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Notre-Dame cathedral to reopen on December 8; gets modern makeover

Paris's iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is all set to reopen on December 8 after a rapid reconstruction following the devastating fire of 2019. The 860-year-old Gothic masterpiece has undergone an extensive transformation, blending its historic architecture with contemporary design elements. Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich revealed the cathedral's new interior plans, expressing a desire to ‘welcome the whole world’ for its reopening. At the forefront of this makeover is the introduction of designer priestly vestments that will be worn by bishops, priests, archbishops and deacons, created by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, known to his celebrity friends as "JC/DC." Castelbajac's creations for the priests, archbishops, bishops, and deacons are inspired by the grand gold cross in the cathedral's choir that was spared by the flames. The vestments feature bold geometric patterns and vibrant primary colours reminiscent of the work of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. Complementing the new clerical attire is a collection of highly stylised bronze furniture being produced in southern France. These pieces, which evoke a Game of Thrones aesthetic, include a new baptismal font, altar, and tabernacle. Additionally, the cathedral will be outfitted with 1,500 to 2,000 simple yet comfortable light oak chairs for the faithful. The painted decorations of the chapels have been restored to their former vibrant glory and will be accompanied by seven new tapestries and six new stained glass windows. These windows are the result of a competition featuring 110 contemporary artists, including Daniel Buren, Herve Di Rosa, and Chinese-born Yan Pei-Ming. According to rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the reimagined Notre-Dame will provide visitors with a ‘strong cultural and spiritual experience.’ With the completion of key restoration projects, including the famous spire, wooden frames, golden crosses, and the cathedral's weather-vane, the stage is set for the cathedral's grand reopening. To accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors, which the diocese estimates will reach 15 million per year – up from 12 million before the fire – the cathedral will implement a new reservation system. For the first six months, individual visitors will be prioritised over groups. Notre-Dame will be able to host 2,500 people at a time and 40,000 per day, double the capacity of the Palace of Versailles and 10,000 more than the Louvre museum. With its modern makeover and state-of-the-art fire protection systems, the historic cathedral is poised to welcome the world and provide a truly immersive spiritual and cultural experience.

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Air India’s A-350 to fly twice daily on Delhi-London Heathrow route from September 1

PUNE: Air India is set to transform the onboard experience for its guests on twice-daily flights between Delhi and London Heathrow with the deployment of its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, airline officials said. Starting from September 1, this route will mark the long-haul international debut of Air India’s flagship product. The A350-900 will replace the currently deployed Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week. With the deployment of the A350-900 to London Heathrow in September, Air India will have upgraded 90% of all its flights to London Heathrow. From April 2024, Air India started deploying its recently inducted Boeing 777-300ERs with elevated cabin interiors on all flights across its Mumbai-London Heathrow route to provide upgraded cabin interiors and inflight entertainment systems, while bringing First class back on the London Heathrow-Mumbai route. This makes Air India the only carrier to offer the choice of First class travel between the two cities as well as between the UK and India. The airline will introduce its Premium Economy class experience for the first time on the Delhi-London Heathrow route with A350-900. It will offer guests the choice of 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin.

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Western Australia’s Coral Coast Is the Road Trip Destination of Your Dreams

