WELLINGTON: New Zealand is exploring the idea of charging both domestic and international tourists to visit national parks and public lands, home to many of the country’s iconic scenic spots. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced on Friday in Wellington that the government is inviting feedback on several proposals aimed at modernizing the management of these areas. The consultation covers ways to regulate and enhance commercial tourism access and other business activities, along with measures to better protect natural sites. “We’re also seeking input on a proposal to introduce access fees for certain public conservation areas,” Potaka said, noting that such…
Author: holidayweekly
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering a government-to-government (G2G) sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after a failed attempt to privatize the struggling national flag carrier. This decision comes after the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP), led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, rejected a PKR 10 billion bid from Blue World City, which was significantly below the minimum price of PKR 85.03 billion, according to an official source. The rejected bid, which sought a 60% stake in PIA, has prompted the government to explore alternative strategies, including direct G2G arrangements with nations such as Qatar, China, and Gulf…
KARACHI: We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Kiran Aslam as the Bureau Chief of Islamabad and Northern Areas for Holiday Weekly! Kiran is an inspiring travel enthusiast, the CEO & Founder of VagaTales, a successful travel company creating unforgettable journeys for over seven years. A lifetime member of the Asian Business Forum, she brings exceptional expertise and a fervent passion for tourism to this new role. With 12+ years of experience in Finance, HR, and diverse industries, Kiran’s love for travel began with a solo European adventure. From the majestic fjords of Norway to Pakistan’s stunning northern regions, she has…
LAHORE: In a landmark initiative aimed at improving accessibility for tourists, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) to establish a streamlined and innovative route to the Shahdara Historical Complex. This new partnership will ease the flow of tourists by reducing rotation times and providing multiple, convenient access points from various parts of the city. The Shahdara Historical Complex, an iconic site housing heritage landmarks such as the tombs of Emperor Jahangir and Empress Nur Jahan, is a key destination for history enthusiasts and international visitors.…
HANOI: Starting November 11, 2024, Vietnam’s upgraded e-Visa portal will streamline travel for international visitors. The new platform offers a simplified application process, expanded stay options, and convenient access through 42 entry points, supporting Vietnam’s booming tourism industry. Great news for travellers! Vietnam is making it even easier to visit with the launch of a brand new, user-friendly and optimized electronic visa (e-Visa) portal on November 11th, 2024. This updated platform aims to streamline the application process, offering a more user-friendly experience with enhanced features for applicants worldwide. An e-Visa, or electronic visa, is a convenient way to obtain permission…
LONDON: Pakistan took center stage at the World Travel Mart (WTM) 2024, which commenced on November 6 at Excel London, showcasing its diverse tourism potential. The Pakistan Pavilion was inaugurated by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives from the Sindh Government, alongside Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, and Syed Fayez Ali Shah, Managing Director of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). Joining them were prominent participants such as Khawaja Jahanzeb, CEO of Zeb Travels, senior representatives from tour operators, hotels, airlines, and tourism officials from across Pakistan. Syed Zulfiqar Ali…
ISLAMABAD: Al-Nihang Group’s PKR 100 Billion Offer Aims to Revitalize PIA Amid Privatization Interest from Provincial Governments Al-Nihang, an overseas Pakistani group, has placed a significant bid of PKR 100 billion to acquire Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The ambitious offer includes taking on PIA’s PKR 250 billion debt, doubling employee salaries over a 30-month period, and modernizing the airline’s fleet. This proposal comes on the heels of both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab governments expressing interest in acquiring the struggling airline. In an offer letter submitted to Pakistan’s Ministers of Privatization, Aviation, and Defense, Al-Nihang outlined its comprehensive plan to…
ISTANBUL: During the recent Hitit Partner’s Event in Istanbul, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) executives honored Ms. Nur Gökman, the former CEO of Hitit, with a commemorative plaquette. The gesture recognized her exceptional leadership and steadfast support in driving PIA’s digital transformation journey, which began in 2018 when the airline first partnered with Hitit. Ms. Gökman, who is currently the Chairwoman of Hitit’s Board of Directors, has been instrumental in advancing the technological growth and modernization of PIA. The appreciation shown by PIA underscores the valuable collaboration between the two companies, a partnership that has grown steadily and contributed to PIA’s…
SEATTLE, Nov 5 (Reuters) – Ending the strike only stemmed the bleeding at Boeing. Now, CEO Kelly Ortberg, just three months into the job, is faced with repairing a divided, demoralized, and drifting American corporate icon. More than 33,000 factory workers in the U.S. Northwest will trudge back to work over the next week after they voted by a slim margin to accept Boeing’s third contract offer, ending a seven-week strike that brought Ortberg’s honeymoon at Boeing to a shuddering halt. The strike has exposed divides that run right through the company, not just between the board and machinists, but…
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has broken ground on the Mukaab, a cube-shaped skyscraper in Riyadh that, when completed, will be the largest built structure in the world. The building will span 400 meters on each side, providing enough volume to house up to 20 Empire State Buildings, according to Boomberg. The Mukaab is the focal point of New Murabba, a larger urban development designed to reshape Riyadh as a global destination and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 project to diversify the economy away from oil dependency by fostering tourism, entertainment, and urban innovation. Other Saudi megaprojects under Crown Prince Mohammad…