Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

By Author

Published on December 29, 2023

In a significant move to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government kicked off the inaugural Shimla Winter Carnival, a 12-day celebration aimed at uplifting the spirits of the hill state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the event at the historic Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.

The winter carnival holds special significance as it comes on the heels of a challenging period for Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry, severely impacted by the recent monsoon disruptions. Chief Minister Sukhu, during the inauguration, acknowledged the adverse effects of the monsoon fury but expressed optimism about the state's recovery. He highlighted the influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past days as a promising sign of the tourism industry's revival.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting tourism, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a substantial increase in the budget for the tourism sector, reaching Rs. 3,000 crores from the previous Rs. 50 crores. This financial boost aims to support the recovery efforts and further elevate Himachal Pradesh as a preferred tourist destination.

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To facilitate a seamless experience for visitors, the state government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This move is aligned with the government's focus on providing a warm welcome to tourists and enhancing their overall experience in the state.

The Winter Carnival promises an array of attractions, including cultural parades, folk dance performances like Mahanati, and exhibitions featuring local dishes and cultural programs. The carnival, set to conclude on January 5, 2024, is strategically timed during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in Shimla.

Apart from being a delightful experience for tourists, the carnival aims to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were presented, contributing to the vibrant celebration. The event, graced by dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state.

The Shimla Winter Carnival signifies a turning point for Himachal Pradesh's tourism, ushering in hope, festive cheer, and a promising outlook for the future.


From Thrilling Matches to Full Hotels: FIFA 2026 Fuels US Hospitality Growth, Expected to Add $17.2 Billion to the Economy

From Thrilling Matches to Full Hotels: FIFA 2026 Fuels US Hospitality Growth, Expected to Add $17.2 Billion to the Economy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 15, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver excitement both on the pitch and across the travel and hospitality sectors, as major Group C fixtures unfolded in the United States on June 13.

One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage saw Brazil and Morocco play out a 1-1 draw in New Jersey. Morocco once again demonstrated why they are regarded among football's elite nations, producing a disciplined and organised performance against one of the tournament favourites.

Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead with an impressive finish before Vinicius Jr produced a moment of quality to bring Brazil level. While the points were shared, Morocco's ability to limit Brazil's attacking influence emerged as one of the biggest talking points from the encounter.

Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, struggled to find rhythm and cohesion for large parts of the match, while Morocco looked increasingly confident and dangerous as the game progressed.

In the other Group C fixture, Scotland ended a 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory after securing a 1-0 win over Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium. John McGinn's first-half goal proved decisive as Scotland opened their campaign with three valuable points.

Meanwhile, another Group B encounter between Qatar and Switzerland concluded in a draw, adding further intrigue to the race for qualification.

Beyond the football action, FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to deliver a major boost to the United States hospitality, tourism, and travel industries. FIFA has projected that the tournament could contribute up to $17.2 billion to the US economy through increased spending across airlines, accommodation, transportation, dining, and related sectors.

Industry players are already reporting positive trends. Airbnb stated that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to become its biggest event to date, surpassing even the demand experienced during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The company expects strong bookings from families and groups seeking larger accommodation options and cost-effective stays.

The hotel sector is also preparing for increased demand. Marriott International expects the tournament to contribute approximately 40 basis points to its US revenue per available room, reflecting stronger occupancy and room rates during the event period.

Flight booking trends further highlight the growing impact of the tournament. According to Sojern's booking data, Miami has recorded nearly an 8% increase in flight reservations, while New York has seen a similar rise. Dallas-Fort Worth is experiencing an increase of around 10%, and Houston has recorded nearly 13% growth in bookings.

These early indicators suggest that FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only shaping up to be a major sporting spectacle but also a significant economic driver for the hospitality and tourism sectors across the United States.

