#pilgrimage-tourism

U.S. Consumer Spending on Travel Drops in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty
In the early months of 2025, U.S. consumer spending on air travel, hotels, and restaurants saw a notable decline, signaling a shift in spending habits amid economic uncertainty. According to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped by 10% in February 2025, while spending on hotels decreased by 6%, compared to the same time last year. In addition, restaurant spending saw a 3.5% decrease, further highlighting
U.S. Consumer Spending on Travel Drops in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty
In the early months of 2025, U.S. consumer spending on air travel, hotels, and restaurants saw a notable decline, signaling a shift in spending habits amid economic uncertainty. According to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped by 10% in February 2025, while spending on hotels decreased by 6%, compared to the same time last year. In addition, restaurant spending saw a 3.5% decrease, further highlighting

Kedarnath Ropeway Sanctioned: Travel Time Cut to 36 Minutes, Major Boost for Pilgrimage Tourism
The Indian government has officially sanctioned the Kedarnath ropeway project, a long-anticipated initiative aimed at improving accessibility to one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The 12.9-kilometer ropeway will significantly cut travel time for thousands of devotees visiting Kedarnath each year. Currently, the trek or mule ride to the temple takes around 8-9 hours, but once operational, the ropeway will complete the journey in just 36 minutes. This development is part of a b
Kedarnath Ropeway Sanctioned: Travel Time Cut to 36 Minutes, Major Boost for Pilgrimage Tourism
The Indian government has officially sanctioned the Kedarnath ropeway project, a long-anticipated initiative aimed at improving accessibility to one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The 12.9-kilometer ropeway will significantly cut travel time for thousands of devotees visiting Kedarnath each year. Currently, the trek or mule ride to the temple takes around 8-9 hours, but once operational, the ropeway will complete the journey in just 36 minutes. This development is part of a b

Rishikonda Beach Loses Prestigious Blue Flag Certification Due to Poor Maintenance
Visakhapatnam, the financial capital of Andhra Pradesh, is known not just for its commercial significance but also as a popular tourist destination. Among its many attractions, Rishikonda Beach has long been considered one of the finest, earning international recognition for its clean, well-maintained coastline.However, in a recent setback, Rishikonda Beach has lost its prestigious Blue Flag certification, a distinction it had held since 2020, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Educa
Rishikonda Beach Loses Prestigious Blue Flag Certification Due to Poor Maintenance
Visakhapatnam, the financial capital of Andhra Pradesh, is known not just for its commercial significance but also as a popular tourist destination. Among its many attractions, Rishikonda Beach has long been considered one of the finest, earning international recognition for its clean, well-maintained coastline.However, in a recent setback, Rishikonda Beach has lost its prestigious Blue Flag certification, a distinction it had held since 2020, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Educa

Blue Lagoon Iceland: Best Time to Visit, Entry Prices, and Why It’s a Must-See Geothermal Spa
Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal activity, and hot springs, is home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik. This man-made geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, drawing travelers seeking relaxation, natural beauty, and skin-rejuvenating mineral waters.The Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue waters come from the nearby Svartsengi power plant, which supplies hot geothermal water rich in silica, minerals, and algae, known for their therapeutic
Blue Lagoon Iceland: Best Time to Visit, Entry Prices, and Why It’s a Must-See Geothermal Spa
Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal activity, and hot springs, is home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik. This man-made geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, drawing travelers seeking relaxation, natural beauty, and skin-rejuvenating mineral waters.The Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue waters come from the nearby Svartsengi power plant, which supplies hot geothermal water rich in silica, minerals, and algae, known for their therapeutic

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Sets Record with 550 Million Devotees at World's Largest Religious Festival
Mumbai, India – February 21, 2025: India’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has become the largest congregation in human history for a religious, cultural, and social event, attracting more than 550 million devotees in just six weeks. Hosted in the northern city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, this grand Hindu festival has surpassed all previous records, making it one of the most significant religious gatherings ever witnessed.The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, carries deep spiritual meaning f
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Sets Record with 550 Million Devotees at World's Largest Religious Festival
Mumbai, India – February 21, 2025: India’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has become the largest congregation in human history for a religious, cultural, and social event, attracting more than 550 million devotees in just six weeks. Hosted in the northern city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, this grand Hindu festival has surpassed all previous records, making it one of the most significant religious gatherings ever witnessed.The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, carries deep spiritual meaning f

Indian Travelers Boost US Tourism Recovery
As the US tourism industry struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels, the hospitality sector has found hope in the rising number of Indian visitors. In 2024, nearly 1.9 million Indians traveled to the US, marking a 48% increase from 2019, driven by a rise in business and leisure visas. This influx is supporting the recovery of US tourism, with hotels and travel companies adjusting their offerings to cater to Indian tastes, such as providing chai and samosas in hotel lobbies and airing popula
Indian Travelers Boost US Tourism Recovery
As the US tourism industry struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels, the hospitality sector has found hope in the rising number of Indian visitors. In 2024, nearly 1.9 million Indians traveled to the US, marking a 48% increase from 2019, driven by a rise in business and leisure visas. This influx is supporting the recovery of US tourism, with hotels and travel companies adjusting their offerings to cater to Indian tastes, such as providing chai and samosas in hotel lobbies and airing popula

