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By Nishang Narayan
Published on December 8, 2024
Airbnb, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched India’s first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. The initiative, aimed at empowering individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities, was inaugurated in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
This academy, part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department, is designed to promote homestay tourism and build capacity among hospitality entrepreneurs across both urban and rural areas of Goa. The goal is to introduce participants to the world of hosting, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to start their journey.
To date, the academy has trained 25 homestay owners through interactive workshops conducted in partnership with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures. The first round of workshops took place at Miramar Residency, catering to participants from North Goa, with another round set for Madgaon in South Goa, targeting an additional 25 trainees.
Rohan Khaunte spoke about the importance of the homestay segment in promoting regenerative tourism, emphasizing its role in preserving Goa's rich culture and supporting the state's "Goa Beyond Beaches" vision. He highlighted the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available for women, who are often the custodians of homestays, noting that this initiative would empower them and contribute to economic growth while showcasing Goa’s authentic experiences.
Suneel Anchipaka, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, shared that the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy would empower Goan communities through tourism entrepreneurship. He noted that by providing essential skills, the initiative aligns with Goa’s vision of fostering inclusive growth and showcasing its authentic tourism experiences to the world.
The academy’s curriculum focuses on entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building, with an emphasis on the specific needs and growth opportunities within Goa's tourism landscape. Participants do not need to be current Airbnb hosts, but must have a passion for enhancing their hosting skills and building genuine connections with travelers. This opportunity offers financial independence while contributing to the local economy by turning spare rooms or properties into income-generating assets.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized that the academy is a transformative initiative aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. He expressed Airbnb's commitment to cultivating a vibrant local tourism economy that benefits all, while enhancing the overall guest experience in Goa.
The launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy marks a new chapter in Goa’s tourism ecosystem, fostering inclusive growth, responsible tourism, and sustainable development. Through this collaboration, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department are paving the way for a resilient tourism industry that empowers local communities and invites travelers to experience Goa beyond the conventional tourist hotspots.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 19, 2026
FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.
The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.
By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.
Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.
FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.
The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.
Published on May 17, 2026
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.
The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.
The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.
Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.
Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."
He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.
IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.
Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.
Published on May 16, 2026
Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.
The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.
The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.
Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.
The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:
With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.
Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.
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