Travel Guides & Articles
South Africa visa update: South Africa to soon implement a new visa scheme for Indians; all details here
Planning a trip to South Africa soon? Well, it’s all set to become easier from next year. As per the latest news reports, South Africa has announced the launch of a new initiative to boost the number of incoming travellers from India and China. The new initiative, called the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which will be tasked in doing so.
As per the reports, the said initiative is all set to run from 2025. This TTOS is expected to streamline the visa process, and will help in providing a significant boost in job creation in South Africa.
Reportedly, the TTOS has been designed to address issues that have been creating roadblocks for South Africa’s tourism sector and hampering its growth in becoming a top tourism destination. If one goes by the records, currently, Indian tourists make up just 3.9% of international visitors to South Africa, which is deemed as an insignificant number. To sort this issue, the Department of Home Affairs will work in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency, and Operation Vulindlela, and try to make the tourism market more accessible for tourists from India and China, and push the growth numbers.
Read more: A guide to 5 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe
The yet-to-be launched initiative has been designed keeping in mind the success of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which helped in simplifying the visa processing for those businesses that are seeking to attract critical skills. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber proposed a similar approach to improve efficiency for non-visa-exempt countries like India and China.
With regard to how this initiative will work, it has been informed that those tour operators selected from India and China will be invited to register with the Department of Home Affairs. These operators, once approved, will be responsible for overseeing tourists in their groups. They will also take the responsibility for their travel.
Read more: 10 birdwatching hotspots in North India
In response, the Department will be handling the task of fast-tracking group visa applications, which will mark the first time such a system has been used for tourists. There will be a dedicated team working to handle the visa applications, to ensure swift processing, and eliminate all the restrictions that have been previously hampering tourism from these markets.
With regard to this, Minister Schreiber added that there will be economic benefits from this initiative, noting that the tourism sector will likely see significant growth if this initiative turns into a success, which will eventually lead to job creation for South Africans.
Travel Guides & Articles
Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways
Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)
For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.
Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.
Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.
Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?
One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.
Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.
This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.
Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.
Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.
Travel Guides & Articles
OTOAI Convention kicks off in Moscow; focus on boosting India-Russia bilateral tourism
The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) began its convention in Moscow, bringing together industry leaders to explore opportunities for tourism cooperation between India and Russia.
This is also the first time that Indian delegates will get a chance to explore Russia and its tourism offerings, since the nation is a relatively new outbound market. India and Russia have always enjoyed friendly relations, and the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only improved diplomatic ties.
Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, expressed optimism about the growing potential for tourism between the two nations. He was keen to host the convention in Russia, and preparations were underway since two years. “India is a sleeping giant for Russia, and we expect explosive growth in Indian tourists visiting Russia in the coming years,” he said.
Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, welcomed the OTOAI delegation and highlighted Moscow’s appeal as a premier destination for business tourism and MICE events. “We are excited to work with OTOAI to promote tourism between our countries and showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage,” he said. Kozlov is happy that besides Moscow the convention delegates will also be exploring St. Petersburg, the second capital of Russia.
The convention is witnessing the participation of 200-250 delegates from OTOAI, who will engage with Russian tourism stakeholders to promote outbound tourism from India to Russia. The event aims to strengthen India-Russia tourism ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the sector.
Kozlov believes that a big-ticket event of this nature being hosted in Russia will only aid in promoting, Moscow and Delhi as partner cities.
With India emerging as a key outbound market for Russia, the OTOAI convention in Moscow is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of tourism cooperation between the two nations.
Travel Guides & Articles
Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India
Friday, July 11, 2025
New Delhi – Asia’s ultimate travel experiences platform, Klook, announced the unveiling of a new brand campaign, “The Best You”, which invites travelers to reconnect with themselves through out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. Starring India’s beloved comedian, Bharti Singh, the “The Best You” campaign seeks to reframe the way people perceive travel—focusing on self-discovery, elation, and personalized connections.
The campaign alligns with a new partnership between the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card and Klook, a first-of-its-kind offering to India’s crème-de-la-crème consumers. The partnership holds the promise of giving card members the best-of-the-best travel benefits, which shall go a long way towards enhancing the travel experiences of India’s discerning travelers.
Bharti Singh’s Journey of Persistence and Rediscovery
The Bharti Singh saga is a touching tale of metamorphosis and endurance. India’s Queen of Comedy, Bharti has made a name for herself in an industry which isn’t too comfortable with women, let alone when crossing over into the zone of humor. But with determination, humor, and an iron self, Bharti has cracked open doors. Bharti reflects today about her personal transformation and how traveling became the core of her life.
