Category: Travel

Travel

Air India Cautions Flyers After Cyberattack Hits Check-In Systems

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant cyberattack on a third-party service provider has caused widespread disruption to check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack, which occurred late Friday night, forced automated systems offline, prompting airlines and airports to revert to manual processes, resulting in delays and potential cancellations.

In response, Air India issued a travel advisory on Saturday, urging passengers flying from London to complete their web check-in before arriving at the airport. The airline stated that its ground teams in London are working diligently to minimise passenger inconvenience.

The affected service provider, identified by London Heathrow Airport as Collins Aerospace, is a global company that manages passenger processing systems for multiple airlines across Europe. Heathrow acknowledged the disruption and assured passengers that extra staff had been deployed in check-in areas to assist travelers.

Brussels Airport also confirmed the cyberattack and warned that only manual check-in was currently possible. It advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to arrive at least two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures.

Berlin Airport echoed similar issues, reporting long wait times and delays due to a Europe-wide disruption in check-in systems. Authorities and the service provider are working on restoring systems, but no estimated time for resolution has been provided.

As airlines and airport authorities continue to assess the damage and work on restoring services, passengers are strongly advised to monitor flight updates and follow any guidance issued by their respective carriers.

Travel

Goa Tourism Expands Global Footprint with Successful ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, 17th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked another milestone in its international outreach efforts with the successful completion of its exclusive ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Held at the prestigious City Palace on September 15, the roadshow was designed to deepen tourism ties and showcase Goa as a world-class, year-round travel destination that offers far more than just sun and sand.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Uzbekistan’s leading tour operators, travel agents, airline representatives, and local dignitaries. Attendees engaged directly with Goa Tourism representatives through interactive sessions and business networking opportunities, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and driving inbound tourism.

In his address to the audience, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, emphasized Goa’s evolution into a destination that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. He noted that the Tashkent roadshow had opened up new avenues for cooperation and cultural exchange, inviting Uzbek travelers to explore Goa’s rich tapestry of heritage, festivals, wellness experiences, and adventure activities.

Adding his perspective, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated that the roadshow had reinforced Goa’s positioning as a destination for authentic and immersive experiences. He highlighted the potential for continued engagement with the Uzbek travel sector to build mutually beneficial tourism partnerships.

The Tashkent showcase brought special focus to Goa’s signature initiatives like “Goa Beyond Beaches” and “Regenerative Tourism,” both of which reflect the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism. Attendees were introduced to Goa’s wide range of offerings—ranging from heritage trails and cultural festivals to yoga retreats, eco-resorts, and offbeat adventures.

By highlighting these multifaceted experiences, the roadshow successfully communicated Goa’s identity as a global destination that is both timeless and modern. The event concluded with renewed interest from the Uzbek travel industry in establishing Goa as a priority destination in their travel portfolios.

With this strategic initiative, Goa Tourism continues to broaden its global footprint and forge new international partnerships, staying true to its vision of responsible tourism that brings value to both visitors and local communities.

Travel

A Lifelong Dream of Andalusia – Fulfilled in Cádiz | By Festakar Marius Fernandes

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

More than 25 years ago, while working at British Telecommunications in Leicester, UK, I would often see the word “Andalusia” flash on my screen when handling calls from southern Spain. To me, it was more than just a place—it was poetry, romance, and mystery. For decades, Andalusia remained a dream.

That dream finally came true this spring when I sailed aboard the MSC Virtuoso to Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities.

Stepping ashore, I felt the pulse of Andalusia in its plazas, where locals lingered over coffee and tourists admired its colors. The magnificent Cádiz Cathedral, with its golden dome rising against the Atlantic sky, captured both the city’s grandeur and its seafaring history.

From the Torre Tavira watchtower, I looked out over centuries of maritime legacy, while down by the sea, the Parque Genovés offered quiet charm with its shaded pathways and exotic plants.

What struck me most was how Cádiz embraced its past while living vibrantly in the present. I touched the orange trees, listened to the hum of its plazas, and felt the warmth of its sun.

For 25 years, Andalusia had been only a word — exotic, distant, elusive. In Cádiz, it became real, alive, and unforgettable. This was not just a journey; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

📖 Read more such inspiring travel stories on allycaral.com

Travel

Goa International Airport Celebrates Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025 with Engaging Passenger-Centric Activities

Tanisha Cardozo

Dabolim, 17th September 2025: Goa International Airport celebrated Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025 with a series of programmes designed to enhance passenger experience, promote community engagement, and foster awareness about health and sustainability.

The celebrations began with a traditional Tilak welcome for arriving passengers, followed by a Goan folk dance performance at the Arrival Hall, arranged in collaboration with Goa Tourism. Passengers enjoyed the cultural welcome and participated in photo opportunities at a booth featuring a life-size picture of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi.

At the Departure Hall, health check-ups were conducted in coordination with Manipal Hospitals, allowing passengers to assess their health and seek expert advice. The Tree Plantation Drive “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, inaugurated by Hon’ble Shr. Nitesh Rane, Minister for Ports Development, Govt of Maharashtra, saw participation from passengers who planted trees as a lasting memory of the event.

Children passengers participated in a painting competition held at the Security Hold Area, displaying creativity and vibrancy. Artworks from Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 students were exhibited at the terminal for passengers to admire.

A career guidance program educated school students about opportunities in the aviation sector, while an eye check-up camp conducted with Victor Hospital and a blood donation camp in coordination with Govt District Hospital were well received by staff and visitors.

To amplify awareness, creative displays of the program were shown on digital boards throughout the airport. Feedback pamphlets were distributed to passengers to gather insights and continuously improve services.

The entire event was documented through photos and videos to preserve the memories of Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025 at Goa International Airport, reflecting a blend of culture, health, education, and community engagement.

Travel

Goa Tourism Engages Youth with Electric Cycle Tour & Bread-Making Experience under Yuva Tourism Club

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Panjim, 17th September 2025 – As part of the month-long build-up to World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, conducted two immersive student activities: an Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao and a “Life of Pao” Bread-Making Experience at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Devorlim.

The initiatives are designed to promote regenerative and experiential tourism, while building awareness among youth about Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Through activities like today’s Electric Cycle Tour and Bread-Making Experience, we want to engage the youth in authentic experiences and instill in them a sense of ownership towards Goa’s heritage, ecology and traditions. This aligns with our vision to make Goa a model for regenerative tourism.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“These hands-on programmes are more than just excursions; they are an educational journey for students, sensitising them to sustainability, local livelihoods and community engagement.”

The Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao offered students an opportunity to explore Goa’s ecology, biodiversity, and village landscapes in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Life of Pao Bread-Making Experience immersed them in Goa’s culinary traditions, teaching them the cultural significance and heritage of the iconic Goan bread.

With the participation of colleges and schools through the Yuva Tourism Club, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of responsible travellers who appreciate the importance of sustainability, community, and cultural preservation.

The Department of Tourism will continue hosting a series of programs throughout September, leading up to special events and grand celebrations on World Tourism Day 2025.