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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 28, 2024
The Hajj and Umrah Forum of India (HUFI) Expo 2024 is set to transform the Indian Hajj and Umrah travel market by bringing together industry leaders and regional operators in Mumbai. This two-day event, a first for Mumbai, will be held on November 13-14, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon (East).
The HUFI Expo aims to connect major B2B travel service providers with regional tour operators who specialize in Hajj and Umrah travel. This initiative will help larger travel companies expand their reach to domestic operators, ensuring meticulous attention to the diverse needs of clients. After its Mumbai debut, the expo plans to expand to two additional cities.
The expo will serve as a one-stop solution for networking in the Hajj and Umrah travel sector. It will feature a variety of exhibitors, including visa service providers, specialty caterers, ground transport fleet aggregators, and hotels. These exhibitors will assist regional tour operators in offering organized, high-quality Hajj and Umrah travel services.
HUFI Expo 2024 will also address contemporary issues in Hajj and Umrah travel. The event will host panel discussions and plenary sessions on enhancing pilgrimage experiences, travel innovations, health and safety, and government support for Hajj and Umrah. Participants from across India will have the opportunity to explore new business prospects and partnerships through targeted B2B interactions, as well as attend seminars and workshops focused on market trends and innovations.
For the B2C sector, visitors from remote areas can expect various benefits. They will have access to a range of innovative consumer products and services, engaging displays, and demonstrations. These interactions will provide hands-on insights into their planned Hajj and Umrah visits. Additionally, educational seminars and workshops will offer valuable information on product benefits and sustainability.
To enhance the expo's vibrant atmosphere, Hubble Entertainment will introduce a range of immersive activities. This collaboration aims to provide attendees with an exciting and engaging experience, adding a dynamic element to the event.
Nayeem Ansari, spokesperson for HUFI Expo 2024 India, emphasized the expo's mission to create an inclusive platform for the Hajj and Umrah services industry. “Our foremost goal at HUFI 2024 is to create an inclusive platform that brings together all facets of the Hajj and Umrah services industry. We believe that by facilitating networking opportunities and hosting insightful conferences and panel discussions, we can drive innovation and excellence in this sector,” Ansari stated.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 10, 2025
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has convened a crucial meeting at Parliament House Annexe to conduct an overall review of civil aviation safety in India. This meeting comes in the wake of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Committee Chairman Sanjay Kumar Jha is leading the discussions, which include Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and top officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
On Tuesday, members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also raised serious concerns over aviation safety standards, as well as the sudden spike in flight fares from Srinagar to other cities following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
The fatal incident occurred on June 12 when Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel building, resulting in 241 fatalities out of the 242 people on board.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other authorities. Notably, this investigation marks the first time India has domestically decoded black box data. Officials confirmed that the crash protection module (CPM) from one of the black boxes was retrieved and successfully downloaded at the AAIB Lab in Delhi on June 25, using an identical unit known as a "golden chassis" to verify the data.
The investigation is being led by the AAIB Director General and involves a multidisciplinary team, including experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aviation medicine, air traffic control, and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the designated body from the aircraft’s country of design.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify victims have concluded. Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Rakesh Joshi confirmed, “A total of 254 DNA matches were done, all identified and handed over. Six were identified through facial recognition.” All 260 bodies from the crash have now been returned to their families.
As scrutiny intensifies, the Parliament panel’s review aims to ensure that aviation safety protocols are thoroughly examined to prevent such tragedies in the future, while also addressing concerns around fare hikes in sensitive situations.
Published on July 9, 2025
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has launched two bespoke itineraries—The Leela Palace Trail – North India and The Leela Palace Trail – South India—under its expanding Palace Trail initiative. These curated experiences aim to deepen inbound travellers’ engagement with India’s heritage, culture, and diverse landscapes by combining luxury hospitality with authentic local encounters across destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chennai, Kovalam, and Hyderabad.
The North India trail reimagines the classic Golden Triangle circuit—covering New Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur—with The Leela’s signature touch of intuitive luxury. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors seeking to explore India’s most iconic landmarks and rich historical settings, while enjoying stays at The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and The Leela Palace Udaipur. Guests can expect a blend of heritage tours, local traditions, and immersive cultural experiences woven seamlessly into their journey.
On the other hand, the South India trail caters to travellers looking for a slower, more introspective exploration. Winding through Bengaluru, Chennai, Kovalam, Ashtamudi, and Hyderabad, this itinerary focuses on wellness, temple trails, traditional cuisine, and coastal landscapes. Properties like The Leela Palace Chennai, The Leela Kovalam, and The Leela Ashtamudi serve as luxurious bases for discovering the vibrant regional diversity and cultural depth of the South.
Commenting on the launch, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “The introduction of the North and South Palace Trails reflects our commitment to crafting immersive journeys that are rooted in Indian heritage and delivered with intuitive luxury. While the North Trail is perfect for first-time visitors to India who wish to experience its most iconic landmarks, the South Trail invites a slower, more introspective exploration through wellness, cuisine, and culture.”
Both itineraries are customisable, featuring guided art walks, curated excursions, and locally inspired activities that resonate with today’s global travellers seeking meaningful, narrative-driven experiences. With this initiative, The Leela continues to position itself at the forefront of luxury hospitality that seamlessly merges cultural authenticity with sophisticated travel.
Published on July 4, 2025
YoloBus, one of India’s top intercity mobility platforms, is witnessing a noticeable change in traveler preferences this monsoon season, with a strong surge in demand for southern religious destinations such as Tirupati, Madurai, and Rameswaram.
Responding to this uptick, YoloBus is now operating 25 dedicated services on these routes and has announced plans to introduce 10 additional services in the coming months to cater to growing passenger interest.
A particularly sharp trend is unfolding on the high-traffic Bangalore–Tirupati corridor, which has recorded an 8% week-on-week rise in passenger numbers. In response, YoloBus recently deployed three new premium buses on this popular route, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring comfort, safety, and reliability for its passengers.
“Southern India continues to draw travelers for its spiritual and cultural depth. The growth we’re seeing is aligned with long-term preferences, not just short-term reactions,” said Sanjay Jadoun, CEO of YoloBus. “We’re committed to expanding our network and enhancing the travel experience for our passengers across the region.”
More Families and Senior Citizens on Board
YoloBus is also observing a change in traveler demographics. There’s been a noticeable rise in bookings from families and senior citizens, particularly from urban hubs like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Today, around 12% of YoloBus’s passengers are above the age of 45, indicating stronger trust in the brand’s high safety and comfort standards among older travelers.
Even as some parts of Northern India deal with safety concerns, travel trends to the South have remained steady and unaffected. The region’s peaceful, culturally rich pilgrim spots continue to attract visitors, irrespective of external events.
Future Plans for Expansion
While YoloBus currently does not operate services to Kerala destinations like Kochi, Munnar, or Alappuzha, nor to prominent pilgrim hubs such as Sabarimala, Velankanni, or Palani, the company is closely monitoring demand patterns and exploring possible expansion into these routes.
About YoloBus
YoloBus is a leading intercity travel provider in India, offering premium, safe, and comfortable journeys. Serving over 1 million travelers across more than 400 routes nationwide, YoloBus connects cities through a modern fleet of luxury buses equipped with top-tier amenities and advanced safety systems. With a focus on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and continuous innovation, YoloBus continues to raise the bar for intercity bus travel in India.
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