Fernando Heredia Noguer, Cónsul General, Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai. “This year we have have already crossed 80,000 by July end and we expect to do almost twice as much as compared to pre pandemic. We process visas in 48 working hours.”    

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Shivani Singh Deo as Country Manager – India. Shivani has represented Virgin Atlantic for the past 8 years in the role of Marketing and Communications Manager. Prior to Virgin Atlantic, Shivani’s career included international market exposure across industries including retail, media, and lifestyle. Shivani has grown Virgin Atlantic’s brand presence in India considerably and has led high profile launches such as Mumbai, our second daily Delhi service and our IndiGo codeshare partnership, generating significant PR and media exposure. Shivani’s promotion recognises her strong performance in this role and demonstrates our desire to recognise talent from within the team. Shivani will lead our commercial strategy in India at an exciting time, as we grow our India network further in 2024 with the launch of a daily London Heathrow to Bengaluru service from 31st March 2024. Commenting on her appointment, Shivani said, “I am excited to be taking on this new role at Virgin Atlantic and lead the dynamic team in India. We will continue to champion the needs of the customer and tap the incredible growth opportunities in the Indian market.”

Global travel marketplace Skyscanner has launched a new search discovery and inspiration tool, powered by generative AI Dream and discover, with AI, the tool is initially launching in beta in Australia, India, and Singapore to test traveller behaviour when it comes to using AI for trip planning, with other markets set to follow.  Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, travellers can ask open ended statements and questions such as “Best cities for cultural tours” or “What are some hidden gems in Europe?”. It also includes a variety of prompts ranging from “Short flights next weekend” to “Foodie city breaks”. The tool will then generate travel ideas and recommendations as well as three destination suggestions with links to the best flight options for each.  Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer at Skyscanner commented, “Generative AI is such an exciting technology that we as a travel industry are only just beginning to apply. 56% of travellers are coming to Skyscanner for inspiration so with this beta launch we are looking to understand how it might help travellers in the discovery phases of the travel planning journey, and importantly how they engage with the technology versus existing tools. This one of many experiments we are running to see how generative AI can be incorporated into the core Skyscanner proposition helping travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence in the future.”    

EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, has launched its latest offering, EasyDarshan (http://www.easydarshan.com/). This dedicated platform has been meticulously crafted to cater to the spiritual needs of travellers by providing comprehensive pilgrimage packages across India. EasyDarshan offers an array of specially curated divine packages, ensuring devotees can focus solely on their spiritual journey and are free from the hassle of logistics and planning. The platform offers diverse packages and covers a wide spectrum of revered pilgrimage sites across the country, from the serene Himalayan shrines to the tranquil temples of the South. The packages offered to the customers are inclusive of transportation, accommodation, guided tours and special pujas. Prioritising safety and sanitation measures, the platform will ensure travellers have convenient, safe and peaceful spiritual tours. Elated to announce, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “India is known as the land of spirituality and is home to beautifully carved temples, peaceful Gurudwaras, majestic churches and opulent mosques. This is why spiritual tourism holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and people are now keen to visit vibrant religious and spiritual destinations more than ever before. We were aware this was an untapped territory and had immense potential for growth. This prompted us to launch EasyDarshan. With this platform, our vision is to bridge the gap between devotion and convenience and offer seamless, convenient and safe pilgrimage experiences that resonate with our customers’ spiritual aspirations.”    

Sana-di-ge, the esteemed culinary destination in New Delhi, is thrilled to announce its delectable Navratri Special Menu, specially curated to delight the taste buds during this auspicious season as well as pay homage to the traditions of this sacred festival. Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga, is a time of devotion and fasting, and what better way to celebrate than with a range of sumptuous, vegetarian offerings. Commence your feast with a healthful start, choosing between Fresh Tender Coconut water or Fresh Watermelon Juice. Next, savor the irresistible “Sabudana Vada” – thin, deep-fried patties that combine tapioca pearls and aromatic spices, or opt for the tangy “Sweet Potato Chaat” for a burst of flavors. Indulge in the luxury of Hari Mirch ka Paneer Tikka or delight in the crispy Arabi Ka Pakoda to tantalize your taste buds. For the main course, relish the timeless favorite Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi or savor the light and nutritious Sitafal ki Sabzi or Khatta Meetha Kaddu, perfect for a Navratri meal. If light food is on your mind, delight in the classic “Jeera Aloo,” lightly spiced potatoes. Accompany your meal with “Samak Rice,” a traditional favorite, “Sabudana Khichdi,” or the crispy “Kuttu Ki Puri” for a delightful crunch. Don’t miss the hearty “Sabudane ke papad” and “Anar ka raita” as perfect accompaniments. Satisfy your sweet cravings with the wholesome “Sabudana Banana Kheer,” a gluten-free treat blending banana and sago in a creamy milk and sugar concoction, or the signature “Elaneer Payasam.” Conclude your Navratri feast on a refreshing note, savoring the healthy “Fruit Salad.”

