Latest news with #Visitor
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
1,080 Indians Deported From US Since January 2025: Foreign Ministry
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. India's Ministry of External Affairs reported close cooperation with the U.S. on migration, noting 1,080 Indians deported since January 2025. Spokesperson Jaiswal emphasised India's priority on student welfare amid new U.S. visa screening measures. The Ministry of External Affairs informed on Thursday that India has close cooperation with the United States regarding migration issues, especially the deportation of Indian nationals with illegal status. Since January 2025, approximately 1080 Indians have been deported from the United States, with about 62 per cent of them returning through commercial flights. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that, "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues, on deportation of Indian nationals who are either in illegal status there or who travel illegally; we take them back once we receive details about them." "The update on the numbers is that since January of 2025, we have some 1080 Indians who have come back or who have been deported from the United States. Of these, around 62 per cent have come on commercial flights," he added. Mr Jaiswal also spoke about the current row involving the Trump administration and Harvard University. He noted that he is aware about the issues and the US government's updated guidance regarding Student and Exchange Visitor visa applicants. He responded saying that for the Government of India, the welfare of Indian students abroad will always remain the 'utmost priority' and India will continue to follow further developments regarding the issue. "While we note that issuance of a visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered a merit, and they will be able to join their academic programs on time," Mr Jaiswal said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday ordered US embassies all over the world to not schedule new interviews for student-visa applicants as the Trump administration considers ramping up vetting of social media profiles, as reported by Politico. This directive would make it more difficult for foreign students to get an entry into US schools and colleges. "Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days," the cable states. ("Septel" is State Department shorthand for "separate telegram.")
Mid East Info
02-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DCT Abu Dhabi Unveil Incentives and Rewards Scheme to Celebrate Excellence in Visitor Experience - Middle East Business News and Information
Helicopter point of view of sea and skyscrapers in Corniche bay in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Turquoise water and blue sky combined with building exterior. Programme will recognise businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism and cultural sectors for exceptional service delivery Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new Incentives and Rewards scheme at Arabian Travel Market 2025, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in visitor experience across Abu Dhabi's thriving tourism and cultural sectors. This initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to inspiring exceptional service across the emirate's visitor-facing touchpoints by incentivising and rewarding tourism and cultural businesses and frontline workers in hospitality, retail, restaurants, attractions, and more. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'Frontline workers and tourism businesses are the heart of Abu Dhabi's visitor experience. This initiative empowers them, celebrates their passion, and inspires even greater levels of service. Through recognition programmes such as this, we are investing in the future of our tourism sector while ensuring seamless experiences for every visitor.' The Incentives and Rewards scheme supports Abu Dhabi's long-term ambition to become the world's leading destination, offering unparalleled experiences and consistent service, driven by frontliners who continually deliver a strong visitor experience (VX). To strengthen this workforce, DCT Abu Dhabi announced earlier this week the establishment of a brand-new Visitor Experience (VX) Academy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. The VX Academy will play a vital role in upskilling frontline workers, empowering them to deliver exceptional service and become eligible for these incentives and rewards. This investment in tailor-made professional development trainings will contribute to a consistently high standard of service across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi encourages all businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem to embrace this exciting opportunity and actively engage in elevating service standards. Recognition will be awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the visitor experience, adhering to Abu Dhabi's service standards and guidelines.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DCT Abu Dhabi unveil incentives and rewards scheme to celebrate excellence in visitor experience
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new Incentives and Rewards scheme at Arabian Travel Market 2025, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in visitor experience across Abu Dhabi's thriving tourism and cultural sectors. This initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to inspiring exceptional service across the emirate's visitor-facing touchpoints by incentivising and rewarding tourism and cultural businesses and frontline workers in hospitality, retail, restaurants, attractions, and more. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'Frontline workers and tourism businesses are the heart of Abu Dhabi's visitor experience. This initiative empowers them, celebrates their passion, and inspires even greater levels of service. Through recognition programmes such as this, we are investing in the future of our tourism sector while ensuring seamless experiences for every visitor.' The Incentives and Rewards scheme supports Abu Dhabi's long-term ambition to become the world's leading destination, offering unparalleled experiences and consistent service, driven by frontliners who continually deliver a strong visitor experience (VX). To strengthen this workforce, DCT Abu Dhabi announced earlier this week the establishment of a brand-new Visitor Experience (VX) Academy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. The VX Academy will play a vital role in upskilling frontline workers, empowering them to deliver exceptional service and become eligible for these incentives and rewards. This investment in tailor-made professional development trainings will contribute to a consistently high standard of service across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi encourages all businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem to embrace this exciting opportunity and actively engage in elevating service standards. Recognition will be awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the visitor experience, adhering to Abu Dhabi's service standards and guidelines.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major UK city to charge visitors £2 ‘tourist tax' for overnight stays in weeks
