UNWTO List Unveils Dhordo as a Top Tourist Village in India for 2023

UNWTO List Unveils Dhordo as a Top Tourist Village in India for 2023

By Author

Published on October 24, 2023

In a significant development that marks India's prominence on the global tourism map, Dhordo in Gujarat has been honoured with a spot in the distinguished UNWTO list of Best Tourism Villages. This scenic village, nestled in the culturally rich region of Kutch, is now internationally recognised, thanks to its unique banni hospitality, intricate mud craft, and the famed Mutwa embroidery.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) unveiled its list of 54 Best Tourism Villages for the year 2023, spotlighting Dhordo among the esteemed ranks. This recognition underscores the village's exemplary commitment to nurturing rural regions while safeguarding landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.

Dhordo's inclusion shines a light on its hosting of the renowned 100-day Rann Utsav, a festival that showcases the village's cultural opulence and offers a peek into the lives of the local artisans and craftspeople. Every corner of Dhordo tells a story of tradition, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation.

Adding to India's accolades, Madla in Madhya Pradesh is soon to join the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network as part of the Upgrade Programme. This expansion reflects the continuous efforts of Indian villages in upholding high standards of tourism and cultural preservation.

The UNWTO’s initiative is designed to promote rural development and inclusion, combating depopulation while encouraging innovation, value chain integration, and sustainable practices in tourism. Each selected village is a testament to the power of tourism as a catalyst for local development and well-being.

Every accolade and recognition, like that of Dhordo’s, is a step closer to making rural India a globally recognized hub for sustainable and culturally rich tourism. The future is bright, with ongoing efforts to uncover and uplift hidden gems of incredible India, bringing them to the world stage where they rightfully belong.

The 2023 UNWTO list of Best Tourism Villages also features remarkable villages from around the globe, including Al Sela in Jordan, Barrancas in Chile, and Biei in Japan. Each village exemplifies a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and innovation in tourism.

As we look ahead, the anticipation builds for the first months of 2024, where yet another call for submissions will unfold, ready to unveil the next set of rural wonders that continue to make our world a vibrant mosaic of cultural treasures. In the heart of every village lies a narrative waiting to be told, a culture waiting to be explored, and an experience waiting to be lived. In Dhordo, these tales of splendor await your discovery.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.


SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on August 27, 2025

SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.

This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.

Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.

The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:

Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email

Baggage tags via SMS

This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.

Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.

SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.

About SpiceJet:

SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.


Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2025

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.

The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”

Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.

The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

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