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By Nishang Narayan
Published on June 29, 2024
In 2023, Indian nationals faced substantial financial losses amounting to EUR 12.1 million due to rejected Schengen visa applications. This places India among the top five nationalities experiencing the highest rejection rates for Schengen visas, underscoring the financial burden on those attempting to travel to Schengen countries.
Out of the 151,752 visa requests filed by Indian applicants, a significant number were denied. This situation reflects a broader trend of high rejection rates among certain nationalities, with Turkish nationals facing the highest monetary loss of EUR 13.5 million, followed by Algerians at EUR 13.3 million, Moroccans at EUR 10.9 million, and Chinese applicants at EUR 4.8 million, despite having one of the highest approval rates.
In 2023, Schengen states rejected a total of 1.6 million visa applications, generating EUR 130 million in funds, according to SchengenNews. The rejection rate, representing the proportion of visas denied relative to the total number of applications, was notably high among African and Asian countries. Comoros had the highest rejection rate at 57.7%, followed by Pakistan (48.2%), Guinea-Bissau (47.9%), Ghana (46.7%), and Mali (46.4%).
For Indian applicants, the high rejection rates and associated financial losses highlight the challenges faced in securing Schengen visas. Many applicants bear the cost of application fees without obtaining the desired visa approval, leading to frustration over "wasted money."
BLS International Opens New Visa Application Centre in Mumbai
To address the growing demand for visas, BLS International has opened a new visa application centre in Mumbai. Located at Nariman Point, the 5,200 square foot centre is designed to process approximately 1,000 visa applications per day. While primarily focusing on visa applications for Spain, the centre will also handle visa services for Slovakia, Egypt, Gambia, Morocco, and South Korea, catering to both short-term and long-term travel needs.
Increased Schengen Visa Fees and New Multi-Entry Visa Regime
Starting June 11, 2024, Schengen visa fees increased from EUR 80 to EUR 90 for adult applicants and from EUR 40 to EUR 45 for children aged six to twelve. Countries not cooperating with the readmission of their irregularly staying citizens in the EU may see visa fees rise to EUR 135 or even EUR 180. This fee hike follows a European Commission decision aimed at addressing inflation and civil servants' salary adjustments, marking the first increase since February 2020.
Despite the increased fees, there is some relief for Indian travelers. The European Commission has introduced a new visa "cascade" regime for Indian nationals, easing access to multi-entry visas with extended validity. Indian nationals residing in India can now obtain a two-year multi-entry visa after lawfully using two visas within the previous three years. This can be followed by a five-year visa, allowing short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Growing Interest in European Travel Among Indians
Indian nationals have shown a growing interest in European travel, with a 43% increase in Schengen visa applications in 2023 compared to 2022. India ranked third in visa applications, with 966,687 filings. While the increased fees present a financial challenge, the new multi-entry visa regime could simplify travel plans for frequent visitors, potentially encouraging more Indians to explore European destinations.
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 17, 2025
Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.
Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.
“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.
To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.
Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.
The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.
Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”
From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 13, 2025
Bird Travels has announced its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN, Greece’s flag carrier, to operate direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The flight schedule and ticket sales will be officially unveiled by the end of September.
AEGEAN will introduce two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, boasting a range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft feature enhanced comfort with only 138 seats, including 24 Business Class Suites equipped with fully lie-flat beds, aisle access, and modern amenities such as 4K inflight entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and spacious overhead bins designed for long-haul comfort.
The airline plans to operate five weekly flights to New Delhi starting March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026. Bird Travels will act as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for AEGEAN in India, managing sales, marketing, customer service, and distribution.
Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of AEGEAN, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bird Travels as we prepare to launch direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. This marks a significant milestone in AEGEAN’s international expansion and reinforces our commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and India. The addition of the new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft allows us to enhance our service offering for long-haul routes, providing Indian travellers with a premium gateway to Europe and beyond.”
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, commented, “Our partnership with AEGEAN heralds exciting times for Indian travellers. AEGEAN’s reputation for quality service and connectivity perfectly complements our expertise in the Indian aviation market. Together, we look forward to offering seamless and elevated travel experiences from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens and further into Europe.”
About Bird Travels and AEGEAN Bird Travels, the flagship airline management company of India’s Bird Group, has over five decades of experience across airline representation, travel distribution, ground handling, and hospitality services. As AEGEAN’s exclusive GSA in India, Bird Travels will promote and manage the airline’s services across sales, marketing, and customer support.
Founded in 1999, AEGEAN is Greece’s largest and fastest-growing regional airline, serving 152 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with a fleet of 83 modern Airbus aircraft. A member of the STAR ALLIANCE, AEGEAN has been named Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax 14 times in the past 16 years, underscoring its commitment to service excellence.
For more information, visit www.birdtravels.com.
August 15th brings more than a mid-week breather, it’s your cue to pause, reset, and indulge in travel that lingers long after you return. Whether it’s barefoot luxury by the sea, alpine stillness, or the charm of a storied European city, these curated escapes promise to make your long weekend unforgettable.
The Legian Seminyak, Bali
An oceanfront icon where timeless design meets Balinese soul. From vivid sunsets to indulgent spa rituals, every moment here feels like it’s just for you.Explore The Legian
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortManta ray encounters, sunrise sandbank yoga, and villas designed for your pace. Even time slows to match your rhythm here. Discover Maamunagau
De L’Europe AmsterdamA landmark blending old-world charm with modern culture. Riverside calm, art, and the best of Amsterdam—right at your feet. Discover De L’Europe
Hotel Bellevue, Lošinj, CroatiaModern Mediterranean luxury wrapped in pine-scented air and crystal Adriatic waters.View Hotel Bellevue
Boutique Hotel Alhambra, Lošinj, CroatiaAn adults-only escape where refined heritage meets Adriatic elegance.Explore Alhambra
Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz An Alpine legend where understated glamour meets crisp mountain air and Swiss tradition even in summer, Explore Kulm Hotel
Galeries Lafayette Paris HaussmannMore than a department store—private salons, designer previews, and curated fashion experiences tailored just for you.Luxury Shopping Experience
Plan Your Bespoke BreakMake this Independence Day weekend count. Whether you dream of oceanfront tranquility, alpine retreats, or cultural immersion, we’ll curate a journey that feels entirely yours.
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