Singapore Aims for 1.5 Million Indian Tourists with Visa Relaxations

Singapore Aims for 1.5 Million Indian Tourists with Visa Relaxations

By Travel Tales

Published on March 24, 2024

Singapore is setting the stage for a significant influx of Indian tourists in 2024 by relaxing visa rules and expanding its hospitality offerings. With the aim of attracting over 1.5 million visitors from India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is focused on making travel easier and more appealing for Indian nationals.

The move comes as a response to the recovery of tourist numbers from India, which hit 1.1 million in 2023 after a dip during the pandemic. In 2019, before COVID-19 restrictions took effect, Singapore welcomed 1.4 million Indian visitors. STB's efforts to streamline visa processes are part of a broader strategy to tap into India's "huge tourism potential."

To accommodate the expected increase in visitors, Singapore is enhancing its hospitality infrastructure. Approximately 9,000 new hotel rooms are being added to the existing 72,000, anticipating the need for ample accommodation for both tourists and business travellers. The initiative is supported by the introduction of new flight carriers between India and Singapore, aiming to return to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity.

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In addition to focusing on tourism, Singapore is eyeing the burgeoning business travel segment from India. With both countries experiencing growth in trade and sectors such as pharma, BioMed, IT, and FinTech thriving, STB sees significant opportunities for increasing bilateral trade through large-scale exhibitions and conferences.

Singapore's efforts to simplify visa procedures and enhance its travel and hospitality sectors are part of a broader vision to solidify its position as a leading destination for Indian tourists and business travellers alike. As the island state prepares to host the inaugural APAC edition of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Big Show, it's clear that Singapore is not just a tourist hotspot but also a hub for international business and retail innovation.

With these strategic moves, Singapore is well on its way to achieving its target of 1.5 million Indian tourists in 2024, offering a promising outlook for the future of travel and trade between the two nations.


ixigo Introduces ‘Travel Guarantee’ to Ensure Hassle-Free Journeys

ixigo Introduces ‘Travel Guarantee’ to Ensure Hassle-Free Journeys

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 20, 2024

ixigo, India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users, has launched a game-changing feature for train travelers – ‘Travel Guarantee’. Available on the ixigo Trains app, this innovative feature ensures passengers with unconfirmed waitlisted tickets receive a 3X refund of their fare, providing the flexibility to book alternate transport like flights or buses during emergencies.

Eliminating Travel Stress
Train travel during peak seasons often results in long waitlists, leaving passengers anxious about last-minute arrangements. ixigo’s ‘Travel Guarantee’ steps in to offer financial relief and convenience, enabling travelers to seamlessly rebook their journeys without worrying about skyrocketing fares.

How It Works:

  1. Opt-in During Booking: Travelers can choose the ‘Travel Guarantee’ feature for a nominal fee when booking selected trains and classes via the ixigo Trains app.

  2. Refund Process: If tickets remain waitlisted at the time of chart preparation:

    • 1X refund of the fare is credited back to the original payment mode.

    • 2X refund is issued as a Travel Guarantee Coupon, redeemable on flight, train, or bus bookings via ixigo.

CEO Speaks
Sharing insights on the rollout, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ixigo Trains, said:

“At ixigo, we strive to make travel seamless and stress-free. Train waitlists, especially during festive seasons, can be frustrating for travelers. Our ‘Travel Guarantee’ feature provides a safety net by offering up to 3X refunds on unconfirmed tickets, empowering users to rebook their journey without worrying about last-minute fare hikes. We’re committed to making train travel more reliable, convenient, and worry-free for everyone.”

Revolutionizing Train Travel
ixigo continues to enhance its position as a customer-first platform with features like free cancellations, food on trains, instant refunds, and now, ‘Travel Guarantee’. The app remains a trusted companion for millions of users, delivering convenience and innovation for seamless travel experiences.

About ixigo
Founded in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) is India’s premier travel platform, offering AI-driven solutions to book trains, flights, buses, and more. With over 48 crore Annual Active Users in Fiscal 2024, ixigo empowers travelers with smarter decisions and unmatched convenience.

For more information, visit www.ixigo.com.


