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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 3, 2024
On World Tourism Day, IHM Ranchi, in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand, organized a vibrant cultural event at Audrey House, Ranchi, centered on the theme "Tourism and Peace." The event featured multiple competitions and activities aimed at promoting the importance of tourism in fostering harmony.
The celebration started with lamp lighting by dignitaries, including Secretary of Tourism Mr. Manoj Kumar, Director of Tourism Ms. Anjali Yadav, Deputy Director of Tourism Mr. Rajeev Kumar, and Principal of IHM Ranchi Dr. Bhupesh Kumar. Students of IHM Ranchi also performed a unique presentation of Ganesh Vandana, and various tribal dances, such as Nagpuri and Oraon Kudukh, showcased Jharkhand's rich cultural heritage.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on "Sustainable Resources, Authenticity, and the Role of Indigenous Ingredients of Jharkhand." Prominent chefs, including Dr. Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Chef Gautam Chaudhary, and Chef Nitin Shinde, shared insights on the importance of Jharkhand's local cuisine and the use of indigenous ingredients. Chef Bali emphasized that a dish represents a state's identity, while Chef Bhasin called for promoting local cuisine globally. Chef Shinde advocated for including local dishes in restaurants, and Chef Saurabh highlighted the use of root vegetables like Madua, Khukadi, and Kudrum to elevate Jharkhand’s culinary scene. Chef Bali also urged people to adopt authentic plating styles for Jharkhandi cuisine.
The event saw the inauguration of the Tourist Trade Registration Portal, the launch of Adventure Tourism Safety Guidelines, and the release of the book "Beyond the Forest" and the research journal "Palash: A Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Service Management," published by IHM Ranchi.
Several competitions were held to celebrate World Tourism Day, including painting, quiz, photography, and chef competitions. Students and youth participated actively. In the painting competition, Anshu Sharma secured first place, followed by Rishika and Manya. In the quiz competition, Aarb Singh came first, with Atharv Kumar and Shuvajeet taking second place, and Ameya Devarshi finishing third. The chef competition saw Tushar Prem and Satyam Kumar win first place, followed by Jia Ranjan and Manisha Kujur in second, and MD Abdul and Amit Kumar in third. Anisha Kerketta and Ankit Kumar received consolation prizes. Media influencers who played a vital role in promoting tourism were also honored during the event.
Mr. Manoj Kumar, Secretary of Tourism, congratulated everyone and emphasized the significance of tourism activities in the state. Director of Tourism Ms. Anjali Yadav praised the initiative, highlighting Jharkhand's rich cultural and culinary heritage. She described the state's diverse tribal communities as a "treasure trove of traditions and art" and stressed the need to preserve this legacy.
Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal of IHM Ranchi, congratulated participants on World Tourism Day and underscored the importance of tourism for social, cultural, and economic development. He urged everyone to contribute towards making tourism safe and sustainable, noting that the theme "Tourism and Sustainability" requires preserving resources for future generations while safeguarding cultural heritage and local communities.
Following these discussions, a live cooking show featuring renowned chefs, including Vijay Kumar Shahi, Nishant Chaube, Adit Grover, Simran Singh Thapar, and Sandeep Pandey, showcased local dishes made with traditional ingredients. The event also featured presentations on "Tourism Development and Related Areas" by speakers such as Ms. Debika Mandal, Assistant Manager of Jharkhand Tourism, Dr. Sudarsha Yadav, Professor of Mass Communication at Central University of Jharkhand, Dr. Manisha Oraon, Co-founder of The Open Field Farms and Camp Tribe Jharkhand, and Dr. Bhupesh Kumar.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Alok Aswal, Head of IHM Ranchi.
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By Hariharan U
Published on November 29, 2025
This season comes with its own charm, and if you’re looking for places that truly feel festive, here’s a handpicked list of nine restaurants, cafés, and hotels that have gone all out to make Christmas warm, joyful, and experience-driven.
1. Late Checkout*Late Checkout* in Lower Parel takes on a beautiful holiday mood with soft lights, rich festive colours, and a cosy vibe that instantly feels welcoming. Set inside a restored textile warehouse, the space blends industrial-chic interiors with snug corners and a lively cocktail room. Whether it's a quiet festive date or a fun group night out, the easygoing atmosphere encourages guests to linger, sip winter cocktails, and enjoy the season comfortably. With its design-led aesthetic and warm Christmas spirit, it makes for a perfect holiday hangout.
2. JW Marriott Mumbai SaharJW Marriott Mumbai Sahar brings the festive season alive with elegant décor, warm lighting, and a cheerful Christmas atmosphere. JW Café rolls out indulgent festive brunches, while AUTM JW Lounge serves winter-inspired cocktails that match the mood of the season. The hotel’s hospitality, seasonal menus, and comforting ambience come together to create a setting that feels refined yet homely, making it one of the most charming Christmas destinations in the city.