For the American traveler, Western Australia might seem a bit far out. Getting to Perth from New York requires at least a 24-hour, two-stop journey. It’s a long haul even for east coast Australians, who might prefer to spend the flight time jetting off to Bali. Once you’ve touched down in Australia’s largest state (more than three times the size of Texas), getting to know it will require driving for days on end—and, in some cases, calling in the help of a charter plane. The air begs for water and it’s so sparsely populated that your next town center is often few and far between. Some pretty gnarly creatures swarm these unforgiving environments, from reptiles with names like “Thorny Devil” and jellyfish the size of a penny, capable of doing serious damage. But it’s all part of the allure. As some poet once said, the more difficult the journey, the sweeter the reward. In Western Australia’s case, it comes in the form of shockingly unspoilt, uncrowded pockets of natural splendor. And the best way to experience it is a road trip along the westernmost coastline, which runs from Perth all the way up to the seaside town of Exmouth. The Coral Coast, as it’s called, is named in honor of Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef and World Heritage Site that graces the floors of the Indian Ocean. The 800-mile drive along the Coral Coast Highway is a veritable feast for the eyes, brimming with ancient landscapes, otherworldly marine life, and rich, Aboriginal cultural heritage. This road trip of WA’s greatest hits starts with the seaside town of Geraldton, to the west of which lies the Abrolhos Islands, an archipelago boasting biodiversity comparable to that of Galápagos. On your way to Kalbarri, where massive, red cliffs overlook the Murchison River, you’ll pass by the natural oddity that is the bubblegum-pink Hutt Lagoon. At Francois Peron National Park, the orange of the desert meets the blue of the ocean, a contrast so striking it can only be described as sublime. It all culminates on the Northwest Cape with a whale shark swim, an adrenaline-pumping experience that’ll have you questioning why you ever became preoccupied with the minutiae of life on land. What to know before hitting the road- The best time to hit the Coral Coast is between the months of March to October, which generally bring milder weather, ranging from about 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Autumn in Western Australia (March to May) welcomes the start of whale shark season, while late winter to early spring (roughly the months of July to October) brings an abundance of wildflowers; we’re talking more than 12,000 species, half of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It’s best to avoid the summer months of December, January, and February, as the weather will simply be too hot and dry to endure, averaging a high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. How to navigate the Coral Coast- To do the Coral Coast one way, you should allot yourself 10-14 days, depending on the kind of excursions you choose to take. From the U.S., you’ll fly into Perth Airport, then rent a car with a company like Avis, which offers one-way car hire between Perth and Exmouth. You’ll need to present your driver’s license (which you must have held for at least 1 year) along with an International Driver’s Permit. Once in Exmouth, catch a flight home via Learmonth Airport. Once you’ve sorted out the logistics, it’s time to map out the very best stops along the Coral Coast: 1. Get to know Western Australia’s City of Light 2. Make your way to Geraldton for an island adventure 3. Head to Kalbarri by way of a pink lake 4. See how orange sands meet blue waters in Shark Bay 5. Swim with the biggest fish in the sea at Exmouth

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Moldova is surging the travel Industry with new visa-free entry policy for 63 countries

Entering Moldova is significantly easier for nationals from 63 countries, as they can do so without the need for a visa, making it an attractive destination for holidaymakers, leisure travelers, business travelers, and those on corporate travel. Moldova is surging the travel Industry with new visa-free entry policy for 63 countries, including Ukraine, US, Romania and Schengen Nations. The visa-free policy allows visitors to effortlessly plan their trips and explore Moldova’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. Holidaymakers and leisure travelers can enjoy the country’s beautiful wine regions, historic monasteries, and the scenic Dniester River. Popular attractions include the Orheiul Vechi archaeological complex, the charming old town of Chișinău, and the Milestii Mici wine cellars, which hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection. For business and corporate travelers, Moldova offers a growing infrastructure with modern amenities, conference facilities, and opportunities for investment and networking. The capital city, Chișinău, serves as a hub for business activities, with numerous hotels and venues equipped to host international events and meetings. The availability of flights from airlines like Wizz Air, Air Moldova, and Fly One ensures convenient access for international visitors, enhancing Moldova’s appeal as a prime travel destination and ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience for visitors from around the world. TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The implementation of Moldova visa-free policy for 63 countries, including Schengen nations, has been a transformative force for the tourism sector. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions but has also broadened our appeal across diverse travel sectors. Additionally, this policy has invigorated niche travel markets, such as culinary tourism, adventure travel, and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and fostering significant economic growth and cultural exchange.” Of the 195,500 foreign tourists who visited Moldova last year, 19% were from Ukraine, 10% from Romania, 3.4% from the United States, and 1.5% from Russia. EU Member States The citizens of the following EU member states do not need visas for entry into the Republic of Moldova for a period of up to 90 days within six months from the first entry: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Czechia Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany EU Member States The citizens of the following EU member states do not need visas for entry into the Republic of Moldova for a period of up to 90 days within six months from the first entry: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Czechia Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands (Holland) Hungary Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Slovakia Spain Sweden United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Non-EU Member States Citizens of the following non-EU countries do not need visas for entry into the Republic of Moldova for a period of up to 90 days within six months from the first entry: Andorra Canada Georgia Holy See (Vatican) Iceland Israel Japan Liechtenstein Monaco Norway San Marino Switzerland United States of America (USA) Top Touristy Places in Moldova Orheiul Vechi- An ancient archaeological complex situated in a picturesque valley of the Raut River. Known for its rich history dating back to the Dacian period, it includes a monastery carved into a limestone cliff. Highlights: Historical ruins, cave monasteries, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage. Chișinău- The capital city of Moldova, known for its Soviet-era architecture, green parks, and vibrant cultural scene. Highlights: Stefan cel Mare Central Park, the National Museum of History, and the Triumphal Arch. Cricova Winery- One of the largest underground wine cellars in the world, famous for its extensive collection of wines and unique storage methods in limestone tunnels. Highlights: Wine tours, tastings, and an impressive wine collection. Airlines and Airports in Moldova Major Airlines: Air Moldova Description: The national airline offering flights to various destinations across Europe and beyond. Wizz Air Description: A low-cost airline providing budget-friendly flights to and from Moldova. Fly One Description: A Moldovan airline offering a range of international flights. Benefits for Visa-Exempt Travelers Easier Access for Holidaymakers and Leisure Travel- Travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Moldova benefit from seamless travel planning. They can easily book flights with major airlines like Air Moldova, Wizz Air, and Fly One, ensuring convenient access to Moldova’s top tourist destinations such as Orheiul Vechi, Cricova Winery, and Chișinău. Convenient Business and Corporate Travel- For business and corporate travelers, the visa-free policy simplifies travel arrangements, making it easier to attend meetings, conferences, and corporate events. The efficient airline connectivity provided by Chișinău International Airport ensures that professionals can travel seamlessly between Moldova and major international business hubs. The railway network also supports regional travel, enhancing connectivity within Moldova and to neighboring countries. Natural Attractions Breathtaking Landscapes- Moldova’s diverse landscapes include rolling hills, vast forests, and scenic rivers. The Codru Forest, one of the oldest and most picturesque forests in Moldova, is a biodiversity hotspot and a favorite destination for nature lovers . Dniester River- The Dniester River is one of the major rivers in Eastern Europe, flowing through Moldova and providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic river cruises. Its banks are dotted with historical sites and charming villages. Protected Natural Reserves- Moldova boasts several protected natural reserves, such as the Lower Dniester National Park and the Prutul de Jos Nature Reserve, which offer unique opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife observation

