Tag: Travel

Travel

Manohar International Airport Unveils India’s First Ceiling-Suspended Curved Digital Videowall

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Manohar International Airport in North Goa has added another landmark to India’s evolving airport media landscape with the launch of a state-of-the-art ceiling-suspended curved digital videowall at its Arrivals area. Introduced by Times OOH, a Times Group company and India’s leading out-of-home advertising player, the installation marks a first-of-its-kind innovation inside an Indian airport, setting new global benchmarks for digital out-of-home advertising.

The distinctive videowall features a unique top-curved design and large-format display, transforming the Arrivals Hall into an immersive visual experience. Designed to deliver cinematic storytelling, the digital installation offers brands a powerful platform to captivate travellers the moment they land, creating memorable first impressions through high-impact visuals.

Strategically positioned head-on at the baggage claim area, the curved videowall ensures maximum dwell time and unmatched visibility, making it an ideal medium for brands targeting premium domestic and international travellers. This launch represents the second iconic media installation by Times OOH at Manohar International Airport, following the record-breaking largest videowall inside an Indian airport located at the Departures terminal, which is certified by the India Book of Records.

Speaking on the launch, Rohit Chopra, Chief Operating Officer, Times OOH, said the new digital innovation reflects the spirit of Goa itself—vibrant, aspirational and leisure-driven. He described the videowall as more than just a screen, calling it a storytelling canvas that allows brands to be seen, remembered and talked about, while signalling the future of digital OOH where technology enhances creativity.

The timing of the launch coincides with Goa’s peak festive and tourist season, a period marked by a surge in both domestic and international arrivals, further amplifying the value of the installation for advertisers. Over the past year, Manohar International Airport has emerged as a preferred hub for brand innovation, hosting multiple first-of-their-kind campaigns and high-impact launches.

Rohit Chopra also acknowledged the role of the airport authorities, highlighting their innovation-first mindset and consistent support in enabling landmark media formats. He noted that Manohar International Airport is among the few airports in the country to achieve such success in a short span, crediting the authorities for fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Since commencing commercial operations in January 2023, the airport has handled 4.6 million passengers in FY25 and connects to over 19 domestic and six international destinations. Serving as a gateway to Goa’s leisure and luxury tourism ecosystem, the airport offers strong connectivity, premium footfall and high dwell time, especially in the Arrivals area.

With the launch of the ceiling-suspended curved digital videowall, Times OOH, the exclusive advertising partner at Manohar International Airport, further strengthens its position as a pioneer in premium digital out-of-home innovation, seamlessly blending technology and creativity to deliver impactful advertising experiences across India’s most prestigious travel hubs.

Travel

From Kebab to Bibimbap: Air India Refreshes Its Inflight Dining with a Global Gourmet Menu

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Air India announces the introduction of a refreshed global inflight menu across its fleet, drawing inspiration from India’s rich culinary traditions while incorporating flavours from international cuisines. The new menu reflects the airline’s focus on enhancing customer experience as part of its ongoing transformation, offering thoughtfully curated meals that cater to diverse tastes and preferences of global travellers.

The menu takes inspiration from India’s culinary landscape, ranging from the royal kitchens of Awadh to the coastal flavours of southern India, while also featuring Pan-Asian dishes, European bistro selections and geo-specific star offerings. It is introduced on several international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai, as well as services from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco and Mumbai to New York. The rollout continues progressively across all international sectors and domestic routes.

Travellers in First Class enjoy gourmet meals with artisanal breads, signature desserts and bespoke wine and champagne pairings. Business Class features multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options and curated beverages, while Premium Economy and Economy cabins receive upgraded meal trays with balanced options, familiar regional flavours and improved presentation. The menu includes signature Indian dishes such as Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda, Murgh Massalam and South Indian platters, alongside international offerings like Japanese Teppanyaki bowls, Mediterranean tapas and Korean-inspired Bibimbap.