AIR INDIA EXPRESS announces ‘PAYDAY SALE’ with fares starting at Just ₹1199

AIR INDIA EXPRESS announces ‘PAYDAY SALE’ with fares starting at Just ₹1199

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2024

Air India has launched its payday sale with amazing deals starting @ just 1199 and exclusive zero baggage xpress lite fares starting @ just 1049. The sale is open for bookings on domestic flights until 2nd December 2024, for travel between 7th January and 31st March 2025.

Air India Express offers exclusive perks for loyalty members, including discounts on Biz seats, boasting a 58-inch seat pitch. Benefits include 25% off 'Gourmair' hot meals, seat selection, and Xpress Ahead priority services for higher-tier members. Biz seats are available on 35 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with weekly fleet expansions.

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Air India Express continues to provide special discounted fares and exclusive benefits tailored for various passenger groups. These include students, senior citizens, healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, as well as members of the armed forces and their dependents. By offering these perks through its website, the airline ensures that a diverse range of travelers can enjoy affordable and value-packed journeys, catering to their unique needs and preferences.

The hottest deals are here for you, Grab yours before the sale ends!


Ranthambore’s Night Sky Shines with The Earth Resort’s Cultural Night Market

Ranthambore’s Night Sky Shines with The Earth Resort’s Cultural Night Market

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 8, 2024

The Earth at Ranthambore, a stunning property of Earthian Hotels N Resorts, has recently introduced an immersive Night Market experience, bringing guests closer to the heart of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage. Under the vast night sky, the resort's landscape transforms into a lively hub of traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and craftsmanship, offering an unforgettable sensory journey for visitors.

As the night begins, the resort resonates with the mesmerizing rhythms of dholaks and the melodic tunes of the sarangi, as local folk performers showcase Rajasthan’s famed dances like the Ghoomar and the Kalbelia. The vibrant costumes and graceful movements of the dancers breathe life into Rajasthani traditions, transporting guests to a world filled with stories and heritage. In the midst of this cultural showcase, a skilled magician enthralls the audience with captivating illusions, adding a whimsical touch to the evening.

Guests looking for interactive experiences can try their hand at pottery under the guidance of local artisans. Feeling the clay come alive between their fingers, they can create their own masterpieces, experiencing firsthand an age-old craft. As the night progresses, the sky opens up to stargazers, where an expert-led astronomy session reveals the cosmic wonders visible above the stunning Ranthambore landscape.

For food lovers, the Night Market's chaat counters offer a delectable array of treats, from golgappas to dahi puri, while artisan stalls display an assortment of handmade souvenirs. The live bangle shop allows guests to observe bangles being crafted in real time, offering colorful designs as a unique takeaway from the evening.

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Mr. Rohit Pareek, Managing Director of Earthian Hotels N Resorts, expressed his excitement, saying, "With the Night Market, we've created a microcosm of Rajasthan's rich cultural tapestry. It's more than just an attraction; it's an invitation for our guests to immerse themselves in the living heritage of this magnificent region. Every sight, sound, and flavor has been carefully curated to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience."

This exciting new offering enhances The Earth at Ranthambore’s existing amenities, including the tranquil Taranaalya pool, the rejuvenating Sattva spa, and its eco-friendly cottages designed by the renowned architect Eugene Pandala. These unique cottages blend luxury with sustainability, making every guest's stay both comfortable and eco-conscious.

The Night Market is part of Earthian Hotels N Resorts' commitment to sustainable luxury and cultural preservation, embodying the perfect balance of modern hospitality with deep respect for local traditions. The resort’s focus on immersive, eco-friendly experiences showcases the possibility of celebrating heritage while delivering world-class hospitality.

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For those seeking an authentic connection to Rajasthan’s culture, the Night Market at The Earth at Ranthambore promises a memorable journey through art, craft, and cuisine—all against the magical backdrop of a starry night.

About The Earth at Ranthambore by Mr. Rohit Pareek, Co-founder & Managing Director:

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Ranthambore, The Earth at Ranthambore blends refined luxury with authentic hospitality. The resort offers guests a unique experience combining comfort, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. For more details, visit: https://earthhotels.in

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About Earthian Hotels N Resorts by Mr. Rajkumar Pareek, Founder:

Earthian Hotels N Resorts is founded on the philosophy of sustainability and eco-conscious living. With a mission to preserve the natural beauty of Rajasthan, the brand delivers hospitality experiences that seamlessly combine adventure, culture, and sustainability. Learn more about Earthian’s energy-efficient and fireproof structures at https://earthhotels.in/earth-structures/.

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