The Art of Avoiding Crowds: Mid-Autumn Festival Escapes

The Art of Avoiding Crowds: Mid-Autumn Festival Escapes

By Author

Published on October 5, 2023

In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also mean swarms of tourists in popular destinations. If you're seeking solitude or a unique experience, here are some offbeat getaways to consider.

1) Riding the Western Silk Road

Venture to Xinjiang in western China, where the Mid-Autumn Festival is not a major celebration for the locals. Enjoy the blend of cultures, ancient sites, and high-altitude scenery around Kashgar. Don't forget to explore the bustling bazaars for a shopping adventure.

2) Touring the Uncrowded Countryside of Inner Mongolia

Head to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, for a taste of Mongolian culture. Enjoy horseback riding, touring, and camping in yurts. During this time, many residents return home or go on vacation, making your trip quieter.

3) Visit the Less Visited Great Wall Sections

Escape the crowds at lesser-known Great Wall sections like Jinshanling and Huanghua Cheng. For a more rugged adventure, consider Jiankou or Zhuangdaokou, known for their steep climbs and brush-covered paths.

4) Rest on the Beaches in Beihai

Beihai offers cleaner and quieter beaches than other popular destinations in China. Drive a short distance from the city to discover natural and tranquil coastal spots.

5) See the Mud Flats of Xiapu

Xiapu, a coastal fishing town, is known for its unique culture and delicious seafood. Stroll around the local community during low tide and soak in the everyday life of the Chinese.

6) Find Solitude in Manzhouli

Manzhouli is an exotic destination with fewer tourists, making it perfect for an offbeat adventure. Immerse yourself in Mongolian culture, shop for Russian souvenirs, and explore scenic spots while enjoying pleasant September weather.

Tips for Traveling During Mid-Autumn Festival

For a hassle-free journey, consider air travel to avoid crowded trains and roads. Remember to book your flights early, make travel arrangements in advance, and be prepared for potential changes to your plans. Also, keep an eye on local epidemic situations and choose flexible services.

With these offbeat destinations and travel tips, you can make the most of your Mid-Autumn Festival holiday while escaping the crowds.


MONIN India Announces Coffee Creativity Cup 2025 Theme: Alchemy of Flavors

MONIN India Announces Coffee Creativity Cup 2025 Theme: Alchemy of Flavors

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2025

MONIN India has officially revealed the theme for the much-awaited MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup (MCCC) 2025 — "Alchemy of Flavors: A Fusion of MONIN & Exquisite Coffee." This exciting edition aims to inspire baristas and beverage professionals to explore bold new combinations using MONIN’s world-class syrups with expertly brewed coffee.

This year's competition is set to be a true celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and community. Participants will showcase their espresso-based mocktails across three regional rounds held in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with winners advancing to a grand national finale in Jaipur.

The champion from the India finale will go on to represent the country at the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup Asia Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, scheduled for September 2025. There, they'll compete against top baristas from across the APAC region.

The theme "Alchemy of Flavors" calls on participants to mix tradition with creativity, combining MONIN’s versatile flavors with the art of coffee brewing. It highlights the growing desire for unique, elevated coffee experiences in India and strengthens MONIN’s commitment to supporting baristas with platforms that celebrate imagination and skill.

More than just a competition, the MCCC has evolved into a creative journey. It empowers professionals to challenge the norm, tell their stories through beverages, and set new benchmarks in India’s modern coffee scene.

Mr. Germain Araud, Managing Director of MONIN India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his excitement, saying, “We're proud to return with the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup this year. This initiative is designed to offer a meaningful springboard for emerging talent, providing visibility and access to a wider, even global stage. It reflects MONIN's deep-rooted commitment to giving back to the community that inspires us every day. As MONIN continues to grow within the coffee industry, this competition offers us a valuable opportunity to discover the passion and innovation that professionals bring to their craft.”

At every stage, regional and national - winners can look forward to exciting prizes, with the national winner receiving an exclusive global coffee experience that includes an international farm visit.

As a brand that has been pioneering beverage innovation since 1912, MONIN continues to invest in India's growing coffee culture. MCCC 2025 is a vibrant expression of this vision, bringing together flavor, talent, and creative energy in a celebration of coffee like no other.


THSC and VISA Recognise Trained Paragliding Ground Crew in Dehradun

THSC and VISA Recognise Trained Paragliding Ground Crew in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

As part of a dedicated upskilling initiative to boost adventure tourism in India, the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), in collaboration with VISA, felicitated successful candidates who completed the Paragliding Ground Crew Chief training program. This effort is a significant step in formalising the skills of ground staff and offering them well-deserved industry recognition.

The Certificate Distribution Ceremony was conducted by THSC’s training partner, Samarpit Media Society, at Rainbow Hall, ITBP Camp, Dehradun. The event was graced by dignitaries including Mrs. Poonam Chand, Additional Secretary of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Ms. Parnal Vats, Senior Manager at VISA, and Mr. Abhishek Anand, Vice President – Assessment & Certification at THSC.

image

image

The training initiative was supported by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Security Force (BSF), whose contributions were acknowledged by THSC for their vital role throughout the training process and event execution.

image

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
"This upskilling initiative reflects our commitment to creating structured pathways for workforce development in emerging areas like adventure tourism. Through the RPL program, we are formally recognizing the capabilities of individuals who have long been contributing to the sector. We are grateful to our partners VISA, along with UTDB, Samarpit Media Society, BSF and ITBP for their vital support."

This program supports THSC’s broader mission to build a strong skill ecosystem by empowering individuals in the tourism and hospitality sector with industry-aligned competencies and formal certifications.


FHRAI and CIRC Join Hands to Boost Legal Capacity in Hospitality Sector

FHRAI and CIRC Join Hands to Boost Legal Capacity in Hospitality Sector

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CUTS Institute for Regulation and Competition (CIRC) to strengthen the legal and compliance capacity across India's hospitality sector. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as the industry grapples with evolving laws, increasing compliance demands, and mounting sustainability obligations.

"It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry," said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI, during the MoU signing. The partnership aims to roll out a specialised course—Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality—targeted at professionals across hotels, restaurants, and allied services.

India's tourism and hospitality sector is projected to generate over ₹5.12 lakh crore (US$59 billion) in revenue by 2028. However, startups and smaller businesses often face challenges navigating multiple licenses, labour laws, and compliance mandates. These complications can delay business operations and impact consumer experience.

image

Adding to the pressure, new environmental regulations are pushing for green certifications, energy efficiency, and sustainability disclosures. While these align with global standards, they are often difficult to implement without proper awareness or support, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Raju emphasized the importance of legal knowledge in today's landscape. "Understanding the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. This course is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently," he said.

The eight-week course is designed for a wide audience—hoteliers, restaurateurs, HR managers, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and hospitality students. It covers licensing, contracts, labour laws, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution, with a strong focus on real-world application. Live weekend sessions, expert instructors, and case-based learning aim to ensure practical value.

Pradeep Mehta, Chairman of CIRC, noted the urgent need for legal training in the sector. "There is a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively."

He added, "To unlock the full potential of the sector, we need a more streamlined regulatory environment and wider awareness of compliance obligations. Well-informed businesses are better equipped to avoid penalties, attract investment, and meet global benchmarks."

Raju concluded, "What sets this course apart is its focus on practical learning. It empowers professionals to spot risks early, make smarter decisions, and protect their businesses. We believe this initiative marks an important step toward raising legal awareness and strengthening the foundation of hospitality in India."

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.