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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 16, 2024
Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has introduced a selection of new pre-, mid-, and post-cruise "Seabourn Journeys" available to guests on the 2024 Grand Africa Voyage. These journeys offer in-depth, land-based cruise extensions that go beyond single-day excursions, providing guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in Africa's extraordinary destinations.
The luxurious pre-, post-, and mid-cruise Seabourn Journeys during the Grand Africa Voyage allow guests to further explore Africa's premier destinations. For those interested in joining a safari to see Africa's "Big Five," several mid-cruise Journeys options are available, providing opportunities for guests to stay in unique properties and national parks in Botswana, Namibia, and more. They may also explore sites such as the Kariega Game Reserve (Settlers Drift), Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, and Onguma The Fort. Guests seeking exclusive wine experiences can enjoy gourmet dining and wine tastings at La Residence Wine Estate in Franschhoek during four-day pre- and post-cruise stays.
"Seabourn Journeys allow our guests to create deeper, more immersive experiences of the destinations by extending their travel beyond the first and final ports of calls," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. "I am very proud of this bespoke collection of offerings and believe our guests will be delighted with these experiences. Whether spotting the 'Big Five' on thrilling game drives, or relaxing in luxurious accommodations, or savoring award-winning wines, every moment is crafted to enhance the voyage and create unforgettable 'Seabourn Moments'."
The new Seabourn Journeys for the Grand Africa Voyage include:
La Residence Wine Experience (4-Day Pre- or Post-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | Pre: January 25-28, 2025 | Post: January 28-31, 2025
Guests sailing on shorter segments that either embark or debark in Cape Town on January 28 can enjoy a pre-cruise or post-cruise experience in South Africa's stunning Cape Winelands. Upon arrival in Cape Town, guests are transported to La Residence in the Franschhoek Valley, where they can relax and dine at their leisure in opulent surroundings. The second day features a tour of historic wine estates in Paarl and Boschendal, complete with tastings and a picturesque picnic. On the third day, guests further explore the region's esteemed vineyards and savor gourmet meals paired with local wines. A final morning wine tasting concludes the journey before guests either return home or board the ship.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (4-Day Post-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | January 28-31, 2025
Guests debarking their voyage in Cape Town on January 28 can embark on a multi-day post-cruise journey at the renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Known for its conservation efforts and luxurious accommodations, Grootbos offers a warm welcome and transfer to the Forest Lodge, where guests stay in elegant suites surrounded by stunning landscapes. Activities include exploring the Milkwood Forest, botanical hikes, 4x4 flower safaris, and visits to the ancient Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. A private Cape Agulhas tour features wine tastings and a curated picnic in South Africa's southernmost wine region. Guests also enjoy a marine safari to see the "Marine Big Five"—whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins—guided by marine biologists from Dyer Island Cruises. Each evening, guests dine at Grootbos' unique lodge restaurants before relaxing in the serene wilderness.
Ultimate Botswana Experience (7-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Durban, South Africa | January 22-28, 2025
After disembarking in Durban, guests fly to Johannesburg and stay at the Sanctuary Mandela Boutique Hotel, Nelson Mandela's former residence. The next day, they travel to Botswana's Sanctuary Baines' Camp, known for its intimate setting and unique construction using recycled cans, offering game drives and mokoro excursions in the Okavango Delta. On the fourth day, guests transfer to the prestigious Chief's Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, renowned for exceptional game viewing, including the "Big Five" and over 500 bird species. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, gourmet dining, and optional activities like scenic flights and spa treatments. The Journey concludes with a final morning game drive before flying to Maun and then Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.
Kariega Game Reserve (4-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Port Elizabeth, South Africa | January 25-28, 2025
Upon reaching Port Elizabeth, guests are transferred to Kariega Game Reserve, a vast 10,000-hectare wilderness known for its diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five", and abundant birdlife. Guests stay at Settlers Drift, a blend of tented safari and 5-star luxury, with private viewing decks overlooking the Bushman's River. Over the next two days, they enjoy exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, optional activities, and gourmet dining. On the fourth day, after a final game drive and breakfast, guests are transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for their flight to Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.
