ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines has now added Samara to its extensive international network, with the Star Alliance member beginning three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) flights from Istanbul Atatürk (IST). Inaugurated on 11 April, the Turkish flag carrier will serve the 2,115-kilometre sector on its 737-800s according to OAG schedules, with Atlas global providing the direct competition with its twice-weekly operation. Onur Air is set to become the third carrier to connect the two airports in May. With this launch, Turkish now serves 10 cities in Russia with 62 weekly flights, with Samara joining Ekaterinurg, Kazan, Moscow Vnokovo, Rostov-on-Don, St.…
Author: holidayweekly
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports says the total economic impact of spending during the Songkran 2017 holiday was 45.428 billion Baht (US$1.3 billion), representing a 14.40 percent increase over the same period last year. In addition, several destinations nationwide were reportedly recording noticeable tourism growth during the Thai New Year period. During the Songkran 2017 holiday period from 11-17 April, Thailand attracted 695,894 international tourists and generated about 36.941 billion Baht (US$1 billion), up 10.9 percent and 16.40 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, domestic tourism resulted in 3.03 million trips and 8.487 billion Baht (US$242 million) revenue up 3.36 percent…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has changed its IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) concerning the shipping of lithium batteries. Since January 1, 2017 lithium batteries that were previously not covered by labelling requirements have become partially subject to them. Hereafter the FBDi summarizes the most important changes: Labelling requirement. They require a label even where not more than 2 batteries or 4 cells per shipment are contained per shipment item.. Instructions for shipment of Section II lithium batteries. Since 1 January 2017, the Dangerous Goods Regulations (Section 1.6.2) contains an exact definition of ‘sufficient instructions’ as required in the…
MUSCAT: Oman Air has announced that passengers can now take their golf bag on board flights to and from Muscat free of charge.The new policy came into effect on April 9 and demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to encouraging golf tourism in Oman. One golf bag per person will be allowed free of charge on all flights to and from Muscat. Guests flying with Oman Air on all other routes may replace one bag within their baggage allowance with a golf bag. This means that guests flying in Economy elsewhere on Oman Air’s network may replace their 30kg bag with a…
KARACHI: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities, Government of Sindh has decided to participate in Pakistan Travel Mart to promote the rich culture and heritage of Sindh. Pakistan Travel Mart is a leading international travel and tourism expo to be held from 24th-26th November 2017 at Expo Center Karachi. Mr. Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities, Government of Sindh announced this in a press conference, along-with organizers of Pakistan travel Mart, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq Khan and Mr. Syed Mohammad Ali Hamdani. Syed Mohammad Ali Hamdani, Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Travel Mart welcomed the media and all…
LAHORE: Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Forces are set to replicate Wagah border’s elaborate military drill in one of three border openings between the two countries, to draw more tourists. Amid frosty ties between Pakistan and India, Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force plan to open a new front of bonhomie on the Punjab border. The security forces of the neighbouring countries plan to develop the Sulemanki- Sadiqi joint check post (JCP) as a tourist spot on the lines of the Attari-Wagah JCP soon. “Sulemanki and Sadiqi have tourism potential so both nations have made up their…
SEVILLE: Dr. Peter Burns, director of the University of Bedfordshire’s Institute for Tourism Research, delivered the opening keynote speech at a conference organised by the Network of European Regions for Competitive & Sustainable Tourism in Seville. He told the delegates: “Tourism is frequently cited as the engine for socio-economic growth. It is indeed the driving force behind the visitor economy, which in turn powers the creative and cultural economies. “We can see that tourism and culture, including cultural heritage, are inseparable. By capitalising on local heritage and culture, destination management organisations take a key leadership role in their local visitor…
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airline (PIA) will provide passengers with an option of daily flights between Karachi and London from April 25, 2017. Two of these flights, on Wednesdays and Sundays, would be operated directly, while on other days convenient connections of two to three hours would be provided from Lahore or Islamabad for flights operating from there. For tickets purchased before May 27, PIA is also offering special promotional 15 per cent discount on flights operating via Lahore and Islamabad, which would be valid for travel till the end of current year. At a brief ceremony held at the PIA…
DUBAI: Emirates will be cutting down on its flights to the US following the recently imposed electronics ban coupled with visa restrictions resulting into weakened travel demand. The airline said in a statement on Wednesday that starting next month it would be reducing flights to five of the 12 US cities it currently serves, including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Seattle, Boston and Los Angeles. “This is a commercial decision in response to weakened travel demand to US. The recent actions taken by the US government relating to the issuance of entry visas, heightened security vetting and restrictions on electronic devices in…
LUXOR: Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of a nobleman from more than 3,000 years ago, the latest in a series of major discoveries of ancient relics that Egypt hopes will revive a tourist business that has been hit by political instability. [huge_it_slider id=”13″] Consisting of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and inner chamber, the archaeologists found the tomb of Userhat, a Judge from the new kingdom, near the Nile city of Luxor. The Ministry of Antiquities government of Egypt said on Tuesday, 18 April. In one of the rooms, archaeologists found a collection of…