Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Showcases Regenerative Travel at TTF Mumbai 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 11, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made an impactful appearance at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Mumbai 2025, held from 11th to 13th August at the Jio World Convention Centre. Goa’s presence focused on the state’s growing commitment to Regenerative Tourism, drawing attention from dignitaries, industry leaders, and visitors alike.

🌿 A Shift Towards Regenerative Travel

At its dedicated pavilion, Goa Tourism showcased a series of community-driven tourism models that go beyond traditional sightseeing to actively benefit local communities and ecosystems.

Highlights included:

  • Heritage village trails celebrating Goa’s rich history
  • Hinterland tourism that supports rural communities
  • Local artisan displays and cultural performances
  • Culinary showcases featuring traditional Goan fare

Visitors experienced immersive displays, learned about responsible travel options, and explored new year-round tourism possibilities that combine discovery with sustainability.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks

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

“TTF Mumbai is a valuable platform for Goa to present itself as a year-round destination rooted in regenerative and inclusive tourism. We are shifting from mass tourism to meaningful travel that supports nature and people.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:

“Goa’s tourism narrative now includes offbeat trails and heritage-rich experiences that invite travellers to go beyond the beaches and contribute positively to local economies.”

🤝 Dignitary Interactions & Industry Engagement

Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, visited the Goa Tourism pavilion and interacted with officials including:

  • Shri Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism
  • Smt. Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer
  • Shri Chandrashekhar Kopardekar, GTDC
  • Smt. Janvi Kharat, Department of Tourism

The delegation also engaged with leading travel operators, tourism boards, and media representatives to explore partnerships that amplify Goa’s responsible travel message across the domestic market.

🌍 A New Chapter for Goa Tourism

By highlighting regenerative, cultural, and inclusive travel experiences, Goa Tourism is opening a new chapter that appeals to modern, conscious travellers. The state is reaffirming its status as not just a destination of beauty, but of depth, diversity, and enduring value.

🗓️ Event: TTF Mumbai 2025
 📍 Location: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
 🗓️ Dates: 11th – 13th August 2025

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Air India Launches ‘Namaste World’ Sale with Domestic Fares from ₹1,499 and International Fares from ₹12,310

allycaralgoa

Air India has unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Namaste World’ promotional sale, delivering attractive all-inclusive fares across its domestic and international network.

For a limited time, one-way domestic fares start from just ₹1,499, while round-trip international fares begin at ₹12,310. The offer is valid until 11:59 pm on 15 August 2025 and applies to travel until 31 March 2026. Tickets can be booked through Air India’s direct channels and, after the first day, via travel agents and airport offices.

Web-Exclusive Day 1
On 10 August 2025, bookings were exclusively available on Air India’s website and mobile app. From the following day, customers can also book through all sales channels, including travel agents and airport ticket counters.

Book Direct Benefits
Passengers booking via Air India’s website or app enjoy zero convenience fees and additional savings:

  • Promo Code FLYAI – Save up to ₹1,000 per passenger.
  • Visa Card Promo Code VISAFLY – Discounts up to ₹2,500 per passenger, depending on the trip type and route.

VISA Card Offers:

  • Domestic One-Way: ₹250 off
  • Domestic Round Trip: ₹500 off
  • International One-Way: Up to ₹1,500 off
  • International Round Trip: Up to ₹2,500 off

Extra Travel Comfort
Air India is also offering up to 60% off on prepaid baggage and 15% off on seat selection, including extra-legroom seats, booked via both direct and indirect channels.

Sample All-Inclusive Round-Trip International Fares (Ex-India):

  • India–Sri Lanka: ₹12,310
  • India–Singapore: ₹14,020
  • India–UAE: ₹18,060
  • India–USA: ₹49,635
  • India–United Kingdom: ₹44,500

Seats are limited and available on select domestic and international routes on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and local taxes.

This offer comes as Air India, under Tata Group ownership, continues its Vihaan.AI transformation program, investing in new aircraft, upgraded interiors, expanded services, and enhanced passenger experiences.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Hyderabad Airport Introduces Therapy Dogs to Comfort Passengers

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Passengers at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) can now look forward to a dose of furry happiness before takeoff. The airport has officially introduced a therapy dog program aimed at reducing passenger stress and creating a more relaxing travel experience.

Under this initiative, trained therapy dogs, accompanied by professional handlers, will be stationed at designated zones within the airport. Travelers can interact with the dogs through gentle petting, playful games of fetch, or simply spending quiet moments with them.

The sessions are voluntary and fully supervised, ensuring both the comfort of passengers and the safety of the animals. The program draws on global research showing that interactions with therapy animals can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and boost mood — particularly helpful in bustling travel environments.

