Tag: Travel India

Travel

Air India Adds 174 Weekly Flights to Domestic and Short-Haul International Network for Winter 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Air India has announced a significant network expansion for the Northern Winter Schedule 2025, introducing 174 additional weekly flights across key domestic and short-haul international routes starting 26 October 2025. The new schedule strengthens connectivity between major Indian cities and Southeast Asian destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering greater convenience and choice for travelers.

Among the international enhancements, flights from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali) will each increase from seven to ten weekly services, effective mid-November and early December respectively. Domestically, the expansion focuses on high-demand destinations in Rajasthan, with new routes such as Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Jaisalmer, along with increased frequencies on existing routes including Delhi–Udaipur, Mumbai–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Jodhpur. Additional flights are being introduced across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other cities including Varanasi, Port Blair, Guwahati, Raipur, and Amritsar.

This growth follows the near completion of Air India’s comprehensive retrofit program for its legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, launched in September 2024. Of the 27 aircraft, 26 have been completely refurbished with brand-new interiors featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With this upgrade, Air India now operates more than 100 A320 Family aircraft with enhanced interiors, serving over 80 domestic and short-haul international destinations.

The expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing transformation plan under Vihaan.AI, which aims to rebuild Air India into a world-class global carrier with an Indian heart. The airline, which returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after seven decades of government ownership, continues to evolve under an ambitious five-year roadmap. With more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 570 new planes underway, Air India is reshaping the future of Indian aviation through network growth, modern infrastructure, and superior customer experience.

As part of the larger Air India Group, which includes the full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express, the company is leading the next chapter of Indian aviation by expanding reach, enhancing quality, and strengthening India’s position as a global travel hub.

Travel

Goa Gears Up for a Memorable Year-End with ‘Feels Like Goa’ Campaign

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 10th October 2025: As the festive season draws near, Goa is set to welcome visitors with its new year-end campaign — “Feels Like Goa”, a heartfelt celebration of the state’s timeless charm, cultural richness, spiritual essence, and festive spirit.

Designed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the campaign aims to evoke nostalgia and rekindle the emotional connection travelers share with Goa — reminding the world that Goa is not merely a destination, but a feeling.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Goa has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers across the world. With ‘Feels Like Goa’, we are bringing back the essence of what makes Goa truly unique — its people, culture, and soul. This campaign is a tribute to timeless memories and an invitation to experience Goa with the same emotion and warmth as always.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“We are committed to regenerative tourism — creating meaningful experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. This campaign revives travel sentiment and supports local businesses while preserving the essence of Goa.”

The Department’s vision for Goa’s tourism future is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Alongside the campaign, Goa has laid the foundation for Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum — key projects that diversify travel experiences beyond beaches and nightlife.

Through “Feels Like Goa”, the government aims to position the state as a multi-dimensional destination — one where every sunset, festival, and smile carries a story.

As 2025 draws to a close, Goa invites the world to come home to its heart — to feel its rhythm, warmth, and joy once again.

Travel

Goa Boosts Global Tourism with Arrival of International Charter Flights

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is soaring to new heights on the international tourism map with the recent arrival of multiple international charter flights at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding the state’s global connectivity and attracting tourists from key international markets.

On October 3, 2025, the second 158-seater charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, landed in Goa, signaling the beginning of a strong inbound travel season. The following days saw a continued influx, with flights from Yekaterinburg arriving on October 4 and 5, each bringing 158 passengers eager to explore the charm of Goa. Adding to the momentum, a larger flight from Moscow carrying 296 passengers arrived on October 5, further reinforcing Goa’s position as a gateway to India for global travellers.

International connectivity is set to expand even further with the launch of charter flights from Kazakhstan beginning October 25, 2025. These routes are expected to boost travel from Central Asia, offering tourists a direct link to the sun, sand, and culture of Goa.

Speaking about the milestone, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, shared: “The arrival of these international charter flights is a clear reflection of Goa’s growing appeal as a global destination. We are committed to providing world-class experiences, warm hospitality, and seamless connectivity to ensure that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.”

