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French-style live patisserie in Mumbai? That's what makes Cou Cou a must-visit

Are you in Mumbai and looking for a space to host, socialise, pause and indulge? Cou Cou got you sorted as the newest French-style patisserie at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, is now open seven days a week between 11 am to 10 pm. Its varying scales of seating allows larger groups to share tables and smaller groups to sit within banquettes while potted plants provide definition and privacy within the patisserie. In addition, the white mosaic tiles encompass the whole space with a Parisian vibe at the first independent food and beverage outlet brought to life by the Oberoi Group. The patisserie's name is derived from an informal greeting used in France by the elderly and young alike and can mean anything from “Hello, how are you?”, to “Welcome” or can simply be used as an informal term of endearment. Cou Cou is playful, quintessentially French, storytelling, social and symbolises the human desire for connection and love while offering the perfect mélange of authenticity, tradition and modernity. It stands for everyday indulgence and offers freshly-baked bread, cakes, handmade chocolates, homemade gourmet ice creams and an eclectic selection of savoury delights. Encouraging self-love and soul care, Cou Cou is all about creating happy memories - through food, lived experience and great service. The homemade chocolate and cookies section offers homemade single origin chocolate and pastries and also a chance to witness patissiers hand finishing their creations. The bakery and savoury section showcase a tantalising assortment of freshly baked bread, with an opportunity to witness them being baked right in front of you while the cakes and pastries section offers a wide range of cakes, classic and contemporary pastries and tarts of various sizes and flavours. Cou Cou is defined by two major design elements - salmon pink fluting and customised cantilevered light fixtures that break the boundaries between the inside and outside spaces. It is managed by Ms. Aakriti Rathore and the culinary masterpieces are brought to life by Chef Pierre Storti and Chef Pratik Deshmukh, both of whom have more than a decade of experience as patissiers. Their impeccably crafted creations come in interesting and unexpected flavour profiles and combinations with the presentation being modern and playful, making them the perfect pair. Chef Pierre likes to explore the wider social and environmental impact of food while Chef Pratik exemplifies calm, precision and detail. Cou Cou has special offerings for avid tea and coffee drinkers, as well as fresh fruit juices and sparkling wine served by glass and bottle, an eclectic selection of healthy and wholesome salads and sandwiches, pastries, cakes and savouries available to enjoy in the comfortable, elegant environs of the outlet. Cou Cou's warm and attentive staff are at hand to take orders and serve with the warmest hospitality which makes it a must-try French-style live patisserie in Mumbai.

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Domestic Flight Operations Start From Kushinagar

Domestic flight operations at the newly inaugurated Kushinagar airport, Uttar Pradesh commenced with the first flight operating between Delhi and Kushinagar under the RCS-UDAN. The commencement of the flight operations on this route is in line with the commitment and perseverance of MoCA and AAI to enable the country with better air connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport on 20th October 2021. Kushinagar is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Here Lord Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. This region is also the centre point of the Buddhist circuit, which consists of pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Sarnathand Gaya. The operationalization of the Kushinagar airport will connect this region directly with national and global visitors and pilgrims. The Airports Authority of India has developed the Kushinagar Airport with new terminal building spread across 3600sqm at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore in association with Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. The new terminal is equipped to handle 300 passengers during peak hours. SpiceJet was awarded the Kushinagar - Delhi route under the RCS-UDAN 4.0. The flight operations on this route will act as a multiplier effect on the hospitality, tourism, and local economy. Till date, 395 routes and 63 airports including 6 heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme.

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217,000+ Flights Operated Under Vande Bharat Mission

During the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India has undertaken the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indian nationals and also to facilitate travel of passengers between India and various parts of the world. As on 31.10.2021, more than 2,17,000 flights have been operated under Vande Bharat Mission and over 1.83 crore passengers have been facilitated. State-wise distribution of inbound and out bound passengers may be seen at Annexure-A. The operations under Vande Bharat Mission were commercial operations by the airlines and air fares were paid by passengers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has not provided any subsidy/grant for the Vande Bharat Mission.

