HolidayWeekly

The Voice of Tourism in Pakistan

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Dubai Eases | Travel Restrictions From India, Other Countries

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DUBAI: Dubai has eased travel restrictions for its residents from certain countries, including India, if they have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, said a report.

 The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, headed by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced updates to Dubai’s travel protocols for inbound passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India, effective from June 23, the Gulf News reported.

 As per new rule, only passengers with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, are allowed to travel to Dubai.

 Currently, the UAE government has approved only four vaccines which are Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

 However, from South Africa and Nigeria, non-residence passengers are also allowed to travel subject to the vaccination and PCR test conditions.

 A negative test certificate from a PCR test taken 48 hours before departure is required, the report said.

 UAE nationals are exempted from this requirement. Only QR-coded negative PCR test certificates are accepted, it said.

 Furthermore, passengers from India are required to undergo a rapid PCR test four hours prior to departure to Dubai. They must also undergo another PCR test on arrival in Dubai. In addition, following arrival, passengers from India should undergo institutional quarantine until they receive their PCR test result, which is expected within 24 hours, the report added.

First Sadpara Air Safari | Takes To Skies To Show National Scenic Beauty

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its Air Safari service on Saturday, June 19, with a flight from Islamabad to Skardu to boost national tourism both domestically and internationally.

The service remained closed for nearly two years due to operational difficulties. According to the airline, the one-way fare of the flight will cost Rs25, 000 and it will operate every Saturday.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched on Saturday its Air Safari flight to boost tourism in the country.

According to details, the airline’s first scenic Air Safari flight took off from the Islamabad International Airport with 91 tourists, including foreign nationals from as many as 13 countries, on board.

Air Safari flight that flew over the country’s breathtaking snow-capped peaks, including K2, Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak before landing in Skardu.

Named after the prominent mountaineer Ali Sadpara, “Sadpara Air Safari” will operate every Saturday from the Islamabad airport and its one-way fare will cost Rs25, 000 and return Rs.7, 500 direct from Skardu to Islamabad.

Back in 2018, the national flag carrier had announced to launch Air Safari service. However, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had put on hold its planned commercial launch of the Safari flight, days after reportedly announcing the service due to operational difficulties.

In order to boost tourism, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last week had issued TPRI (Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration) license to a newly launched private airline named North Air.

Emirates Group Reports | $6bn First Annual Loss in last 30 Years

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DUBAI: The Emirates Group has announced its first annual loss in over 30 years. The carrier said the losses had been caused by a significant drop in revenue, fully attributed to the impact of Covid-19 and resulting travel restrictions.

The Emirates Group posted a loss of AED22 billion (US$6 billion) for the financial year ended March 31st, compared with an AED1.7 billion (US$456 million) profit for last year.

Revenue was AED35.6 billion (US$9.7 billion), a decline of 66 per cent on the previous year.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to take a tremendous toll on human lives, communities, economies and on the aviation and travel industry.

“In 2020-21, Emirates and dnata were hit hard by the drop in demand for international air travel as countries closed their borders and imposed stringent travel restrictions.”

For the first time in the history of the Dubai-based group, redundancies were implemented across all parts of the business.

The total workforce was reduced by 31 per cent, to 75,145 employees.

In 2020-21, the group, however, collectively invested AED4.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) in new aircraft and facilities and the acquisition of companies.

Al Maktoum said: “No one knows when the pandemic will be over, but we know recovery will be patchy.

“Economies and companies that entered pandemic times in a strong position, will be better placed to bounce back.”

Emirates received three new A380 aircraft during the financial year and phased out 14 older aircraft comprising of nine Boeing 777-300ERs and five A380s, leaving its total fleet count at 259 at the end of March.

From zero scheduled passenger flights at the start of the financial year, the carrier is currently flying to over 120 destinations.

Heavenly ‘Camp Leo’ | A New Tourism Destination In Hopper Valley

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Aftab Rana, President of Sustainable Tourism Foundation announced the opening of a new tourist destination in the mountains of Pakistan.  Its name is Camp Leo and it is exclusively designed for tourists who are interested in nature exploration.  At the elevation of 9000 feet, Camp Leo is a gateway to serenity located in the beautiful valley of Hopper in District Nagar of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Mr. Rana informed that Camp Leo offers one of the most comfortable camping experiences to people who would like to experience the true feeling of the great natural landscape of the highlands of northern Pakistan. Situated just one hour’s drive away from Hunza, this luxury camp in Hoper Valley is located at the most scenic and serene location of this region. Camp Leo is dedicated to providing you best experience of camping through its trained and hospitable staff and high-quality services. The young and energetic team of Camp Leo ensures that you have the best time of your life.


