News

Etihad Airways To Announce Ten New Destinations This November

Etihad Airways is set to unveil ten new destinations on November 25, expanding its network to 93 cities and boosting travel options to and from Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways is embarking on one of its boldest ventures yet, preparing to unveil ten new destinations in a single day. Set for November 25, this milestone announcement underscores the airline’s dedication to growth and exceptional customer service. With 83 destinations already on its roster, the addition of these ten cities will expand Etihad’s network to 93, offering travelers even more choices and boosting tourism to Abu Dhabi. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We’re almost ready to announce the new destinations which will excite and delight our customers. “We have already unveiled three new destinations for 2025 – Prague, Warsaw and Al Alamein, but now we are taking it to another level. Etihad is accelerating its growth strategy with an impressive announcement of 10 new destinations on a single day. “This bold move highlights the airline’s commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience, marked by authentic Emirati hospitality and convenient travel options. We are dedicated to meeting our guests’ needs by offering the destinations they desire, at the times and frequencies that best suit them.” To build excitement, a TikTok teaser campaign launched today, with more hints promised in a special video debuting on Friday, November 22. This gives eager fans the weekend to speculate before the grand reveal.

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Kerala boosts tourism with 10 New Namo Bharat Trains

In a bid to boost tourism in Kerala, the Indian Railways has shared its plans for the Vande Bharat sleeper trains. The plan is to increase passenger capacity while keeping the overall project cost unchanged. Earlier, the plan was to develop 200 Vande Bharat trains, each with 16 coaches. But, the new agreement talks about development of 133 trains, each with 24 coaches. Major highlights Earlier this year, a contract for building 120 sleeper trains was awarded to CJSC Transmashholding from Russia and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL). However, under the revised terms, the number of trains to be delivered by this consortium will be reduced to 80. Similarly, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), in partnership with Titagarh Wagons, was initially tasked with constructing 80 trains but will now deliver only 53. The changes are part of the railways’ strategy to deploy these trains on long-distance routes, where the additional coaches will help spread the operational costs over more passengers. According to Harshit Kapadia, Vice President at Elara Securities, increasing the number of coaches is a practical solution for long routes. Each coach will accommodate approximately 80 passengers, which means around 600 more passengers per train. This higher capacity will help reduce the cost per passenger, making long-distance train travel more affordable. The Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in February 2019, is part of Indian Railways' broader modernization efforts. It is available in three versions: chair car, sleeper, and metro. While the chair car version serves shorter routes, the sleeper version is designed for longer journeys between 800 to 1,200 kilometers. The sleeper version was initially designed with 16 coaches, including AC three-tier, two-tier, and first-class compartments. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently unveiled a prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach, marking a significant step toward launching these trains for long-haul travel. Trials for 10 trains, each with a 16-coach configuration, are expected to begin soon, with passenger services likely to start by December 2024. While there have been delays, the revised contract will not affect the timeline or budget, ensuring the continued rollout of modern, passenger-friendly trains across India. This project reflects Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing long-distance travel by optimizing resources and offering more comfortable, cost-effective travel options for passengers.

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Mumbai Airport records 4.42 million travellers this Diwali

During the Diwali festivities in October 2024, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) experienced a surge in passenger traffic, handling over 4.42 million travellers. This bustling airport, one of India’s busiest and most efficient travel hubs, saw a notable rise in both domestic and international travel as people flocked to celebrate the festival of lights with their families and loved ones. Domestic and International traffic Mumbai Airport reported handling a total of 3.16 million domestic and 1.25 million international passengers during the Diwali period. The airport’s efficient infrastructure and expansion of travel options played a significant role in managing this increase in air traffic. In October alone, the airport managed 19,848 domestic and 7,222 international Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), showcasing its capacity to accommodate high volumes of air traffic. The peak day for travel was October 26, when 939 flights were recorded, marking it as the busiest day of the month, with the highest number of ATMs. This surge in air traffic reflects the growing preference for air travel during the festive season, driven by the desire to visit family, attend celebrations, or simply escape to popular holiday destinations. Popular destinations Among domestic destinations, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa emerged as the most popular choices for Mumbai-bound travellers. Delhi, as the top destination, saw 0.58 million passengers flying to and from the capital city during the festive period. Goa, with its serene beaches and vibrant Diwali celebrations, also attracted a significant number of travellers, along with Bengaluru, known for its tech hubs and cosmopolitan lifestyle. These cities saw increased air traffic, further highlighting the role of Mumbai as a major connecting point for domestic travel. International destinations International travel from Mumbai Airport also saw a substantial rise, with the Middle East, Europe, and Asia being the top regions driving the demand. The Middle East accounted for the largest share of international traffic, making up 51% of all international flights, followed by Asia with 23% and Europe with 17%. Popular international destinations included Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi, which continued to dominate passenger flow during Diwali. Additionally, the introduction of new routes, such as Nok Air’s flights to Don Mueang, Thailand, and Virgin Atlantic’s services to London, boosted passenger traffic to Asia and Europe. CSMIA's ability to efficiently handle the surge in passenger volumes during the Diwali season underscores its growing importance as a global aviation hub. With its world-class infrastructure and improved connectivity, Mumbai Airport is set to maintain its position as a vital international gateway, offering seamless travel experiences to millions of passengers in the final quarter of 2024. As the airport continues to thrive, it remains at the forefront of connecting India to the world, showcasing its ability to adapt to increasing demand while ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers across the globe.

