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Air India Express introduces ‘Time to Travel’ offer, airfares start at Rs 1,799

Air India Express has announced its 'Time to Travel' promotion on domestic flights across key channels for reservations made between January 11, 2024 and January 11, 2025. Select itineraries will have fares beginning at Rs 1,799. This limited-time sale includes popular links such as Bengaluru-Chennai, Delhi-Jaipur, Bengaluru-Kochi, Delhi-Gwalior and Kolkata-Bagdogra. The promotion continues across the airline's network, with tempting bargains available. Air India Express has also announced a redesigned brand identity, allowing passengers to 'Fly as You Are' with digitally empowered customisation that includes a wide choice of Gourmair hot meals, comfy seats, in-flight entertainment centre AirFlix and a suite of special loyalty perks. As part of the NeuPass rewards programme members with Highflyer and Jetsetter badges will receive gratis priority services under Xpress Ahead. Tata NeuPass Rewards Programme members will also earn up to 8 percent NeuCoins, in addition to special member perks like exclusive savings on meals, seats, baggage, change and cancellation fee exemptions, and more. Loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, dependents and armed forces personnel are eligible for discounted fares via the airline's app and website.

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Centre to invest Rs 60,000 cr in river cruise tourism, green vessel development by 2047: Sonowal

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said the Centre would invest Rs 60,000 crore by 2047 in river cruise tourism and the development of green vessels. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the first Inland Waterways Development Council meeting in Kolkata, Sonowal said, “We are going to invest Rs 45,000 crore in river cruise, which will take the passenger capacity from 2 lakh to 15 lakh by 2047. The central government aims to invest another Rs 15,000 crore in green transport over the next 10 years to develop 1,000 vessels and ferries. In total, there will be a Rs 60,000 crore investment by 2047, and it will be through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.” Sonowal, who holds the ministerial portfolio of ports, shipping, and waterways, said such projects would help generate thousands of jobs. Of the Rs 45,000 crore investment in cruise tourism, an estimated Rs 35,000 crore has been earmarked for cruise vessels while Rs 10,000 crore will be used for the development of cruise terminal infrastructure. At the council meeting, which was attended by officials of around 20 states and Union Territories, ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines for the green transition of inland vessels and the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 were also unveiled. The former Assam chief minister conducted the day-long meeting to streamline and advance the development of waterways involving states and central government agencies. He drew particular attention to the remarkable turnaround of Kolkata Port, now known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Once a loss-making entity of around Rs 70 crore, it has now posted a net profit of Rs 550 crore in 2022-23, Sonowal said. “This exemplifies the government’s commitment and the effectiveness of its measures,” he added. The sessions covered topics such as fairway development, private sector engagement and best practices, optimising cargo transport efficiency in Inland Water Transport (IWT), fostering the promotion and development of eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation, and exploring the economic advantages of river cruise tourism among others.

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Sustainable tourism, involving stakeholders crucial for sector's growth, says former J&K Secy

The outgoing J&K tourism secretary Dr Syed Abid highlighted the recent surge in tourist footfall, reaching a historic high of 2.11 crores in a single year, and the significant impact of hosting the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting. In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld shortly after his transition to the health and medical education department, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, the former tourism and culture secretary, reflected on the strategic initiatives undertaken and notable achievements in the last year or so. "One of the key lessons that I learnt as Secretary Tourism, is that in the future, sustainable tourism is going to be a very important element of the growth and development of the tourism sector. Involvement of the stakeholders, particularly the young population of our country, in the livelihood opportunities provided by the tourism sector is paramount," he said. He stressed the need to showcase Jammu and Kashmir' tourism potential globally, aiming to position the region as a hub for sustainable and responsible tourism. Describing J&K as the crown of Incredible India, Shah expressed optimism about the sector's continuous growth, attributing it as the backbone of the region's economy. "If the recent trends are any indication, this sector will only grow from strength to strength in times to come. The contribution of tourism in the GDP of the J & K economy and the number of jobs related to the sector will automatically see an increase in the years to come," said Shah. He also highlighted the recent surge in tourist footfall, reaching a historic high of 2.11 crores in a single year, and the significant impact of hosting the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting. "The successful implementation of the G20 event proved to be a watershed moment for the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir. It resulted in an almost 3 time increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals in J&K” he told ETTravelWorld. Shah outlined other major successes, including the promotion of offbeat destinations, a focus on sustainable tourism through home stays, boosting border tourism, reviving film tourism, promoting golf tourism, emphasising cultural tourism, and democratising the sector by involving youth in remote areas with tourism and allied activities. Now appointed as the Secretary for the Health & Medical Education Department, Shah had previously overseen the successful implementation of an important World Bank project in J&K and served as the Mission Director for the prestigious Jal Jeevan Mission. He is replaced by Yasha Mudgul, an IAS officer of the 2007 batch who was recently serving as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government for the Cooperatives Department, before taking over the helm.

