News

Vietjet Thailand debuts Mumbai-Bangkok flight

Expanding its presence in India, Vietjet Thailand announces the launch of its inaugural Mumbai – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) service, set to begin on December 23, 2024, offering passengers a convenient travel option to explore Thailand’s capital and beyond. In the early stage, the service between Mumbai and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) will be operated with a daily flight; flight VZ761 will depart Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) at 00:45 AM and arrive in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi: BKK) at 06:25 AM. The return flight VZ760 will depart Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) at 08:45 PM and land in Mumbai at 11:50 PM (all in local time). Currently, Vietjet Thailand operates 11 Thailand domestic routes, including flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani, cross-regional flights including from Phuket to Chiang Ma and Chiang Raii. The airline is also actively expanding its international flight network to many destinations across Asia-Pacific, connecting Thailand with Vietnam, China, Singapore, Cambodia, Japan, Taipei and other top destinations in the region.

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Alliance Air to operate direct flights to Arunachal Pradesh's hidden gem

Alliance Air will operate two flights a week from Guwahati to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday. The domestic carrier will operate flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Vivek HP said. The flight will depart from Guwahati at 12.10 pm and land in Ziro at 1.25 pm. The return flight from Ziro will leave for Guwahati at 1.50 pm and reach there at 3.05 pm. Ziro has established itself as a MICE tourism destination, and with the beginning of the direct flights from Guwahati to Ziro, tourism in the valley will receive a boost, he said. MICE tourism destinations are cities and regions equipped to host meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). He also hoped that it would enable the citizens needing specialised medical attention to travel to big cities in the shortest time possible, giving them access to specialised healthcare.

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SATTE 2025 partners with SEPC for ATITHI, aiming to bring over 250 intl. buyers

Scheduled to take place from February 19-21, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, SATTE 2025 promises to be a landmark event in the travel and tourism industry, with a focus on creating business opportunities, sharing insights, and fostering networking across the sector. SATTE 2025, India’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, has announced a strategic partnership with the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) for ‘ATITHI,’ a reverse buyer-seller meet. This collaboration aims to bring together over 250 international buyers, further strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SATTE 2025 and SEPC marks a significant step in promoting India’s diverse travel and tourism offerings to a global audience. ATITHI will serve as a platform for international buyers to explore the vast tourism opportunities within India, fostering business collaborations and enhancing bilateral ties in the tourism sector. “We are thrilled to partner with SEPC for ATITHI at SATTE 2025. This collaboration aligns with our vision of making SATTE a premier platform for meaningful global business connections. With over 250 international buyers expected to attend, we are confident that this partnership will open new avenues for growth in the Indian travel industry,” said Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets. Karan Rathore, Chairman of SEPC, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our association with SATTE 2025 for the ATITHI initiative is a significant move towards creating opportunities for Indian tourism businesses. This reverse buyer-seller meet will provide a unique platform for Indian stakeholders to engage with international buyers, showcasing India as a preferred travel destination and fostering long-term business relations.”

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Discover Whitby’s Winter Wonderland with Scenic North York Moors Railway Excursions

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Whitby Winter Excursions are a captivating way for travelers to experience the magic of heritage steam travel while exploring the stunning winter landscapes of North Yorkshire. Running daily from December 27 to January 5, 2025, this seasonal journey offers visitors a chance to embark on a memorable trip from Pickering to the historic coastal town of Whitby. With an emphasis on festive charm and the timeless appeal of steam engines, this excursion is set to make waves in the tourism sector, offering an alternative winter experience for families, holidaymakers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. The Whitby Winter Excursions, departing from Pickering Station, present an idyllic opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the picturesque scenery of the North York Moors. The journey takes passengers through some of the most beautiful and frost-covered landscapes in the region, making it a perfect outing during the holiday season. The trip is a round trip to Whitby, taking around one hour and 45 minutes each way. Passengers are treated to a relaxing, scenic ride, with the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the moors, now covered in a blanket of winter frost. The round trip is not only about enjoying the natural beauty of the region but also about experiencing the charm of heritage steam travel. This nostalgic method of transport has an enduring appeal, offering travelers an opportunity to step back in time while enjoying modern comfort. The enchanting sounds and smells of the steam engine, combined with the picturesque scenery, create a magical atmosphere that has broad appeal. During their time in Whitby, visitors can enjoy the town’s seasonal attractions, which are perfect for those seeking a winter getaway. One of the major highlights is the Christmas tree festival at St. Mary’s Church, where visitors can take in the festive spirit while exploring a range of beautifully decorated trees. Additionally, Whitby offers cozy cafes where travelers can indulge in a warm drink, such as hot chocolate, to recharge after their winter journey.

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Delhi to Srinagar in 13 Hours: Kashmir's First Direct Train

The first direct train from Kashmir to Delhi will begin operating in January, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate the remaining 17-km stretch of the 272 km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project between Reasi and Katra next month. The train will cover a distance of 800 km in less than 13 hours, sources said. The proposed 62-km-long track, 45 km of which has been completed, falls between Katra and Sangaldan, with trial runs of the train underway in the stretch between Sangaldan and Reasi. The stretch also has the world’s highest bridge over the Chenab river. Earlier this year, senior railway officers had conducted a three-day inspection of the railway track between Sangaldan and Reasi on June 26 to 28. The work on the remaining 17 km, which holds four stations between Reasi and Katra, and on the T33 tunnel, has reached the advanced stage of completion, with the stretch expected to be ready for trial by December 20, as per sources.

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AirAsia Announces Affordable Lunar New Year Fares for 2025

AirAsia has unveiled its much-awaited fixed fares for the Lunar New Year celebrations in January 2025, aiming to bring Malaysians together for the festive season. Travelers can now book one-way flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, or Sibu, and from Johor Bahru to Kuching, Sibu, or Miri for just RM328 all-inclusive. For those flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, or Sandakan, or from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu, fares are available for only RM388 all-inclusive. Bookings are open from 3 December 2024 to 4 February 2025, with travel dates from 24 January to 4 February 2025, to celebrate with family and friends. During the 2025 Lunar New Year season, AirAsia will operate nearly 3,600 flights weekly, offering over 27,000 seats at fixed fares to cater to the festive demand. Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: “As we approach the final month of 2024 and prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, we are delighted to unveil our yearly fixed fares, with more than 27,000 seats available during the Chinese New Year period. We are proud to continue playing our role as an industry leader in supporting the government’s initiatives to ensure smooth and affordable travel for Malaysians, especially during the festive season.”

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