With fan travel continuing to gain momentum and key matches drawing global attention, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact the tournament will have on hotels, airlines, restaurants, and destination businesses throughout the host cities.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

Jyran, the acclaimed Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a thoughtfully curated new menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the North-West Frontier. Crafted by Master Chef Waris Qureshi, the refreshed offering pays tribute to heirloom recipes, royal culinary traditions, and time-honoured cooking techniques while embracing contemporary presentation and craftsmanship.

Known for its distinctive interpretation of Indian cuisine, Jyran's latest menu draws inspiration from the celebrated culinary cultures of Awadh, Peshawar, and Hyderabad. The new selection highlights the depth and diversity of these regional traditions through dishes that showcase authentic flavours and meticulous preparation.

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Among the standout additions are the Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, Murgh Al Qureshi, and Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, each reflecting the robust and nuanced flavours associated with frontier cuisine. Guests can also savour the restaurant's signature Dal-E-Qureshi, a slow-cooked delicacy simmered for over 48 hours to achieve its signature richness and depth.

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Complementing the savou ry offerings is a new dessert selection that blends tradition with innovation. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines familiar Indian flavours with Middle Eastern influences, and the Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, a refined take on a beloved classic.

Adding another layer to the dining experience is Jyran's entirely reimagined cocktail programme. Conceptualised around a narrative titled The Lost Love Returns, the cocktail menu transforms each drink into a storytelling experience. Through theatrical tableside rituals, immersive presentation techniques, and carefully curated flavour profiles, the programme aims to create memorable moments that extend beyond the plate.

The refreshed menu further strengthens Jyran's position as one of Mumbai's most distinctive Indian dining destinations, offering guests an opportunity to explore the culinary legacy of the North-West Frontier through a contemporary lens.

Guests can experience the new menu at Jyran from June 9 onwards, with lunch service available from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.


ELE|NA Marks Global Wellness Day 2026 in India with Curated Wellness Experiences

ELE|NA Marks Global Wellness Day 2026 in India with Curated Wellness Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

ELE|NA celebrated Global Wellness Day 2026 in India with specially curated wellness experiences at Minerals by ELE|NA at Vantara Niwas, Jamnagar, and ELE|NA Ayur at Sadar Manzil, Bhopal. Designed around movement, mindfulness, nourishment, and human connection, the initiative aimed to encourage guests and team members to embrace wellness in a joyful and meaningful way.

Observed on June 13, 2026, the celebrations were inspired by this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, #JoyMagenta, which highlights joy as an essential element of overall wellbeing. Through a thoughtfully planned schedule of activities, ELE|NA reinforced its commitment to making wellness accessible, inclusive, and deeply personal.

Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA, said that wellness should be personal, purposeful, and inspiring. She noted that Global Wellness Day reflects the brand’s Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, encouraging individuals to reconnect with practices that nourish both body and mind. According to her, the #JoyMagenta theme celebrates joy through movement, mindfulness, gratitude, creativity, and meaningful human connections.

The day’s programme began with an energising Aqua Zumba session, allowing participants to engage in fun, movement-based fitness. This was followed by a guided meditation session designed to promote mental clarity and inner calm. Guests later participated in an outdoor fitness session that encouraged physical activity in a natural environment.

The celebrations concluded with a restorative sound healing meditation experience, offering participants an opportunity to relax and reconnect through therapeutic sound frequencies. Throughout the day, guests also had access to a healthy snack and refreshment corner serving nourishing food and beverages.

Global Wellness Day 2026 marks the movement’s 15th anniversary and places a strong emphasis on joy as a conscious wellbeing practice. The theme encourages people to embrace gratitude, creativity, connection, and movement as everyday tools for improving quality of life.

The initiative aligns closely with ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, which focuses on delivering personalised wellness journeys tailored to individual needs. By hosting these experiences in Jamnagar and Bhopal, the brand sought to create uplifting environments where guests and employees could experience wellness in a natural, enjoyable, and memorable manner.

Through its ongoing wellness programmes across India and the Maldives, ELE|NA continues to champion holistic wellbeing experiences that help individuals reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

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