Air India- Vistara Merger- Jal Mahotsav | Travel Update 2022

1. India’s Centrally Protected Sites Will be Illuminated this December

According to estimates, the G20 emblem would be elegantly illuminated from December 1–7 at all the significant centrally protected monuments, the majority of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the picture of the G20 presidency lasting a full year, where dignitaries and high-level delegates will be present. In India, more than 200 sessions will be more than 200 sessions held in 55 different cities, starting in Udaipur.

2. Indians Can Now Directly Avail their Visas to Thailand From Embassy or Consulate

Pattarat Hongtong, the Thai ambassador to India, has recommended Indians acquire their visas from the consulate or embassy after observing huge lines for on-arrival visas. The number of staff at the airport will also be increased, according to Pattarat, as more travellers are arriving in Thailand this time.

3. Germany Now Relaxes Schengen Visa Appointment Rules for the Indian Tourists

Germany has now attempted to relax the requirements for all Indian visitors seeking visas. According to the officials of the German Missions in India, Indian citizens may now schedule their visa appointments at any of the VFS Global Visa Application Centers located in major cities. According to the rules, the visa can be requested three months before the intended travel dates. Also, the D-Visa category is not covered by this provision. 

4. 15 New Breathtaking Sites in Madhya Pradesh Under Jal Mahotsav Model

 Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the Principal Tourism Secretary and MD remarked that there are 15 venues in Madhya Pradesh where water-based tourism will be encouraged with the commencement of the Jal Mahotsav, a two-month-long mega event. The Mahotsav will take place on Hanuwantiya Island. According to the Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Managing Director, this action will aid in developing similar types of activities on a wide scale. More such islands will be converted into potential tourist destinations, similar to Hanuwantiya Island.

5. Air India and Vistara to Merge by March 2024- says TATA

TATA Sons, the largest airline entity in India, and SIA (Singapore Airline Group) have announced a massive merger of the two full-service carriers (FCCs) nationwide by March 2024. According to this, Air India will be the first airline group in India to offer both full-service and low-cost passenger flights. TATA Sons and SIA committed to this amalgamation, pending regulatory permissions, to make ‘Mega Mahararaja' a reality.