Tourism

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.

February 18,2022: The United States is home to hundreds of small towns throughout the country, bursting with individual personality and deep-rooted traditions. To help celebrate the local characters who bring these towns to life, Atlas Obscura co-founder and creative director, Dylan Thuras, journeys across America to discover some of the country’s hidden wonders in newly launched GoUSA TV original series Small Town, Big Story. Thuras, one of America’s greatest storytellers, showcases America’s weirdest and most wondrous small towns, from South Bristol in Maine, to Glover in Vermont and Ketchum in Idaho, enabling viewers to learn about the fascinating folklore, annual celebrations and unusual rites of passage. Small Town, Big Story transports viewers to one of the only places on the planet to still harvest ice; travels to the depths of the forest to meet a thriving arts community producing theatrical performances using giant papier-mâché puppets to tackle complex and often politically-charged topics; and joins the annual sheep parade celebrations in a small desert-mountain town in the north-west. In each episode, Thuras helps share the stories of these individuals, ranging from fifth generation sheep farmers to puppeteers, helping keep traditions alive and showcasing true American life outside the big cities. “Across America, there is an endless supply of interesting little towns and so many of them have something worth celebrating. From noteworthy histories and legends, we are dedicated to telling these stories.” Small Town, Big America adds to GoUSA TV’s collection of off-the-beaten-track content, told from the perspectives of real people, featuring programmes which highlight and inspire authentic multicultural travel experiences across the United States.

New Delhi,20th January,2022: Türkiye signed a collaboration agreement with the world’s top environment and sustainability platform Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). With the agreement, Türkiye and GSTC will introduce for the first time a National Sustainable Tourism Scheme an official GSTC status. Thanks to the new program, the Turkish tourism industry will accelerate its global sustainability practices. Having attracted record numbers of tourists last year despite Covid-19 thanks to its Safe Tourism Certification Program,Türkiye signed a collaboration agreement with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the world-leading organisation for sustainable tourism accreditation certification. The signing of the agreement marks an exemplary step toward sustainability as Türkiye becomes the first government in the world to sign an agreement to develop a national program with GSTC. The Turkish tourism industry will be restructured with the 3-yearagreementsigned with GSTC, which sets the best and most widespread standards in sustainable tourism. In the first stage of the agreement, which Türkiye signed as a government with the utmost gravity towards sustainability, the national program criteria will be determined and inspection firms will receive trainings. As of the first week of February, Turkish tourism stakeholders will join the program, as well. The first stage of the program, planned to be wholly concluded by 2030, will become operational in 2023; and the second stage will be carried out gradually in 2025. In 2030, all international standards will be met. Bringing Türkiye to the fore in sustainable tourism, the agreement will also reach the goals of The Paris Agreement, signed by Türkiye at the end of last year. As of 2022, Türkiye launched a transformation towards sustainability in the tourism industry and he collaboration with GSTC will highlight the country as a strong competitor in the international arena, as well as help Türkiye catch up with international tourism trends. Türkiye has taken an extensive series of measures with regards to transportation, accommodation, food &beverage, and congress facilities as well as the well-being and health conditions of passengers/guests and employees with the Safe Tourism Certification Program, implemented in 2020 and the first of its kind in the world. Nearly 12,000 facilities have been granted the Safe Tourism Certification so far. Within the scope of the program, the tourism industry, especially the accommodation facilities, will be subject to both safe and sustainable standards. As of April 2022,accommodation facilities will gradually start to implement sustainable practices.

New Delhi, 18th December 2021: *05 charter planes were organized by Turkish Airlines to fly-in the group *The group experienced the all-inclusive facility & hospitality of Antalya, Belek region Last week, Turkiye hosted a big MICE group of 1400 pax from India for a private company who gathered in Antalya, Turkiye, for a seminar. In the post pandemic situation and the current COVID scenario, this is one of the biggest MICE groups that travelled to Turkiye this year. It was a successfully conducted event that was attended by tourist from India. Turkish Airlines was the official Airline Partner which carried 1400 passengers on 5 Charter Flights with Aircraft type A330. These were direct flight departures from New Delhi and Mumbai to Antalya and return with luxurious on-board amenities like delicious cuisine, comfortable seats, high-speed Wi-Fi and other facilities. On arrival in Antalya, the participants were ushered to their hotel in luxury buses. For the next 4 days, all participants stayed at a luxury hotel in Belek region where they experienced the hospitality and were mesmerized by the  grandeur of the region & amenities of the hotel. This is the same region that hosted the world leaders during the G20 Summit during 2015 including esteemed Prime Minister of India  Narendra Modi who attended the summit back then. Turkiye is the home of unique nature, culture and deep-rooted historical and religious prestige, which reflects in its world heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO. It also offers diverse cuisine and entertainment options, along with world class hotel and transportation service and the popular tourist sites while drawing attention to the emerging trends of adventure tourism, faith tourism and the country as a trending wedding destination.

