Karnataka Government issues revised guidelines for inter-state travel

On May 31, Karnataka Government has lifted restrictions on intra-state and inter-state travel as it laid down the plans of easing the lockdown in a phased manner in the state, excluding the containment zones. The Government has revised the interstate travel protocols for the phase 1 that will be effective from today, June 1. The revised guidelines have strict 14 days quarantine rule for people arriving in both rural and urban areas of the state.

These tourist destinations have a special offer for travellers

Travellers are eager to travel again, but they're not the only ones. Tourist destinations are equally eager to have them back. And they’re trying to do that by offering incentives and interesting offers to kick start their tourism industry after a long halt. As countries ease the lockdown rules, keeping the safety of its citizens in mind, they're also focused on the economy that has crashed due to all industrial work coming to a sudden halt with the lockdown. So, the countries whose GDP highly depends on tourism are working to get it back on track.Here is a list of destinations coming up with interesting schemes to attract travellers.

Travel expert calls 14-days quarantine rule for travellers 'useless'

Lockdown, travel restrictions and travel related though have a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry, but the 14 days quarantine rule, implemented by the UK, Spain and other countries around Europe, useless as it might jeopardise the holiday plan of many. This 14 days rule also points that the global tourism would not return to normal or as it were in 2019 anytime soon. On an estimate, British people spent over £4.8 billion on international trips, but this year tourists travelling overseas will need to take three weeks off from work for a week's trip.

Travel and tourism: How will it recover post lockdown

Governments around the globe have put a number of restrictions on both domestic and international travel, locking billions within their home. These restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 have brought travel and tourism industry to a complete standstill. From small scale business to the MNCs, all have been affected by the sudden halt. TUI, that is the biggest tour operator of today’s time, has said that it could shed up to 8000 jobs. Airlines like Lufthansa are seeking support of the government to survive. According to WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), an industry group, tourism accounts up to 10% of the global GDP and one in ten jobs. The council also estimated that over a third of these jobs or 100 million positions, and $2.7 trillion in GDP could be at risk due to the current crisis. Countries whose GDP majorly depends on the tourism industry will be the worst hit. Among small and developing island states, even 25% decrease in tourism could cut off up to 7% of GDP. This could go down to up to 16% in places like Maldives and Seychelles, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Passenger train operations resume, here's everything you need to know

On Sunday, Railways have announced that they will slowly restart the operations of passenger trains on 12th May. The railway services had been suspended for almost two months due to the lockdown that was enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision to resume passenger train operations was taken on Saturday in a meeting of Cabinet Secretary and the government, both central and states. The sources also told the media that the final draft was prepared on Sunday evening. Railways have provided various services throughout the lockdown. They have operated as freight trains and Shramik trains to help the ones in need during the coronavirus crisis.