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UNSEEN PHOTOS OF ANGKOR WAT, EIGHTH WONDER OF WORLD!

Unseen photos of Angkor Wat, eighth wonder of the world! ​Angkor Wat, one of the world's most famous temple complex in Cambodia, has another claim to fame now. It is now the Eighth Wonder of the World, beating other major giants, including Italy's famous Pompeii. A Hindu-Buddhist temple complex, Angkor Wat is spread across a mammoth 402 acres and is also the world's largest religious structure as per the Guinness World Records. Here, we have some of the rarest photos of Angkor Wat for you to pore over. Faces of Bayon Temple Bayon is one of the most famous temples at Angkor, and rose to fame with the mysterious face towers that are present here. The temple was discovered by explorers in the 19th century, and there are many beliefs that the faces could be of Hindu or Buddhist deities, or King Jayavarman VII as well. It is believed that the temple represents Mt Meru, centre of the universe. Bullet holes at Angkor Wat One cannot help but notice hundreds of bullet holes at Angkor, remains of the fights between Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese Army. More than anything, these traces make wonder about war and its ravages even in today's times. Angkor Wat in 1866 This photo was captured by John Thomson in 1866 and is one of the rarest photos of Angkor Wat. It shows the facade of one of the Angkor temples and is a definite throwback to what has now become the eighth wonder of the world.Angkor's South Gate This photo is from Angkor's South Gate, which is perhaps one of the most photographed parts here. It has a moat that is flanked by sculptures of demons and gods, and represents samundra manthan (churning of the sea) in search of nectar. Some of these have been painstakingly restored and have their roots in the Hindu religion, where samundra manthan is one of the most major events that ever happened. It is believed that the churning of the sea was to find for nectar, which the Gods had and turned immortal. These sculptures at the South Gate are a major highlight here and are loved by photographers from all over the world. Ta Reach, the famous statue at Angkor This eight-armed statue of God Vishnu is one of the most sacred sculpture at Cambodia. The locals believe the deity to be one of the most revered figures. The sculpture has been restored multiple times since the 16th century after it was damaged due to war, natural calamities and reasons, and human activities that also include pouring of water over the statue by the devotees. Nature taking over! It is a surreal experience to visit Angkor Wat; more so because it is a place that is magnificently set in the middle of nature and scenes like these are commonplace. Majestic ancient trees have taken over some of the temples and sculptures here, lending a certain mystery and lure to the complex; also driving home the point that nature reigns supreme, with or without humans. As ancient as it gets! The origin of Angkor goes back to the 12th century, and was built during the Khmer empire by King Suryavarman II. It was built as a Hindu temple and was gradually transformed to a Buddhist temple site with time. It is dedicated to God Vishnu and is revered as a Hindu-Buddhist temple and is oriented towards the west direction unlike most temples here. Visiting Angkor is a once in a lifetime experience, and we highly recommend it as one of the must-haves on your bucket list. It is a place like no other, and is rightfully the eighth wonder of the world now.