Airport officials believe this unique initiative will add warmth to the passenger experience, making RGIA stand out as a traveler-friendly and emotionally supportive hub in India’s aviation network.

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ranked #1 in the Middle East and 8th Globally by TripAdvisor

Tanisha Cardozo

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as one of the world’s leading cultural landmarks, being named the number one tourist attraction in the Middle East and eighth globally in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards. The mosque climbed two spots from its 2024 global ranking, continuing its trajectory as an architectural and cultural beacon.

Selected from more than 8 million global landmarks, SZGM is now among the top 1% of all reviewed attractions, based on feedback from millions of international travellers. This recognition is a testament to its outstanding visitor experience, inclusive programming, and architectural grandeur.

A Vision of Culture, Faith, and Innovation

“The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE,” said Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC). He credited the rise in global standing to the mosque’s year-round strategic efforts in enhancing guest experiences, expanding cultural initiatives, and developing infrastructure and services.

SZGM: More Than a Mosque

Beyond being a site of prayer, SZGM is a global hub for cultural dialogue, drawing over seven million visitors annually. Its mission revolves around peace, coexistence, and heritage, making it an inclusive destination for people of all backgrounds.

Visitors can enjoy:

  • 🕌 Cultural tours by trained Emirati guides
  • 🚗 ‘Unseen Glimpses’ electric car tours exploring exclusive parts of the mosque
  • 🎧 El-Delleel – a 14-language multimedia guide including sign language & children’s content
  • 🛍️ Souq Al Jami’ – shopping & dining experiences
  • 🏃 Jogging track offering panoramic views
  • 🌌 Sura evening tours – 24-hour access for transit tourists

Landmark Achievements Across the UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also earned global recognition, ranking in the top 10% of tourist landmarks worldwide. This is especially significant considering its relatively recent activation of visitor services.

Together, both mosques exemplify the UAE’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue, rooted in authentic Islamic values.

Cultural Experiences Beyond Compare

The mosque’s Dome of Peace, Light & Peace Museum, and rotating exhibitions like Hajj: Memories of a Journey and Coins of Islam offer immersive encounters with Islamic heritage.

The Diya – A Universe of Light experience uses 360-degree sound, wind, and light to take visitors on a sensory journey through starlit universes into the heart of the UAE’s cultural soul.

A Symbol on the World Stage

Thanks to its excellence, SZGM has become a must-visit site for international dignitaries, with 82% of visitors coming from abroad. Its rising stature strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a cultural capital, while showcasing the UAE’s ethos of peace and innovation.

As global recognition grows, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands tall – not just as a building, but as a living message of unity, light, and legacy.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Emirates Airline to Ban Use of Power Banks Onboard from October 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

DUBAI – In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing in-flight safety, Emirates Airline will prohibit the use of power banks onboard all its flights starting 1 October 2025.

As global concerns rise over lithium battery-related incidents, Emirates has decided to proactively update its dangerous goods regulations. While passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank under 100Wh, any in-flight usage—including charging devices or recharging the power bank—will be strictly forbidden.

🔒 New Power Bank Rules on Emirates Flights:

RuleAllowed?Details
Carry one power bank (<100Wh)✅ YesMust be clearly labeled with capacity
Use power bank to charge devices❌ NoCharging any device via power bank is not permitted
Charge power bank onboard❌ NoNot allowed to connect to aircraft power sources
Storage onboard✅ YesOnly in seat pocket or under seat; overhead bins not permitted
Checked baggage❌ NoPower banks must only be carried in hand luggage

🧯 Why This Ban?

The move stems from safety concerns over thermal runaway—a dangerous condition where lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries overheat, potentially causing fires or explosions. Many generic or unregulated power banks lack proper safety controls, increasing risks during flight.

By ensuring power banks are both limited in number and easily accessible, Emirates aims to reduce fire risks and improve cabin crew response during emergencies.

🔍 Power Bank Policies Across UAE Airlines:

  • Etihad Airways allows up to 10 spare lithium batteries (incl. power banks), but prohibits use onboard.
  • FlyDubai permits batteries up to 160Wh but bans in-flight charging.

Air Arabia allows one device with power bank (under 100Wh); no usage allowed during flight.

📌 What Travelers Should Do:

  • Check the power bank’s watt-hour rating (must be under 100Wh).
  • Keep it in hand luggage, not in checked bags.
  • Do not use or charge it during flight.
  • Ensure the capacity is clearly labeled and the power bank is in good condition.

Passengers are also advised to consult Emirates’ full Dangerous Goods list and UAE customs regulations before flying.

 Emirates’ updated policy reflects a growing industry trend toward stricter lithium battery management to prioritize passenger safety. If you’re flying from October 2025 onwards, make sure your power bank complies—and leave it unplugged.

🛫 Safe travels, the Emirates way.