News

Chennai Metro Sets Benchmark with 10.52 Crore Commuters

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) began its journey on June 29, 2015, revolutionizing public transportation in Chennai. Over the years, it has become an integral part of daily life for the city’s residents. In 2024, CMRL reached a remarkable milestone, witnessing an unprecedented rise in passenger numbers, with 10.52 crore commuters traveling on its network. The journey of Chennai Metro has been marked by steady growth in ridership, except during the pandemic years when travel restrictions were imposed. Here’s a breakdown of the annual passenger data: From June 29, 2015, to December 31, 2018: A total of 2,80,52,357 passengers. 2019: 3,28,13,628 passengers. 2020: 1,18,56,982 passengers (impacted by COVID-19 lockdown from March to September 2020). 2021: 2,53,03,383 passengers (impacted by a lockdown in May and June 2021). 2022: 6,09,87,765 passengers. 2023: 9,11,02,957 passengers. 2024: 10,52,43,721 passengers. Since its launch, the Chennai Metro has served an impressive 35,53,60,793 passengers as of December 31, 2024. This impressive growth underscores the Metro’s importance in providing reliable and efficient transportation.

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Arabian Travel Market 2025 Debuts at Dubai World Trade Centre

The 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is scheduled for 28 April to 1 May 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), set to transform the travel industry.Focused on enhancing the seamless travel experience, the event will spotlight key industry trends such as innovation, connectivity, and customization, addressing the evolving needs of global travellers. Each year, ATM presents a deep dive into the issues shaping the international travel landscape, and 2025 will be no exception. With the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,’ ATM 2025 will examine how shifts in technology and traveller behaviour are driving a new era of travel, enhancing connectivity across various touchpoints. One of the most significant trends anticipated for 2025 is nostalgia travel, which taps into the Millennial generation’s growing desire to revisit their youth. This trend has been sparked by a wave of 1990s movie remakes and 2000s music tours, with many travellers seeking to recreate special childhood moments or share nostalgic experiences with their own children. Travel companies are presented with a wealth of opportunities to cater to this demand by offering tailored experiences that invoke fond memories and timeless destinations.

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Culinary Tourism Market Set to Reach $1.8 Trillion by 2027

The global culinary tourism market is on a rapid growth trajectory, with projections indicating it will reach a market value of $1,796.5 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8% from 2020 to 2027. This expansion reflects the increasing interest in food-focused travel experiences, fueled by a desire to explore local and international cuisines, attend food festivals, and participate in cooking classes. The surge in demand for unique gastronomic experiences and the growing influence of social media have been pivotal in driving the popularity of culinary tourism across the globe. One of the main drivers of growth in the culinary tourism market is the growing pursuit of unique and authentic travel experiences. More and more tourists are seeking destinations that offer distinctive food and beverage experiences, which enhances their travel journeys. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have amplified the appeal of food-related content, contributing to the rapid rise of culinary tourism. Travelers now use social media to discover new destinations and share their culinary adventures, further fueling interest in food tourism. However, there are challenges that could potentially impact the market. The increase in global terrorism, political instability, and natural disasters have caused disruptions in the tourism industry. Such factors pose risks to the growth of culinary tourism as travelers seek more secure and stable destinations. Nevertheless, these challenges have not deterred the market’s overall growth, as many culinary tourists are willing to venture to new and emerging destinations where food experiences are central to the local culture.

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India’s North East Tourism & Economy to Benefit from Over Forty-Seven Percent Budget Increase

The Union Budget 2025-26 boosts India’s North East with a 47.6% fund increase, enhancing tourism, infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth.The Union Budget 2025-26 has significantly increased financial support for the North Eastern Region (NER), with a 47.6% rise in the allocation for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). For the upcoming fiscal year, the budget estimate stands at Rs 5,915 crore, a sharp increase from Rs 4,006 crore in the revised estimates for 2024-25. This move highlights the government’s focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity, industry, and social development across the region.

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India inaugurates first glass sea bridge in Kanyakumari

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated India's first ever glass bridge on December 30, 2024, connecting the Vivekananda Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari. The bridge is designed to offer a unique visual experience, and features a transparent glass surface that provides visitors with a stunning view of the sea below. (Source: PTI) In case you plan to visit the town, here are some other places you must visit: Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970, in honor of Swami Vivekananda who had visited Kanyakumari in 1892 and had meditated on this rock for two days, right before his trip to Chicago for the World Religious Conference. This rock is situated 500 meters away from the mainland and can be reached via ferry that operates at regular intervals. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) Dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari, the virgin goddess, this temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. Also known as Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple is believed to be over 3000 years old. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) Built by Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, this 133 feet long statue of great saint, poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, stands tall amidst the ocean and presents a captivating view. It has been built 133 feet long to represent the 133 chapters of the masterpiece Thirukkural and has a 38 feet long pedestal, which is symbolic of 38 chapters of virtues in Thirukkural. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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IndiGo To Launch Daily Nonstop Flights To Bikaner From Delhi

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, introduces Bikaner as its 90th domestic and 127th overall destination within its extensive 6E network. Starting February 7, 2025, the airline will strengthen regional connectivity by launching daily nonstop flights between Bikaner and Delhi, making it the fifth destination in Rajasthan served by IndiGo. Operating more than 250 daily flights, IndiGo connects Delhi to 88 destinations, including 69 across India and 19 international locations. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to announce the culturally rich and vibrant city of Bikaner as the 90th domestic destination in our 6E network and the 5th in Rajasthan. IndiGo will now operate over 460 weekly flights from the state of Rajasthan, connecting 20 destinations directly across the country. This new route aims to promote tourism as well as trade by offering increased access to Bikaner’s rich cultural heritage and iconic historical sites. As India’s leading carrier, we remain committed towards delivering on our promise of providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an unparalleled network.” As heritage tourism continues to thrive, Rajasthan has solidified its position as one of India’s most sought-after travel destinations. The state has masterfully repurposed its historic structures, turning them into sustainable attractions that captivate visitors. The launch of these flights aligns with Rajasthan’s efforts to accommodate a surge in tourist arrivals by investing in infrastructure and new initiatives. Bikaner, celebrated for its magnificent palaces, forts, and heritage sites, is affectionately called the ‘Red City’ due to its striking red sandstone architecture. The introduction of the Delhi-Bikaner route enhances accessibility to this enchanting destination while fostering economic growth in both cities.

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