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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 31, 2025
The recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to reshape the travel and tourism scene between the two nations. By making travel smoother, encouraging cultural exchange, and boosting aviation ties, the deal brings fresh momentum to India's tourism industry.
For Indian destinations, the benefits are plenty. The agreement is expected to ease visa formalities and increase tourist flow, especially from the UK. Goa, for example, is already anticipating a rise in British travellers keen on exploring its coastal charm. The FTA also paves the way for a deeper connection between people, helping promote India’s rich cultural experiences on a global scale.
Professionals in fields like hospitality, wellness, and the arts will also see easier movement. Whether it's chefs, yoga instructors, or performers, the smoother mobility allows more collaborative events and immersive experiences for international tourists. Visitors can now enjoy everything from authentic culinary journeys to rejuvenating wellness retreats, led by skilled experts crossing borders with fewer restrictions.
The deal also gives a boost to regional tourism through GI (Geographical Indication) protections. Products like feni and Nashik wine now enjoy global recognition, which could bring curious travellers to the regions where these specialties originate, opening up new tourist circuits and encouraging rural tourism.
As trade expands, so does infrastructure. Hospitality, entertainment, and transport sectors are likely to see more investment to support growing demand. From better resorts to upgraded entertainment venues, tourists can expect improved experiences all around.
UK travellers stand to benefit too. Reduced tariffs make it more affordable for British tourists to access familiar UK goods, from skincare and snacks to luxury items, during their stay in India. This makes long holidays, premium travel, and destination weddings more accessible.
The simplified visa process means shorter wait times and easier approvals for both leisure and business travel. British professionals can now engage in short work stints or cultural exchanges without complicated paperwork, encouraging two-way participation in events and workshops.
The FTA also gives a major push to aviation. British Airways has already announced more flights to India, with a 25% increase in weekly services since pre-pandemic levels. These new routes and expanded schedules mean more options and, likely, more competitive fares, especially during non-peak seasons.
The agreement also removes tariffs on aviation products, which lowers operational costs for airlines and could lead to better fares over time. The logistics and cargo sector will also benefit, with customs clearance now expected to be faster, within 48 hours in many cases, allowing swifter movement of goods and smoother air freight operations.
In short, the India-UK FTA isn't just about trade, it’s about unlocking a whole new chapter in how the two countries travel, collaborate, and connect. From cultural enrichment and economic opportunities to direct benefits for everyday travellers, the impact on India’s tourism and aviation sectors is set to be transformative.
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Published on October 1, 2025
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, in a strategic initiative to transform the country’s tourism landscape. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ms. Seema Jain, Director, Destination Development Division, Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limited. The event took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Mr. Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism.
The collaboration focuses on gathering direct and verified traveller feedback to assess India’s best-performing tourism destinations while identifying areas that need improvement. By leveraging its strong physical and digital presence, Thomas Cook India will integrate a co-branded feedback form, standardised by the Ministry, across its platforms. These insights will capture visitor opinions on cleanliness, safety, accessibility, service standards, and overall experiences.
This MoU, valid for three years, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing domestic tourism through transparency and data-driven decision-making. The anonymised, aggregated data will be shared with the Ministry of Tourism to support interventions aimed at improving infrastructure and services at destinations across India.
Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General – Ministry of Tourism, said, “We are extremely delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Thomas Cook India. The idea behind this collaboration is to see how the Ministry of Tourism can collect real-time feedback from users at key destinations across the country. Our aim is to use this data as a foundation to identify and promote destinations that are able to provide great experiences. This marks the first step in a long journey ahead, and we hope this partnership proves fruitful for both of us.”
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, added, “We are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Tourism on this transformative initiative. With our extensive reach and deep understanding of Indian travellers, Thomas Cook India is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights on destination performance. Our collaboration will focus on gathering authentic feedback from our customers to empower the Ministry’s efforts in enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of India’s tourism offerings.”
Pune Gas, in association with Alister Kitchen Equipments, successfully hosted Culinary Futures, a three-day immersive event curated for India’s hospitality and commercial kitchen consultants. Held in Pune from 12th to 14th September, the event brought together consultants from across the country to explore future-ready solutions for the HoReCa sector through innovation, collaboration, and cultural experiences.
