Thailand Tourist Fees - Rajasthan’s Cruise - Ernakulam Solar Ferries | Travel Update 2023

1. Indian Passport Climbs Two Spots in 2023 Henley Passport Index
According to estimates, India has moved up two ranks on the world's most powerful passports list. Japan takes first place for the fifth year in a row, while India currently ranks 85th, allowing Indians to travel to 59 countries without a visa! This passport Index is based on IATA (International Air Transport Authority) statistics and includes a total of 199 passports compared to 227 travel destinations worldwide.

2. Thailand Planning to Introduce the Tourist Fees from June for All Foreign Tourists 
Thailand intends to charge a THB 300 fee to all international visitors coming to the country beginning in June. The funds are being generated to assist tourists who are involved in accidents as well as for the development of tourism destinations. "Fees will not be collected from foreigners with work licences and border crossings," Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakit Prakarn stated. Thailand is currently anticipating a large number of visitors this year.

3. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Signs 8 MoUs with GOPIO 
On January 9th, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the goal of developing better collaboration in the tourism sector. The MoUs were signed with GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin). Sheo Shekhar Shukla, MPTB's Principal Secretary and Managing Director, and the Presidents of GOPIO France Metropole Paris, Malaysia, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Sri Lanka, and GOPIO International signed it.

4. Rajasthan’s First Cruise To Start Operations in March 
The maiden cruise in Rajasthan, with a capacity of 150 people, is expected to begin ferrying on Ajmer's Ana Sagar Lake in the first week of March. This double-decker cruise will add to the district's attractions, which include Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and the Brahma Temple. "The cruise service will most likely begin in the first week of March. The work tender was issued last year and is expected to be completed by February. According to an Ajmer Municipal Corporation official, the Corporation would earn INR 66.5 lakh per year. 

5. Soon You Will Enjoy the Scenic Waterways of Ernakulam Aboard The Solar Ferries
The beautiful Ernakulam waters of Kerala may now be experienced on the solar ferries, which will soon begin operations. The ferry will be introduced in Ernakulam, the most famous tourist destination, to enjoy charming backwater excursions. Once the service is operational, travellers can commute to the sea from Marine Drive at INR 100 per hour per person.