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Sabre Corporation and Etihad Airways Enhance Travel Efficiency .

Sabre Corporation, a prominent provider of software and technology solutions for the global travel industry, has announced the integration of Etihad Airways’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) content into its global travel marketplace. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency for travel agencies and corporate buyers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Initially launching in Oman and Bahrain, this integration allows agencies to seamlessly access, book, and manage Etihad Airways’ NDC offers. The broader rollout across the EMEA region will follow suit, empowering more agencies to leverage real-time content and customized travel solutions. Sabre’s integration of NDC content enables travel agencies to efficiently compare and book Etihad’s NDC offers alongside traditional options. This capability is facilitated through Sabre’s robust suite of tools, including APIs, the Sabre Red 360 booking application, and the GetThere online booking tool. These platforms ensure that agencies can offer travelers a wider range of personalized travel options, enriched content, dynamic pricing, and tailored solutions to meet the growing demand for unique travel experiences. “We are excited about the addition of Etihad Airways’ NDC content to our travel marketplace, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing the content our customers want and the scalable capabilities they need,” said Jean-Vincent Teuler, Vice President, Airline Sales for EMEA region at Sabre. “This initiative highlights our dedication to innovation and to operating a compelling travel marketplace that provides efficient access to multiple sources of content, including NDC.” Sabre stands out among its peers by offering comprehensive NDC capabilities that cater to both distribution and airline IT requirements. Recently unveiled, SabreMosaic™ represents a cutting-edge, passenger service system (PSS)-agnostic platform designed specifically for airline retailing. This innovative tool empowers carriers to swiftly generate and market dynamic, personalized content in real-time. It facilitates seamless distribution through direct channels and third-party sellers, thereby enhancing airlines’ agility in meeting evolving passenger demands.

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Thai Travellers Will Now Be Able To Visit India Visa-Free From July 1st

Just like Thailand is India’s first pick for an international vacation destination, India ranks high on Thai travellers’ bucket list for a tropical getaway. And now, close at the heels of Thailand’s temporary visa exemption for Indian nationals from May 2024 to November 2024, India has announced a similar move for Thai travellers. And there couldn’t be a better time to visit India, since the monsoon is knocking on our doorsteps. This move signifies a positive step towards increased tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. The visa exemption is likely to lead to a surge in Thai visitors to India, benefitting the tourism industry of both countries. This can lead to a wider range of travel options and potentially lower travel costs due to increased competition among airlines and travel agencies. What Thai Travellers Can See In India: Thailand's visa-free access to India opens a plethora of experiences! You can immerse yourself in the majestic Taj Mahal, a monument to love. Explore the bustling bazaars of Delhi, or unwind on the serene beaches of Goa. History buffs can also explore ancient forts like Mehrangarh or the timeless ruins of Hampi. Nature lovers will find paradise in Kerala's backwaters or the majestic Himalayas. And if you’re travelling to India in the second half of the year, don't miss the vibrant festivals like Holi, Diwali, or Durga Puja, where India's rich culture comes alive in myriad colours. From spiritual journeys to culinary adventures, India offers something for every Thai traveller.

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