News

Rajasthan introduces India’s first luxury E-cruise on Ana Sagar Lake

In a bid to boost tourism, Rajasthan has launched India’s first luxury electric cruise on the picturesque Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer. This eco-friendly e-cruise will offer passengers a luxurious experience while preserving the environment. The service, owned by JP Dadhich and developed by Goa-based Board Craft Private Limited, is a major innovation, with a total investment of INR 5 crore. The luxury e-cruise, made from lightweight fiber instead of heavy iron, is designed to operate in shallow waters, as shallow as four feet. This 22-meter-long double-decker vessel is the first of its kind in India, offering passengers both comfort and sustainability. The lower deck is air-conditioned, providing a cool escape during Ajmer’s hot months, while the upper deck features open-air seating and a dance floor, making it perfect for private events such as parties, DJ nights, or simply enjoying the lake’s panoramic views. With a capacity to accommodate 150 passengers—75 on each deck—the cruise offers ample space for guests to relax and enjoy the ride. A fully equipped kitchen onboard serves a variety of cuisines, including continental dishes and fast food, along with fresh juices. Separate restrooms for men and women add to the comfort of the journey. What sets this e-cruise apart is its commitment to sustainability. Powered by batteries, the cruise emits no harmful pollutants, and future plans include installing solar panels to enhance its eco-friendliness. Bio-toilets are also featured on board, reducing the environmental impact on Ana Sagar Lake. This initiative is a shining example of responsible tourism, combining luxury with a commitment to the environment. For entertainment, the cruise offers a lively atmosphere with music and dancing on the upper deck, creating a unique experience as passengers sail across the tranquil waters of Ana Sagar. Safety is also a priority, with the boat equipped with CCTV cameras, life jackets, and a rescue boat on standby.

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Goa kicks off tourist season early

Your trip to Goa is going to be a lot more happening this year. As per the latest news reports, tourism in Goa has kicked off earlier than usual this year, as beach shack operators have already started setting up their establishments ahead of the usual December tourist rush. As per the records, beach shacks are typically built closer to the peak season, which has not been the case this year. Reportedly, around 80% of the 350 shacks have already been installed, while the remaining will be up by October 15.This was informed by Cruz Cardoso, president of the Shack Owners' Welfare Society. This year, the setting up of the beach shacks has started early because of the arrival of chartered flights, signalling the start of the tourist season. As per the reports, two chartered flights carrying Russian tourists landed at Manohar International Airport on October 2, giving the tourism industry an early boost. As you all know, beach shacks in Goa are dismantled during the monsoon, and usually don’t come up until later in the year. However, this year, the case has been different, and the setting up of each shack has been a sweet surprise even for regular visitors. The proprietors of shacks and hotels are feeling optimistic about this early start to the tourist season. With all the infrastructure in place before the return of estimated tourists, they are anticipating a successful season. If you are planning to visit Goa, now is the great time, when there will be less crowds, and you will get the beach shacks too. Also, October is a great time to visit Goa if you want to escape the crowds and relax on the beach in a more laid-back atmosphere.

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Hyderabad Airport introduces cost-effective resting pods for passengers

In a bid to offer travellers added comfort, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has launched cost-effective resting pods for transit passengers. It will add to the convenience of their travel experience. These pods are provided by JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd and are extremely comfortable, practical and budget-friendly options for those who need a break between flights. Whether passengers are looking to rest, work, or simply relax, these pods provide comfort within the airport. Prime features: Convenient: Set inside the airport, the resting pods offer people the convenience of staying within the terminal. This also reduces the risk of missing the flight. This is especially useful for passengers with long layovers who prefer not to navigate outside the airport or book a hotel room. Options: The pod facility offers various types of accommodations. There are six private twin-occupancy pods, eight pods exclusively for women, and one pod specially designed for persons with disabilities. Awesome, right? Open to all: The pods are available to everyone, not just transit passengers. Even visitors without flight tickets can book a pod, making it a versatile service for anyone spending time at the airport. Affordable: With a price of approximately INR 500 per hour, these pods offer a cost-effective solution. Additionally, discounts are available for longer stays, with a three-hour booking costing around INR 1,400, making it a practical option for those on a budget.

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Digital Travel Summit to Focus on AI and Data-Driven Strategies

Digital Travel Summit US in Austin, TX on October 7–8 brings together industry leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies and elevate customer experiences. The Digital Travel Summit US 2024 is scheduled for October 7–8 at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas. This dynamic event will bring together senior executives from the travel industry to explore cutting-edge technologies, including AI and data-driven strategies. Attendees will focus on customer-centric innovations designed to enhance travel experiences. The summit offers a range of engaging formats, including interactive presentations, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative roundtables. Participants can also expect in-depth fireside chats and case studies, providing valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of travel. Digital Travel 2024 stands as the leading event for travel executives committed to revolutionizing the customer experience. With insights from top professionals across hotels, OTAs, airlines, and transportation sectors, this conference delivers the tools needed to enhance personalization and streamline cross-channel strategies for seamless customer interactions. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to embrace innovative approaches that boost revenue and strengthen customer loyalty. Attending Digital Travel equips you with the knowledge to navigate this new digital landscape and drive bookings to new heights.

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Bahrain Airport targets 100 destinations, boost global connectivity

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is seeking to significantly expand its global connectivity, with plans to increase its reach to 100 destinations over the next four to five years. This strategy is part of Bahrain’s broader vision to establish itself as a key aviation player in the Gulf region despite significant competition from nearby hubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In an interview with Aviation Week ahead of Routes World 2024, Bahrain Airport Company CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah outlined the airport’s multifaceted approach to growth, which includes strengthening partnerships with Gulf Air, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority and other key stakeholders. This collaborative effort is focused on enhancing air connectivity, improving passenger experience and driving economic growth through increased tourism and business travel. “We are more aligned as stakeholders than ever before,” Al Binfalah says. “Our national air connectivity plan aims to reach 100 destinations, and this plan is being executed over four to five years. “We are targeting major markets in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and we believe that our coordinated efforts will lead to much better performance in both air traffic movements and passenger traffic.”

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Spot manta rays in the Maldives with private cruises, on-call services

Every June, the Eastern Baa Atoll in the Maldives attracts the world’s largest known population of manta rays, a sight that people across the world travel to witness. The Manta Trust, a charity set up in 2005 at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, has been working towards making these sightings better courtesy of their founding research project, Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP). at Landaa Giraavaru | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Every June, the Eastern Baa Atoll in the Maldives attracts the world’s largest known population of manta rays, a sight that people across the world travel to witness. The Manta Trust, a charity set up in 2005 at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, has been working towards making these sightings better courtesy of their founding research project, Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP). If you are looking at planning a trip to the Maldives this year, it might be ideal as “the manta magic starts when the Southwest Monsoon (Hulhangu) season begins in the Maldives”, says Elspeth Strike, project manager at Baa Atoll, The Manta Trust. “During this season, hundreds of reef manta rays (a type of cold-blooded fish) return to the area to exploit the rich, productive waters of Baa, making the most of the abundance of their zooplankton prey which concentrates within sites like Hanifaru Bay. The best time to plan a manta spotting visit to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is between the months of June and November,” she says.

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