Latest news with #IncredibleIndia
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Searches for UK, UAE, Vietnam visas surge up to 44%; Atlys responds with access-oriented pricing trial
Advt Inbound tourism stalls as IATO flags urgent reforms for India to stay competitive The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has raised concern over the stagnation in inbound tourism, pointing to poor visa facilitation, fragmented branding, and global safety perceptions. With foreign tourist arrivals still below pre-pandemic levels, IATO has called for cohesive government-private collaboration, infrastructure investment, and a revival of the Incredible India campaign to reposition India on the global travel map. See More Details Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. Visa-tech startup Atlys has announced a two-day pricing experiment scheduled for early August that it claims is aimed at removing financial friction in the visa application process for Indian travellers . The company, which facilitates visa applications digitally, will temporarily offer visa services for multiple global destinations at a flat fee of ₹1 on August 4 and 5 via its positioned as a limited-time initiative, the move reflects a larger shift in how Indian travellers—especially first-time applicants, Gen Z, and millennials—are approaching international travel planning. In recent months, Atlys has reported a notable rise in search traffic for countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Georgia, the UAE, and the UK, with growth ranging from 18% to 44% compared to the prior two months. A significant share of this surge comes from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, suggesting a wider base of outbound travel interest beyond traditional metro hubs.'Atlys was created to eliminate friction from the visa process. With the One Way Out Sale, we are taking that mission even further,' said Mohak Nahta , Founder and CEO of Atlys. 'For the first time, travellers can get visas at a price that feels impossible. We want to challenge what people expect from this industry and prove that global travel can be truly within reach.'The list of destinations covered under the initiative includes countries such as the UAE, UK, Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, and Egypt, among others. For countries requiring physical appointments, including the US and select Schengen states, appointment booking services will also be offered at the same nominal to a 2024 data, Indian travellers lost over ₹664 crore in non-refundable visa fees last year alone—often due to documentation errors, rejections, or failed appointments. The figure highlights the financial risk embedded in the current visa ecosystem, especially for newer travellers navigating the process that context, Atlys's move could be seen as both a signal of shifting industry economics and a potential indicator of how travel-tech platforms are recalibrating to meet consumer demand post-pandemic. With digital visa solutions gaining ground, companies like Atlys are positioning themselves not just as facilitators of documentation, but as gateways to global startup, which has raised over $40 million in funding, has previously launched AI-based tools to simulate consular interviews and evaluate visa probability. Its broader focus has been to digitize traditionally opaque processes and provide a mobile-first, self-serve experience for it remains to be seen how pricing experiments like these evolve in the long term, the data suggests a growing appetite for frictionless international travel—particularly among India's younger, increasingly mobile population.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Harsh Goenka brings attention to Tamil Nadu's majestic dam. Calls it the '16-eyed giant'
Tucked away in Tamil Nadu, the Mettur Dam isn't just a feat of engineering—it's a symbol of how human innovation and natural beauty can come together in perfect harmony. Built on the mighty Kaveri River , this colossal structure stretches over a kilometre and has been a lifeline for the region since its completion in 1934. Its 16 spillway gates have earned it the nickname '16-Eyed Giant,' a title shared by industrialist Harsh Goenka, who noted how little we often know about the hidden marvels scattered across India. — hvgoenka (@hvgoenka) Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category According to the information on the Incredible India website, the idea for the dam first took shape in the early 20th century, with the British laying its foundation in 1925. What began as a vision to provide water to Tamil Nadu's arid regions grew into one of the country's greatest engineering achievements. The dam was designed to store and manage the waters of the Kaveri for irrigation, drinking water, and electricity generation. Since then, it has transformed the agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu, ensuring water security and prosperity for millions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo But the Mettur Dam isn't just about utility—it's also a destination in itself. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters, it offers a peaceful boating experience that gives visitors a unique view of the dam from the water. Fishing enthusiasts often flock to the area, thanks to its rich aquatic life. Families and tourists find joy in the beautifully maintained gardens and parks nearby, making it a perfect spot for picnics and weekend getaways. Located about 35 kilometres from Salem, the dam is easily accessible by road via taxi, bus, or private vehicle. The nearest rail hub is Salem Town Railway Station, while Anangur Railway Station lies roughly 60 kilometres away. Whether you're drawn by its history, architecture, or the calm of nature, a visit to the Mettur Dam offers a mix of awe and tranquillity—truly one of Tamil Nadu's lesser-known gems.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
How This Young Woman Plans To See India Before Joining The Corporate World
