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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on June 18, 2024
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has recently signed two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to boost rural tourism and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The first MoU, a five-year agreement, was signed between the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, represented by Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), represented by Mission Director Deepa Ranjan. This collaboration is set to enhance tourism infrastructure while empowering rural communities through improved access to financial services and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Key initiatives under this MoU include:
Identifying and addressing infrastructure gaps in selected villages.
Developing tourism infrastructure and mobilizing communities for tourism activities.
Organizing capacity-building programs and promoting homestays.
Conducting training programs for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), homestay owners, and tourist guides.
Enhancing social media management, content creation, and familiarization trips.
UPSRLM will play a crucial role in:
Identifying potential SHGs and mobilizing communities.
Building the capacity of SHG members through training programs.
Supporting village cleanliness and promoting tourism villages via social media.
Sharing relevant data with the Directorate of Tourism and maintaining tourism infrastructure as needed.
The second MoU was signed between UPSRLM and the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management. This partnership aims to develop sustainable food service enterprises in the state, with technical support and capacity building provided by the Institute.
These initiatives are part of UP Tourism's broader strategy to transform the state’s tourism landscape. By promoting rural tourism, they aim to:
Significantly boost local economies.
Provide diverse livelihood opportunities.
Enhance infrastructure to host a variety of tourism experiences.
To date, 229 villages have been identified for tourism development. These efforts are designed to empower rural communities through skill development and the promotion of local art, craft, culture, and cuisine.
Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the importance of these initiatives: “These MoUs are a testament to our commitment to elevating the entire tourism ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. By encouraging rural tourism, we are not only boosting local economies but also providing rural populations with various means of livelihood and employment.”
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, emphasized the collaborative effort: “Our collaboration with UPSRLM and the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute is a significant stride towards sustainable tourism and community empowerment. This initiative will enhance facilities and infrastructure, offering tourists an authentic experience of rustic village life.”
Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director, UPSRLM, added, “This partnership will empower rural communities by integrating them into the tourism value chain. It will create new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development in the villages.”
Eesha Priya, Special Secretary, Tourism, concluded, “We are focused on developing a comprehensive tourism strategy that benefits all stakeholders. The synergy between tourism development and rural livelihood enhancement is crucial for the holistic growth of our state.”
Through these strategic partnerships and initiatives, UP Tourism aims to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that offers authentic rural experiences while empowering local communities. The focus on rural tourism not only promises economic growth but also ensures the preservation and promotion of Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural heritage.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 24, 2026
Regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination, further expanding its regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With the new addition, the airline now serves four destinations across the two states.
The airline will connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, supporting travel for pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and students across southern India. Bookings for the new Tirupati services are now open through FLY91’s website and travel agency network.
Tirupati is one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and is home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, which attracts millions of devotees. Beyond pilgrimage, the city is also an important educational, cultural and commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh.
Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, "The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on 'Connecting Bharat' through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India's growing regional markets."
FLY91 will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights between Tirupati and Vijayawada will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while services between Tirupati and Rajahmundry will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
With Tirupati now added to its network, FLY91 serves Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The addition strengthens FLY91’s focus on connecting regional markets and improving access between important destinations across India.
By Hariharan U
Published on August 19, 2026
Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.
The airline began operations from the new airport on August 17, 2026, with 10 daily flights serving the three key domestic destinations. The inaugural flight departed for Bengaluru at 8:00 AM, with guests receiving ceremonial boarding passes to mark the launch.
The new services strengthen air connectivity for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding region, while providing travellers with additional options to connect with major business, tourism and commercial centres across southern India.
Air India Express currently operates two daily flights between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad and two daily services between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, along with a daily service connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam schedule also includes additional services on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers.
All timings are local and are effective from August 17, 2026.
The airline is also expanding its network from Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Tirupati, with daily flights connecting Tirupati and Hyderabad scheduled to commence from September 1, 2026.
From the same date, Air India Express will also resume its daily service on the Hyderabad–Chennai route, further strengthening connectivity between key cities in southern India.
With the latest additions, Air India Express currently serves 48 domestic and 16 international destinations, operating more than 3,000 weekly flights across India, Southeast Asia and West Asia.
The commencement of operations at Bhogapuram marks another step in the airline's network expansion strategy while strengthening connectivity to and from Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh's important commercial, industrial and tourism centres.
Published on August 15, 2026
With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated 12 short getaway options for travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.
The list brings together destinations that are easy to reach from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering everything from monsoon-filled hills and wildlife escapes to heritage cities and coastal retreats. Whether it is adventure, nature, culture or simply some time away from the city, there is an option for different kinds of travellers.
1. Rishikesh: For an Adventure-Filled Break
Just a few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure, spirituality and relaxation along the Ganga.
2. Jaipur: For a Dose of Culture & Heritage
Jaipur is an easy heritage escape from Delhi, with royal history, grand architecture, local food and colourful markets.
3. Jim Corbett: For a Wildlife Escape
For travellers looking to spend the weekend closer to nature, Jim Corbett offers forests, wildlife and peaceful resort stays away from the city.
4. Mussoorie: For a Refreshing Hill Retreat
Mussoorie continues to be a popular short getaway from Delhi, with mountain views, colonial charm and a pleasant hill-station atmosphere.
5. Lonavala: For a Quick Monsoon Escape
Lonavala becomes especially scenic during the monsoon, with green hills, misty landscapes and waterfalls. Its easy access from Mumbai makes it a convenient weekend option.
6. Alibaug: For a Coastal Reset
Alibaug brings together coastal landscapes, heritage, local food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for travellers looking to slow down.
7. Mahabaleshwar: For Misty Mountain Views
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers lush and misty landscapes during the monsoon, making it ideal for a peaceful break.
8. Nashik: For Food, Culture & Countryside
Nashik offers a mix of heritage, spirituality, countryside landscapes and Maharashtra's growing wine culture, giving travellers an alternative to the usual hill or beach escape.
9. Coorg: For a Monsoon Nature Break
Coorg's coffee plantations, green landscapes and relaxed pace make it a refreshing getaway from Bengaluru. The destination also offers opportunities to experience local culture and plantation life.
10. Chikmagalur: For Coffee & the Hills
Chikmagalur combines misty mountains, coffee plantations and scenic countryside, offering travellers a relaxed break from Bengaluru.
11. Mysuru: For a Heritage-Filled Weekend
Mysuru offers an easy cultural getaway with grand architecture, historic landmarks, lively markets and its own distinctive food culture.
12. Kabini: For Wildlife & the Wild
Kabini is suited to travellers looking for a deeper nature escape, with forests, wildlife and peaceful riverside experiences.
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