The Madras High Court has mandated that all motor vehicles entering Nilgiris and Kodaikanal between May 7 and June 30 must obtain electronic passes. This measure aims to collect data on tourist numbers and vehicle types visiting these hill stations. The decision came after the Tamil Nadu government reported that 20,000 vehicles enter the hill stations daily, raising concerns for elephants and the drought in the Nilgiris. Despite this, there won’t be a cap on the e-passes issued.
Hill stations in India are grappling with overcrowding during peak summers as tourists flock to these destinations. The government has agreed to fix the carrying capacity for roads leading to eco-sensitive hill stations, following a scientific assessment. The goal is to regulate overtourism and protect sensitive ecosystems. In 2023, popular hill stations like Nainital, Kasauli, Shimla, and Manali saw an influx of tourists, prompting local authorities to impose entry restrictions.
In response to overtourism, the Indian government is implementing measures to manage tourist destinations and enhance infrastructure to mitigate overcrowding. This includes developing and revamping destinations like Ujjain and Varanasi, promoting underpenetrated destinations like Lakshadweep, and adopting sustainable approaches in states like Goa and Kerala. By determining the carrying capacity of hill stations and eco-sensitive locations, India aims to curb the negative impacts of overtourism.
In other travel news, Cleartrip’s CFO, Aditya Agarwal, has decided to step down due to personal reasons after nine years with the company. This departure follows the CEO’s decision to leave the company after 11 years. Akshat Mishra will take over as the new head of business finance. On a positive note, AirAsia has announced new routes to Kozhikode and Guwahati from Kuala Lumpur, expanding its operations in India to 15 direct routes.
Korea Tourism Organization conducted roadshows in India to showcase leisure and MICE potential, aiming to welcome 200,000 Indian tourists, including 20,000 MICE delegates, this year. South Korea has seen a significant increase in Indian travelers, with efforts to achieve their targets through various marketing and promotional activities. Thomas Cook and SOTC operated an inaugural Bengaluru-Bhutan charter flight at full capacity, demonstrating strong demand for premium destinations. Additionally, Four Points by Sheraton opened a resort in Sonmarg, marking its debut in the region and showcasing commitment to growth in India.
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has launched India’s first astro tourism campaign ‘Nakshatra Sabha’, in partnership with Starscapes. The initiative aims to promote astro tourism activities, including stargazing, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars across Uttarakhand. Booking.com revealed Indian travelers’ trip planning preferences, indicating that most prefer to book flights first, followed by accommodation. Many also opt for travel insurance early on and arrange car rentals and restaurant reservations closer to their trip dates.