Surrounded by the lush green valley of Hoper, Camp Leo is an ideal place where you can sit, relax and enjoy the peacefulness around you. You have easy access to the naturally beautiful sounds of birds chirping in the mountains, a view of glaciers and snow-covered peaks, and a clear sky. The night at the camp offers you a breathtaking view with stars shining over your head and a bonfire that lights up your life and clears your thoughts. A perfect substitute for hotels which offer just stay but we offer you a memorial and unforgettable experience.

Mr. Rana informed that it is a community-based ecotourism initiative under the patronage of the Pakistan Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Program. Snow Leopard Foundation and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan are working together to make it a model ecotourism project which will be later replicated in other mountain valleys of Pakistan. All the income from this venture will be spent on the welfare of the local community and nature conservation initiatives.

Developing Seaplane Services | India’s Aviation, Shipping Ministries Sign MoU

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NEW DELHI: India’s ministry of state for ports, shipping, and waterways has signed a pact with the ministry of civil aviation to develop seaplane services across the country.

Announcing this development, the ministry of state for ports, shipping, and waterways said, “MoU for development of seaplanes services under RCS-UDAN scheme signed between the ministry of state for ports, shipping, and waterways and ministry of civil aviation.

“Seaplane operations will result in enhanced connectivity of remote places and boost religious tourism.”

Both the ministries will jointly workout operating routes.

To commence seaplane operations, the ministry of state for ports, shipping, and waterways would develop and identify aerodromes/waterfront infrastructure in coordination with the ministry of civil aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Airports Authority of India, Mansukh Mandaviya, minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways (I/C) and chemicals and fertilizers, Government of India said.

Pakistani Trade Delegation | Meet Belarusian Minister of Agriculture

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BELARUS: Mr. Ghufran Memon, Secretary, National Food Security met with the Minister of Agriculture of Belarus. He was accompanied by Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan and members of the business delegation from Pakistan representing fruits/vegetables, fertilizer, dairy products, and auto parts.

While appreciating the warm hospitality of the Belarusian government, Mr. Memon shared his first hand experiences of the exhibition, several meetings with relevant partners in Minsk and assured to work for solidifying bilateral cooperation especially in the Agricultural Sector.

The honorable Minister briefed the delegation members on the overall economic portfolio of the country, priority sectors for cooperation, and expressed readiness to follow up implementation on various agreements and MOUs already signed between the two countries. He showed a willingness on the part of the Belarusian side to host the next round of Joint Working Group sessions during July 2021.

Serena Oganises Grand Reception | Honoring Legendary Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan

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ISLAMABAD: The successful ascent of Mt. Everest by Pakistani Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan was feted at a high-profile reception by Serena Hotels on Wednesday evening. On 12th May 2021, Sirbaz had summited the world’s tallest peak as part of “Mission 14”, his quest to become the first Pakistani to scale all 14 peaks over 8000 m around the world.

 At the event, the phenomenal journey of Sirbaz Khan was highlighted and celebrated. Hailing from Hunza, he began climbing as a mountain guide and kitchen crew member with international climbing expeditions for over 11 years before becoming a professional mountaineer. He tends to use no supplemental oxygen, which is a further testament to his grit and talent. 

Serena Hotels has been sponsoring Sirbaz on his expeditions under its Adventure Diplomacy community initiative that aims to encourage and support adventure sports in the Pakistan. Under this banner, Serena Hotels regularly sponsors a number of adventure sports including high altitude marathons, jeep rallies, skiing and mountaineering activities.

 “This feat is a source of great pride for Pakistan and for Serena Hotels. Pakistani mountaineers and sportspeople have tremendous potential, however in order to achieve their lofty ambitions they need a supportive environment, for which we all must play our role,” commented Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO Serena Hotels South and Central Asia, speaking on the occasion that was attended by a number of dignitaries including senior members of the diplomatic corps, journalists and socialites. Mr. Boolani urged the Government and private sector to step forward and support Pakistani talent.

“I am proud of raising Pakistan’s flag on top of the world, for which I thank Allah SWT. My aim is to keep inspiring our mountaineering community by becoming the first Pakistani to scale the 14 highest peaks of the world,” commented Sirbaz as he announced his departure for his next mission to climb Gasherbrum 1 and Gasherbrum II in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.

“Making an international name in mountaineering will help uplift and bring development to the remote areas of the Northern Areas. I dedicate my success to the support of the whole team including the high and low altitude porters, cooks, helpers and everyone from mountaineering community,” said Sirbaz, as he thanked Serena Hotels and other sponsors for their support.

