Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Wins ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at Wed In India 2025 Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 5, 2025: Goa, India’s premier coastal paradise, has been crowned the ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at the Wed In India 2025 Awards, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates Goa’s growing stature as a leading wedding destination, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and natural charm that continues to attract couples from across the globe.

The award was formally received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, in the presence of top wedding and tourism industry leaders from across the country.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:

“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services that support the wedding industry, while ensuring that every event hosted here contributes positively to the local economy and community.”

Adding to this, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, commented:

“Goa is an ideal location for resort weddings, with its beautiful heritage sites, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. This award encourages us to keep improving and ensure that destination weddings add real value to Goa’s economy and create more jobs for our people.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasised Goa’s growing appeal for both domestic and international wedding planners:

“This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Goa for destination weddings. Our aim is to ensure that every celebration held here reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth that Goa is known for. We are continuously working with our partners to offer couples and their guests a well-organised and unforgettable experience.”

From sun-kissed beaches and Portuguese-era churches to state-of-the-art resorts and boutique properties, Goa’s offerings make it the ideal setting for dream weddings. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has been instrumental in curating experiences and improving services that enhance Goa’s profile as a top-tier destination wedding hotspot.

The state looks forward to further strengthening its position through innovation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive tourism practices, making every celebration not just memorable for the couple, but beneficial for the local community and economy.

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Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry to Indian Nationals

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In a major development for international travel, the Republic of the Philippines has officially granted visa-free entry to Indian nationals, marking a significant step in easing travel regulations and boosting tourism.

The announcement is being welcomed by the Indian travel community, offering greater accessibility to one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations — home to pristine beaches, world-famous diving spots, vibrant festivals, and unique island culture.

What It Means:

Indian citizens can now travel to the Philippines without a visa for short-term visits, subject to terms set by immigration authorities (such as a maximum duration of stay and valid return tickets). This visa waiver is part of a broader push by the Philippine government to revive and grow its tourism industry post-pandemic.

Key Benefits:

  • Boost for Indian tourism: Indian tourists ranked among the top potential markets for outbound travel, and this move could significantly increase footfall from India.
  • Ease of travel: Reduced paperwork, planning time, and costs associated with obtaining a visa.
  • Strengthening ties: The visa exemption reflects growing diplomatic and economic relations between India and the Philippines.

Travel Boom Incoming?

Travel agencies and airlines are already reporting a spike in inquiries and bookings. The Philippines, with its 7,000+ islands, is now positioned as an even more attractive destination for Indian travellers looking for both leisure and adventure.

So whether you’re dreaming of Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, or the heritage streets of Manila — your next visa-free tropical getaway just got real!

📍 For details on eligibility and travel advisory updates, visit: allycaral.com

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Sara Tendulkar Joins Australian Government’s Tourism Campaign ‘Come and Say G’day’ as Brand Ambassador

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📍 Mumbai / Sydney | August 2025 : Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, has been named as the official brand ambassador for the Australian Government’s flagship tourism campaign Come and Say G’day. The announcement has created a buzz across both countries, symbolizing growing tourism and cultural collaboration between India and Australia.

Launched by Tourism Australia, the campaign aims to position Australia as the next must-visit destination for Indian travellers by showcasing its scenic beauty, unique experiences, and welcoming culture.

Sara’s association with the campaign brings a relatable and aspirational face to the initiative, especially among India’s younger travellers.

“It’s an honour to represent a country I’ve admired for its natural beauty, wildlife, and vibrant lifestyle,” said Sara Tendulkar. “Through this campaign, I hope more Indians are inspired to experience Australia’s charm first-hand.”

This move is seen as a strategic step to tap into the rapidly growing Indian outbound tourism market. India is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sources of tourists, and the campaign aims to build further momentum with Sara’s influence and presence.

The Come and Say G’day campaign will roll out across digital platforms, television, and print media, featuring Sara exploring Australian destinations, indulging in local experiences, and interacting with the culture.

With this collaboration, Sara Tendulkar is not just carrying her father’s legendary legacy forward — she’s carving a global presence of her own, one campaign at a time.

📖 More lifestyle and culture stories on allycaral.com

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Where Rails and Runways Cross: The Remarkable Gisborne Airport of New Zealand

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island lies a small but extraordinary airport that defies the typical rules of air travel. Welcome to Gisborne Airport—where aircraft and trains take turns on the same runway.

Unlike conventional airports, Gisborne’s main runway is bisected by the Palmerston North–Gisborne railway line. This rare design makes it one of the only operational airports in the world where train tracks intersect directly with a working runway.

Operations run daily between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm, during which both the airport and the railway remain active. The coordination required is nothing short of meticulous. Airport authorities control railway signals and halt trains when necessary to allow aircraft to land or take off safely. Conversely, if a train is scheduled to cross, planes must wait.

This coexistence between two modes of transportation isn’t just practical—it’s a feat of operational precision. While Tasmania’s Wynyard Airport had a similar feature, it ceased railway operations in 2005, leaving Gisborne as the sole location where this rare setup still functions.

Despite its unusual configuration, Gisborne Airport handles over 60 domestic flights weekly and accommodates more than 150,000 passengers a year. It serves as both a vital regional hub and a quirky destination for aviation and railway enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re flying in or passing through by rail, Gisborne offers more than just stunning coastal views—it offers a rare glimpse at how two forms of transport can seamlessly intersect.

📍 Location: Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand
🚆 Rail Line: Palmerston North–Gisborne
✈️ Flights: 60+ per week
🕒 Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm

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Goa Tourism Wins Excellence Award for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ Campaign at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

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Panjim, 2nd August 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, concluded its participation at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025 on a high note, receiving the Excellence Award for the Special Campaign on ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’. The recognition was presented at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, where the event was held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025.

Led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai, Senior Manager, GTDC, along with Smt. Concy Pereira, Asst. Tourism Officer, and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz, Information Assistant, the Goa delegation engaged extensively with travel agents, tour operators, and media partners throughout the three-day event.

Commenting on the achievement, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said “We are honoured to receive this recognition at TTF Ahmedabad 2025. The ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign is part of our mission to create a more inclusive, responsible, and diversified tourism experience. This award validates our ongoing efforts to make Goa a 12-month destination anchored in sustainability, culture, and community participation.”

This accolade reflects Goa Tourism’s strategic efforts to reposition the state as a destination that offers more than just sun and sand. The award celebrates the Department’s continued commitment to regenerative tourism, highlighting experiences that span heritage, hinterlands, culture, festivals, and community-led initiatives.

The Goa Pavilion drew significant attention for its immersive storytelling, featuring curated themes around wellness and Ayurveda, spiritual tourism, adventure and monsoon travel, and community-based rural experiences. The display also spotlighted Goa’s vibrant festival calendar, from Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao to Shigmo, Spirit of Goa, and Carnaval, all of which are attracting experiential travellers from across India.

The Department’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad forms part of its broader outreach strategy to reinforce Goa’s position as a future-ready destination that blends tradition with innovation.