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Jamaica prepares for return of cruise sector

Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has welcomed the return of the cruise sector to the Caribbean destination. The minister said the arrival of Carnival Glory at Montego Bay Cruise Port would allow the island to “cross a major threshold in its tourism recovery”. The conquest-class cruise ship has a maximum capacity of 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. “I am delighted to welcome cruise back to the tourism capital of Jamaica – Montego Bay. “I am certain that this will be a welcome move for our stakeholders, especially our small and medium tourism enterprises, who earn significantly from cruise passengers. “We certainly look forward to welcoming Carnival passengers to our shores and assure them that this will be a memorable but very safe experience,” said Bartlett. Montego Bay Cruise Port was itself recently recognised as the Caribbean’s Leading Home Port by voters at the World Travel Awards. The return of cruise to the second city in Jamaica is being managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica, the ministry of health and wellness, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC). “Within the Resilient Corridors, travellers will be able to tour facilities and participate in pre-arranged excursions. “Our first objective was, and continues to be, instilling confidence in travellers. “We want our visitors to feel comfortable and secure when they visit us while also ensuring that their experiences are enjoyable and that our vivid Jamaican personality shines through,” Bartlett stated. Carnival Corporation recently committed to sending 110 or more cruises, by its various brands, to the island between October and April next year. The announcement followed discussions between Bartlett, local tourism officials and senior Carnival Corporation executives during recent meetings. The meetings formed part of a major marketing blitz, which saw the minister and his team visiting the main tourism source markets of Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom and the emerging market of the Middle East. Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise line with its headquarters in Doral, Florida. The company is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation Organisation of American States Elsewhere today, minister Bartlett has been elected chair of the Inter-American Committee on Tourism Committee at the Organisation of American States. The news was confirmed during the ongoing UNWTO general assembly in Madrid. The organisation is the most prestigious tourism body in the Americas, welcoming members from Latin America, the Caribbean and North America. Accepting the role, Bartlett called on the region “to not accept what was, nor what is, but what must be” in order to overcome the issues presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. He encouraged UNWTO member states to work in partnership for the future of tourism, based on innovation and investment The Inter-American Committees are subsidiary organs of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), including the CITUR committee on tourism. The committees’ purpose is to lend continuity to the sectoral dialogue on partnership for development in a given sector, follow-up on the mandates issued at the ministerial level, and identify multilateral cooperation initiatives.

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Omicron impact: Government postpones resumption of scheduled commercial flights from December 15

Amidst rising fears and panic around the new Covid-19 variant of concern, Omicron, the government has responded sharply looking at the changing global scenario and has decided to take back its decision taken on November 26 to resume scheduled international commercial flights from December 15 to and from India. In an official circular issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the government said that the ‘situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders’. “In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of the new Variant of Concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course,” the circular shared by DGCA on Twitter read. Although, the government has not clarified weather they will stop air bubble transport flights or not. Until then, the Vande Bharat flights are expected to continue. Notably, many countries around the world including Israel, Japan, Australia have announced to ban international regular flights from other nations keeping in view the high mutation rate of the virus and possible fears of another deadly Covid-19 wave. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had released new guidelines for international arrivals, with stringent testing, tracking and quarantine measures for visitors from ‘at risk countries’. The DGCA later announced updated guidelines which mandated travellers to provide their detailed address and share all necessary details on the Air Suvidha portal before arrival to India. The postponement of regular flights was on the cards looking at general opinion of travellers from various surveys and panic spreading among tourists to travel internationally. The state governments had also come into action after states like Maharashtra and Goa announcing stringent measures for travellers including mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival for all international arrivals and mandatory quarantine for passengers from at risk countries. Other states are also announcing similar restrictions to curb the spread of Omicron variant. Reviewing the current Covid-19 situation earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cautioned the authorities to stay alert and speed up testing and vaccination across the nation. He had also asked to review the decision to resumption of regular international flights, which was later followed by the advice of Ministry of Home Affairs to take similar action. After a long hiatus of more than 20 months, India had finally decided to resume scheduled international commercial flights from December 15 barring flights to/from 12 countries, which are at risk of spreading the virus or where the pandemic situation is not under control.

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IHCL Forays Into Sikkim With The Opening Of Vivanta Pakyong

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announces the debut of its first hotel, Vivanta Sikkim in Pakyong. The hotel is set amidst lush paddy fields and bamboo forests with stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, said, “This opening is in line with IHCL’s strategy of expanding its presence in North East India. Sikkim, with its pristine natural beauty and rich heritage, has tremendous tourism potential. We are delighted to launch Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong, allowing travellers to discover another one of India’s hidden gems and lesser explored destinations.” The 50-room Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong is strategically located at a comfortable driving distance from both, Sikkim’s new airport at Pakyong and the state capital, Gangtok. The hotel’s design is inspired by nature, with the rooms built around cascading courtyards with uninterrupted panoramic views. Sandeep Das, Hotel Manager, Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong, said, “In the heart of picturesque surroundings, Vivanta Sikkim is close to major tourist attractions. The hotel brings Sikkim’s traditions, culture, architecture and cuisines alive through myriad experiences. I look forward to welcoming guests to Sikkim’s new address.” Pakyong is a popular tourist town, which is also an entry point into the beautiful state of Sikkim. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have eight hotels in North East India including four under development.

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