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How to get entry permit for Lakshadweep: Check travel guide here

Dreaming of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and pristine beaches? Look no further than Lakshadweep, a breathtaking archipelago of 36 emerald islands scattered like jewels in the Arabian Sea. But before you pack your swimsuit and snorkel, there's one important step: obtaining an entry permit. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds! This guide will navigate you through the process!. WHO NEEDS A PERMIT? Everyone, yes everyone, except native Lakshadweep residents and government officials on duty, needs a permit to step onto these pristine islands. This applies to Indian citizens and foreign tourists alike. WHICH ISLANDS CAN YOU VISIT? Not all islands welcome tourists. Indians can visit five islands: Kavaratti, Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, and Minicoy. HOW TO APPLY FOR THE PERMIT: There are two ways to apply: Online: The easiest and fastest option! Head to the ePermit portal (https://epermit.utl.gov.in/pages/signup) and create an account. Fill out the form with your details, choose your island and travel dates, and upload any required documents. Pay the fees, and voil ! Your permit will be emailed to you 15 days before your trip Offline: Download the application form from the Lakshadweep Administration website (http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/contact.html) or get it from the District Collector's office in Kavaratti. Fill them out, attach the documents, and submit them to the Collector's office. This process may take longer, so plan accordingly. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED? A clear passport-sized photograph A copy of your valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.) Proof of travel (flight tickets or boat reservation) Hotel booking confirmation (if staying in a resort) ADDITIONAL TIPS: - Apply well in advance, especially during peak season (October-March). Permits are issued on a first-come-first-served basis - Book your accommodation and travel soon after getting your permit to secure your spot Choose your island carefully. Each offers a unique experience: Kavaratti for bustling markets, Agatti for water sports, Kadmat for laid-back vibes, etc - Respect the local culture and environment. Responsible tourism helps keep Lakshadweep beautiful for generations to come. FEES AND VALIDITY: - Permit fees vary depending on your nationality and length of stay. Check the ePermit website for current rates - Permits are typically valid for 30 days, with extensions possible under special circumstances. So, with a little planning and preparation, you can soon be soaking up the sun on the pristine shores of Lakshadweep. Remember, a valid permit is your key to unlocking this island paradise. Let the turquoise waters and swaying palms welcome you!

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Air India launches virtual travel assistance on WhatsApp | Here's how to use it

The virtual assistant on WhatsApp aims to aid travellers with inquiries on a broad range of travel-related topics and offer access to various features. Air India introduced AI.g, a generative Artificial Intelligence-powered virtual travel assistant, on WhatsApp. This assistant aims to aid travellers with inquiries on a broad range of travel-related topics and offer access to various features, the airline said in a statement on Monday. “Bringing AI.g to WhatsApp is a testament to that commitment. The accessibility and immediacy of WhatsApp align perfectly with our vision for customer service – we want to be where our guests are, providing them with instant, relevant information and assistance at their fingertips, 24/7.” the airlines said. About the goal of streamlining travel for customers, Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India said, “At Air India, we're constantly innovating to make every touch point in the travel journey seamless and delightful for our guests,” Here's how to use it -The chatbot seamlessly operates within WhatsApp, serving as a valuable aid for travellers across a diverse range of 1300+ travel-related subjects, introducing a new avenue of guest support for Air India. -Air India guests can now conveniently access real-time flight updates, baggage details, download boarding passes or e-tickets, select seats, track online customer support inquiries, and address various common queries via a straightforward WhatsApp chat, eliminating the need to contact the airline's customer service center. -AI.g, the Generative AI-powered assistant, converses fluently in four languages: Hindi, English, French, and German. Guests can engage with AI.g by connecting through the WhatsApp number +91 96670 34444. -Leveraging generative AI technology, AI.g comprehends and responds to traveller queries in a natural and friendly manner. It continuously learns from unanswered questions, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness with time. -This streamlined automation ensures swift responses to inquiries such as bookings, baggage policies, or flight modifications. “This frees up the Air India team to help with complex and value-adding interactions,” the airline said it its statement. What is Generative AI? Generative AI uses artificial intelligence to produce fresh content across various forms such as text, images, music, audio, and videos. This form of AI operates through foundation models, which are extensive AI models capable of multitasking and executing diverse tasks like summarisation, Q&A, classification, and more. These models possess adaptability for specific purposes with minimal training, often requiring only limited example data. The functionality of generative AI involves an Machine Learning (ML) model studying human-generated content within a dataset to grasp patterns and connections. Using these learned patterns, the model then generates novel content.

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