Category Archives: States

SKAL Pune is beginning Tourism Week with a groundbreaking cycle marathon,” said, Krishna Gopalan, Vice President, Travel Masters, Mumbai, Vice President, SKAL India. “This unique event, scheduled for 22 September, 2024, is in partnership with TAAI, TAFI, IIHM and PHA. I urge the entire travel fraternity in Pune to join us for a day of fun, networking, and supporting a great cause. Let’s get out and enjoy the ride!” SKAL International Pune’s Pedal for Purpose will celebrate World Tourism Week 2024 with a thrilling cyclothon. The cyclothon aims to promote sustainability, foster networking within the travel fraternity, and contribute to important causes such as road safety, tree planting and reducing plastic use. Participants can look forward to a scenic route, impactful stopovers, and a grand celebration with food, games, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Unite, celebrate, and impact as the travel fraternity comes together for Pune’s first-ever cycle marathon.  

As World Tourism Day approaches, the excitement is building for SKAL Pune’s “Pedal for a Purpose” cycle marathon. This unique event, scheduled for 22 September, 2024, aims to unite the travel industry, promote sustainable tourism, and contribute to important causes. Amit Sharma, Cluster General Manager, The Ferns Hotels & Resorts, Maharashtra, shared his vision for the marathon, “I’m delighted to see such a lovely event being organised. “It is a fantastic opportunity to come together for a great cause. I encourage everyone in Pune and the surrounding areas to participate. I’m truly honoured to be associated with this event.” About The Event SKAL Pune is hosting a unique cycle marathon on 22 September, 2024, to celebrate World Tourism Day. The event, titled “Pedal for a Purpose,” aims to promote sustainable tourism, foster networking within the travel fraternity, and contribute to important causes. Participants can look forward to a scenic route, impactful stopovers, and a grand celebration with food, games, entertainment, and networking opportunities. The event is open to all members of the travel industry. Takeaways Waiting for The Travel Fraternity This one-of-a-kind cycling event combines business networking with a commitment to sustainable tourism. The Cyclothon offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, explore scenic routes, and contribute to meaningful causes. Stay tuned to SKAL Pune I India on Youtube for updates.

Uzbekistan Airways has officially announced the commencement of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa, set to operate twice a week from 27 October 2024. The new route, serviced by the advanced Airbus A320 Neo, will connect Tashkent to the Manohar International Airport (Mopa), opening up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and Goa. The introduction of these flights comes after consistent follow-ups with the Uzbekistan Embassy and tour operators and with crucial support from the Indian Embassy in Tashkent. The concerted efforts of the Goa Department of Tourism have played a critical role in making this connection a reality. In line with these efforts to expand Goa’s global reach, Goa Tourism will also be participating in the upcoming Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF). Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism welcomed this initiative, stating, “The introduction of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa marks a significant milestone in enhancing Goa’s connectivity with Central Asia. This new connection will not only boost tourism but also strengthen our cultural ties with Uzbekistan. We are committed to developing Goa as a well-connected and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.” Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Managing Director, GTDC, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, saying, “Uzbekistan Airways’ decision to commence flights to Goa underscores the growing global interest in our state as a prime tourism destination. This direct connectivity will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for visitors from Uzbekistan, making Goa more accessible and inviting.” This new route aligns with the state’s broader strategy to diversify the tourist base and promote Goa as a year-round destination. The Department of Tourism looks forward to welcoming an influx of tourists from Uzbekistan and showcasing Goa’s unique blend …

Evoke Experiences is proud to introduce “White Rann, The Tent City” in Dholavira, offering travellers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Kutch. Located in the heart of this ancient land, Dholavira is not only a gateway to the stunning White Rann but also home to some of India’s most captivating historical sites. The White Desert, with its vast salt flats, shines under the moonlight, creating a magical glow that amazes visitors. At sunrise and sunset, the desert changes colours, with shades of pink and orange spreading across the sky, offering a picture-perfect view. The White Desert is also famous for the Rann Utsav. This yearly festival celebrates the local culture, arts, and food, giving travellers the chance to experience the vibrant traditions of Kutch against the breathtaking white salt plains. Nestled amid the surreal beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch, “White Rann, The Tent City” promises an immersive experience that blends luxury with adventure. The journey to this extraordinary destination is as remarkable as the stay, thanks to the newly opened “Road to Heaven.” This 30-kilometre scenic route connects Khavda to Dholavira. It takes travellers through the endless white salt desert of the Great Rann, where the horizon seems to merge with the sky, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly experience. As one traverses the ethereal “Road to Heaven,” the landscape not only enchants with its endless white salt flats but also comes alive with the vibrant presence of flamingos. With their striking pink hues, these graceful birds create a beautiful contrast against the stark white backdrop of the Great Rann of Kutch. During certain times of the year, the Rann becomes …

