Kerala's Artisanal Showcase at Beypore International Water Festival

Kerala's Artisanal Showcase at Beypore International Water Festival

By Author

Published on December 29, 2023

Kerala's picturesque Beypore is set to become a global tourism hub with the inauguration of the third edition of the Beypore International Water Festival (BIWF). The event, graced by Kerala’s Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, is not just a water festival but a vibrant celebration of India's diverse handicraft heritage, showcasing traditions from 17 Indian states.

At the heart of the festival is the Responsible Tourism and Textile Art Festival. This segment, running until December 30, is a testament to Kerala's commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism. It provides a platform for artisans from across the country to display their unique crafts, including pottery, weaving, and dress-making.

Organized by Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission, the festival is more than an exhibition. It offers live demonstrations, allowing visitors to witness the mastery of artisans and fostering a deep appreciation for India's rich craft traditions. This interactive element not only enhances visitor experience but also aids in cultural exchange.

image

While the festival highlights crafts from various states, it also throws the spotlight on Kerala's esteemed handloom industry. This focus not only celebrates the state's artisanal heritage but also aligns with the broader goal of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Planned as an upfront initiative, the festival will feature workshops and discussions aimed at preserving these craft traditions. These sessions are designed to explore ways in which these crafts can be leveraged for promoting tourism that benefits local communities.

An exclusive section of the expo, in association with Agrifarm Tourism Network units, will showcase Kerala’s agricultural products. This includes an assortment of organic food products and spices, along with promoting Village Experience packages from different districts.

The BIWF inauguration by Tourism Minister Riyas marks the beginning of a series of competitive water sports and cultural showcases. The festival, featuring participants from various countries, aims to attract global attention and enhance its international appeal.

Participants from states like Tamil Nadu, Assam, Karnataka, and more, add to the festival’s diversity. Strategically spread across prime locations like Beypore Marina Beach, the festival aims to draw both local and international visitors.

From bicycle rallies to international kite fests, dinghy boat races, and surf ski displays, the festival offers a plethora of activities. Visitors can also enjoy cultural programs, a food festival, and engage in adventure sports activities, making it a comprehensive event for all ages.


IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.


Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.


Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.