VISITORS are set to have to pay a £2 tax to visit a major UK city in just weeks after hotel owners voted in favour of introducing one. People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay the "tourist tax" - which could raise millions each year - after it's introduced in June. 3 A £2 'tourist tax' is set to be introduced in Liverpool in June Credit: Alamy 3 Many hotel owners in the city, which attracted the fifth-highest number of visitors in 2023, voted in favour of introducing the levy Credit: Alamy The vote was passed during a ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels and a number of serviced apartment providers in the city. Dubbed the £2 City Visitor Charge, the group predicts the levy could raise as much as £9.2 million over two years, of which around 73 per cent will go towards supporting Liverpool's visitor economy. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the tax would "turbo charge" the tourism and visitor economy in the UK's fifth largest city. Accommodation providers and hotels will manage and administer the charge, making customers pay either when they check in or when their stay is over. Read More on Travel News Money raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID, which includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 companies. Of the 83 hotels balloted about the charge, 59 per cent were in favour, from a turnout of 53 per cent - meaning just 26 of the establishments queried approved of the scheme, with 18 opposed. Response to the news has been mixed from the public, with some warning it will deter much-needed visitors away from the city. One person who disagreed with the scheme wrote on X: "This tourist tax might deter visitors when Liverpool's already struggling to attract tourists. Most read in News Travel "Seems like a risky move for a city that could use the tourism boost." Another added: "I love a break in Liverpool but that's me done with it now they're going to put a £2 tourist tax on visitors. TRAVEL BLOW holidaymakers could be hit with new tourist tax when staying in UK campsires, hotels and B&Bs "I live in the UK & shouldn't have to pay a tax to go to a UK city." Liverpool was the fifth-most visited city in the UK in 2023, according to the most recently available Despite the backlash, some have praised the scheme, saying it should be extended to other cities and areas too. Writing on X, one said: "These things help cities thrive, it's a bit of extra money in the pot for services. "That's why I personally support it. "Amsterdam's got one, Paris has got one - London should introduce one." Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, said the tax would be "crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city", adding it was a major step towards the city's hospitality sector having a say and influence on decisions about the visitor economy. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said Liverpool would attract bigger events with the levy, which would lead to more visitors and money coming into the city, reports He added: "We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it. "The evidence of Hospitality bosses slam plans to introduce compulsory tourist tax across England HOSPITALITY bosses have slammed plans to introduce a tourist tax across England. Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, in February suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors. Mr Burnham said he was pushing for the Government to introduce a 'proper levy', as European hotspots such as Spain's Barcelona and Italy's Venice have done. But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears it would be another blow to Britain's battered tourism industry. She said: 'This isn't just about overseas visitors, it would mean extra charges for people staying in budget places including Travelodges, Premier Inns and seaside caravans. 'The risk is the industry is taxed out of existence.' Manchester raised £2.8million last year from its city visitor charge of £1 in certain city centre hotels. Members of the Manchester Business Improvement District vote on how funds are used locally. But a national levy would mean the Government would decide how funds are raised and spent. Liverpool is not the first major city in the UK to announce a "tourist tax", as The City Visitor Charge there costs £1 per room per night, and raised around £2.8 million in its first year. However, there have been The government was reportedly considering the move in January, as it could raise an estimated £1 billion for the UK's struggling economy. Starting from £1 per person at a campsite, and escalating to £15 per person at a five-star hotel, the scheme could deter some tourists from visiting. Both UK residents and holidaymakers from abroad would be required to pay the new tax, which will make The government, though, hopes the tax will raise a significant amount of money for public spending. According to the TaxPayer's Alliance, the move has the potential to raise an estimated £1 billion a year. 3 A view of Liverpool's Waterfront and Royal Albert Dock Credit: Getty
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Liverpool 'tourist tax' of £2 to be charged for overnight stays
People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay a "tourist tax" after hoteliers voted in favour of plans to introduce one.A ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels in the city, found that the majority supported the idea of a £2 City Visitor BID, which also represents serviced apartment providers in Liverpool, thinks the levy will raise £9.2m over two years, of which £6.7m will go towards supporting the city's visitor BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the levy would "turbo charge" the city's tourism and visitor economy when it comes into force in June. The charge will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation providers, either when guests check in or at the end of their raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID Company includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 businesses in an overnight visitor charge to be implemented in England, a clear and transparent business plan must be provided for how the money raised will be the 83 hotels in Liverpool balloted about the visitor charge, 59% were in favour, on a turnout of 53%. 'Major investment' Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, said the ballot was a "major step" in enabling the city's hospitality sector to have a say and an influence on decisions about the visitor he said, was "crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city".Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said the £2 levy would help Liverpool attract bigger events which, in turn, would bring more visitors and money to the city."We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it," he said. "The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events."In April 2023, Manchester became the first city in the UK to introduce a "tourist tax".The City Visitor Charge - a £1 per room, per night fee - raised about £2.8m in its first year. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