Last Updated: Fresh out of college, a young woman is choosing solo travel across India over diving straight into the corporate grind, she's not alone in this growing movement of self-discovery Sticking it to the man: A young woman earns her degree and chooses solo travel across India before stepping into the corporate world and the internet cheers her on. Are Indian women rewriting what it means to be strong and independent? A viral Reddit post may be just the spark to inspire more of them to hit pause and venture out into Incredible India. On r/AskIndia, a 23-year-old woman, freshly graduated, shared her plans for an all-India solo trip, asking fellow Redditors for destination suggestions that are safe and budget-friendly. What followed was nothing short of remarkable, a crowdsourced map of India's best-kept travel secrets, curated not by guidebook writers, but by locals and travellers with lived experience. Thousands engaged, quickly transforming the thread into a living, breathing itinerary packed with practical, heartfelt tips: Northeast India's green glory took top spot with Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Assam emerging as favourites for first-time solo explorers. The desert magic of Rajasthan was praised for its contrasts from Udaipur's lakes to Jaipur's palaces. One commenter even shared her detailed 10-day itinerary, encouraging the poster to visit 'the opposite side" of the country to expand her comfort zone. Mountains and beaches vied for attention from Spiti Valley and Uttarakhand to Kodaikanal and Gokarna with personal safety and solo-travel friendliness topping the list. On parental concerns, seasoned solo female travellers chimed in with encouraging advice, from choosing women-only hostels to managing long-distance trains and building friendships on the road. Comments were filled with empowering caution acknowledging safety concerns honestly, while blending wanderlust with supportive wisdom. This single post reflects a powerful shift. What began as a personal query became a collective manifesto for freedom, discovery, and sisterhood. It highlights how young Indian women are embracing the spirit of solo travel, supported not just by family but also by a digital tribe, one that's ready to guide, protect, and uplift them at every mile. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo
The Embassy of India in Cairo has announced a series of cultural events in August, including a cultural festival in Assiut, a film festival in the capital, and a caricature competition focused on yoga. The Indian Cultural Festival, held in collaboration with the Assiut Governorate, will take place on Aug. 5-6 at the Cultural Palace in Assiut. The event, to be inaugurated by Assiut Governor Hesham Abu Elnasr and Indian Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy, aims to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. The festival will feature a lineup of activities including Indian classical dance (Kathak), Bollywood dance performances, Indian music, a yoga flash mob, the screening of Indian films and documentaries, and an exhibition on 'Incredible India.' In a separate initiative, the embassy is collaborating with the Abla Art Foundation, Fayoum Art Centre, and Egypt Cartoon Blog to host a 'Caricature on Yoga' competition. The contest invites artists to creatively depict the practice and philosophy of yoga. A jury will select the top three winning entries, who will be honoured with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes at a special award ceremony at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture in Cairo. An exhibition showcasing all selected entries will also be held at the centre. From Aug. 10-13, the embassy will present the Indian Film Festival at the Henager Cinema in Zamalek, in collaboration with the Cultural Development Fund of Egypt's Ministry of Culture. The festival will showcase four acclaimed Indian films: 'English Vinglish,' 'Goodbye,' 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,' and the global phenomenon 'RRR.' Screenings will begin daily at 7:00 PM. The embassy said the events are part of its broader efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and foster people-to-people ties between India and Egypt.
News18
21-07-2025
- News18
Here's How Travel Assistance Services Are Shaping The Future Of Tourism In India
Last Updated: While modern travellers are driven by wanderlust, they still look for security and convenience, along with creating memories. This is where travel assistance services come in. India's travel landscape is expanding rapidly, with domestic wanderlust and international curiosity fueling a tourism boom. From government campaigns like Dekho Apna Desh to the enduring charm of Incredible India, the desire to explore the country is stronger than ever. But the sheer scale and complexity of India, its languages, geographies, transport systems, and cultural nuances can turn even the most enthusiastic traveller's journey into a logistical maze. That's where smart travel assistance services step in, not as a luxury, but as an essential piece of India's tourism puzzle. 'The concept of travel has changed. The travellers of today do not only want to have memorable experiences but also convenience, security, and on-time assistance," says Harish Khatri, Founder & MD of India Assist. 'Whether they need to manage sudden emergencies or transfer lost belongings, unexpected health problems, or unfamiliar city navigation, the modern travel requirements go beyond itineraries and booking websites." The Rise Of Real-Time Help Modern travellers expect more than just convenience. Assistance services, today, provide more than maps and helplines. They offer emergency aid, local insights, lost-and-found recovery, health support, and logistical backup, all through intuitive tech platforms. 'It's not about waiting for problems to arise. It's about being prepared and empowered throughout the journey," Khatri notes. This proactive model of support resonates particularly with solo travellers, elderly tourists, women adventurers, and even first-time visitors to India. Beyond individual benefit, assistance services are shaping a more responsible and robust travel ecosystem. These services create verified job networks, encourage better stakeholder accountability, and foster a deeper sense of trust between the traveler and the destination. 'Smart assistance is laying the foundation for safe, inclusive, and accountable travel experiences. It elevates the way people perceive India: from chaotic and complex to cared for and connected," says Khatri. The travel ecosystem at large echoes this sentiment. According to Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Travel and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC): 'In a nation as multicultural and dynamic as India, intelligent assistance is the connecting link between curiosity and comfort. These technologies aren't just conveniences – they are imperatives for personalized, secure, and scalable tourism." Powered By Tech, Grounded In Human Touch India's charm lies in its unpredictability, but that shouldn't mean unpreparedness. The future of travel lies in systems that anticipate needs and respond before panic sets in. From GPS-enabled tracking to multilingual support and digital concierge services, smart travel merges technology with empathy. 'Authentic travel freedom means knowing you're never truly alone on the journey. We're not replacing instinct, we're enhancing it." Khatri emphasises. Deepak Dhayal, Founder & CEO of Kinghills Travels, adds, 'The future of travel is smart, social, and deeply personalized. Tech-driven group travel and real-time support make it easier than ever to explore India safely, affordably, and with like-minded adventurers. It's travel with peace of mind and purpose." As India marches forward as a global tourism force, assistance services are no longer optional – they're fundamental. They're building a smarter, safer, more seamless way to experience the vast richness of India. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