Embark on a journey beyond tradition as the Tamilnadu Travel Expo invites the trade to delve deeper into the tapestry of this state. This annual event, held on Sept 20-22 in Madurai, goes beyond themes, showcasing the state’s hospitality, wellness retreats and wedding destinations. To register, write to info@tamilnadutravelexpo.com or call 8939997767

Bird Group is set to make significant strides in the Quick Service and Casual Dining sectors. With an ambitious plan to launch 20 outlets by the end of 2024, 35 by the end of 2025 and 50 by the end of 2026, Bird Foods, a dedicated business vertical of Bird Group, is poised to redefine the dining experience across India. These outlets will be strategically located in popular locations across tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Dehradun, and Bhubaneswar. At present, Bird Foods boasts a promising retail presence with four QSR brands: Spice Nama at Omaxe Mall, Chandni Chowk; The Indian Stories at Pebble Downtown Mall, Faridabad and the Mall of Dehradun, Uttarakhand; KaChing at Mega Mall, Gurugram; and Eat.co at various locations, including Lucknow Airport Metro Station, Tughlakabad Metro Station and Old Delhi Railway Station (IRCTC Food Plaza). All these and future outlets will boast of proprietary technological initiatives redefining customer experience. “We are diligently executing strategic initiatives across all our business verticals, ensuring we not only meet but potentially exceed these targets. By staying true to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we are confident in our ability to achieve these significant milestones and continue driving growth for our company,” said Rahul Sehgal, Business Head, Bird Foods. Bird Group has always been at the forefront of innovation in the Indian business landscape. Their foray into the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector is a natural progression, rooted in their belief that good food, good value and excellent service have the power to bring people together, create memories, and elevate everyday moments. This new venture has quickly grown into a dedicated business vertical, offering a diverse range of …

Unfolds new products ahead of festivals & holiday season Riding on a high-growth trajectory, Kerala Tourism has unfolded a range of fresh products and packages to whip up new interest among travellers from both inside the country and outside in the upcoming festive and winter holiday seasons. Alongside the new projects, the state’s core assets like beaches, hill stations, houseboats and backwater segment will continue to have a mesmeric charm for the visitors. Kerala’s unique touristy appeal lies in providing a diverse range of experiences for tourists like houseboats, caravan stays, plantation visits, jungle lodges, homestays, Ayurveda-based wellness solutions, adventure activities, countryside walks, and trekking to verdant hills. Kerala’s resilience in putting its pandemic-hit tourism industry back on the rail is evident from an appreciable surge in domestic arrivals. In pre-COVID times, it was the year 2019 when the state registered the highest growth rate in domestic and total tourist arrivals in 24 years with their number pegged at 1,95,74,004, comprising 1,83,84,233 domestic tourists and 11,89,771 visitors from abroad. In 2023, it witnessed a record surge in the number of domestic tourists with as many as 21,871,641 people visiting the state. The number of international tourists was pegged at 6,49,057. As for the first quarter (January-March) of 2024, Kerala attracted 50,37,307 domestic tourists compared to 49,36,274 visitors in the corresponding period a year earlier, registering a 2.05 per cent increase, in a rousing endorsement of its touristy appeal. Equally assuring for Kerala is the uptick in international tourist arrivals, which are expected to reach the pre-COVID levels by 2025. Tourism Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas says the focus will no longer be confined to beaches, backwaters and hill stations. “We …

Speaking at the 39th IATO Convention, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary,  Culture and Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, said that the state will develop 50 offbeat destinations to boost tourism along with training over 40,000 women in tourism-related jobs to boost employment.

SKAL International Pune, in collaboration with TAAI, TAFI, IIHM and PHA, is set to host “Pedal for a Purpose,” a unique cycle marathon on 22 September, 2024, aimed at bringing together the travel fraternity and their families for a day of fun, networking and social impact. Pedals United for a Meaningful Impact This monumental event will mark the beginning of World Tourism Week celebrations in Pune and is designed to create a meaningful social impact on the city. Participants will embark on a dynamic 15-20 km cycling journey through central Pune,  with impactful stopovers dedicated to various social causes including, road safety, tree planting and reducing plastic use. Purpose Beyond the Finish Line “Pedal for a Purpose” is about more than just cycling. It is a platform for the travel fraternity to come together and make a difference. The day will conclude with a grand celebration featuring food, games, music and a flea zone, providing ample opportunities for networking and socialising. Join SKAL Pune in Pedalling a Difference If you’re a part of the travel and tourism industry in Pune, don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while celebrating the spirit of travel. Join “Pedal for a Purpose” on 22 September, 2024 and be a part of something truly special.

Underlining the challenges in attracting more FTAs, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, MOT, says, “We need to understand how we can ramp up air connectivity and ease the visa process for foreign tourists. We also need to work on the cost of reaching India as it is also one of the entry barriers for inbound tourists.”