Following High Court contempt notices, joint demolition drive by Tourism Dept and GCZMA (Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority) targets unauthorized shacks and restaurants at Vagator. The clean-up drive at Vagator beach saw the removal of a well-known hotel, following a court mandate to address coastal zone violations. December 14 marked a turning point for Vagator beach as the High Court ordered the Tourism Department to clear encroachments, restoring the public beach and ensuring no commercial operations take place within illegally occupied zones. Ignoring a court order can have serious consequences. The Tourism Director’s inaction against illegal commercial activity at…
Author: Nishtha Ganesh
Oman Air Increases Capacity While Cancelling Flights to Other Indian Cities. Proximity and large South Asian communities keep skies busy between the Gulf and the Subcontinent. SalamAir temporarily suspended services to Hyderabad, Calicut, Jaipur, Trivandrum, and Lucknow. However, the popular routes returned to the schedule in November 2023, offering renewed travel options for passengers. Air travel between the Gulf and South Asia soars high, buoyed by geography, diasporas, and Oman Air’s strategic seasonal additions. Oman Air adds summer sun in Trabzon and winter escapes to Zurich and Malé to its schedule. Oman Air’s summer schedule optimization prioritizes both Omani…
India takes a leap forward with biometric immigration. Biometrics and DigiYatra app might soon unlock seamless arrival at Indian airports. DigiYatra unveils plans for electronic passport enrollment for international travelers. DigiYatra’s electronic passport enrollment initiative promises shorter queues and faster landings. Biometrics enrollment on first arrival offers efficient departures and future clearances in India. Biometrics for international arrivals, e-passports for efficient Indian travel, a step towards smoother airport experiences. Indian e-passports represent a major step forward, facilitating travel and strengthening border control. Streamlined infrastructure and optimised routes make m India’s airports prepare to compete on the global stage.
Star Air is set to connect Ajmer and Lucknow with direct flights beginning February 16, 2024. This new route caters to the growing demand for convenient travel between Ajmer and Lucknow, facilitating business trips and tourism. Star Air flies to Lucknow four days a week, Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering flexible schedules and early booking rewards. Star Air’s E175 has 12 ergonomically designed Business Class seats with legroom and amenities, while the 64 Economy seats offer comfortable travel at an affordable price. Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO, Star Air stated, “The addition of Lucknow expands Star Air’s network to…
The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has signed an agreement for a new brownfield project in Ayodhya, a 150-key IHCL SeleQtions hotel. This addition complements the previously announced Vivanta and Ginger hotels, scheduled to open by 2027. The upcoming IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Ayodhya will offer 150 keys, complementing the previously announced 100-room Vivanta and 120-room Ginger properties. This expansion caters to the diverse needs of Ayodhya’s growing tourist base, encompassing budget-conscious travelers, luxury seekers, and everyone in between. The hotel will be located on 1.3 acres of land near the Ayodhya airport, providing convenient access for travelers.
While aircraft movements remained slightly below pre-pandemic levels, airfreight throughput experienced a modest year-on-year decline. December 2023 marked a peak, with the highest passenger movement and aircraft movement figures of the year, indicating a rebound in travel demand. North America led the pack in traffic recovery in 2023, exceeding 2019 levels by over 25%, driven by domestic and international demand. Southeast Asia regains its familiar dominance, while China, Japan, and South Korea ignite the skies with their rapid ascent. Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub expressed confidence in the airport’s full recovery to pre-pandemic…
Binturong & Small-Clawed Otter Join Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga National Park, famed for its one-horned rhinos, has recently identified two new mammal species – the binturong and the small-clawed otter, both protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This discovery brings the park’s total mammal count to 37. These discoveries highlight the vital role of conservation efforts and training programs in Kaziranga National Park. The binturong’s presence expands its known range in India, while the increased otter sightings indicate a thriving population within the park. The presence of these diverse mammals, each with its unique ecological…
A comprehensive report, based on traffic data from domestic airlines, analyzed on-time performance trends for scheduled domestic carriers. Akasa Air lands the top spot with an impressive 80.2% on-time performance, leaving SpiceJet grounded at 36.9%. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) report offers a comprehensive view of carrier punctuality.
Goa Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, announces plans to expand the state’s vision, prioritising sports tourism as a key driver of economic and social development. With over 16% of its GDP and 30-35% of employment directly or indirectly linked to tourism, Goa sees #GoaBeyondBeaches as a crucial strategy for revitalising its economy. The #VacationGoa campaign, fueled by technology and a passion for sports, promises a kaleidoscope of experiences for digital nomads and locals alike. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced plans to promote spiritual tourism through partnerships with Amritsar and Guwahati, leveraging the connectivity offered by Mopa International Airport. The Tourism…
Praj Industries launches India’s first pilot project for alcohol-based jet fuel. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri celebrated the launch of Praj and Indian Oil’s joint venture. Puri underlines Praj’s swift execution, highlighting it for surpassing Brazil in launching the SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel ) pilot project. He emphasises the usage Pune-Delhi flight with biofuel, showcasing India’s potential in sustainable aviation. Praj GenX spearheads India’s SAF push with its Mangalore plant, catering to the booming ETCA (Energy Transition and Climate Action) segment and a surge in industry inquiries. Praj GenX injects INR 100 crore to tap the surging SAF market, aiming…