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.


Alaska Airlines Returns as Official Airline for Coachella and Stagecoach

Alaska Airlines Returns as Official Airline for Coachella and Stagecoach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 13, 2026

Alaska Airlines has returned as the official airline partner for Coachella and Stagecoach, bringing back its presence to one of the most talked-about cultural events of the year.

Building on last year’s debut, the airline is introducing a more immersive experience for festivalgoers. Starting from Weekend One of Coachella, visitors can step into a specially designed activation that recreates the feeling of being “35,000 feet in the air.” The space is designed with unique visuals and interactive elements, highlighting Alaska’s growing list of global destinations, including London, Rome, Tokyo and Seoul.

The experience also focuses on comfort and convenience. Guests can take a break from the festival heat with complimentary beverages and snacks, while enjoying Alaska’s signature hospitality. Adding to this, the airline is showcasing its in-flight connectivity by offering its fastest Wi-Fi experience on the ground, allowing visitors to stay connected, share moments, and stream content in real time.

This offering is supported by Alaska’s partnership with T-Mobile, which enables free onboard Wi-Fi on select Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights. The initiative aims to make travel smoother and more connected for passengers heading to the festival.

Festivalgoers can also take part in a special rewards experience through Atmos Rewards. Visitors can win prizes, including roundtrip tickets, by participating in on-site activities. Over the three-weekend festival period, Alaska Airlines is giving away one million Atmos points, offering winners the chance to plan future trips across its expanding network.

Sharing his thoughts, Eric Edge, vice president of brand and marketing at Alaska Airlines, said, "Coachella and Stagecoach are more than festivals, they're defining moments in culture. We're thrilled to return as the official airline, creating an experience that brings the energy of the festival to life and makes the journey to the desert just as memorable as the weekend itself."

To support travel demand, Alaska Airlines is increasing capacity with more seats on flights to Palm Springs, one of the closest airports to Indio. The airline will operate these services around Coachella scheduled from April 10–13 and 17–19, and Stagecoach from April 24–26.

With this move, Alaska Airlines continues to blend travel with experience, making the journey to the festival as engaging as the event itself.


Millo Expands to Nagpur with Unique Dining Concept

Millo Expands to Nagpur with Unique Dining Concept

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 13, 2026

Millo has expanded its footprint to Nagpur, marking an important step in the brand’s journey and adding a fresh perspective to the city’s growing food and beverage culture.

After gaining popularity in Mumbai, the brand now brings its signature high-energy and design-led dining experience to Nagpur. The new space is designed to go beyond just dining, offering a setting where people can connect, relax, and spend time across different occasions.

Positioned as a social space, Millo Nagpur blends comfort with a strong visual identity. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a long conversation, or an evening out, the space is built to suit different moods. With thoughtful design, varied seating, and attention to detail, it introduces a more modern and experience-first approach to dining in the city.

At the heart of the offering is a multi-cuisine menu that brings together Mexican, Italian, and Asian influences into a vegetarian-forward concept. The idea is to keep dishes familiar yet elevate them through flavour, presentation, and balance, encouraging sharing and repeat visits.

Sharing his thoughts, Sujit Mehta, the founder said, “Nagpur felt like a natural next step for Millo. It’s a city that is evolving quickly, with a growing audience that is curious, social, and open to new experiences. With Millo, we wanted to bring something that doesn’t just serve food, but creates a space people can return to, for different moods, different moments, and different reasons.”

Adding to this, Savan Bhatewara & Sharmila Shah, co-founders further noted, “While Mumbai shaped the Millo identity, Nagpur gives us the opportunity to build deeper community engagement. The idea is to stay consistent in what we stand for, while still adapting to how people in each city like to dine, gather, and spend their time.”

More than its menu or interiors, what sets Millo Nagpur apart is its focus on changing how people engage with dining. It is positioned not just as a special-occasion spot, but as an elevated everyday space where guests can drop in casually and stay longer.

With this launch, Millo adds a new layer to Nagpur’s hospitality scene, reflecting a wider shift towards global flavours, thoughtful design, and experience-led dining.


American Airlines Raises Baggage Fees, Cuts Economy Perks

American Airlines Raises Baggage Fees, Cuts Economy Perks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 13, 2026

American Airlines has announced an increase in checked baggage fees along with a reduction in certain perks for economy travellers, as rising jet fuel costs continue to put pressure on the aviation industry.

The airline has raised fees for both domestic and short-haul international flights. Passengers will now pay an additional USD 10 for the first and second checked bags. The cost of a third checked bag has also gone up by USD 50, taking it to USD 200, although this pricing was already applicable in some regions such as Canada.

In addition, travellers booking basic economy tickets will see further changes. Starting May 18, checked bag fees for these passengers will increase by an extra USD 5. They will also have to pay to select seats and will no longer be eligible for complimentary system-wide upgrades.

These steps come at a time when airlines are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs. Jet fuel prices, which were around USD 85 to USD 90 per barrel earlier, have surged to nearly USD 209 globally. This spike is linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply.

American Airlines is among the last major U.S. carriers to introduce such changes, as airlines look to manage increasing operational expenses while maintaining profitability.

However, passengers flying in premium cabins will continue to receive benefits such as free checked baggage on both domestic and international routes.

With these updates, the airline aims to balance rising costs while continuing to offer services across its network.

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