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Govt plans strategic INR 6,000 crore tunnel to connect Leh and Pangong

As per the latest development, the Indian Government is exploring options to construct a 7-8 km twin-tube tunnel through Kela Pass. Reports add that a proposal with regard to this has been put forward by the Union Territory administration of Ladakh. If this initiative is put into action, the proposed tunnel will facilitate travel of visitors and military from Leh to Pangong without any hassle. The Kela Pass, situated at an altitude of 18,600 ft above sea level, holds the distinction of being the country’s highest motorable pass, which plays a crucial role in linking Leh to the iconic Pangong Lake, a popular tourist destination and a critical zone for defense operations. Reports add that the tunnel will aim to provide all-weather connectivity, and significantly enhance mobility for civilians and military personnel alike. Above all, it’s also expected to reduce travel time between Leh and Pangong Lake, making it a crucial infrastructure project for the region. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently held discussions about the proposal, with an estimated project cost of around INR 6,000 crore. Referring to this proposal, a government official added that it’s a challenging and high-cost project, yet its strategic importance cannot be overstated. As per the reports, the proposal is still in its preliminary stages, with ongoing deliberations about whether the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) or the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport will take up the project. The Ladakh administration first highlighted the need for such a tunnel in 2022, proposing infrastructure development at four strategic passes: Khardung La, Fotu La, Namika La, and Kela Pass. These projects aim to boost tourism, stimulate economic growth, and ensure smooth military operations, especially during harsh winters when roads are often blocked by snow. If approved, the Kela Pass tunnel will align with broader strategic goals to improve mobility and accessibility in Ladakh. Its construction will not only enhance the region’s connectivity, but will also strengthen national security and promote regional development.

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Delhi Metro launches online ticket sales for India International Trade Fair 2024

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has introduced online ticket sales for the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024. The event will be held at the Bharat Mandapam Complex. This latest initiative is aimed at making it easier for visitors to attend one of Delhi’s most anticipated events. Tickets for IITF can now be conveniently purchased online through the DMRC's Delhi Sarathi app, which became available on November 11. The app offers QR-coded tickets for seamless entry and also provides an option to book 8-seater golf carts for transportation within the Bharat Mandapam Complex. These golf carts, driven by attendants, will operate in two time slots: from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This service is designed to help visitors, especially families, elderly individuals, or those with mobility challenges, navigate the vast event grounds with ease. Up to 10 tickets for golf carts can be booked daily via the app, making group arrangements more convenient. For those who prefer to buy tickets offline, DMRC is offering ticket sales at 55 major Metro stations from November 14 to November 27. These include key stations like Rithala, Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda), Samaypur Badli, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, Dwarka Sector 21, Kirti Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Majlis Park, and Hauz Khas. Tickets will be available at customer care centers and ticket counters at these stations. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and visitor category. For business days (November 14-18), the price is ₹500 for adults and ₹150-₹200 for children. On weekdays (November 19-22), tickets cost ₹80 for adults and ₹40 for children. Weekend prices (November 23-24) are ₹150 for adults and ₹60 for children. The final days of the event (November 25-27) see a return to weekday rates, with tickets priced at ₹80 for adults and ₹40 for children. This pricing structure ensures affordability for a wide range of visitors, making it accessible to business professionals, families, and students alike. With these new services and flexible pricing, DMRC aims to enhance the visitor experience and streamline access to one of Delhi’s most prominent trade events.

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Brazil strengthens its tourism ties with China to boost economic and cultural exchange

Brazil is intensifying efforts to enhance tourism cooperation with China, positioning the partnership as a vital driver for mutual economic and cultural growth. Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Board, emphasized the significance of this collaboration during an interview. Freixo highlighted that the growing number of Chinese tourists visiting Brazil is not only deepening ties between the two nations but also creating long-term economic benefits. “Brazil has been ramping up its tourism promotion efforts in the Chinese market, showcasing the country’s diverse travel experiences, including cultural offerings, wildlife observation, and luxury activities,” Freixo stated. As the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro approaches, Brazil’s global profile as a premier travel destination is in the spotlight. Key tourist attractions such as Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Manaus in the Amazon region are increasingly popular among Chinese travelers. Recognizing China’s position as a global economic powerhouse, Embratur plans to expand its outreach in the Chinese market. Freixo announced Brazil’s participation in ITB China, a leading travel trade show in Shanghai next year, aiming to foster communication and partnerships within the Chinese travel industry. The agency also plans to enhance tourism infrastructure and provide seamless experiences for Chinese visitors, including improved payment systems and tailored services. The introduction of a reciprocal 10-year visa agreement between China and Brazil starting February 19 is expected to further facilitate bilateral travel. Freixo believes this policy will stimulate business exchanges and promote tourism development. Statistics underscore the potential of this partnership. In 2023, 42,542 Chinese tourists visited Brazil, with international flight bookings to the country rising by 201% year-on-year as of November 12, according to Tongcheng.com. Additionally, data from Trip.com ranked Brazil among the top five Latin American destinations for Chinese tourists from January to October. Brazil’s focused efforts to attract Chinese tourists aim to leverage this growing market, fostering cultural understanding and economic growth between the two nations.

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