Escape To Etosha: Onguma The Fort (4-Day Mid-Cruise Journey) Cape Town, South Africa | January 29-February 2, 2025
This mid-cruise journey offers a luxurious safari at Onguma The Fort, a magical oasis where guests are treated to breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Namibian sunset. With its prime location overlooking the Etosha Pans, the fort envelops visitors in massive, cool walls adorned with a blend of African, Moroccan, and Indian influences, all while surrounded by diverse wildlife. Highlights include guided game drives to spot the "Big Five" and various antelope species, and opportunities to observe the breathtaking Namibian sunset from the main tower or during a sundowner safari. Visitors can relax in elegant suites with private verandas, indulge in delicious meals, and learn about rhino conservation efforts. After several days of adventure and relaxation, guests fly to Walvis Bay to rejoin Seabourn Sojourn.
The fully escorted Seabourn Journeys have been uniquely curated to give travelers more time in these locations to showcase the very best of the destinations via the experiential excursions they offer over multiple days. Most Seabourn Journey packages include select meals, transportation, and guided experiences for smaller groups ensuring intimate, personalized exposure to the location and its culture. Luxury hotels and lodges have been hand-selected to offer guests accommodations at the finest iconic properties in the best locations that showcase their surroundings and indigenous culture, with transfers between land and sea conveniently timed to the start or finish of scheduled Seabourn cruises.
Departures on most Seabourn Journeys are guaranteed with a minimum of just two guests. In addition, Seabourn offers a wide selection of mid-cruise overland journeys, that can become part of the overall cruise experience.
Departing on November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a 90-day voyage that includes visits to 42 marquee and off-the-beaten-path destinations and cities in 20 countries, with seven overnight stays. For guests who cannot sail the entire voyage, shorter segments are available, giving guests more flexibility and opportunities to add pre- or post-journeys to extend their experiences. Shorter segments include the following:
27-Day Jewels of Northwest Africa: November 30-December 27, 2024, from Barcelona to Cape Town
17-Day Mozambique Channel Discovery & Zanzibar Nights: December 27, 2024-January 13, 2025, from Cape Town to the Seychelles
59-Day Northwest Africa to The Mozambique Channel: November 30, 2024 - January 28, 2025, from Barcelona to Cape Town
22-Day West African Discovery: January 28 – February 19, 2025, from Cape Town to the Canaries.
For reservations or more details about Seabourn's Grand Africa voyage, please call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or contact a professional travel advisor.
About Seabourn:
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 3, 2026
The iconic Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has reopened for tourists, marking the beginning of another season at one of India's most celebrated natural attractions. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site until the first fortnight of October.
Located near Badrinath, the Valley of Flowers is known for its breathtaking landscapes, colourful alpine meadows, and rich variety of floral species. Spread across 87 square kilometres, the national park has attracted nature lovers, trekkers, and botanists from around the world for decades.
The park was granted national park status in 1982 to protect its unique geography, alpine grasslands, and diverse plant life. Its global recognition grew after botanist and mountaineer Frank Smythe visited the region in the early twentieth century and documented its remarkable floral diversity in his book, The Valley of Flowers.
Tourists planning to visit the park can travel from Govind Ghat on the Badrinath National Highway to Pulna by road. From Pulna, visitors undertake an 11-kilometre trek to Ghangharia, which serves as the gateway to the Valley of Flowers. Entry permits are issued at Ghangharia before visitors can access the park.
Officials formally opened the gates to tourists on Monday morning, signalling the start of the annual tourism season. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhimanyu, more than 108 tourists visited the Valley of Flowers on the opening day.
The Valley of Flowers National Park is managed by the Nanda Devi National Park Division, which also oversees the nearby Nanda Devi National Park. Both parks form the core areas of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
With its stunning natural beauty and seasonal bloom of rare Himalayan flowers, the Valley of Flowers continues to be one of Uttarakhand's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure travellers alike.
Published on June 2, 2026
India’s domestic aviation sector witnessed a slowdown in April 2026, with passenger traffic declining amid rising operational costs and relatively softer travel demand.
According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), domestic airlines carried more than 1.38 crore passengers during April, compared to 1.44 crore passengers in March. This represents a month-on-month decline of 4.2%. On a year-on-year basis, traffic was also down by 3.47% compared to the more than 1.43 crore passengers carried in April last year.