The refreshed menu also introduces Gen Z-inspired desserts, homestyle comfort food options and a wide range of plant-based and special dietary meals, including vegan, gluten-free and allergen-conscious choices. Guests can select from over 18 special meal types, reinforcing Air India’s commitment to inclusivity and personalised dining experiences.

Curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India, the menu reflects both traditional Indian flavours and global culinary trends that resonate with modern travellers. The airline’s cabin crew undergo specialised training to further enhance the onboard dining experience, ensuring attention to detail in service and presentation.

Air India also strengthens its focus on sustainability through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction initiatives. The airline prioritises locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to support farmers and reduce food miles, while adopting compostable utensils, paper meal boxes and reduced single-use plastics. With these initiatives, Air India continues to reimagine inflight dining by combining taste, care and culinary excellence, reinforcing its vision of being a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

Travel

Goa Crowned ‘Best Romantic Destination’ at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa has been conferred with the Winner – Best Romantic Destination at the prestigious Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025, further reaffirming its position as one of India’s most admired and loved travel destinations. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on December 16, 2025. The honour on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, was received by Ms. Swati Prabhu Shastri, currently serving at Goa Sadan on deputation from the Education Department.

This recognition highlights Goa’s timeless appeal, from its scenic coastline and intimate hospitality experiences to its vibrant cultural fabric and seamless balance of luxury with laid-back charm. Over the years, Goa has evolved beyond its beach identity, offering meaningful experiences rooted in heritage, wellness, hinterland exploration, and responsible tourism, making it a preferred destination for couples and travellers alike.

Reacting to the recognition, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte described the award as a proud moment for the state, noting that Goa offers far more than picturesque landscapes. He emphasised that the essence of romance in Goa lies in its culture, warmth, authenticity, and strong sense of place, while reiterating the government’s commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also welcomed the honour, stating that the recognition reflects the consistent efforts of the Department of Tourism, industry stakeholders, and local communities. He highlighted how curated experiences such as heritage stays, wellness retreats, immersive cultural encounters, and responsible tourism initiatives continue to strengthen Goa’s identity while keeping pace with evolving traveller expectations.

Now in its 14th year, the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is a marquee celebration recognising excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This accolade reinforces Goa’s positioning as a destination that effortlessly blends celebration with serenity, luxury with simplicity, and romance with sustainability. The Department of Tourism expressed its gratitude to Travel + Leisure India, industry partners, and travellers for their continued trust and support, viewing the award as a strong endorsement of Goa’s vision for experience-led, responsible, and regenerative tourism.

Events in Goa

Poland Brings Sculpture, Jazz and Theatre to Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

As the Serendipity Arts Festival marks its landmark 10th anniversary edition in 2025, the Polish Institute in New Delhi joins the celebrations, signalling an important moment for deepening cultural dialogue between Poland and India. This participation opens pathways for long-term collaboration at both institutional and artistic levels, strengthening ties across contemporary art practices.

The presence of the Polish Institute at the festival represents a significant step towards establishing sustained Polish engagement with one of South Asia’s fastest-growing multidisciplinary arts festivals. By presenting Polish artists across sculpture, music and theatre, the initiative creates opportunities for future residencies, joint productions, curatorial exchanges and collaborative projects between the two countries.

Renowned Polish sculptor Tomasz Koclęga presents Suspensio Spiritualis (Spiritual Suspension) at the Art Park from 14 to 21 December 2025. A leading figure in contemporary figurative sculpture and Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, Koclęga is known for his expressive monumental works that explore the human body as a site of emotional and spiritual tension. At the festival, he showcases three striking white sculptures, each standing between two and three metres tall and crafted in polyester resin. The works depict human figures interacting with oversized heads, symbolising intellect, consciousness and spirituality, creating a powerful visual and contemplative presence amid the greenery of the Art Park. The exhibition is presented with the support of the Polish Institute in New Delhi.

