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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 August 24, 2026
Regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination, further expanding its regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With the new addition, the airline now serves four destinations across the two states.
The airline will connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, supporting travel for pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and students across southern India. Bookings for the new Tirupati services are now open through FLY91’s website and travel agency network.
Tirupati is one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and is home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, which attracts millions of devotees. Beyond pilgrimage, the city is also an important educational, cultural and commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh.
Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, "The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on 'Connecting Bharat' through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India's growing regional markets."
FLY91 will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights between Tirupati and Vijayawada will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while services between Tirupati and Rajahmundry will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
With Tirupati now added to its network, FLY91 serves Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The addition strengthens FLY91’s focus on connecting regional markets and improving access between important destinations across India.
By Hariharan U
Published on August 19, 2026
Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.
The airline began operations from the new airport on August 17, 2026, with 10 daily flights serving the three key domestic destinations. The inaugural flight departed for Bengaluru at 8:00 AM, with guests receiving ceremonial boarding passes to mark the launch.
The new services strengthen air connectivity for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding region, while providing travellers with additional options to connect with major business, tourism and commercial centres across southern India.
Air India Express currently operates two daily flights between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad and two daily services between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, along with a daily service connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam schedule also includes additional services on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers.
All timings are local and are effective from August 17, 2026.
The airline is also expanding its network from Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Tirupati, with daily flights connecting Tirupati and Hyderabad scheduled to commence from September 1, 2026.
From the same date, Air India Express will also resume its daily service on the Hyderabad–Chennai route, further strengthening connectivity between key cities in southern India.
With the latest additions, Air India Express currently serves 48 domestic and 16 international destinations, operating more than 3,000 weekly flights across India, Southeast Asia and West Asia.
The commencement of operations at Bhogapuram marks another step in the airline's network expansion strategy while strengthening connectivity to and from Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh's important commercial, industrial and tourism centres.
Published on August 15, 2026
With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated 12 short getaway options for travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.
The list brings together destinations that are easy to reach from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering everything from monsoon-filled hills and wildlife escapes to heritage cities and coastal retreats. Whether it is adventure, nature, culture or simply some time away from the city, there is an option for different kinds of travellers.
1. Rishikesh: For an Adventure-Filled Break
Just a few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure, spirituality and relaxation along the Ganga.
2. Jaipur: For a Dose of Culture & Heritage
Jaipur is an easy heritage escape from Delhi, with royal history, grand architecture, local food and colourful markets.
3. Jim Corbett: For a Wildlife Escape
For travellers looking to spend the weekend closer to nature, Jim Corbett offers forests, wildlife and peaceful resort stays away from the city.
4. Mussoorie: For a Refreshing Hill Retreat
Mussoorie continues to be a popular short getaway from Delhi, with mountain views, colonial charm and a pleasant hill-station atmosphere.
5. Lonavala: For a Quick Monsoon Escape
Lonavala becomes especially scenic during the monsoon, with green hills, misty landscapes and waterfalls. Its easy access from Mumbai makes it a convenient weekend option.
6. Alibaug: For a Coastal Reset
Alibaug brings together coastal landscapes, heritage, local food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for travellers looking to slow down.
7. Mahabaleshwar: For Misty Mountain Views
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers lush and misty landscapes during the monsoon, making it ideal for a peaceful break.
8. Nashik: For Food, Culture & Countryside
Nashik offers a mix of heritage, spirituality, countryside landscapes and Maharashtra's growing wine culture, giving travellers an alternative to the usual hill or beach escape.
9. Coorg: For a Monsoon Nature Break
Coorg's coffee plantations, green landscapes and relaxed pace make it a refreshing getaway from Bengaluru. The destination also offers opportunities to experience local culture and plantation life.
10. Chikmagalur: For Coffee & the Hills
Chikmagalur combines misty mountains, coffee plantations and scenic countryside, offering travellers a relaxed break from Bengaluru.
11. Mysuru: For a Heritage-Filled Weekend
Mysuru offers an easy cultural getaway with grand architecture, historic landmarks, lively markets and its own distinctive food culture.
12. Kabini: For Wildlife & the Wild
Kabini is suited to travellers looking for a deeper nature escape, with forests, wildlife and peaceful riverside experiences.
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