The event began with a grand welcome at Shaniwar Wada, followed by a heritage food walk through Pune’s old city, giving participants a taste of the city’s authentic sights, sounds, and culinary delights.
Day two became the highlight, as consultants toured the Pune Gas manufacturing facility. The visit offered deep insights into best practices for gas safety, efficiency, and system design, areas often overlooked despite fuel being a critical resource for hospitality businesses. Pune Gas showcased innovations such as the LPGenius Smart LPG System, LeakCheck Gas Leak Detection System, and other advanced technologies, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted solutions provider.
Participants also visited customer sites powered by Pune Gas systems, gaining firsthand exposure to its efficient installations. A standout moment was the demonstration of an all gas-fired generator at a Pune bakery, which impressed attendees with its reliability and practical application. The day concluded with a cocktail dinner and networking mixer, celebrating collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The third day featured live demonstrations at Alister Equipments’ factory, including the launch of a new product that showcased the brand’s commitment to building next-generation commercial kitchens.
Jesal Sampat, Executive Director at Pune Gas, shared, “Collaboration with consultants is crucial in designing world-class kitchens. With over four decades of innovation, Pune Gas continues to prioritize safety and efficiency while shaping the future of HoReCa.”
Kitchen consultant P. Sravan Kumar from Hyderabad remarked, “Pune Gas innovations are helping HoReCa businesses achieve higher efficiency while reducing operational costs. The exposure to their manufacturing process and interaction with their team reinforced our trust in them as a reliable partner.”
The event reinforced the growing role of kitchen consultants as key enablers in designing safe, efficient, and sustainable kitchens, while also highlighting the shared vision of empowering India’s HoReCa industry.
Culinary Futures was not just about products but also about partnerships and the prosperity of an industry that feeds millions every day.
The second edition of the Pink Power Run 2025, a flagship initiative by the Sudha Reddy Foundation, saw an overwhelming participation of more than 20,000 people at Necklace Road in Hyderabad, uniting to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
The event began in the early hours and was inaugurated by philanthropist Sudha Reddy, alongside Krishna Reddy, Managing Director of MEIL, Julia Morley, Chairperson of the Miss World Organization, and tennis legend Leander Paes. Reigning Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, also joined, highlighting the global significance of the cause through her charitable project, Opal for Her.
Themed Stride & Shine, this year’s edition brought together an inspiring mix of participants, including celebrities, influencers, elite international runners, students, senior citizens, corporate leaders, underprivileged women, and dignitaries. Delegates from the Miss World Organization, including continental winners and Miss India World Nandini Gupta, added to the star-studded line-up. Pre-event activities such as fitness workshops, survivor stories, and social media campaigns deepened engagement with the cause.
The run featured 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km categories, culminating in an energetic awards ceremony. The 10 km race winners received ₹3.5 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh, and ₹1.5 lakh, while the 5 km race winners received ₹2 lakh, ₹1.5 lakh, and ₹1 lakh. Julia Morley was honoured with the Excellence in Mentorship Award 2025 for her remarkable leadership and lifelong dedication to empowerment.
Remarkable performances were witnessed across categories. In the men’s 10K division, Ankit Gupta secured first place at 30:52, followed by Kamlakar Deshmukh and Shubham Sindhu. In the women’s 10K, Seema Seema finished first at 34:44, with Bharti Nain and Sonika Sonika close behind. In the 5K, Harmanjot Singh topped the men’s category at 14:25, while Ankita Ankita led the women’s with 16:52.
Sharing her thoughts, Julia Morley said, “Our collective efforts can create a powerful movement for breast cancer awareness. Early detection can save countless lives, and the Pink Power Run empowers individuals with the knowledge to take charge of their health.”
Leander Paes added, “This initiative combines fitness with awareness, inspiring hope and proving that every step contributes to a larger movement for change.”
Sudha Reddy expressed, “Pink Power Run is a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the fight against breast cancer. With Pink Power Run, Beyond Borders launching in 2026, we are taking this mission global to unite millions across 140 countries.”
The upcoming Pink Power Run, Beyond Borders will debut in 2026 with a 24-hour continental relay and participation from Miss World’s seven continental queens, coinciding with the Miss World Organization’s 75th anniversary.
The Pink Power Run continues to be a beacon of awareness, honouring survivors, supporting fighters, remembering loved ones, and promoting the power of prevention and early detection.
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