Polish improvised music takes centre stage with a live jazz concert by Warsaw-based quartet LIGHT STAR GUIDING on 15 December 2025 at the Art Park. Active since 2018, the ensemble blends electro, trance, folk and free jazz, drawing inspiration from the raw energy of the 1970s while shaping a contemporary soundscape. The line-up includes Ray Dickaty on tenor saxophone and flute, Mikołaj Poncyljusz on electric guitar, Michał Załęski on keyboards, Moog and bass, and Dominik Mokrzewski on drums. The performance forms part of the “Jazz Po Polsku – Around the World / Asia Stop” tour, co-funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland and carried out by the JAZZ PO POLSKU Foundation, with support from the Polish Institute in New Delhi. The Panjim concert marks the conclusion of the band’s India tour.

Adding a strong theatrical and technological dimension, acclaimed Polish theatre director and multimedia artist Krzysztof Garbaczewski participates in the SEA – Serendipity Exchange for the Arts on 19 and 20 December 2025 at the Old GMC Complex. Known for his experimental approach and integration of theatre with video, virtual reality and immersive technologies, Garbaczewski brings a critical international perspective to the exchange. SEA runs parallel to the festival as a delegate programme connecting artists, curators, producers and arts managers from across Asia and beyond. His participation opens discussions on new technologies and immersive art practices, laying the groundwork for future Polish–Indian collaborations, including performance projects that explore artificial intelligence and digital tools.

Together, these presentations underline Poland’s dynamic contribution to Serendipity Arts Festival 2025, celebrating artistic excellence while building a foundation for enduring cultural collaboration between Poland and India.

National

Airbnb Brings Fans Closer to the Music with Exclusive Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

Airbnb is set to transform the live music experience in India with the launch of exclusive Airbnb Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026, marking its first-ever global live music partnership. Scheduled to take place on January 24 and 25 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the festival will now offer fans unprecedented access to the creative processes, backstage moments, and people who bring one of India’s most anticipated music festivals to life.

As part of this new initiative, Airbnb introduces a curated set of Experiences that go far beyond attending a concert. From guided backstage tours and artist-led sessions to behind-the-scenes access led by a Lollapalooza India Insider, these Experiences are designed to immerse guests in the world behind the stage, offering rare perspectives that are usually reserved for artists and crew.

Speaking on the partnership, Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India & Southeast Asia, highlighted the natural connection between music and travel, noting that festivals are as much about exploring a city and building meaningful connections as they are about performances. He said the collaboration with Lollapalooza India allows fans to experience the festival not just as attendees, but as insiders who become part of its story.

Among the standout Experiences is the opportunity to join celebrated singer-songwriter Ankur Tewari’s entourage at Lollapalooza India. Participants will gain backstage access, witness his pre-performance rituals, and attend exclusive aftershows, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative rhythm and collaboration that define his work. This Experience will take place on January 24, 2026.

Another immersive Experience brings fans behind the stage with composer-producer duo OAFF and Savera, known for shaping some of India’s most influential contemporary soundscapes. Guests will observe their pre-show creative process, connect with their crew, and experience how music transitions from studio to stage. This session is scheduled for January 25, 2026.

Festival-goers can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by Raashi Sanghavi, a key figure behind Lollapalooza India’s production and global partnerships. Through insider stories, real-time insights, and festival trivia, this Experience reveals the scale, coordination, and creativity involved in producing a world-class live music event. The tour will take place on January 24, 2026.

Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events at BookMyShow, said that Lollapalooza India has always been about more than performances, emphasising culture, community, and creativity. He added that the partnership with Airbnb opens up a side of the festival usually unseen by fans, bringing them closer to the people and moments that shape the event.

Bookings for all Experiences opened on December 15, 2025, with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are required to arrange their own travel to and from Mumbai. With Lollapalooza India 2026 set over a long weekend, Airbnb also offers a wide range of stays across Mumbai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, making it easier for fans to combine the festival with an immersive city experience.