“Not many know the work that went into me getting my place in the industry,” Bharti said. “Over the years, I have been bombarded with ideas about how I need to live my life. But now, I have to stop, calm down, and do something for me. Traveling does that for me—reconnect, open myself up to the new, and let the little things that really get to my heart, put a smile back on my face.”
With “The Best You”, Bharti invites you to share the travel spirit that builds individual growth and connectivity. Her message boils down to embracing the values of spontaneity and taking refuge in the little things—a serene night under stars, exploration of new cultures, or a first-hand experience of something. Bharti’s own adventure summarizes the ad campaign: travel is not about the locales, it’s about the emotions and experiences that keep you truly alive.
Special Travel Benefits for Times Black ICICI Bank Card Members
Klook’s partnership with Times Black ICICI Bank again expands the relationship with travel and luxury. Times Black Credit Card, made out of a rare metal, targets India’s elite customer segment specifically and gives them a set of hand-curated benefits and luxury offerings. As a result of the relationship, the card members are entitled to exclusive rights to a set of benefits provided through the Klook platform, consisting of:
Special discounts when you book experiences anywhere in the globe.
First access to sold-out events and attractions.
Professional customer service to ensure a comfortable trip.
For the discerning traveler, the Times Black card holds the prospect of taking their travel experiences to a higher level, not just with superior experiences, but with luxury-level service, as well as VIP benefits.
A Revamped Travel Experience for the New-Age Indian Travelers
According to Shivam Tyagi, the Marketing Lead of Klook India and the Middle East, “The Best You” program does not center on simple activity provision. It’s an offer to re-live happy moments and create significant, memorable experiences which have an emotional recall.
“People yearn for a connection now more than ever,” Tyagi explained. “They want to get away from the routine of everyday existence and reconnect themselves with the things and themselves around them. Klook aims to facilitate that connection through heart-touching travel—via shared humor, the rush of a new adventure, the grandeur of a new destination.”
The brand, with all it stands for—informality, self-exploration, and a healthy dose of fun—is perfectly compatible with the traveller of today, who increasingly, through travel, wishes to have a genuine re-invention of the self. Whether it’s the romanticism of a serene Balinese sunset or the frivolous street-food explorations of Bangkok, “The Best You” celebrates the individual moments that, when collectively shared, make travel a holiday and not a trip—and a genuinely transformational experience.
What’s Next: Future Plans and Future Travel Opportunities
Klook and Times Black ICICI Bank joint venture is said to become a defining element of the luxury travel ecosystem of India. For the times to come, the joint venture shall offer card members even more personalized services such as limited edition travel services, exclusive event activities, and broader coverage of emerging travel destinations. That’s just the beginning of what promises to become a new chapter for the new age Indian traveler who seeks luxurious experiences.
Both Times Black ICICI Bank and Klook recognize the evolution of the travel environment and are committed to delivering premium, personalized services that enhance the process of traveling. By leveraging the global platform of Klook and the Times Black card’s exclusive features, the new joint venture seeks to reposition the relationship of premium Indian travelers with the world.
Including Travel as a Part of Self-Discovery This launch of “The Best You” and Times Black ICICI Bank partnership are a true reflection of what travel today is all about. Checking the boxes of the places or seeing the attractions does not hold true anymore, today it is all about the moments, the people, and the experiences that make your trip all the difference. Bharti Singh’s own reflections are a reminder that travel can play a part as a tool of individual exploration as much as a source of much pleasure and connection. As Klook continues to grow its presence in India’s luxury travel market, the partnership marks a new chapter in how India’s elite adventurers see the globe—curated, personalized, and meaningful.
-
Funding & Business1 week ago
Kayak and Expedia race to build AI travel agents that turn social posts into itineraries
-
Jobs & Careers1 week ago
Mumbai-based Perplexity Alternative Has 60k+ Users Without Funding
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Donald Trump suggests US government review subsidies to Elon Musk’s companies
-
Funding & Business1 week ago
Rethinking Venture Capital’s Talent Pipeline
-
Jobs & Careers1 week ago
Why Agentic AI Isn’t Pure Hype (And What Skeptics Aren’t Seeing Yet)
-
Education4 days ago
9 AI Ethics Scenarios (and What School Librarians Would Do)
-
Education4 days ago
Teachers see online learning as critical for workforce readiness in 2025
-
Education1 week ago
AERDF highlights the latest PreK-12 discoveries and inventions
-
Education5 days ago
Nursery teachers to get £4,500 to work in disadvantaged areas
-
Education6 days ago
How ChatGPT is breaking higher education, explained