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.


Pride Hotels & Resorts Marks a Homecoming with Pride Plaza Indore

Pride Hotels & Resorts Marks a Homecoming with Pride Plaza Indore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 23, 2026

Pride Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Madhya Pradesh with the launch of Pride Plaza Indore, a 141-room upscale hotel on AB Bypass near Rau. The new property marks the group's second hotel in Indore and the first Pride Plaza brand entry into the city.

The launch also carries a personal meaning for the group, particularly for S.P. Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Pride Hotels & Resorts, who hails from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh. For the group, the opening represents both a business milestone and a homecoming.

"It gives us immense pleasure to launch our own hotel in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, in Indore. This property holds a special place for us, it is the 8th hotel owned by the group, and to have it here in Madhya Pradesh, the state I call home, makes this moment truly personal for me and for all of us at Pride Hotels,” said Jain.

Pride Plaza Indore features 141 well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, six versatile event venues, three restaurants, a pool side lounge & bar and an expansive banquet space. The property has been planned to serve both business travellers and the city's growing wedding market, along with MICE events and social celebrations.

With the opening, Indore becomes the only city in Madhya Pradesh to have two Pride properties, with Pride Plaza Indore joining Pride Premier Indore. Along with the group's existing hotels in Bhopal, Ujjain and Jabalpur, the launch takes Pride Hotels' presence in Madhya Pradesh to five hotels.

Speaking about the group's growth strategy, Satyen Jain, CEO, Pride Hotels Limited, said, “As we move into an exciting new phase of expansion, one of our core strengths has been our strategically located and highly diversified portfolio of hotels and resorts across India. Our presence has been consciously built across key business and gateway markets, high-growth leisure destinations, and culturally significant pilgrimage hubs. This diversification has given us a balanced and resilient portfolio, with 67 percent of our keys in business markets, 18 percent in leisure cities, and 15 percent in pilgrimage destinations allowing us to capture year-round demand from corporate travellers, government business, weddings, MICE, domestic tourism, and social celebrations,”

The new property also reflects Pride Hotels' focus on creating hotels that connect with their destinations. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director, Pride Hotels, said, "Pride Plaza Indore is a true reflection of our 5 Senses philosophy, bringing together the warmth of local hospitality with the sights, sounds, flavours and traditions of Madhya Pradesh. We are confident that under the leadership of Prantik Sengupta, general manager, Pride Plaza Indore, this property will carry the Pride brand forward and set new benchmarks for hospitality in the region."

With its location, event spaces and range of dining and leisure facilities, Pride Plaza Indore is positioned to serve Indore's business and social demand while strengthening Pride Hotels & Resorts' growing footprint across Madhya Pradesh.


Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 23, 2026

Qatar Airways has reached a new milestone in its onboard connectivity programme with 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, including the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9.

The airline has also completed the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, with more than half of its Boeing 787 fleet now equipped with the technology. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

The latest milestone follows the airline’s earlier rollout across its Boeing 777 fleet in nine months and Airbus A350 fleet in eight months. Qatar Airways now operates Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

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Starlink Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways can offer speeds of up to 500 Mbps, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling. The service gives travellers the option to work, stay in touch with family and friends or enjoy online entertainment during their journey.

Qatar Airways was also the first airline to offer Starlink connectivity on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents. Complimentary gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi is being made available across more journeys on the airline’s global network, covering destinations across the Americas, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Since Starlink connectivity was introduced onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have used the service across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.

The airline’s Starlink installation programme has now crossed 83 per cent completion, with up to 323 Starlink-equipped flights operating daily. The expansion is aimed at making fast and reliable onboard connectivity a more regular part of the passenger experience. Passengers can access complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout their journey through seamless Privilege Club membership authentication or enrolment.


Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

By Hariharan U

Published on August 23, 2026

Taj Agra is inviting guests to make the most of the monsoon season with a specially curated Monsoon Staycation, combining comfortable accommodation with dining and wellness benefits for a relaxed getaway in the historic city.

The staycation offer provides guests with savings across key aspects of their stay, including accommodation, food and beverages, and spa and salon services.

Guests can avail 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, along with daily breakfast at the designated dining venue. The offer also includes 25% savings on food and beverages and 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services during the stay.

Speaking about the offer, Bikram Pradhan, Revenue Manager, Taj Agra, said, “The monsoon season offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a more leisurely getaway. Through our Monsoon Staycation, we are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Agra for a relaxed and enriching experience, with thoughtfully curated dining and wellness benefits.”

Additional benefits under the offer include up to 8% NeuCoins on eligible bookings and spends, along with standard Wi-Fi throughout the stay.

Key Offer Details:

  • 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays
  • Daily breakfast at the designated dining venue
  • 25% savings on food and beverages
  • 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services
  • Up to 8% NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends
  • Standard Wi-Fi during the stay

The Monsoon Staycation is available for bookings from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with stays valid from 18 July to 30 September 2026.

Located in Agra, Taj Agra offers guests a blend of contemporary hospitality and the cultural heritage of the destination, making it a setting for leisure escapes, celebrations and business stays.

Booking:

Guests can book the offer through Taj Hotels' official booking platform.

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