Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Arunachal Pradesh, which has captured the imagination of adventurers for thrilling and off-beat experiences, tops the adventure travel destinations list for 2025. The list was released by Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President, ATOAI and Founder, Aquaterra Adventures India, after a survey of over 1,000 passionate adventure travellers.

Raja Vaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir revealed that Union Ministry of Tourism is in dialogue with Ministry of Home Affairs on allowing satellite phones for trekkers in no-network zones in the Kashmir valley. Farooq said trekking is an important part of the valley’s tourism and the department has identified 75 new tracks.

Till now, 35 projects worth ₹4857.11 crore have been sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for Northeast Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme including the development of Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor at Guwahati, Assam. The scheme was initially announced with 100 per cent Central funding in the Union Budget 2022-23 with an initial outlay of ₹1500 crore. However, in 2022, Cabinet approved it with an outlay of ₹6600 crore.

The SriLankan Airlines’ Mumbai team, in collaboration with the airline’s Maldives team and Canareef Resort, recently hosted a successful agents’ educational tour to the stunning Gan Island in the Maldives. Famed as a diver’s hotspot, Gan is rapidly transforming into a popular family holiday destination in the Maldives, celebrated for its eclectic mix of natural beauty, rich history, heritage and vibrant marine life – not to mention a lower departure tax than in the Male international airport. The tour welcomed tour operators from Mumbai and Pune, offering them an unforgettable stay in Canareef’s luxurious Premium Beach Villas. The itinerary included snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs, dolphin-spotting excursions, sunset cruises, rejuvenating spa treatments featuring traditional Balinese massages, yoga amidst lush greenery and the delightful flavours of Maldivian cuisine. This initiative is part of SriLankan Airlines’ strategy to boost tourism along the Mumbai–Gan Island route via Colombo. The tour’s success is expected to inspire renewed interest among Indian travellers in visiting the Maldives by choosing SriLankan Airlines’ seamless connections through Colombo. SriLankan conveniently connects Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram to Colombo with 90 weekly flights, offering immediate connections to the Maldives.  

Sofitel Mumbai BKC won the ‘Best Luxury Business Hotel – West India’ at ITA 2024. Manish Dayya, GM said, “Our industry is all about innovation, creativity, and curating memorable experiences. It is a pleasure to see everyone learn from each other’s experiences, whether it is to do with stay, F&B or even sustainability practices.”

IATA forecasts a global airline profit of $36.6 billion in 2025, despite ongoing challenges. This will be a hard-earned achievement as airlines navigate lower oil prices, high load factors, cost controls, decarbonisation efforts, and a return to normal growth levels following the pandemic. Association expects airlines to adapt and thrive.

PS Dhami, CM, Uttarakhand said that all possible efforts are being made in security, management and promotions by the Uttarakhand government to promote winter tourism and pilgrimage sites of the state. The preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2025 have also started so that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty, he shared.

The global tourism sector is on the verge of full recovery, with 1.1 billion tourists travelling globally in the first nine months of 2024. This marks a 98 per cent rebound from pre-Covid levels. The World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism predicts a complete recovery by the end of 2024, despite ongoing challenges.

Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, an independently owned luxury boutique hotel on the stunning coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, is excited to announce the relaunch of its signature restaurant, Runcible Spoon. The newly reimagined restaurant promises to take guests on a unique culinary journey, blending international classics with the bold, vibrant flavors of South Asia. Guests will be treated to a variety of global favorites, including Moroccan lamb tagine, Spanish paella, Italian fritto misto, pasta primavera, fresh grilled prawns, American crab cakes, and Thai Modha fish curry. Complementing this will be a range of South Asian dishes, drawing from the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. As part of the relaunch, Runcible Spoon is also unveiling an all-new mixology experience. Under the guidance of a newly appointed mixologist, the restaurant’s bar will offer an array of creative cocktails, combining local ingredients with premium spirits such as arrack, gin, rum, and vodka. These exciting new cocktails will provide the perfect accompaniment to the oceanfront setting, where guests can enjoy the sound of the waves alongside live jazz performances at the beach shack on weekends. Whether dining on the elegant terrace or relaxing at the vibrant beachside bar, guests at Runcible Spoon can expect an inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends laid-back charm with sophisticated flavors. The intimate yet lively dining experience is designed to offer something for everyone, from romantic dinners to family gatherings and special celebrations. The team at Owl and the Pussycat Hotel invites guests to rediscover Runcible Spoon, where every meal is an opportunity to savor fresh, carefully crafted cuisine in a setting designed to create memories. For reservations or further details, please contact the hotel. …

• Greece’s second largest city is a major centre for international shipping and the gateway to vast beaches and ancient sites • LOT Polish Airlines starts flying daily 17th June 2025 • Two different departure times for maximum flexibility When it comes to Greece, many immediately think of Athens, but may overlook that there is another major city 500 kilometres to the north which is one of the most fascinating in the eastern Mediterranean: Thessaloniki. LOT Polish Airlines, for more than 20 years a member of Star Alliance, will add Thessaloniki (SKG) to its global route network and start flying there daily as of 17th June 2025 from its global hub in Warsaw. To provide passengers with a maximum of flexibility, there will be two different departure times from Warsaw: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:40h; Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 14:10h. Flight time will be approximately two hours and twenty minutes. LOT Polish Airlines will operate the new service with modern aircraft providing passengers the choice between LOT Business Class and LOT Economy Class. Overview of the new Thessaloniki route operated by LOT Polish Airlines: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday Departure with LO 605 from Warsaw at 9:40h, arrival in Thessaloniki at 12:55h local time Departure with LO 606 from Thessaloniki at 14:10h, arrival in Warsaw at 17:25h local time Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Departure with LO 607 from Warsaw at 14:05h, arrival in Thessaloniki at 17:05h local time Departure with LO 608 from Thessaloniki at 18:25h, arrival in Warsaw at 19:45h local time Travelling from India to Thessaloniki with LOT Polish Airlines (sample schedule, summer schedule 2025): From Delhi (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) Departure from Delhi …