Philippines to Introduce e-Visa System for Foreign Visitors in Q3 2023

Philippines to Introduce e-Visa System for Foreign Visitors in Q3 2023

By Author

Published on July 10, 2023

The Philippines is set to launch an e-Visa system for foreign travellers in the third quarter of 2023, according to an announcement by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.

During a press conference, Foreign Affairs Under-Secretary Jesus Domingo stated that the e-Visa system will enable foreign nationals to apply for Philippine visas online. This digital solution aims to simplify and expedite the visa application process, providing greater efficiency and convenience for those visiting the Philippines for leisure and business purposes.

The DFA is currently collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to develop the Philippine e-Visa system.

Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz, speaking at the same press conference, expressed optimism that this initiative would attract more Chinese tourists and students to the Philippines. While domestic travel in China has seen a rebound, international travel from China has yet to fully recover.

Although the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines has not reached pre-pandemic levels, the DFA highlighted the continued demand for visas from Chinese travellers. The foreign service posts in China have been operating beyond their capacity to process and issue visas to accommodate this demand.

Before the pandemic, China ranked as the second country with the highest number of visitors to the Philippines in 2019, surpassing 1.7 million visitors, with South Korea being the top-ranking country.

The introduction of the e-Visa system is expected to streamline the visa application process, attract more visitors to the Philippines, and facilitate the recovery of the tourism sector.


Surge in Short-Haul Travel Among Gen Z and Millennials: A New Trend

Surge in Short-Haul Travel Among Gen Z and Millennials: A New Trend

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 10, 2024

Recent data reveals a remarkable 25% increase in short-haul travel, driven predominantly by the preferences of Gen Z and Millennials. This surge underscores the evolving travel habits of younger generations, who seek quick, accessible getaways that offer unique experiences without the extended time commitment. Monsoon travel, in particular, has gained popularity, with destinations offering lush landscapes, vibrant festivals, and a respite from the summer heat.

This trend highlights significant shifts in consumer behavior and presents new opportunities for the travel and hospitality sectors. To gain deeper insights, we spoke with The Hosteller, India's largest brand-operated backpacker hostel chain. They emphasized the importance of understanding these new travel patterns and adapting offerings to meet the demands of this dynamic demographic.

About The Hosteller:

Established in 2014, The Hosteller is India's largest brand-operated backpacker hostel chain, headquartered in Mumbai. With a presence in over 55 Indian destinations, The Hosteller offers budget-conscious travelers a unique blend of affordability and experience. Under the leadership of Mr. Pranav Dangi, The Hosteller has become a dynamic force in hospitality, shaping the future of travel with innovative offerings and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Focused on creating immersive and standardized experiences, The Hosteller prioritizes best-in-class services and a warm, welcoming environment. The brand's proprietary tech platform facilitates community-driven experiences, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. The Hosteller's mission is to empower "young at heart" individuals to explore the world, aiming to become the world's largest standardized and self-operated chain of backpacker hostels, delivering exceptional experiences to global travelers. With a dynamic young team and over 600 employees, The Hosteller continues to grow and innovate in the backpacker hostel space.


AMRPL Unveils ‘Vue De Luxe’- A Premier Sunglass Concept Store at Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports

AMRPL Unveils ‘Vue De Luxe’- A Premier Sunglass Concept Store at Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 8, 2024

April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd (AMRPL) has launched its first exclusive sunglass concept store, ‘Vue De Luxe,’ located at the Departure Sections of Terminal 3 at Lucknow CSS International Airport and Terminal 2 at Ahmedabad International Airport. This new venture aims to elevate the shopping experience for premium sunglasses, targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, business professionals, and holidaygoers.

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‘Vue De Luxe’ offers a sophisticated selection of luxury eyewear for both men and women, featuring a curated collection of international brands. Shoppers can find renowned names such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Givenchy, Off-White, Prada, Prada Linea Rossa, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, and Versace.

Designed to be visually appealing and state-of-the-art, the store provides a seamless shopping experience. It is equipped with digital screens that display brand videos and communications, enhancing the overall ambiance. The launch of 'Vue De Luxe' is well-timed, coinciding with the holiday season and the recent cricket season, which have brought increased passenger traffic to both Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports. These prime airport locations are ideal for catering to travelers seeking luxury and style.

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Gaurav Singh, CEO of AMRPL, shared his excitement about the launch, stating, “It is with immense pride and joy that I announce the opening of our latest sunglass concept, ‘Vue De Luxe,’ at the new Lucknow Airport Terminal. This luxury sunglasses store is not just a testament to April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd's commitment to excellence but also a symbol of our vision to bring the finest experiences to the discerning traveler. ‘Vue De Luxe’ stands as a beacon of style and sophistication, offering a curated selection of eyewear that embodies the spirit of luxury. The store is designed to provide our customers with an unparalleled accessory experience. I invite you all to visit 'Vue De Luxe' and see the world through a new lens of luxury.”

AMRPL’s initiative with ‘Vue De Luxe’ reflects their dedication to offering top-notch products and services to travelers. By focusing on high-quality brands and an enhanced shopping environment, ‘Vue De Luxe’ aims to set new standards in luxury eyewear retail. This launch marks a significant step in AMRPL’s mission to provide exceptional shopping experiences in premium locations.

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About AMRPL

April Moon Retail Pvt Ltd (AMRPL) is a company committed to delivering premium retail experiences. With the introduction of ‘Vue De Luxe,’ AMRPL continues to showcase its dedication to excellence, catering to the needs of discerning travelers by offering a unique blend of luxury and style.


Snow World Entertainment Announces Major Expansion Plans Across Key Indian Cities

Snow World Entertainment Announces Major Expansion Plans Across Key Indian Cities

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 24, 2024

Snow World Entertainment, a trailblazer in the Indian entertainment and hospitality sector, announced today its ambitious plan to expand its footprint across the nation. Founded by Prasuk Jain, the company is set to open new facilities in prominent cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thane, Pitampura, Connaught Place, and Golf Course Extension Road, aiming to double its presence by 2026.

Prasuk Jain, the visionary behind Snow World Entertainment, stated, "The entertainment sector in India holds immense potential for growth. Our objective is to revolutionize entertainment by introducing unique experiences that cater to diverse customer preferences, contributing to the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative and enhancing India's global stature in these sectors."

The expansion includes the launch of new outlets under popular brands like The Game Palacio, The Game Ranch, Amazonia, and Snow World. With an investment of approximately INR 300 crores in 2023-24 and INR 500 crores in 2024-25, the expansion is expected to generate numerous job opportunities across its new locations.

Currently, Snow World Entertainment operates 14 luxury gaming and bar concepts and three complete restaurants nationwide. Notable among them are The Game Ranch, a cowboy-themed luxury gaming and bar experience; The Game Palacio, a palace-themed venue; KOA, a bohemian-themed restaurant; and Amazonia, an immersive dining experience themed around the Amazon rainforest.

By focusing on customer satisfaction, embracing innovation, and advocating ecological responsibility, Snow World Entertainment is poised to redefine the entertainment landscape in India, ensuring unforgettable experiences for its patrons.

For further information on Snow World Entertainment and its range of services, please visit Snow World Entertainment.

About Snow World Entertainment:

Founded by Prasuk Jain, Snow World Entertainment stands as a pioneering force in the Indian entertainment and hospitality industry. The company boasts a diverse portfolio, including Snow World, The Game, Amazonia, and several other distinct brands, each offering unique experiences tailored to a variety of customer interests and age groups. Dedicated to delivering exceptional entertainment, Snow World Entertainment is shaping the future of leisure and hospitality in India.

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