Mahadevan Parasuraman’s Post

The days of limitless travel are coming to a close. Between overcrowded destinations and careless tourist behavior, a clear need for boundaries is giving rise to tighter regulations and more mindful business models. The shift from high-volume to high-value travel will forever change how we define a brag-worthy trip. For example, In Goa, the tourism department has banned 10 activities that have caused or are likely to cause damage or deterioration to key tourist spots such as unauthorized boating, roadside cooking by tourists, and selling tickets outside official counters. Similarly, the Madras High Court requires vehicles entering Ooty and Kodaikanal during peak tourist months, to obtain a pre-registered e-pass for entry so that the carrying capacity of ghat roads can be fixed from excessive tourist footfall. How can local tourism businesses diversify their revenue streams in response to restrictions that may reduce their traditional sources of income? #TBWAIndia #Backslash

It is the highest and longest running tourist cable car in the world and first in Asia. It is near the sensitive Indo-Pak line of Control close to Baramulla at an amazing height of 13,500 ft and running smoothly for years so far. The Gulmarg Gondola is the flagship attraction of Kashmir tourism and runs atop the pasture of flowers, is located in the Pir Panjal Mountain range in the western Himalayas, nearly 50km from Srinagar. The place is defined as a cup-shaped valley with virgin peaks, dry snow and vast meadows which attract the majority of the tourists pouring into the Valley. Now the landmark Gondola has made a record both in terms of tourist’s footfalls and revenue earned.  As per official figures, for the first time since its inception in 1998, Gulmarg  Gondola, the aerial tramways, saw over a million tourists including many from abroad and locals enjoying rides. In the financial year 2023-24 revenue crossed more than Rs. 110 crore and J&K tourism sees unprecedented growth which continues to surpass all previous figures. According to official statistics, 18 million tourists visited J&K in 2022, up from 11 million a year before and much less earlier mostly due to disturbances and Covid 19 pandemic. The number of foreigners is also growing from just 1,600 in 2021 to nearly 20,000 in 2022. Last financial year (2022- 23), the revenue by the Cable Car Corporation running the Gondola was nearly Rs. 100 crore and in 2020-21, it was Rs. 47.81 crore only. Tourist flow which was low in Kashmir, dropped further in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to J&K and reduced it to UT category. But it has picked up in subsequent years as the level of violence has come down and now it is at a historic high. It is a different matter that such a huge inflow of tourists, though helping locals economically is subject to criticism by Kashmir opposition leaders like Dr Farooq Abdulah. The Gondola has two phases - the first phase takes a person to Kongdori bowl at a height of 8,694 ft. The second phase soars to the sky touching Apharwat, at a height of 13,058 ft. The ropeway has 108 cabins and 18 towers. It also offered Chair Cars for phase-II and takes approximately 21 minutes to reach the final destination. The two-stage gondola lift ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Apharwat Peak(13,976 ft) The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski. https://lnkd.in/dT7c2Qez

It is the highest and longest running tourist cable car in the world and first in Asia. It is near the sensitive Indo-Pak line of Control close to Baramulla at an amazing height of 13,500 ft and running smoothly for years so far. The Gulmarg Gondola is the flagship attraction of Kashmir tourism and runs atop the pasture of flowers, is located in the Pir Panjal Mountain range in the western Himalayas, nearly 50km from Srinagar. The place is defined as a cup-shaped valley with virgin peaks, dry snow and vast meadows which attract the majority of the tourists pouring into the Valley. Now the landmark Gondola has made a record both in terms of tourist’s footfalls and revenue earned.  As per official figures, for the first time since its inception in 1998, Gulmarg  Gondola, the aerial tramways, saw over a million tourists including many from abroad and locals enjoying rides. In the financial year 2023-24 revenue crossed more than Rs. 110 crore and J&K tourism sees unprecedented growth which continues to surpass all previous figures. According to official statistics, 18 million tourists visited J&K in 2022, up from 11 million a year before and much less earlier mostly due to disturbances and Covid 19 pandemic. The number of foreigners is also growing from just 1,600 in 2021 to nearly 20,000 in 2022. Last financial year (2022- 23), the revenue by the Cable Car Corporation running the Gondola was nearly Rs. 100 crore and in 2020-21, it was Rs. 47.81 crore only. Tourist flow which was low in Kashmir, dropped further in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to J&K and reduced it to UT category. But it has picked up in subsequent years as the level of violence has come down and now it is at a historic high. It is a different matter that such a huge inflow of tourists, though helping locals economically is subject to criticism by Kashmir opposition leaders like Dr Farooq Abdulah. The Gondola has two phases - the first phase takes a person to Kongdori bowl at a height of 8,694 ft. The second phase soars to the sky touching Apharwat, at a height of 13,058 ft. The ropeway has 108 cabins and 18 towers. It also offered Chair Cars for phase-II and takes approximately 21 minutes to reach the final destination. The two-stage gondola lift ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Apharwat Peak(13,976 ft) The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski. https://lnkd.in/dvGWRGvE