Echoing the sentiment, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked: “The landing of these charter flights marks a key step in expanding Goa’s global accessibility. They also pave the way for greater engagement between travellers and Goa’s local culture and heritage.”

The Department of Tourism continues to work in close coordination with various stakeholders to ensure hassle-free operations and deliver the signature Goan welcome to all travellers. These efforts are not only boosting the economy but also elevating Goa’s reputation as a destination where leisure, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly.

With increasing international arrivals and strategic connectivity initiatives, Goa is set to further cement its place on the global travel map.

Travel

Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte Leads Goa’s Month-Long World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India’s most iconic travel destination, reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable and people-first tourism by hosting a month-long celebration to mark World Tourism Day 2025. Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Dr. Rohan A. Khaunte, the campaign featured over 30 events that placed communities, culture, and sustainability at the center of travel.

The month-long initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Clubs, brought together over 200 locals, students, and visitors in a dynamic showcase of Goa’s evolving tourism landscape.

From kayaking, cycling, heritage walks, and bioluminescent forest experiences to traditional bread-making and coconut farming in villages, every activity aimed to showcase a regenerative tourism model that protects natural assets, uplifts local communities, and enriches visitor experiences.

Inclusive tourism took center stage with special boat cruises for persons with disabilities, senior citizens from old-age homes, and children from orphanages — a powerful affirmation of Goa’s commitment to accessibility and dignity in tourism.

A key highlight was the participation of youth through the Yuva Tourism Clubs, with over 100 students from more than 30 colleges engaging in eco-walks, village picnics, cycling, and cooking experiences. These initiatives are shaping a new generation of Tourism Ambassadors deeply connected with their heritage, environment, and communities.

Celebrating Goa’s rich culinary tradition, two high-profile cooking competitions were hosted at IIHM Goa (17–18 September) and IHM Goa (22–23 September), giving young hospitality students a platform to showcase their creativity and knowledge of Goan cuisine.

The month also marked a significant step in Goa’s business tourism strategy with the upcoming launch of the MICE Promotion Bureau at the largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. This initiative is set to place Goa on the global map for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

The celebrations will conclude with a Film Festival at ESG on 28 September, spotlighting Goa’s heritage, biodiversity, and conservation efforts — a fitting finale to a campaign that united industry, government, students, and communities under a shared vision.

Reflecting on the success of the campaign, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted: “These activities represent a holistic approach to tourism development. We’re building a future-ready ecosystem that benefits not just visitors, but also our people and environment.”

Goa’s commitment to a better tourism model is backed by real numbers: from January to June 2025, the state welcomed 5.45 million visitors, including 5.18 million domestic and 0.27 million international tourists — an 8.4% YoY increase. Cruise tourism also saw a rise, with over 34,121 passengers docking at Goan ports, thanks to improved air, sea, and charter connectivity.

As Goa heads into the Golden Season 2025–26, the Department of Tourism invites all — travellers, youth, stakeholders, and residents — to experience the state not just as a destination, but as a living, thriving story of people, nature, culture, and connection.

National

India’s Largest Cruise Terminal Inaugurated in Mumbai by PM Modi

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s maritime infrastructure and cruise tourism sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier today. Developed under the ambitious ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, the terminal is set to position Mumbai as a premier global cruise tourism destination.

Spanning over 415,000 square feet, the MICT is now India’s largest cruise terminal and is designed to handle up to one million passengers annually. With a state-of-the-art design, the terminal can accommodate five cruise ships simultaneously and is equipped with 72 check-in and immigration counters, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for international and domestic travellers alike.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, praised the project’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India into a global cruise hub. He emphasized the historical and strategic significance of Mumbai as a coastal city and its potential to contribute to the country’s economic and tourism growth. The MICT is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the domestic cruise sector and attracting international tourists.

Alongside the terminal, several complementary projects were also inaugurated to promote cultural tourism and sustainability, including the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, heritage lighting installations at Port House and Evelyn House, and the beautified Sagar Upvan garden. These initiatives underscore the holistic approach of enhancing not just infrastructure but also the cultural and environmental fabric of the region.

With this development, Mumbai sets sail into a new era of cruise tourism, standing tall as a gateway to global maritime connectivity and world-class travel experiences.