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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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Air India Express Supercharges Regional Connections with New Nonstop Pune-Mangalore Flights

Air India Express will launch direct flights between Pune and Mangalore on January 4, enhancing regional connectivity with convenient Saturday schedules. Air India Express will launch direct flights between Pune and Mangalore starting January 4, enhancing regional connectivity. The airline revealed that the flights will run twice every Saturday, with morning and evening departures from both cities. Pune-Mangalore flight schedule Flights departing from Pune are set for 9:55 am and 8:35 pm, arriving in Mangalore at 11:40 am and 10:05 pm, respectively. The return flights from Mangalore will depart at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm, landing in Pune at 9:25 am and 8:00 pm. This new route follows the addition of direct Pune-Bangkok flights, which began on December 21, 2024. These flights operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Departing Pune at 8:40 am, they reach Bangkok at 2:30 pm, while return flights leave Bangkok at 3:35 pm, arriving in Pune at 6:25 pm.

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Etihad Airways Debuts Luxurious New U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport

Etihad Airways has unveiled its new U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport, setting a new standard for convenience and luxury for travelers flying to the United States. Officially launched on December 30, the lounge caters to eligible passengers, enhancing their travel experience with unparalleled comfort and efficiency. The exclusive lounge is open to guests traveling in The Residence, First, or Business Class, as well as Platinum and Emerald members of the Etihad Guest loyalty program. For those who do not meet these eligibility criteria, access is available for purchase, subject to availability. Located steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a serene space to unwind after completing their U.S. entry formalities and before boarding their flight. The thoughtfully designed facility features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad’s premium travel experience. Select flights offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey. “This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,” said John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways.

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Tourism Malaysia Celebrates Launch Of New Airbus A320 Service

The newly launched service operates twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Fridays, utilizing a 168-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Passengers and crew were greeted with enthusiasm by Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chair of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Director-General Manoharan Periasamy and Ding Qiao, China’s Vice-Consul-General in Penang. The welcoming ceremony was also attended by representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Loong Air, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Penang’s state government, and members of the press. The launch of the Xi’an-Penang route aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, highlighting Malaysia’s focus on enhancing ties with China. Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia have seen a remarkable surge, surpassing 3 million visitors in the past year—a staggering 132.7% increase compared to 2023. Tourism Malaysia credits this impressive growth to initiatives like visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, extended until 31st December 2026, alongside enhanced air connectivity between the two countries.

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