UP opens eco-tourism in core tiger reserve zones, defying NTCA directive. The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government has recently launched new tourism initiatives in the core zones of its tiger reserves, despite directives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to remove tourism structures from these protected areas. Established to ensure minimal human interference, core zones within tiger reserves are intended to serve as safe habitats for tigers and are generally off-limits to tourism activities, as per a 2019 NTCA order, which followed a Supreme Court order from 2012, prohibiting any new permanent tourism facilities in these core areas. #UP #Ecotourism #CoreTiger #ReserveZones #NTCA #directive #CoreZones #SupremeCourt #travel #traveling #traveladvisor #travelindustry #travelagent TraveLICE

"Decaying Destinations" aptly describes the detrimental effects of over-tourism on popular destinations in India. In my view Over-tourism would slowly kill the golden goose like Goa, Kumarakom : 1.     Lack or Ineffective regulations fail to regulate tourist numbers, lodging capacity is in excess of the carrying capacity are the main causes for many destinations decay irrecoverably in the long run. 2.     Social media and online travel platforms rapidly popularize once-hidden gems, causing sudden spikes in visitor numbers. 3.     Economic incentives for businesses and governments thrust aggressive marketing campaigns intensifying tourist footfall beyond sustainable limits. There is no organised structured mechanism/legislative provision to evaluate and govern tourism destinations within carrying capacity. Rapid and easy access to destinations lead to over crowding and overcapacity burden. In my view : Population Explosion with a growing and affluent middle class trigger unprecedented leisure travel to existing and verdant holiday destinations beyond their carrying capacity.  Absence of regulatory restrictions to eco fragile destinations leading to overcrowded streets, overuse of sewage, transport, water, air and energy sources. Garbage, fossil fuel pollution, unbridled construction adds to the decay. Results in slow death and imbalance suffocating the local residents. Environmental Degradation caused by uncontrolled open passage to tourists round the year causing strain on natural resources with no time for natural regeneration damaging the delicate ecosystems. Local economies tend to lean heavily only on tourism shutting off other livelihood cottage industries like fishing, agriculture. Raise social tensions as local’s threshold of tolerance reaches breaking point due to perceived exploitation. Sustainable tourism practices are crucial to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy these destinations without causing their decay. Bring in specific interest tourist groups and inculcate responsible tourism. Curious to know your views? Tourism economy in India is increasingly dependent on mass scale domestic tourism leading to over use of destinations. #Hospitality #Tourism #HotelManagement #IndianTourism #HospitalityIndustry #TravelAndTourism #Hoteliers #HospitalityManagement #HotelSchool #TourismIndia #HospitalityCareers #HotelIndustry #HospitalityEducation #HospitalityJobs #TourismManagement #HotelManagementInstitutes #HospitalityTraining #TravelIndustry #HotelManagementCourses #IndiaTourism

Over-tourism poses a significant threat to our planet. Mohankumar P K's insightful post highlights this pressing issue and emphasizes the transformative power of sustainable tourism. Advocacy for responsible travel needs to be tenfold as we preserve nature and the essence of travel for future destinations