The auspicious occasion of Navratras is here. It’s also the time to relish special satvik delights. To celebrate this 9 -day auspicious festival The Lalit New Delhi has curated a special navratri thali with diverse flavours. Celebrate Navratra with our special menu priced at 1700/- + Taxes per person. Indulge in a delightful culinary experience featuring Zafrani Malai Lassi, Sakarkandi Chaat, Tandoori Phalon Ka asharfi, a variety of mains including Malai Paneer Kalimirch, Sitafhal Ki Subzi, Aloo Tamatar, Makhani Makhana, Samak Ke Chawal, and Kuttu aur Singhare Ki Poori. Complement your meal with Lauki Ka Raita and Sabudana Papad. Finish on a sweet note with Rajgiri Halwa, Sabudana Kheer, and a refreshing Cut Fruit dessert. Enjoy the festive flavours! For bookings, please call at +91-8826998390 Location –  The LaLit New Delhi Restaurant – Baluchi | 15th October to 23rd October 2023 Price – INR 1700++ per person Timings: Lunch: 12.30 PM to 3.00 PM Dinner: 7.00 PM to 11.30 PM      

Celebrate festive cheer with delectable traditional cuisine on the auspicious occasion of Navratri at DEL, Roseate House, Aerocity and Kiyan, The Roseate, New Delhi. As Navratri spans nine sacred nights dedicated to Goddess Durga, many devotees observe fasts and partake in sattvic cuisine. Keeping in mind the savoury fasting foods; Navratri Thali at DEL and Kiyan offers traditional preparations to maintain the authenticity of Navratri cuisine. So join us and indulge in mouthwatering offerings such as Sabudana aur singdana ki tikki, Dahi vade, Masala dungar chaas, Khatta meetha kaddu, Sukhe aloo ki subzi, Hari mirchi ka paneer, Kuttu ki roti, Samak ke chawla and Phool makhana ki kheer. Each and every dish is specially curated and crafted by the expert chefs, keeping the preferences of these ‘divine nine’ days in check. Location – Roseate House, Aerocity, New Delhi and The Roseate,New Delhi Restaurant – DEL & Kiyan | 15th October to 23rd October 2023 Price – INR 2500++ per person

ITC’s Hotel Group announced the signing of its first Storii property in Kolkata, West Bengal. With the addition of this hotel, the Group will have 9 properties in West Bengal, including 4 under development.  A total of three Storii properties are already in operation across India; Storii Shanti Morada & Storii Moira Riviera in Goa and Storii Amoha Retreat in Dharamshala.  Storii Kolkata is expected to open in early 2024 and will offer spacious well-appointed rooms and suites with an all-day dining restaurant & bar and banquet spaces.  The major attraction of this leisure destination will be the signature K by Kaya Kalp spa. Surrounded by water bodies, the spa will reflect the grandeur of ancient Bengal where water pools were an integral element of the design and architecture. The spa is being developed as an oasis of tranquillity that leverages the best from India’s ancient traditions of health and wellness as well as modern rejuvenation programs. The sprawling spa sanctuary brings together all of nature’s elements to lighten the mood. From the sun sights to a vast aqua ambience surrounded by fresh open air. The spa will encourage the pursuit of holistic well-being by offering a conducive relaxation environment with large treatment rooms offering various therapies including Ayurveda, a dedicated ‘yogshala’, a meditation room, a swimming pool, fitness center and other recreational facilities.  Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said, “ITC Hotels already has a strong presence in Kolkata. Storii by ITC Hotels, Kolkata will bring a boutique resort offering, away from the hustle and bustle of the metro life. The addition of this property represents our commitment to enrich the tourism landscape of Eastern India with each …

Aeroflot to resume direct regular flights to Indian state Goa from Moscow and Ekaterinburg. The services will be operated to international airport Dabolim (IATA: GOI). Tickets are available.  In line with bilateral agreement between India and Russia from September 30 three weekly flights from Sheremetyevo airport will be operated on wide-body Airbus A330 on Tuesdays, Fridays and   Saturdays. From October 3 three weekly flights from Ekaterinburg will be operated on Boeing 737- 800 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.   In addition to Goa, Aeroflot operates direct flights from Moscow to Delhi all year round. Traditionally the south of India is a favorite place for beach holidays of Russians in fall and winter. The flights are expected to be in high demand. Tourists will be able to get to the Indian Ocean coast in comfort and without transfers. The up-to-date schedule is available on Aeroflot’s website. “Goa flights to Moscow will boast tourism from Russia as well as India, as Russia has simplified the process for visa issuance for Indians, now Indians can apply for Russian visas online, except this cargo sector from western India will be in demand as trade between countries is increasing from last few months” said Dr. Naveen Rao Director of Delmos Aviation Pvt. Ltd.   

Speaking about some of the long-term side effects of the pandemic, Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD, Jagsons Travels, says, “The number of travel agents in Nagpur and the surrounding tiered cities has reduced as they have left the industry, leading to a huge shortage of trained staff. And it will take some time for this gap to be filled.”