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

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

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

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

Minister for Education Nara Lokesh has extended full cooperation from the state government to Google Cloud for their ambitious Data City project in Visakhapatnam. During a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, Google Cloud's Managing Director Bikram Singh, Country Director (Public Sector and EdTech) Asish, and their team discussed the project with Lokesh. The Minister assured them that the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) was actively working to clear all necessary approvals

In a significant development for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (Vizag Steel), the Union Government has announced a Rs 11,440 crore financial package to revive the struggling plant. This decision, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a critical step towards revitalizing the steel plant that has been facing severe financial chal

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

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, 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

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 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

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

As part of its commitment to the NDA coalition's promises made prior to the elections, the central government is actively working to halt the disinvestment process of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), commonly known as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, there are ongoing efforts to ensure the plant remains operational amid concerns over financial viability and raw material shortages. Recent reports indicate that the B

In a significant update for the food and hospitality sector, the office of the Commissioner of Police in Visakhapatnam City has issued new instructions allowing restaurants and eateries to stay open until midnight. This decision follows guidelines set by the Government of Andhra Pradesh under Sections 7(2) and 15(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act 1988, which specifically excludes bars and restaurants. Previously, hotels and eateries were restricted to operating u

In recent months, CM Chandrababu Naidu has focused on driving investment into Andhra Pradesh, engaging with global entities such as the World Bank and Brookfield Corporation, and exploring opportunities in EV and alternative energy sectors. His latest push involves a significant meeting with Godrej Industries, where he discussed a potential Rs 2800 crore investment for pesticide manufacturing in Amarava