Sirbaz summited Mt. Everest just 26 days after becoming the first Pakistani along with Abdul Joshi to ascend Mt. Annapurna, the tenth highest peak in the world, also in Nepal. His previous summits include Lhotse (8,516m) and Manaslu (8,163m) in Nepal and K2, Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and Broad Peak (8,051m) in Pakistan. He has dedicated his Mission-14 to the memory of his mentor and companion, Muhammad Ali Sadpara, who perished during a climbing expedition to K-2 earlier this year.

UNWTO Announces | New Dates for World Forum On Gastronomy Tourism

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BELGIUM: The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Basque Culinary Center (BCC), VISITFLANDERS and the city of Bruges have announced new dates for the 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.

 Held under the theme ‘Gastronomy Tourism: Promoting Rural Tourism and Regional Development’, the forum will take place October 31 – November 2 in Bruges, Belgium.

 The event will focus on the contribution of gastronomy tourism to social and economic integration. It will also highlight its untapped potential for job creation, regional cohesion and sustainable growth. Building on UNWTO’s work on advancing innovation across the tourism sector, the forum also represents a unique opportunity for experts from across the growing field of gastronomy tourism to share new ideas and best practices and place the two sectors at the center of plans for recovery.

 In order to welcome and connect participants from around the world, the forum will be held in a hybrid format. This way, delegates meeting in the Concertgebouw of Bruges will be joined virtually by participants from every global region via a special online platform.

 UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili said: “There is no better time than now to re-shape the future for food and tourism. Gastronomy continues to prove its ability to help destinations diversify and to stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world. This is especially true for rural communities where it can help preserve the identity and authenticity of local traditions.”

 Joxe Mari Aizega, Director of the Basque Culinary Center, said: “We are currently in a particularly challenging and unique time, and rural communities, innovation and creativity will be key to transition successfully towards a new scenario. That is the reason why it is necessary to increase the contribution of the entire value chain of gastronomy for the future, generating a suitable institutional framework through specific policies. These kind of forums are essential to encourage projects that generate and develop sustainable gastronomic initiatives that transform and have a positive impact on the sector.”

 Flemish Minister of Tourism, Zuhal Demir said: “We are very much looking forward to welcome participants, both live and online, to explore culinary Bruges during the forum in November. This is a great opportunity for destinations to exchange experiences facing challenging times and putting gastronomy and tourism at the centre of recovery plans. Flanders, as one of Europe’s gastronomic hubs, is ready to lead the way for a sustainable future of gastronomy tourism.”

 The forum has been co-organised by UNWTO and the BCC since 2015 with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences between experts in tourism and gastronomy, identify good practices and promote gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Promoting Ecotourism | Queen Hosts G7 Leaders At Cornwall’s Eden Project

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LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II has hosted the Group of Seven leaders at an evening reception where Britain’s royals mingled with some of the world’s most powerful politicians.

The event, which was closed to most media, saw royals, world leaders and their spouses enjoying drinks at Cornwall’s Eden Project, an attraction that features the world’s largest indoor rainforest within giant domes.

Three generations of the monarchy attended the event, held on the first evening of a three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were joined by Prince William and his wife Kate, who were taking part in G-7 events for the first time.

At one point during the session, the monarch drew laughter from her guests as she asked them: “Are you supposed to be looking as if you’re enjoying yourself?”

After being shown around the botanical garden earlier, the Queen was offered the chance to cut a cake with a ceremonial sword.

To great amusement, when a member of staff suggested there was a knife available for the task, she quipped that using the sword “was more unusual.”

Following the evening reception, the leaders and their partners, including U.S. President Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden, went on to have a dinner of roasted turbot, Cornish new potatoes and greens with wild garlic pesto cooked by a local chef.

The leaders of the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada earlier met at nearby Carbis Bay for the three-day G-7 summit.

They are set to commit to share at least one billion coronavirus shots with struggling countries around the world.

Half of the doses will come from the US and 100 million from the UK.

The agenda of the meeting also includes talks on climate change, the global response to COVID-19, the taxation of multinational corporations and Brexit.

Saudi Arabia Restricts | Hajj to Its Citizens Only This Year Also

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has restricted the annual Hajj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents for the second year running in response to the coronavirus pandemic, while limiting the number of pilgrims is 60,000, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported.

Only people aged between 18 and 65 who have been vaccinated or immunised from the virus, and are free of chronic diseases, will be able to take part, said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that manages the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah, said in a statement carried by SPA.

“The Ministry affirms that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia always places great care and attention on the safety, health and security of pilgrims, and places this at the forefront of its priorities. In compliance with the purposes of Islamic Sharia in preserving the human soul, while providing all the necessary facilities that facilitate pilgrims to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and enable them to reach the holy places smoothly and easily, as the Kingdom has had the honour during the past ten years serving more than 150 million pilgrims,” SPA reported, citing a ministry statement.