No. 1 on the Nation Brands Index for fifth time in a row. From cultural centres to architecture, innovative Gastronomy to insider’s tips and new favourite places in such close proximity, Germany offers the best travel experience. Recognising an increased demand for experiences this season among visitors from the Indian market, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is debuting the brand-new campaign showcasing Nature and cultural tourism in all its facets that focuses on highlighting sustainable tourism attractions and open-air activities.The campaign German.Local.Culture. and Embrace German Nature conveys precisely this peaceful coexistence of generations, traditions and different cultural influences. With the launch of the campaign, GNTB is reflecting authentic, local experiences in urban destinations with the integration of rural areas and their sustainable tourism offers and natural attractions. With countless travel events, the campaign also aims to promote Germany as a destination for culturally interested travelers, families and active vacationers in the Indian market. The campaigns for Indian market are a part of the global campaign to promote Culturally Rich, Naturally Beautiful, Germany. Specific to Indian travellers, Germany accounted for 9% of European trips of Indians. 55% of Indian tourists visit Germany for leisure while 38% travel for business. Talking about Germany as a preffered travel destionation for Indian travellers, Romit Theophilus, director German National Tourist Office, India (GNTO) saiud, “Eight hours gate-to-gate and with multiple daily flight routes from India to cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Germany has long been favoured by the Indian traveller. An increase in travellers is expected this festive period in light of the relaxation of COVID-19 requirements. All travellers can now visit regardless of vaccination status and without the need for a negative test.” “Having nature and culture as two of the prominent drivers is exciting given the abundance of relevant offerings that we have to offer“, added Romit. “From meandering lakes and breath-taking mountains to traditional craftmanship and Bavarian fare – Germany is the ideal place for explorers searching for an easily accessible destination with plenty to see and do.” Some of the incredible naturistic elements of Germany that await Indian visitors include the 66 Lakes Trail hike, which incorporates streams and rivers and runs past the Sanssouci Palace in the spa town of Potsdam, and the incredible landscapes that can be found at Hiddensee, a stunning car-free island with sandy beaches and salt marshes. Visitors looking to soak up culture around the country can also revel in the campaign’s four touch points: Green, Craft, Flair, and Taste. Taste includes some of Leipzig’s most popular delicacies, Green features the jaw-dropping wildlife in Munsterland, Flair sees creativity such as the inspirational Tegel Art Park in Berlin, and Craft includes the well-known cuckoo clocks of the Black Forest.

AW Feature/ Tourism: LINKIN Reps has been appointed the India sales, marketing and Public Relations representation office for Haritha Villas+ Spa, Sri Lanka. LINKIN Reps will be responsible for driving holistic sales, trade marketing and PR Strategies in India for Haritha Villas+ Spa, Sri Lanka. “India has always been a very important market for us, not only as it is the number 1 inbound market to Sri Lanka, but also due to them being our closest regional neighbour. The long-standing friendship and support rendered to Sri Lanka by the people of India have been pivotal in supporting us in this very difficult time of unprecedented economic uncertainty as well as the global pandemic and other international shocks. Keeping this in mind, we are happy that LINKIN Reps will represent us, with their vast tourism experience and through their large network of travel agents in the country to promote our little island and Haritha Villas + Spa to the luxury travel segment in India”, said Thanuja Weerasinghe, Sales & Marketing. “India has always been a very important market for us, not only as it is the number 1 inbound market to Sri Lanka, but also due to them being our closest regional neighbour. The long-standing friendship and support rendered to Sri Lanka by the people of India have been pivotal in supporting us in this very difficult time of unprecedented economic uncertainty as well as the global pandemic and other international shocks. Keeping this in mind, we are happy that LINKIN Reps will represent us, with their vast tourism experience and through their large network of travel agents in the country to promote our little island and Haritha Villas + Spa to the luxury travel segment in India”, said Thanuja Weerasinghe, Sales & Marketing. On this occasion, Komal Seth, Founder & Director, LINKIN Reps said, “We take pride in announcing that Haritha Villas+ Spa is the newest addition to our brand portfolio. We are looking forward to working closely with Haritha Villas + Spa to position them as an attractive leisure Resort for Indian travellers to Sri Lanka. Umberto Piccolini, General Manager also expresses his feelings “Haritha Villas + Spa is very proud to enter into cooperation with LINKIN Reps with its very experienced visionary leadership team within the industry. We are convinced that discerning luxury travellers from India will truly enjoy the culture and heritage of Haritha Villas + Spa in Sri Lanka, coupled with genuinely personalised and warm hospitality creating authentic experiences and memories to treasure.” Haritha Villas + Spa is perched on a hill and nestled under a canopy of trees, less than 1 km from Narigama beach and 1.2 km from Hikkaduwa beach. An exclusive contemporary resort offering personalized services, spa treatments, private luxury accommodation, and a world of experiences as you explore the island; be in cultural, historical or culinary. Our Contemporary Villas and Colonial Mansions are the ideal cocoons of space, luxury and privacy. Each villa has a private plunge pool. Infinity shared swimming pool for colonial Mansions. (The content published is on as shared basis)