Hot Air Balloon Festival in Nepal Draws International Pilots and Tourists
Nepal's tourism industry, which saw a post-pandemic resurgence with over a million foreign visitors this year, continues to grow, attracting tourists with unique experiences like the recently held hot-air balloon festival. The event, organized by Sabin Maharjan and his team, featured more than 10 countries participating in the thrilling balloon flights. The stunning views of the snow-capped Annapurna range, mountains, lakes, and rolling hills provided an unforgettable experience for the p
Hot Air Balloon Festival in Nepal Draws International Pilots and Tourists
Nepal's tourism industry, which saw a post-pandemic resurgence with over a million foreign visitors this year, continues to grow, attracting tourists with unique experiences like the recently held hot-air balloon festival. The event, organized by Sabin Maharjan and his team, featured more than 10 countries participating in the thrilling balloon flights. The stunning views of the snow-capped Annapurna range, mountains, lakes, and rolling hills provided an unforgettable experience for the p

Beleza by the Beach Unveils Eco-Friendly Two-Bedroom Villas
Beleza by the Beach, a premier eco-conscious resort nestled between the green paddy fields and sandy shores of Colva, Goa, is setting a new benchmark in sustainable tourism. Their latest offering, the Two-Bedroom Plunge Pool Villas, is designed with a deep commitment to eco-friendly travel. The villas feature energy-efficient systems, low-impact lighting, and water conservation measures, all crafted using locally sourced, sustainable materials that blend harmoniously with the natural surround
Beleza by the Beach Unveils Eco-Friendly Two-Bedroom Villas
Beleza by the Beach, a premier eco-conscious resort nestled between the green paddy fields and sandy shores of Colva, Goa, is setting a new benchmark in sustainable tourism. Their latest offering, the Two-Bedroom Plunge Pool Villas, is designed with a deep commitment to eco-friendly travel. The villas feature energy-efficient systems, low-impact lighting, and water conservation measures, all crafted using locally sourced, sustainable materials that blend harmoniously with the natural surround

Pakistan Issues 84 Visas for Indian Pilgrims to Visit Katas Raj Temples
The Pakistan High Commission announced on Wednesday that it has issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims for a visit to the Shree Katas Raj temples in Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The pilgrimage, scheduled from December 19 to 25, will allow Hindu pilgrims to visit this sacred complex of temples, also known as Qila Katas. The temples are a significant religious site for Hindus and are linked by walkways. These visits are part of the long-standing Pakistan-India bilateral protocol on
Pakistan Issues 84 Visas for Indian Pilgrims to Visit Katas Raj Temples
The Pakistan High Commission announced on Wednesday that it has issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims for a visit to the Shree Katas Raj temples in Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The pilgrimage, scheduled from December 19 to 25, will allow Hindu pilgrims to visit this sacred complex of temples, also known as Qila Katas. The temples are a significant religious site for Hindus and are linked by walkways. These visits are part of the long-standing Pakistan-India bilateral protocol on

Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing

Telangana Leads in Long-Distance Boat Services, Andhra Pradesh Lags Behind
Telangana has taken a significant lead in river tourism with its long-distance boat services on the Krishna River, operating weekend trips from Somasila in Kollapur to Nagarjunasagar. With a total capacity of 150 passengers, these boats offer a scenic 6-7 hour journey, taking tourists to destinations like Srisailam and providing meals along the way. The boats prioritize safety, including double engines, life jackets, and guides. However, services are suspended during the monsoon season and be
Telangana Leads in Long-Distance Boat Services, Andhra Pradesh Lags Behind
Telangana has taken a significant lead in river tourism with its long-distance boat services on the Krishna River, operating weekend trips from Somasila in Kollapur to Nagarjunasagar. With a total capacity of 150 passengers, these boats offer a scenic 6-7 hour journey, taking tourists to destinations like Srisailam and providing meals along the way. The boats prioritize safety, including double engines, life jackets, and guides. However, services are suspended during the monsoon season and be

Hoax Bomb Threat to Taj Mahal Found to Be False
On Tuesday, a bomb threat email was sent to the regional office of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, claiming a danger to the iconic Taj Mahal. The authorities swiftly responded by deploying a bomb disposal squad, a dog squad, and other security personnel to thoroughly inspect the area. After an extensive search, no suspicious objects or threats were discovered, confirming that the email was a hoax. ACP Sayed Areeb Ahmad, who oversees Taj Mahal's security, reassured the public that the sit
Hoax Bomb Threat to Taj Mahal Found to Be False
On Tuesday, a bomb threat email was sent to the regional office of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, claiming a danger to the iconic Taj Mahal. The authorities swiftly responded by deploying a bomb disposal squad, a dog squad, and other security personnel to thoroughly inspect the area. After an extensive search, no suspicious objects or threats were discovered, confirming that the email was a hoax. ACP Sayed Areeb Ahmad, who oversees Taj Mahal's security, reassured the public that the sit