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By Author
Published on October 25, 2023
The glitter and grandeur of Kolkata's iconic Durga Puja have reached new heights this year, drawing an unprecedented number of foreign visitors to the city's mesmerizing pandals. The UNESCO's recognition of this grand festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage has not just elevated its global stature but has turned Kolkata into a magnetic hub of cultural tourism.
As one wanders through the beautifully adorned streets of Kolkata, from Hindusthan Park to Ultadanga, the eclectic mix of faces is palpable. Visitors from all corners of the globe are immersing themselves in the fervor of Durga Puja, proving the city's enhanced allure following the UNESCO accolade. State officials are beaming with pride, witnessing an inflow of international tourists like never before.
Italian national Simona Cosentino, a part-time lecturer with a Nottingham university, mirrors the awe and wonder shared by many international guests. "Being here during Durga Puja has made me realize that no amount of online research can ever give you the real feeling of being here," Simona reflects. She, like many, is in Kolkata not just as a spectator but is intimately engaged in studying this grand spectacle.
French tourists David Basetti, Alice Bonevoy, Charles Fauvet, and Juliet Deville are equally enchanted. Every pandal they visited, from Bhowanipore to Salt Lake, unfolded a carnival of creativity, exceeding any street festival they had witnessed elsewhere. Their presence isn’t just that of passive onlookers. Engaged as judges by Durga Puja enthusiast Bodhisatva Banerjee, these international guests are interwoven into the very fabric of the celebrations.
This year, the estimations are staggering. Trade insiders are gearing up to host around 17,000 foreigners during the Puja, while the state is preparing for an influx of 5 lakh visitors from Mahalaya to Diwali. With around 50,000 hotel rooms ready to accommodate this surge, the president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India, Sudesh Poddar, is optimistic.
These international guests, predominantly from the US, Canada, Australia, and various European nations, are testimonies to Kolkata’s burgeoning reputation as a global cultural hub. Every corner of the city, pulsating with the rhythms of dhak and adorned with artistic grandeur, is a testament to the transformative power of the UNESCO recognition.
In the radiant light of the artistic pandals, amidst the reverberating chants and the eclectic mix of global faces, Kolkata isn’t just celebrating Durga Puja. The city is weaving a tapestry of global unity, transcending borders, and echoing the universal language of culture and heritage. Each smile, every shared experience, is a step towards turning Kolkata into not just India’s, but one of the world's preferred tourism destinations, where the legacy of cultural magnificence is as universal as the emotions it evokes.
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 17, 2025
Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.
Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.
“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.
To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.
Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.
The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.
Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”
From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 13, 2025
Bird Travels has announced its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN, Greece’s flag carrier, to operate direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The flight schedule and ticket sales will be officially unveiled by the end of September.
AEGEAN will introduce two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, boasting a range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft feature enhanced comfort with only 138 seats, including 24 Business Class Suites equipped with fully lie-flat beds, aisle access, and modern amenities such as 4K inflight entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and spacious overhead bins designed for long-haul comfort.
The airline plans to operate five weekly flights to New Delhi starting March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026. Bird Travels will act as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for AEGEAN in India, managing sales, marketing, customer service, and distribution.
Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of AEGEAN, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bird Travels as we prepare to launch direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. This marks a significant milestone in AEGEAN’s international expansion and reinforces our commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and India. The addition of the new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft allows us to enhance our service offering for long-haul routes, providing Indian travellers with a premium gateway to Europe and beyond.”
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, commented, “Our partnership with AEGEAN heralds exciting times for Indian travellers. AEGEAN’s reputation for quality service and connectivity perfectly complements our expertise in the Indian aviation market. Together, we look forward to offering seamless and elevated travel experiences from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens and further into Europe.”
About Bird Travels and AEGEAN Bird Travels, the flagship airline management company of India’s Bird Group, has over five decades of experience across airline representation, travel distribution, ground handling, and hospitality services. As AEGEAN’s exclusive GSA in India, Bird Travels will promote and manage the airline’s services across sales, marketing, and customer support.
Founded in 1999, AEGEAN is Greece’s largest and fastest-growing regional airline, serving 152 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with a fleet of 83 modern Airbus aircraft. A member of the STAR ALLIANCE, AEGEAN has been named Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax 14 times in the past 16 years, underscoring its commitment to service excellence.
For more information, visit www.birdtravels.com.
August 15th brings more than a mid-week breather, it’s your cue to pause, reset, and indulge in travel that lingers long after you return. Whether it’s barefoot luxury by the sea, alpine stillness, or the charm of a storied European city, these curated escapes promise to make your long weekend unforgettable.
The Legian Seminyak, Bali
An oceanfront icon where timeless design meets Balinese soul. From vivid sunsets to indulgent spa rituals, every moment here feels like it’s just for you.Explore The Legian
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortManta ray encounters, sunrise sandbank yoga, and villas designed for your pace. Even time slows to match your rhythm here. Discover Maamunagau
De L’Europe AmsterdamA landmark blending old-world charm with modern culture. Riverside calm, art, and the best of Amsterdam—right at your feet. Discover De L’Europe
Hotel Bellevue, Lošinj, CroatiaModern Mediterranean luxury wrapped in pine-scented air and crystal Adriatic waters.View Hotel Bellevue
Boutique Hotel Alhambra, Lošinj, CroatiaAn adults-only escape where refined heritage meets Adriatic elegance.Explore Alhambra
Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz An Alpine legend where understated glamour meets crisp mountain air and Swiss tradition even in summer, Explore Kulm Hotel
Galeries Lafayette Paris HaussmannMore than a department store—private salons, designer previews, and curated fashion experiences tailored just for you.Luxury Shopping Experience
Plan Your Bespoke BreakMake this Independence Day weekend count. Whether you dream of oceanfront tranquility, alpine retreats, or cultural immersion, we’ll curate a journey that feels entirely yours.
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