New Delhi: June 07; Effective 1st June ‘22, Turkiye has relaxed all the conditions for Indian travellers entering the country. Earlier, they were required to submit either a vaccination certificate of both the doses or an RT PCR test report to visit the country. Now, arriving Indian travellers no longer have to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus or proof of recovery from the disease or a negative PCR test result. With both Indigo as well as Turkish Airlines resuming direct international flights to Turkiye, the country is expecting to welcome the highest ever number of Indian tourists this year. With its tourism revenues doubling-up last year to almost USD 25 billion, recording 103% growth since the emergence of the pandemic, Turkiye is set to create a whole new record in 2022. It emerged as one of the top destinations for FIT and MICE tourists from around the world last year, having welcomed over 30 million international visitors in 2021. Of these, 50 thousand were Indian tourists, which was a sizable number taking the pandemic into consideration. Thus, the country is expecting full recovery in tourism for the year 2022 and is aiming to reach the pre Covid numbers in terms of international visitors including Indians. Recently, Turkiye has also been a hot vacation destination for A-list Bollywood celebrities, with film actor Sara Ali Khan and Malaika Arora Khan being the latest to visit the country. Turkiye ranks as the 6th highest country in the world to host international visitors annually.The country welcomed 52 million travellers in the pre-pandemic period of 2019, touching a whopping USD 34.5 billion in tourism revenue. By the end of year 2022, Turkiye is expecting its tourist numbers to return to 2019 level as international travel demand is rebounding and people are willing to travel and experience new destinations.

Maldives,1st June 2022: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives has been awarded the Travelers’ Choice ” Best of the Best”honour by Tripadvisor ,which ensures the resorts ranking among the top 1% of listings in various categories. This award is based on guests review recognised through Tripadvisor that Hideaway is one of the Best of the Best Romantic Hotels in Asia. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a hidden jewel tucked away deep in the northern Maldives on Dhonakulhi Island, Haa Alifu Atoll. Pristine, untouched, and picturesque, this five-star resort is a scenic 75-minute seaplane ride from Male’ International Airport, straight to the resort. Peace and quiet are guaranteed at Hideaway, which will always live up to its name because space and privacy are built into the very essence of this natural paradise. This crescent-shaped island is enveloped by a lush tropical ecosystem, which eclipses the small portions occupied by villas and outlets. With some of the largest beachfront villas in the country and assured privacy from other guests, Hideaway offers absolute escapism to those who seek it as they enjoy their very own piece of heaven on Earth. Make the best use of the massive private beachfront area in each beach villa, such as having private dining at the beach right near your villa with your loved one. The resort’s uncompromising attentiveness to its guests, coupled with delicious culinary dishes, fantastic water sports adventures including a floating aqua park, calming wellness concepts, and breath-taking natural beauty, make it the ultimate experience for a tranquil honeymoon or romantic getaway. All guests are treated to their very own personal butler that knows the resort like the back of their hand and can advise on how to get the maximum value out of any vacation. They will disclose the best snorkelling spots, customise excursions to fit individual needs and work hard to ensure a hassle-free experience. “Considering the vast number of romantic sanctuaries in the Maldives, to be ranked as #11 in the whole of Asia is a privilege and honour. We will make sure we offer some great romantic experiences in the resort in terms of private dining and excursions and beyond to hopefully keep being one of the best in this category in the years to come. Can’t have done this without the help of the dedicated team from the amazing butlers, the creative and dedicated housekeeping team, the multi-talented F&B team, and the rest who are going the extra mile to make sure to create dreamy experiences that couples will love and cherish during their lovely stay in the Maldives”, says the resort’s General Manager – Mr. Christophe Adam. As per Tripadvisor, the Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on reviews and opinions collected in a single year from Tripadvisor’s global community of travellers. It goes to show if great experiences are being offered by hospitality providers, guests will be their biggest of fans by taking the time to write about their stays with the property. In addition to his statement, Christophe also noted that without guests letting the world know of the magically romantic experiences that they have experienced at the resort via social media and platforms like Tripadvisor, these kinds of accolades and recognition would not have been possible. So together with his team, he wishes to use this opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to each and every one of those guests. Guests reviews about the resort can be accessed here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g3644851-d601092-Reviews-Hideaway_Beach_Resort_Spa-Dhonakulhi_Island.html Hideaway strives to create an environment where others can relax and enjoy their time in luxury and privacy – a perfectly splendid hideaway from all the worries of the outside world. Come and experience it for yourself: you and your partner deserve it.

