Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Reward Points on Cruises Worldwide

Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Reward Points on Cruises Worldwide

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 19, 2024

Air India, India's leading global airline, has joined hands with Arrivia, the world’s largest stand-alone travel loyalty provider, to enhance its Flying Returns loyalty program. Through this exciting partnership, Flying Returns members can now earn Reward Points on cruises with over 40 major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, and many more, covering over 30,000 itineraries across the globe.

Flying Returns members will now earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on cruise fares when booked through the dedicated portal flyingreturnsicruise.com. This expansion means that members can accumulate points not just on Air India flights but also on a diverse range of luxurious and exotic cruise experiences. Whether it's an opulent Caribbean escape, a thrilling Alaskan excursion, or a tranquil river cruise, the opportunities to earn and redeem points are now broader than ever.

Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-Commerce at Air India, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are committed to making Flying Returns a truly world-class loyalty program, and this exciting new partnership with Arrivia is one of the many ways in which we are reimagining Flying Returns. It’s about enriching travel experiences, whether our valued members enjoy those on Air India or anywhere else around the world."

John Williams, Managing Director of Arrivia International, added, "Cruising is more than just a transaction. Flying Returns members have thousands of sailings to choose from, serviced by our expert team of knowledgeable and experienced cruise specialists via our global call centers. Our cruise specialists provide a seamless booking process with personalized assistance and expert advice to ensure that every aspect of the journey exceeds expectations."

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Arrivia's iCruise program, which powers this new offering, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Known for its strong industry relationships, unbeatable rates, and commitment to value, iCruise is now set to help Flying Returns members set sail on their dream vacations. With over 30,000 worldwide itineraries spanning oceans, rivers, and expeditions, this partnership ensures members receive top-notch cruise experiences while earning valuable rewards.

The global cruise industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with the CLIA State of the Industry Report indicating a passenger volume of 31.7 million in 2023—a nearly 7% increase from 2019. With projections for 2024 suggesting even greater growth, Air India's Flying Returns program is poised to thrive in this robust market.

The cruise industry’s rapid growth in India further solidifies the importance of this partnership, making every voyage unforgettable and rewarding for Flying Returns members.

About Air India Flying Returns:

Launched in 1994, Air India's Flying Returns program is India’s oldest frequent flyer program. In April 2024, the program underwent a monumental transformation, moving away from the legacy miles-based model to a more equitable, spend-based approach. The revamped Flying Returns offers simplified structures, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity. Notable features include Evergreen Points, which never expire, no blackout dates on redemption, and a premium member service center for Platinum, Gold, and Silver members.

About Arrivia:

For more than 25 years, Arrivia has powered travel loyalty and rewards programs for some of the world’s most respected cruise, hotel, resort, and financial brands, including American Express®, USAA®, and Marriott Vacation Club®. Arrivia offers customers exclusive pricing and personalized travel options that inspire loyalty and drive growth. To learn more, visit arrivia.com.

Flying Returns powered by iCruise: flyingreturnsicruise.com
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Dook International: Revolutionizing CIS Travel for Over 15 Years

Dook International: Revolutionizing CIS Travel for Over 15 Years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 22, 2025

For over 15 years, Dook International has been a trusted name in CIS travel, offering seamless travel experiences across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and more. What started as a modest venture in Uzbekistan has now grown into a leading travel agency, with an extensive network of 10,000+ travel agents and offices across nine countries.

A Legacy of Trusted Travel Solutions

Dook International has proudly served over 500,000 travelers and 500+ corporate clients through its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service has cemented its reputation as a go-to travel partner for CIS destinations.

"Travel is about more than just visiting new places; it's about creating lifelong memories. For 15 years, we've been dedicated to making CIS travel easy and unforgettable for our clients," said Gopal Kapoor, Director of Dook International.
"As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains to provide extraordinary travel experiences that inspire and connect people worldwide."

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Strategic Expansion with Ease My Trip

To meet the evolving demands of modern travelers, Dook International has partnered with Ease My Trip, further expanding its market reach and enhancing its service offerings.

Operating from its registered office in Delhi, the company boasts a dedicated team of 250+ employees, working tirelessly to craft unique and personalized travel experiences.

The Road Ahead

As Dook International looks to the future, it remains committed to exploring new destinations, enhancing travel experiences, and strengthening its foothold in the CIS region and beyond. With innovation and customer satisfaction at its core, the company continues to set new benchmarks in the travel industry.


Luxeglamp Unveils Luxe Chateau: India's First Double-Glass Glamp at Kodaikanal

Luxeglamp Unveils Luxe Chateau: India's First Double-Glass Glamp at Kodaikanal

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 18, 2025

Luxeglamp, the pioneers in luxury glamping in India, has introduced a groundbreaking concept with the launch of the Luxe Chateau—India’s first double-glass glamping domes. Nestled at Luxeglamp’s eco-resort in Kodaikanal, these innovative Luxe Chateaus offer guests an immersive 360° view of the surrounding forests and starry skies, providing a truly unique stay.