3. Della Resorts & AdventureDella Resorts & Adventure introduces its Christmas Festive Package for 2025, designed for a relaxed, feel-good holiday. The two-night stay begins at ₹34,000 and focuses on small, thoughtful experiences—slow mornings, comforting breakfasts, and an Adventure Day Pass for playful fun. Guests also get access to The Vegas Noelat, the resort’s annual Christmas production, and festive drinks at Café 24. A hearty Christmas Brunch, a traditional pudding takeaway, and kid-friendly highlights like Santa Meet-and-Greet and gingerbread decorating add warmth to the holiday. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a quiet but festive break away from the city rush.
4. Sofitel Mumbai BKCSofitel Mumbai BKC takes on a glowing, cosy holiday look with festive décor and cheerful accents. Guests can pick from a variety of Christmas dining experiences—brunch at Pondichery Cafe, Indian festive dinners at Jyran, or traditional thalis at Tuskers. Each menu is crafted with seasonal flavours that bring out the essence of the holidays. Add to that relaxing spa sessions and Sofitel’s signature hospitality, and you get an experience that feels warm, indulgent, and perfectly festive.
5. Harajuku Tokyo Cafe & BakehouseHarajuku Tokyo Café turns into a colourful Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights and bright installations that match its playful Japanese-inspired look. The Bakehouse showcases desserts that are almost too pretty to touch, and their exclusive Christmas cocktail menu adds to the holiday excitement. It’s the ideal spot for those who love aesthetic corners, festive photos, and sweet, comforting treats.
6. Amelia BKCAmelia BKC brings a bold holiday vibe with its dramatic interiors—deep reds, black accents, unique lighting, and statement décor. With warm Christmas lights and luxe festive touches blending seamlessly into the space, it becomes a striking backdrop for dinners, celebrations, and stylish December nights. If you're looking for a place that feels festive yet modern, Amelia stands out beautifully.
7. ToriiAt Torii in Khar, festive elegance takes centre stage. The restaurant’s rich textures, sculptural elements, and warm lighting get an added Christmas glow, making it perfect for intimate dinners or quiet festive gatherings. The décor remains refined and tasteful, giving the place a soft, holiday-ready charm throughout the month.
8. SthambaSthamba Brewery in Versova turns up the Christmas energy with bright decorations, playful lighting, and a buzzing ambience. Known for its upbeat crowd and industrial-cool interiors, the brewery adds a festive twist with a special Christmas menu and lively music. It’s a great pick for year-end outings, cheerful nights with friends, and celebrations that are full of warmth and fun.
9. MoussestruckMoussestruck embraces the season with cosy décor, a warm festive glow, and a delightful spread of strawberry specials and winter desserts. The space is aesthetic and inviting, perfect for anyone who enjoys sweet treats and holiday-themed cafés. Whether you’re visiting for the desserts or the festive vibe, Moussestruck makes for a lovely Christmas outing.
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company, has opened its first franchise outlet in Anand, Gujarat, expanding its retail presence to five locations across the State. Anand has emerged as an important travel source market with strong interest in world-class holidays, prompting SOTC to strengthen its footprint in the region.
Known for its growing economy, prominent educational institutions, and rising urban affluence, Anand offers strong potential for travel-related businesses. The new outlet is designed to serve both leisure and business travellers with a wide portfolio of offerings, including domestic and international group tours, personalised holidays, cruises, and value-added services like travel insurance, making holiday planning simpler and more convenient.
Top domestic and subcontinent destinations: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andaman, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
Top international destinations: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bali, Japan, South Africa, Egypt
Emerging interests: luxury cruises, Northern Lights experiences, self-drive holidays, island stays (Maldives, Mauritius), and adventure trips to Ladakh and the North-East
Top customer groups: multi-generational families, honeymooners, working professionals, millennials, and Gen Z
Average holiday duration: 4–6 days for domestic or short-haul, 10–12 days for long-haul trips
SOTC Holiday World OutletNarayan Empire, No. 103–104, Beside Panchal Hall,Anand–Vidyanagar Road, Anand, Gujarat 38800
Speaking about the launch, Rakesh Bawa, Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “Opening our first store in Anand is a strategic step in strengthening SOTC’s presence in Gujarat. Anand’s growing economy, strong educational base and rising affluence make it an important hub for travel demand. By expanding here, we are addressing the evolving needs of customers who want convenient, world-class holiday solutions. Gujarat is a key growth market for us, and Anand will play a significant role in driving our future expansion in the region. My team and I look forward to welcoming our customers at this new location and delighting them with exceptional travel offerings.”
About SOTC TRAVEL
SOTC Travel Limited, a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings through Thomas Cook (India) Limited, is a leading omnichannel travel company operating across leisure, incentive and business travel. Established in 1949, SOTC has built a legacy of more than 75 years and has served millions of travellers across India and the world.
The brand has won multiple industry accolades, including the PATA Gold Awards 2025, MaxiiiMICE Awards 2025, SATTE Awards 2025, and recognitions at World Travel Awards 2024, E4M Maverick Awards 2024, and ET Travel & Tourism Awards.
For more information, visit the official website.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 23, 2025
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.
With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."
From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”
The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.
Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.
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