Tourism

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.

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.