The glass domes, designed for both luxury and sustainability, offer excellent sun protection, wind resistance, and warmth preservation, ensuring a cozy stay no matter the weather. Whether you're admiring the tranquil landscape or gazing at the stars, the transparent glass structure creates an uninterrupted connection to nature, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most breathtaking sunrises in Kodaikanal.

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Antony Thomas, the CEO and founder of Luxeglamp, expressed his excitement, saying, "We wanted to elevate our guests’ connection with nature. Our new Glass Glamps offer an all-encompassing experience where guests can sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most beautiful sunrises in Kodaikanal—all while staying warm and cozy."

For couples seeking a romantic escape, Luxeglamp offers a variety of exclusive experiences, including a floating breakfast in the infinity pool, an afternoon tea experience, a guided scenic horseback ride, and an intimate candlelit dinner under the stars with a specially curated 5-course gourmet meal. Guests can also enjoy a private sauna or unwind by a cozy campfire in the evening, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of their stay.

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The interiors of the Luxe Chateaus are minimalist and nature-inspired, reflecting the rustic charm of the Wild West. Private decks provide the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation, while eco-friendly amenities enhance the sustainable luxury experience. This new concept continues Luxeglamp’s mission of combining comfort with sustainability, ensuring an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and travelers seeking something extraordinary.

The Luxe Chateaus are built with double-glazed, insulated glass, which helps maintain the internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling. This energy-efficient design contributes to a lower carbon footprint, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while being mindful of environmental impact. The glass domes blend seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring that the beauty of nature is preserved without visual pollution.

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Building on the success of the Luxe Chateau, Luxeglamp plans to expand its glamping offerings with more thematic experiences across locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly luxury glamping.

About Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P

Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P is India’s first luxury glamping provider, offering a glamorous yet eco-friendly way to immerse in nature. Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Luxeglamp combines stunning panoramic views with exceptional amenities that focus on environmental conservation and minimal ecological footprint. With cozy rooms, hot tubs, private patios, and delicious food, each Luxeglamp site ensures a one-of-a-kind experience. The company is dedicated to harmoniously blending nature with hospitality, allowing guests to indulge in luxury while embracing the natural world. For more information, visit www.luxeglamp.com.


Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Showcases Unmatched Beauty at IITM Kolkata

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Showcases Unmatched Beauty at IITM Kolkata

By Author

Published on February 17, 2025

In a significant effort to boost tourism through a nationwide promotional campaign, the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, participated in the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Kolkata.

On the sidelines of IITM Kolkata, a team from J&K Tourism, led by Additional Secretary Owais Mushtaq, engaged extensively with the media fraternity of Kolkata and held meetings with leading travel trade operators from the eastern region. The team showcased the immense tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir, a region blessed with unparalleled natural beauty—ranging from vast meadows and lush forests to snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking valleys.

The delegation included Mr. Owais Mushtaq (Additional Secretary, Tourism), Ms. Savita Chouhan (Deputy Director, Tourism Jammu), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir), and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq (Officer-In-Charge, J&K Tourism Office, Kolkata). During IITM, they provided insights into the diverse tourism offerings of the Union Territory, highlighting Pilgrim Tourism for devotees visiting Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, as well as Adventure Tourism, which includes trekking, white-water rafting, skiing, mountaineering, and paragliding. Additionally, they emphasized the rich heritage of Leisure Tourism, which has been a hallmark of J&K for centuries.

During the event, Mr. Owais Mushtaq delivered a detailed presentation outlining the extensive range of tourism products and services available in Jammu & Kashmir. He also highlighted the department’s continuous efforts to enhance visitor experiences and promote responsible tourism.

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The delegation extended a warm invitation to media representatives to visit Jammu & Kashmir and experience firsthand its diverse tourism offerings. They assured attendees that J&K is one of the safest destinations for tourists, boasting a zero-crime rate against visitors and being recognized as one of the safest places for women travelers globally.

Furthermore, the team emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir offers distinct scenic beauty across all seasons, with each destination transforming uniquely throughout the year—whether in the vibrant bloom of spring, the golden hues of autumn, or the snow-covered landscapes of winter.

The team also highlighted the remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in recent years, reflecting Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence as a premier travel destination. In 2022, the Union Territory welcomed 1.88 crore tourists, followed by 2.11 crore in 2023, and an impressive 2.37 crore in 2024. This consistent increase in footfall underscores the region’s unmatched natural beauty, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and the successful efforts of the J&K Tourism Department in promoting the destination.

With its strong presence and impactful promotional campaigns, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism continues to lead the way in India's tourism sector, emerging as a frontrunner at the IITM Kolkata event.

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