Kashmir tourism update for tourists 18 March 2024. Today's Kashmir tourism update highlight: Where is snowfall available in Kashmir : At all tourist places in Kashmir, there is snowfall. There is an adequate amount of snow in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, and other famous destinations in Kashmir. March April rush: Due to the heavy rush in March, all the hotels, cabs, and other activities are fully booked. Additionally, around 90 percent of accommodations have already been sold out for the month of April. Therefore, we recommend checking all the details before planning your trip to Kashmir. Need a affordable cab service in kashmir you can book here https://lnkd.in/diin4f3X Gulmarg gondola update : 2 lac gondola tickets got sold out within 24 hours such is the demand and influx. The Gondola tickets Full sold out till April 8 for Both Phase-1 and Phase-2. There is no other way to book Gulmarg gondola tickets . Have any queries related to Gulmarg cable car comment below. Prebook Gulmarg gondola tickets : For confirmed tickets of April 15 onwards Pre-book link is in the description .This is why a good travel agency helps you in the long run even if its costly. Many people are sending requests and email however there is no way to get tickets. Prebook your cable car tickets here https://lnkd.in/dwr_wVEU... Drung Frozen waterfall : If you are visiting Gulmarg, make sure to visit this beautiful frozen waterfall in Drung, Tangmarg, before it melts away. Eid days: Due to ongoing fasting month of Ramzaan people do not eat in the open rather than inside restaurant. Places close earlier for Break Fast by around 5.30 -6 pm. Often drivers and hotels close on these dates so make sure to reconfirm about your trip and plans on these days. Pahalgam union cabs update: Union Taxi which were mandatory for Aru Betaab Chandanwari , Botapathri , Zero Point are now no longer required as per the orders of Director Tourism. There have been protests by local on this matter however the order has not been implemented yet. Tulip garden update: The tulip garden (Asia's largest tulip garden) will be opened on 23 March 2024. Over 1.7 Million bulbs of 75 varieties of Tulips to bloom. Due to unpredictable weather the dates can be changed up and down. Kashmir highway update: The Jammu-Srinagar highway is in worst condition at many places. Traffic is open on both sides, but with slow movement. Leh-Srinagar highway update: Leh-Srinagar highway as of now closed , clearance underway. #CablecarGulmarg #snowfall #Tulipfestival #Ramazan #Eid

CVM HOUSE, Shankaramangalam @cvmhouse_sankaramangalam A small glimpse of happiness amidst the unrest, catastrophes and lives lost. Most of the Kerala Ghats are butchered in the name of "mass tourism". The land that should be cherished, respected and valued as the greatest asset is disrespected brutally. As a common man, as a traveller, as a seeker, the smallest thing that one can do here on, ATLEAST, is be conscious about the places chosen for leisure travel... Mode of travel... Respectful and responsible experiences... and The choice of lodging, the beginning, the most intimate (yet ignored), the wrap up... WHERE DO YOU CHOOSE TO LODGE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? A Heritage home, which has stood the test of time for centuries and is today one with the microcosm it stands in? The Greenest built today? A New construction, that has probably encroached the land, killed the existing microcosm, encouraged mining for new building materials, is ignorant of the importance of indigenous knowledge, people & place, and is polluting the land it stands on? The choice is your, and YES, it makes a difference. Every drop counts... in making a river. #responsibletravel #sustainabletravels #sustainabletravel #travelinspiration #travelpicsinsta #wanderlust #sustaibletourism #ecotourism #ecotourismindia #ecotourismkerala

"Tourist Related Accidents and Safety Policy in the Tourism Industry of Nepal." Abstract 🎉 🎉 🎉  In Nepal, the tourism sector has become an important part of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. With its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions including the Himalayas, Nepal attracts a lot of tourists, especially for trekking and spiritual activities but so the increasing number of tourism related accidents poses huge challenges especially in road trips and adventure sports. Studies show that tourism related accidents in Nepal are influenced by factors such as poor-quality materials, negligence of drivers, and inadequate safety measures Adventure activities like trekking and rafting, combined with safety precautions the mismatch further increases the risk of disaster. Nepal has made progress in addressing these issues through policy implementation, such as improving road safety and promoting digital safety initiatives. Nevertheless, the implementation of these programs remains inconsistent, especially in remote areas. Security challenges in the tourism sector require comprehensive approaches including sound security measures, infrastructure development and digital integration and vulnerability to natural hazards Effective management of these risks is required greatly to ensure sustainable development of tourism in Nepal. https://lnkd.in/dZZwwWnp

Top 5 Offbeat places on Google Maps that you didn't know existed. Ever feel like you've seen it all on Google Maps? Think again! Here are five off-beat destinations that will make you rethink your travel plans: 1. Grahan Village, Himachal Pradesh: It is tucked away in the Parvati Valley. This village is a hidden gem, known for its breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere. 2. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, this offbeat destination offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 3. Gurez Valley, Kashmir: This is the untouched beauty of Kashmir. With its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque villages, it's a paradise waiting to be explored. 4. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu: The eerie charm of this abandoned settlement is located on the southeastern tip of India. It offers stunning views of the ocean and a glimpse into the past. 5. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh: The tranquillity of Jibhi, a hidden gem in the Banjar Valley, is famous for its lush forests, gushing rivers, and quaint wooden cottages. It's the perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. So, if you're tired of the same old tourist traps, why not explore these offbeat destinations on Google Maps with Musafir Travels by Paridhi Jaiman?