| | From Kapil Goswamy | Managing Director | Trans India Holidays Greetings from India! As we begin the New Year and also the new decade, we would like to thank our partners, friends, colleagues for your ongoing support. The end of 2019 had been a turbulent time for the travel and tourism sector, but 2020 seems promising. The Ministry of Tourism is making all the right noises to attract tourists with revision and reduction of e-Visa fees and GST in luxury hotels. Other small and large measures taken by the government, including illumination of a number of monuments, and extending the opening hours of several monuments and places of interest are also sending positive signals to tourists planning to visit Incredible India.
Best wishes for 2020, and hoping to serve you and your clients for many years to come.
Here are some of the latest updates on tourism-related happenings from our part of the world. | | LATEST UPDATES ON TOURISM-RELATED HAPPENINGS
|  | | Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur is now a Taj Palace Hotel | | Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur is the newest addition among the palace hotels operated by the Taj Group. An authentic royal residence with its unique history and lore, the luxury palace boasts of a fabulous location, overlooking the Lake Pichola and adjoining the Udaipur City Palace. | | | | | | | Vistara Airlines introduce daily flights from Delhi to Kathmandu | | Vistara Airlines to operate daily direct flights from Delhi to Kathmandu starting the first week of February. The fast-growing airline in India (co-owned by Singapore Airlines and the TATA Group) offers comfortable services for most of the popular tourist places in the Indian Subcontinent. | | | | Revised 30-day e-Visa fee for Off Season (April to June 2020) | | The Ministry of Tourism has earlier announced the revision to the one-month e-Tourist Visa fee for the months from April to June. In the off-season of 2020, the fee will be USD 10 while from July-March the fee will be USD 25. The fee for one-year e-Tourist Visa will be USD 40, while the five-year e-Tourist Visa is to cost USD 80. | | | | | HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
| | | | Destination of The Month | Jaisalmer | | Set on the edge of the timeless Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the “Golden City of Rajasthan’. One of the last princely bastions of Rajputana, it inspires wonder. From never-ending dunes to lush green oasis, ancient forts and temples to lively campsites, colorful culture, and heritage to the adventure sports, Jaisalmer has everything in its kitty to attract tourists. | | | | | | Hotel of The Month | Suryagarh, Jaisalmer | | Suryagarh is a luxury hotel in the fascinating desert city of Jaisalmer. Carefully preserving the traditions of the past yet creating a modern awesome stay, it is our suggested hotel of the month. Featuring elegant architectural style of Rajasthan, the luxury hotel offers spa services, curated explorations, dining experiences and utmost comfort of guests. | | | Experience of The Month | Bird watching in Bharatpur | | Bird watching in Bharatpur is a popular activity among our clients. This is our suggestion for the experience of the month, as it is the best time to spot the migrating critically-endangered species of Siberian Crane along with other indigenous species of birds. The highlight of bird watching in the UNESCO listed site is the cycle rickshaw rides assisted by local guides and naturalists to enhance the experience. | | | | | FESTIVALS ALERT
| | | |  | | Jaisalmer Desert Festival
7th to 9th February 2020 Celebrated amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam Sand Dunes (42 kilometers from Jaisalmer), the Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrates the desert, heritage, culture and traditions of the land. Romantic, remote and unspoiled, the location comes to life during the three-day extravaganza of the delights of the desert. Khajuraho Dance Festival
20th to 26th February 2020 The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival celebrates the colorful and brilliant classical dance forms of India. The showcase of the rich cultural traditions across the country at the erotically sculpted Group of Temples of Khajuraho is scheduled from the 20th of February till the 26th of February 2020. The weeklong extravaganza is a feast for the senses bringing to life the age old treasures of the land. |  | | |  | | Taj Mahotsav
18th to 27th February 2020 Taj Mahotsav is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Agra. Celebrated from 18th to 27th February at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of "Taj Mahal", the 10-day carnival is a vibrant showcase of India’s rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance, and music. | | | | | MEET US AT
| | | | | | | BIT Milan
ITALY 9th to 11th February 2020 | | | | | | ITB Berlin
GERMANY 4th to 8th March, 2020 | | | | | | GITB Jaipur
INDIA 19th to 21st April 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