There’s nothing like packing your bags, hopping in the car and turning the radio dial up as miles of pavement pass beneath your wheels. In Southern California, where warm, sunny days make for perfect drives with the window down, the best road trip includes three amazing and unique regions all within a few hours of each other: Santa Monica, Greater Palm Springs and San Diego. Whether you’re a beach bum or a culture connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the variety of experiences that await in each place—and can be enjoyed in just 10 days. SANTA MONICA DAY 1: Santa Monica, your starting point, is Los Angeles’ beach city—a charming seaside town with all of the culture, events and urban amenities of a bustling metropolis. Kick off your trip with a bike ride along the 35-kilometer beach bicycle trail or a guided tour with Santa Monica Bike Center. Then spend a few hours at the Pacific Park amusement park, located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, and catch the sunset from the Ferris wheel. Finish your first day with dinner on the patio at one of Main Street‘s neighborhood restaurants. DAY 2: Begin your day by grabbing some fresh fruit from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, then getting a coffee to-go and strolling toward the 26-acre Palisades Park, known for its beautiful ocean views. Want to get your feet wet? Catch a wave during a surf session with the pros at Aqua Surf School before exploring the Annenberg Community Beach House, a unique community destination with spectacular views, a splash pad, a playground, a gallery, beach courts, cultural events and more. Afterward, hit up Santa Monica Place for outdoor luxury shopping and dining. DAY 3: Greet the dawn with a sunrise hike in historic Will Rogers State Park through Malibu Discovery Tours, then grab your sunscreen and shades and find a sunny spot in the sand. Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals is a must, offering “Beach Butler” service with a private beach area, as well as chairs, an umbrella, towels, and food and beverages delivered right to you. Once you’ve worked on your tan, find your artsy side at Bergamot Station, Southern California’s largest art gallery complex and cultural center with over 20 contemporary galleries, or head to Pico Blvd for a self-guide street art mural tour. Looking to stay somewhere truly unique while in Santa Monica? Check out these these hotels which feature amazing architecture and design elements. GREATER PALM SPRINGS DAY 4: It’s time to head to Greater Palm Springs for a little relaxation and rejuvenation. This storied resort oasis, home to nine distinct cities, serves as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and boasts hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as an incomparable collection of seductive luxury hotels, resorts and spas. After the 2.5-hour drive, climb aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, and ascend over 9,000 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. Need to stretch your legs? Set out on a desert hike or go rock climbing among colossal boulders at Joshua Tree National Park. Afterwards, be sure to visit Pioneer town, an Old West movie set, or stop by world-renowned saloon and restaurant Pappy & Harriet’s for a barbecue dinner and live music. DAY 5: Rise and shine with an outdoor adventure that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. With Big Wheel Tours, you’ll get a guided bike tour as you join the signature “Earthquake Canyon Express” through the San Andreas Fault Zone. At America’s first carbon-neutral resort, Two Bunch Palms, treat yourself to a full range of spa-induced wellness treatments, including mud baths, chakra massages and reiki. And as the sun dips behind the mountains, embark on a San Andreas Fault Sunset and Stargazing Jeep Tour with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events. DAY 6: Begin the day with another shot of adrenaline at the BMW Performance Center. Strap into a high-performance BMW and learn to negotiate one of three private road tracks under your instructor’s watchful eye. Before the 2.5-hour drive to San Diego, allow La Quinta Resort & Club to nourish the body with authentic Mexican cuisine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Adobe Grill. SAN DIEGO DAY 7: After spending a couple days immersed in the desert’s awe-inspiring scenery and healing energy, pack up the car to explore the world-famous attractions and neighborhoods of San Diego. The region’s unique Cali-Baja culinary scene and craft brew industry has foodies flocking for fresh experiences, while a dynamic downtown is home to nightlife that’s as vibrant as the city itself. Plus, it’s only 2.5 hours away! Spend the late morning exploring the Embarcadero, an epicenter of maritime history, where you can tour the USS Midway Museum, take a 1- or 2-hour harbor cruise or visit the floating Maritime Museum. Later, watch the sun set while sipping cocktails at one of Harbor Island’s trendy bay-side restaurants, then indulge in incredible cuisine prepared by top chefs in Little Italy, San Diego’s current restaurant “hot spot.” DAY 8: Wake up and walk on the wild side at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals. Stroll through the country’s largest urban park—Balboa Park—featuring 15 museums, an artist colony and fascinating architecture. Then top it all off with dinner and dancing in the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic downtown neighborhood where you’ll find 200+ restaurants, bars and nightclubs within a 14-block radius. DAY 9: Make your last morning memorable by enjoying breakfast at a cozy La Jolla cliffside restaurant (be sure to check out the sea lion colony!) followed by some much-needed beach time. Kick back and catch some rays along San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline. Round out the day in Old Town, the “Birthplace of California,” where museums, restaurants and Mexican traditions combine to provide an unforgettable cultural experience. DAY 10: Enjoy a light bite at one of San Diego’s hidden gem neighborhoods of North Park, South Park or Hillcrest, then head