Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Showcases Its Diverse Offerings at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Gandhinagar, July 31, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked its presence on the inaugural day of Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025, one of India’s leading travel trade platforms. The event, taking place at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, runs from July 31 to August 2 and serves as a vital outreach opportunity to engage with key domestic tourism markets.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion stands out for its theme: Goa – A Responsible and Immersive Travel Destination. The delegation, led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai (Senior Manager, GTDC), Smt. Concy Pereira (Asst. Tourism Officer), and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz (Information Assistant), aims to reposition Goa as more than just a beach destination.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of such platforms:

“Our participation focuses on promoting Goa as a year-round destination offering rich cultural heritage, wellness, spirituality, adventure, and immersive rural experiences.”

The Goa Pavilion offers a deep dive into several tourism themes:

  • Spiritual Tourism & Ayurveda
  • Adventure & Monsoon Trails in the Hinterlands
  • Homestays & Community-Based Travel
  • Wellness Retreats & Cultural Tourism

Goa’s vibrant festival calendar is also being promoted. Visitors to the pavilion can learn about traditional celebrations like Sao Joao, Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, Carnaval, and the Spirit of Goa Festival—which are increasingly drawing experiential travellers from across India and beyond.

The Department’s outreach at TTF Ahmedabad is part of a broader strategy to attract quality, sustainable tourism by forging stronger partnerships with tour operators, digital platforms, travel media, and stakeholders in the domestic travel trade.

With a commitment to inclusive, future-ready tourism, the Department of Tourism invites all stakeholders to visit the Goa Pavilion and discover the many ways in which Goa continues to evolve—balancing tradition with innovation.

📍 Event: TTF Ahmedabad 2025
📆 Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2025
📍 Venue: Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Say Goodbye to the 100ml Liquid Rule: Foodies and Travelers Rejoice!

Tanisha Cardozo

August 1, 2025 — Europe’s airports are on the verge of a travel revolution. The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) is expected to give its final approval to lift the long-standing 100ml liquid restriction for carry-on luggage — a major shift enabled by cutting-edge 3D CT scanners already operating at key airports like Malpensa (Milan) and Fiumicino (Rome).

This technological leap means travelers will soon be able to bring full-size bottles of wine, olive oil, limoncello, and other liquid goods directly in their hand luggage — with no need for resealable plastic bags or size restrictions.

Why This Matters:

  • No more security confiscations of your gourmet souvenirs
  • Boosts local economies by enabling travelers to support regional food and beverage producers
  • Streamlines security with faster, more detailed baggage screening
  • Empowers food tourism by removing a major logistical headache

For food lovers and globetrotters alike, this update is nothing short of a game-changer. Whether you’re bringing back a bottle of Amarone from Italy, lavender oil from France, or truffle oil from Croatia — your carry-on is about to become a lot more flavorful.

The official confirmation is expected between late July and early August 2025, but many airports have already started implementing the new system.

Where It’s Already Happening:

  • Malpensa Airport (MXP), Milan
  • Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome
  • Other European hubs expected to follow soon

This change reflects not only a shift in security technology but also a broader rethinking of how we integrate culture, cuisine, and convenience into the travel experience.

🛫 So next time you’re traveling in Europe, you might want to save room in your carry-on — your favorite bottle of olive oil no longer needs to be left behind.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

‘Under’ – Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant Now Open in Norway

allycaralgoa

In a historic culinary and architectural move, Norway has unveiled Europe’s first underwater restaurant, aptly named ‘Under’, in the scenic coastal town of Lindesnes.

Designed by the award-winning architecture firm Snøhetta, ‘Under’ is partially submerged into the sea, stretching 34 meters long with its main dining area located 5.5 meters below sea level. The concrete structure acts not only as a dining destination but also doubles as an artificial reef and a marine research lab, making it a sustainability-forward innovation.

Guests access the dining space by descending through a dramatic walkway that gradually immerses them in the world beneath the waves. Inside, a massive 36-foot wide panoramic acrylic window allows for unobstructed views of ocean life — a live, natural show as you dine.

The gastronomic experience is helmed by Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard, whose 18-course tasting menu focuses on locally sourced seafood, foraged ingredients, and seasonally inspired dishes — elevating traditional Nordic cuisine.

‘Under’ is not just a restaurant. It’s a deep dive into Norway’s relationship with the sea, blending cutting-edge design, environmental consciousness, and culinary brilliance. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, traveler, or architecture aficionado, this one-of-a-kind destination promises an unforgettable experience beneath the ocean’s surface.

📖 Read more on allycaral.com

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

UAE and Pakistan Launch Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Tanisha Cardozo

DUBAI, July 27, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan have officially activated a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, effective July 25, 2025.

The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who shared details of the arrangement via the social media platform X. He noted that the visa waiver was finalized during his meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi.

“During my meeting in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2025, with my brother Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we agreed on mutual visa waivers for diplomatic and official passports between our two brotherly countries. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement this arrangement, effective 30 days after signing,” Dar stated.

He confirmed that the agreement is now operational at all UAE airports, and that UAE nationals holding diplomatic and official passports can also enter Pakistan without a visa, under the reciprocal terms.

This visa exemption reflects the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the UAE — partners in trade, culture, and regional cooperation. With over 17 million Pakistanis residing and working in the UAE, the bilateral relationship is among the most robust in the region.

While the development significantly eases diplomatic mobility, the visa waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders.

Since taking office, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has prioritized strengthening relations with Gulf states, including multiple high-level visits to the UAE.

This move is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, streamline official travel, and promote stronger cooperation between the two allied nations.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Jaipur Ranked 5th Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Survey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a resounding global recognition of India’s cultural richness, Jaipur has been ranked fifth in the world in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Cities 2025 list.

Known globally as the Pink City, Jaipur is celebrated for its unique architectural character, colorful bazaars, majestic palaces, and legendary hospitality. Adding to its prestige, Jaipur is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — a rare honor for any city worldwide.

  • 🏛 The Walled City of Jaipur, painted in its iconic pink hue, stands out for its historic urban planning.
  • 🏯 Amber Fort, perched on a hill, tells tales of Rajput valor and grandeur.
  • 🌌 Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, remains an architectural and scientific wonder.

Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, also the former princess of Jaipur, expressed immense pride in the ranking. “This is not just an achievement for Rajasthan, but for the entire country. It reinforces Jaipur’s status as a global tourism icon,” she said. She emphasized citizen participation in maintaining cleanliness and pride in the city, attributing the achievement also to the government’s preservation policies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in enhancing India’s global profile.

Tour operators and tourists alike echoed the sentiment. “Jaipur is already a favorite among international travelers. This title adds even more value to the city’s name,” said Sanjay Kaushik of Rajputana Holiday Makers.

An Argentinian tourist at Hawa Mahal summed up Jaipur’s charm: “It’s my favorite city in India — the food, the people, the history… it’s unforgettable.”

Jaipur joins an elite list of global destinations, including:

  1. San Miguel de Allende (Mexico)
  2. Chiang Mai (Thailand)
  3. Tokyo (Japan)
  4. Bangkok (Thailand)
  5. Jaipur (India)

Jaipur even outperformed Florence (Italy), which came in at 11th place, reaffirming its rising prominence on the international tourism map.