Tamil Nadu Shines at WTM London 2024: Showcasing Culture, Nature, and Tourism Excellence

Tamil Nadu Shines at WTM London 2024: Showcasing Culture, Nature, and Tourism Excellence

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 10, 2024

Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, stole the spotlight at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, presenting its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and innovative tourism initiatives. Recognized globally for its history, architecture, and vibrant traditions, Tamil Nadu captivated industry leaders and travel enthusiasts alike.

A Grand Showcase of Tamil Nadu Tourism

At the dedicated Tamil Nadu Tourism pavilion, attendees were introduced to the state’s diverse offerings, from heritage tourism and eco-tourism to adventure travel and cultural experiences. Inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Vikram K. Doraiswami, IFS, High Commissioner of India to the UK, the pavilion served as a hub for fostering connections and driving investments. B2B meetings facilitated partnerships with tour operators, travel agents, and hoteliers, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s global appeal as a premier travel destination.

The Tamil Nadu delegation was led by Dr. Chandra Mohan B, I.A.S., Principal Secretary for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments, and Thiru C. Samayamoorthy, I.A.S., Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, along with other officials.

Celebrating Culture and Nature

Tamil Nadu boasts an impressive lineup of cultural and natural attractions:

  • Iconic Temples: Renowned for their intricate architecture and millennia-old heritage.
  • Festivals: The Indian Dance Festival, Margazhi Utsav, and Karthigai Deepam showcase Tamil Nadu’s artistic vibrancy.
  • Natural Wonders: Biosphere reserves, hill stations like Yercaud and Kolli Hills, and pristine coastlines offer unmatched adventure and serenity.

Upcoming events such as the Tamil Nadu Travel Mart in February and the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival in January promise to further enhance the state's tourism calendar, drawing global visitors to its shores.

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Tourism Innovations for 2025

Tamil Nadu's forward-thinking tourism strategy includes:

  • Adventure Tourism: Water sports along the 1,076 km coastline and trekking trails in lush hill stations.
  • Niche Experiences: Cruise tourism, photo walks, and glamping opportunities.
  • Modern Infrastructure: A new 16-acre Jallikattu arena in Madurai, blending ancient traditions with contemporary facilities.

Commitment to Sustainability

Aligning with global trends, Tamil Nadu Tourism emphasized its commitment to environmentally and culturally sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities while preserving the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

A Destination for Every Traveller

Whether it's exploring the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanniyakumari, diving into traditional Tamil festivals, or embarking on eco-adventures in lush landscapes, Tamil Nadu offers a rich tapestry of experiences for all. With 58 GI-tagged products, including handcrafted sarees, jewellery, and pottery, the state provides an authentic cultural immersion like no other.

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Positioning Tamil Nadu on the Global Map

By showcasing its diverse tourism portfolio at WTM London 2024, Tamil Nadu solidified its position as a world-class destination. With a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements, the state invites global travellers to discover its unparalleled beauty and heritage.

For more details, visit Tamil Nadu Tourism's official website.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.


Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.

The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.

The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.

Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.

The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:

  • AI481: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 05:55 | Arrival: 07:05 | Daily
  • AI482: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 07:55 | Arrival: 09:10 | Daily
  • AI483: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 12:55 | Arrival: 14:10 | Daily
  • AI484: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 14:40 | Arrival: 15:55 | Daily

With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.

Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.

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