Feature/Tourism: Anyone who has traveled with children knows just how important it is to make sure your destination offers plenty of fun-filled outdoor activities ideal for families. Cooped up kids with boundless energy are a sure-fire recipe for family squabbles and ruined holidays. Look no further than Virginia for that ideal family vacation spot bursting with enchanting outdoor adventures sure to captivate even the most energetic child. Take to the Trails Shenandoah National Park is full of fantastic hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The Stony Man Mountain trail is ideal for families, being only 1.6-miles round trip with a gain of just 400 feet of elevation to reach the gorgeous views at the summit of Shenandoah’s second-highest mountain. Or hike along the mighty Potomac River and check out the remains of the historic canal system at Great Falls National Park. Take to two wheels and bike a paved trail. The Virginia Capital Trail runs 52 miles, connecting the first capital of Virginia, Jamestown, with the current capital of Richmond. The W&OD Trail (Washington & Old Dominion) was once a railroad bed, and is now referred to as the skinniest park in Virginia and offers a 45-mile paved route through northern Virginia. Soar Above the Earth Kids can conquer great heights and speed along above the earth on one of many ziplines and adventure parks. Iron Pony Adventure Parkis Chincoteague Island’s newest attraction for family fun. Climb to new heights and experience the thrill of 30+ aerial obstacles on 2 full levels. Or take yourself to the edge and try the pony plunge, a 26-foot-high leap of faith.The Canyon Rim Zipline is a one-of-a-kind adventure located in Breaks Interstate Park on the Virginia-Kentucky border.Spanning along the rim of the Russell Fork River Gorge, the zipline gives riders a birds-eye view and a glimpse of why the gorge is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” Go Below the Earth Even if it’s raining you can experience the great outdoors in Virginia. Explore one of eight different caverns in Virginia, all found within the Southwest and Shenandoah Valley regions of the Commonwealth.Luray Cavernsis the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Tours along lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. Float on a River Spend an afternoon with the family leisurely floating down a Virginia waterway. The kids can burn off lots of energy splashing and paddling around, while the adults can let the water do the work and get a well-deserved rest. Of course, if everyone’s up for a thrilling and fast-paced adventure, take the whole family whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah River. For one of the newest ways to navigate an histori cVirginia river,check out the James River Batteau Company. The tours utilize a specialized vessel called the James River Batteau to navigate the shallow waters for a definite ‘only in Virginia’ experience. Learn a Little American History Put the history books away and instead visit some of Virginia’s most incredible historic sites, where the kids can learn through interactive exhibits and activities. At Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum, meet tradespeople using techniques and tools from hundreds of years past. Or head to Jamestown Settlement to participate in navigational and piloting demonstrations aboard replicas of the first settlers’ ships and see what life was like aboard a 17th century ocean voyage. Get Personal with Nature Head to a you-pick farm or orchard, like Carter Mountain Orchard, to learn about farming practices while gathering fresh fruits and veggies to snack on during your trip. Then learn more about our animal friends when you visit a working farm. Farms like Caromont Farm host goat snuggle sessions where you and your kids can cuddle adorable baby goats, learn about goat farms and the cheese-making process, and purchase fresh goat cheese.