OneTAC Launches Its First Udupi Experience Circuit at Bangalore Tech Summit

OneTAC Launches Its First Udupi Experience Circuit at Bangalore Tech Summit

By Hariharan U

Published on November 22, 2025

Marking a major moment for India’s experience economy, OneTAC (Tourism, Arts & Culture), the country’s first digital public infrastructure dedicated to tourism, arts, and culture, rolled out its very first Experience Circuit in Udupi at the Bangalore Tech Summit. The launch was attended by Prashant Prakash, Chair of the Karnataka Vision Group on Startups and Partner at Accel, along with Dr. Trilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Karnataka. OneTAC also holds formal endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism under the Incredible India campaign.

At the heart of the Udupi Circuit is a strong network of collaborators. CulKey Foundation leads cultural engagement and ecosystem development; Samhita focuses on livelihoods and community mobilisation; GoodPass brings last-mile discovery and distribution technology; RubiX connects experience entrepreneurs through supplier aggregation; and Paradise Group supports operations, hospitality, and on-ground logistics. Together, they are building a model for community-driven tourism designed to scale across India.

Speaking at the launch, Prashant Prakash said that tourism and culture have the power to drive truly inclusive growth. He noted that OneTAC brings a digital public infrastructure mindset to the sector, giving artisans, creators, and local communities a shared digital backbone where their skills become discoverable, their knowledge verifiable, and their work scalable. According to him, the combination of rich culture and open technology opens a new pathway of opportunity for the state and the country.

The first cohort under the Udupi Experience Circuit includes 20 experience entrepreneurs and service providers. These creators represent six categories of experiences and over 15 curated trails. More circuits and creators will join the platform over the next 180 days as the ecosystem expands across Coastal Karnataka.

Dr. Trilok Chandra, IAS, added that launching OneTAC in Udupi reflects the state’s commitment to community-led tourism and cultural revival. He shared that OneTAC will work alongside the upcoming Karnataka Centre for Cultural Diplomacy (KCCD), which aims to present Karnataka’s culture from art and heritage to cuisine and folk traditions, on global platforms and strengthen ties with international missions. Together, these initiatives intend to empower cultural entrepreneurs and make Karnataka a globally connected, future-ready tourism hub.

Udupi was chosen as the starting point because of its blend of heritage, natural beauty, and creative energy. The region is rich with temple culture, Daiva traditions, Yakshagana, and folk arts, while also being home to a thriving youth-led ocean community shaped by surfing, scuba diving, and kayaking. Its backwaters, mangroves, and proximity to the Western Ghats add ecological depth, and its coastal cuisine completes the cultural landscape. The strength of Udupi lies in its people, fisherfolk, artists, storytellers, home chefs, naturalists, folk performers, and young innovators who keep the region’s culture alive every day.

Prathima Manohar, Director of GoodPass and Paradise Group, and Co-Curator of the Udupi Circuit, said that the future of tourism will be shaped not only by large businesses but by local creators who keep community identity intact. She highlighted that India needs to create 8 million jobs annually to reach developed economy status, and that real progress will come when opportunities reach the grassroots. According to her, OneTAC is an investment in dignity, livelihoods, and community-led growth — ensuring that local entrepreneurs thrive while cultural richness is preserved.

Guests at the launch had the chance to meet storytellers and creators from across Coastal Karnataka who brought the flavours, rituals, crafts, and landscape of the region to life. Udupi’s culinary identity — from neer dosa and puli munchi to prawn sukka — appeared alongside stories from performers, adventure entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners. The circuits span temple and heritage trails, wilderness and nature experiences, coastal culinary journeys, adventure and ocean culture, wellness traditions, and the soulful world of Tulu Nadu.

OneTAC also announced the OneTAC Impact Fund, a joint effort between the State Government and market partners. The fund aims to help micro experience entrepreneurs grow their operations and expand their livelihood opportunities, beginning with the Udupi cohort and eventually supporting circuits across Karnataka.

Travellers are invited to explore the Udupi Experience Circuit, which brings together culture, cuisine, nature, wellness, and the warmth of local communities. With OneTAC, Udupi becomes a gateway to authentic, immersive journeys rooted deeply in identity and place.

About OneTAC:

OneTAC is India’s national digital public infrastructure for tourism, arts, and culture. It connects creators, communities, institutions, and travellers with the goal of unlocking India’s cultural capital and building sustainable, future-ready livelihoods


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar celebrated International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness experience that encouraged guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a more mindful way of living. Inspired by Aujasya by The Leela, the brand's philosophy centred on vitality, balance, and mindful living, the event brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to holistic wellbeing.

Hosted within the serene surroundings of the hotel, the programme went beyond physical exercise to focus on mindfulness and self-awareness. Participants took part in guided yoga sessions, mindful breathing exercises, and moments of quiet reflection, creating an environment that encouraged relaxation and inner balance.

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The experience was designed around the belief that true wellbeing is built through meaningful and enriching moments. As the session concluded, guests were invited to continue their wellness journey with an Aujasya-inspired breakfast featuring wholesome dishes, fresh fruits, herbal infusions, and nutritious selections curated to complement the spirit of the occasion.

The event reflected the holistic wellness approach of Aujasya, where movement, nourishment, and mindfulness come together to promote renewal and personal wellbeing. Through the experience, participants were encouraged to pause from their daily routines, recharge, and adopt a more balanced lifestyle.

Commenting on the occasion, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Wellbeing is increasingly becoming an essential part of how people choose to live, travel, and engage with the world around them. Through Aujasya-inspired experiences, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that encourage balance, mindfulness, and a sense of inner renewal. International Yoga Day offered a wonderful occasion to celebrate this philosophy and share it with our guests and associates.”

As wellness continues to play a growing role in luxury hospitality, The Leela Gandhinagar remains focused on creating experiences that blend authentic hospitality with mindful living. Guided by the principles of Aujasya, the hotel continues to offer opportunities for guests to reconnect with themselves through thoughtful and restorative experiences.

More than a celebration of yoga, the event served as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, nourishment, and inner balance in creating a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.

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