DGCA stated that domestic airlines carried 575.49 lakh passengers during the January–April 2026 period, compared to 575.13 lakh passengers during the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting a marginal annual growth of 0.06%.
The aviation sector continued to face multiple challenges during the month, including higher fuel prices, increased operating costs, and slower demand growth. Several airlines also adjusted their networks and schedules in response to the evolving market conditions.
IndiGo further strengthened its position as the country's largest airline, increasing its market share to 65% in April from 63.3% in March. Meanwhile, the Air India Group's market share declined to 24.7% from 26.2% during the same period.
Akasa Air continued to gain ground, with its market share rising to 5.8% in April from 5.4% in March. SpiceJet's share declined from 3.8% to 3.4%, while state-owned Alliance Air saw its market share fall from 0.6% to 0.3%.
On the operational front, IndiGo recorded the highest On-Time Performance (OTP) among major domestic carriers at 88.5%. Air India Group followed with 82.4%, while Akasa Air achieved 81.4%. Alliance Air recorded an OTP of 71.2%, and SpiceJet reported 31.2%.
The OTP data was calculated across ten major airports, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Guwahati, and Lucknow.
DGCA data also highlighted passenger service disruptions during the month. A total of 3,266 passenger-related complaints were received by scheduled domestic airlines in April, translating to 2.36 complaints per 10,000 passengers carried.
Flight delays continued to impact travellers, with around 1.12% of flights delayed by more than two hours. More than 1.35 lakh passengers were affected by delays, prompting airlines to spend over ₹2.41 crore on passenger facilitation measures.
Flight cancellations affected 77,065 passengers during the month, with airlines paying ₹2.04 crore towards compensation and passenger facilities. Additionally, 641 passengers were denied boarding, resulting in compensation and facilities amounting to ₹57.65 lakh.
Despite the temporary decline in traffic, the Indian aviation sector continues to see strong competition among carriers as airlines balance network expansion, operational efficiency, and evolving passenger demand.
Published on June 1, 2026
Meghalaya is strengthening its tourism ecosystem through a major expansion of its homestay network, aiming to increase accommodation capacity while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Building on the success of its Homestay Scheme launched in 2023, the state now plans to establish 3,000 new homestays and generate 15,000 jobs by 2028.
The initiative places local families at the heart of Meghalaya’s tourism development strategy and supports preparations for the National Games scheduled to be hosted in the state in 2027. With tourism emerging as a key contributor to economic growth, the government is promoting community-led tourism as a long-term model for inclusive development.
Tourist arrivals in Meghalaya have witnessed steady growth over the years, rising from around 1.2 million visitors in 2018 to more than 1.6 million today. The state’s growing popularity has also received national attention, with Shillong being recognised as India’s most-searched travel destination in Skyscanner’s 2025 report. Meghalaya has further set an ambitious target of attracting 2.1 million visitors annually by 2028.
The state’s tourism appeal received another boost when NITI Aayog, in its report Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India, identified Meghalaya as one of the country’s few year-round tourism destinations. The report highlighted attractions such as living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and rich indigenous cultural heritage that continue to draw visitors throughout the year.
To address the growing demand for accommodation and ensure tourism benefits reach local communities, the Government of Meghalaya introduced the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Under the scheme, eligible projects can receive financial assistance covering up to 70 per cent of project costs, with support available for projects valued up to INR 1 million.
The programme has already delivered encouraging results. Around 900 applications have been sanctioned, and more than 490 homestays are currently operational across the state. These homestays have collectively added nearly 1,000 rooms and created approximately 1,500 livelihood opportunities.
Building on this success, the government launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in 2025. The mission aims to add 3,000 more homestays by 2028 while generating 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. New homestay owners can avail subsidies of up to INR 700,000, while existing operators are eligible for financial support of up to INR 200,000 for upgrading their properties.
The initiative has already transformed the lives of several beneficiaries. Entrepreneurs such as Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district and Donny Esmond Rapsang from Umroi have successfully established and expanded tourism ventures through the scheme, creating jobs within their communities and generating stable income for their families.
As Meghalaya continues to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, the homestay model is emerging as a powerful tool for promoting sustainable tourism, empowering local communities, and ensuring that the benefits of the sector are shared widely across the state.
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