FLY91, a regional airline operating in India, inaugurated its inaugural flights to Agatti and Jalgaon on April 18, providing direct links to these vibrant destinations from Goa’s Manohar International Airport. The first flight to Agatti took off ahead of schedule at 7:10 am, arriving at Agatti Island Airport by 8:50 am. Its return journey departed at 9:20 am, landing at Mopa Airport in Goa by 11:10 am. With ticket prices starting at INR 4391, FLY91’s Goa-Agatti flights have facilitated access to the pristine islands from the mainland and enhanced connectivity to and from the Lakshadweep archipelago. The Goa based carrier…
Author: Prasenjit Chakraborty
Air India has revealed its plans to introduce its state-of-the-art A350 aircraft on the bustling Delhi-Dubai route this summer, marking a significant milestone as the aircraft makes its inaugural appearance on short-haul international flights. Commencing May 1, 2024, passengers travelling between Delhi and Dubai with Air India will have the opportunity to enjoy the A350 experience, adorned in its striking new design. Operating under the flight numbers AI995/996, the aircraft will depart from Delhi daily at 20:45hrs, touching down in Dubai at 22:45hrs. The return journey from Dubai is scheduled for the following day at 00:15hrs, arriving back in Delhi…
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office has announced AllKnown Marketers as their designated representative for the Indian market. AllKnown Marketers along with JNTO is mandated to execute Travel Trade and PR initiatives in key target markets, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s endeavors to expand Tourism from India to Japan. Japan, a land where tradition seamlessly intertwines with modernity, beckons travelers to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Within its borders lie treasures both ancient and contemporary, waiting to be explored by those who seek adventure and enlightenment. Hidden among the landscapes are historic castles steeped in legend…
The Western India Chapter of TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Spain Mumbai and Tourespana, hosted a meeting for its members. A large number of members attended the meeting. Fernando Heredia Noguer, Consul General of Spain in Mumbai, gave a presentation followed by an engaging exchange with attendees. In fact, he answered a barrage of questions from the members. Later speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, the Consul General, said, “In 2023, we had processed almost 52,000 visas which is 30% higher when compared with 2022.” Talking about the trend, he said that more and…
Enrollment for the Specialist Program is now open In an effort to strengthen the bond between Taiwan and the Indian tourism sector, the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has introduced a new initiative known as the Taiwan Specialist Program. This innovative online learning initiative is designed to educate and empower Indian travel professionals about Taiwan’s diverse attractions, positioning it as a premier destination for Indian travellers. Dubbed as “TIME FOR TAIWAN,” the program consists of nine comprehensive modules covering a wide range of topics, including cultural insights, visa procedures, transportation options, accommodation choices, itinerary planning, MICE incentives, Indian dining options, and…
The Goa Tourism Department and Just Udo Aviation Private Limited (Fly91) forged a strategic partnership at the recently-concluded GITM 2024. Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Manoj Chacko, MD & CEO, Fly91, said that they are focused on responsible travel and sustainable tourism. “Goa has always been an inbound destination. Our commitment is to connect India in a way that has never been done before. We want to provide better options for the people of Goa to travel,” said Chacko. When asked about his decision to enter the aviation industry amid its challenges, he responded,…
“India is one of the top 10 source markets worldwide for us,” stated Mahmoud Abdelnaby, Director of Global Sales, APAC, Middle East & Africa, Melia Hotels International, while speaking on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai recently. He also said that post-Covid, the performance of Melia Hotels across the globe is quite encouraging. “There are a few destinations like Japan where we couldn’t open our operations in the beginning of 2023. In such markets, we haven’t fully recovered yet. But in other markets like Spain and Europe, we are doing very well,” said Abdelnaby. Melia Hotels have introduced four…
SpiceJet is on the brink of acquiring a Q400 aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) as part of a settlement agreement finalized last year. In this agreement, which resolves all previous liabilities for the Q400s leased by NAC to SpiceJet, the airline gains complete ownership of six Q400s. SpiceJet already operates five Q400 aircraft previously owned by NAC, with ownership of these planes now officially transferred to the airline. This agreement marks significant long-term savings for SpiceJet, freeing the airline from the burden of monthly rental payments for these aircraft. The sixth Q400 aircraft is en route to India from…
The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City teamed up with Samten Hills Dalat in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, to present the “Odisha – The Land of Peace” Cultural Experience, aiming to foster closer ties and enhance cultural exchange between the people of India and Vietnam. Kicking off with a ceremonial inauguration led by Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. Dr. Sethi lauded Odisha as a cultural treasure trove, highlighting its historical connections with Vietnam spanning over a millennium. He underscored the…
The hidden gems of Rajasthan, long overlooked by tourists, are poised to step into the spotlight as several organizations within the state collaborate on a comprehensive vision document for submission to the government. Tourism, a vital economic sector comprising 12-14 percent of Rajasthan’s economy, stands to benefit from this concerted effort. “People associated with the hotel and tourism industry of the state have started efforts to bring such areas on the tourism map,” said Kuldeep Singh Chandela, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR). Chandela said there was immense potential for tourism in the state. “Some…
