Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes 2026 with Festive New ...
Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is all set to usher in the New ...
A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Pow...
In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica R...
Celebrate the New Year in Style: From Hilltop Luxury to City...
Usher in the New Year with unforgettable celebrations that b...
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Showcases 15th Edition of Brides of ...
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s most trusted jew...
By Hariharan U
Published on January 3, 2026
IndiGo has outlined a cautious yet forward-looking approach as it prepares for the next phase of growth, placing strong emphasis on “operational reliability” while planning a limited set of international route additions. The airline said its immediate focus is to “stabilise operations” as it continues to strengthen capacity and network resilience.
As part of its international plans, IndiGo has announced the launch of non-stop services to Athens. This route will also mark the international debut of India’s first Airbus A321XLR, a new aircraft type expected to support the airline’s entry into fresh overseas markets as it gradually expands beyond short-haul operations.
Beyond Athens, the airline has not shared details of additional international destinations or capacity increases. IndiGo stated that it will continue to grow its international footprint while further densifying its domestic network, without outlining the pace or scale of expansion.
On the domestic front, the airline is also preparing to begin operations from Noida International Airport at Jewar, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region once services commence.
Addressing recent operational challenges, IndiGo said it had swiftly restored normal operations following a temporary network disruption. The airline also confirmed that it is “fully collaborating and providing requested information to the regulator's committee” as part of an ongoing review by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
While IndiGo reiterated its long-term ambitions, including plans related to widebody aircraft and sustained growth, its near-term outlook remains measured. The airline said its renewed focus on stability will help drive future scale, innovation, and impact as it carefully explores new frontiers.
Published on January 1, 2026
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has made an impressive start, handling a total of 26,021 passengers in its first five days of operations. This includes 12,431 arrivals and 13,590 departures, showing strong demand right from day one.
Weekend traffic was particularly high, with 5,548 travellers on Saturday and 5,614 on Sunday, reflecting growing confidence among passengers. During this initial period, the airport managed 162 flight movements, 81 arrivals and 81 departures, while keeping on-time performance smooth for both airlines and ground services.
Currently, NMIA connects 13 major domestic destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa (MOPA), Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Vadodara. These connections cover key business and leisure hubs, giving travellers more options and conveand nience in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Looking ahead, the airport plans to expand its network with additional destinations and increased flight frequencies in coordination with partner airlines. With strong early passenger response and ready infrastructure, NMIA is set to become a modern, seamless travel hub in Western India
Air India has strengthened its partnership with airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, by entering into a new codeshare agreement, making travel between India and the Baltic region easier and more seamless for its customers. This move builds on the interline partnership established between the two carriers in June 2025.
Under the codeshare, Air India has begun adding its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga and Air India’s European gateways including Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. This allows passengers to travel between India and Riga with a single Air India ticket, covering connecting flights under the same booking.
Additionally, Air India’s interline agreement with airBaltic allows travellers to reach Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania via select European gateways, further expanding access to the Baltic region.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, "This expanded partnership with airBaltic reflects Air India’s commitment to providing seamless global connectivity to our customers. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, and this codeshare makes the journey more convenient than ever."
Air India currently operates multiple non-stop flights connecting India with Europe:
Delhi: Amsterdam (7x weekly), Paris (14x weekly), Frankfurt (12x weekly), Copenhagen (4x weekly), Milan (6x weekly), Vienna (4x weekly), Zurich (4x weekly)
Mumbai: Frankfurt (5x weekly)
Amritsar & Ahmedabad: London Gatwick (3x weekly each)
Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has expanded its global alliance network to include 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, offering passengers access to over 800 destinations worldwide.
The new codeshare flights are now available for booking through both airlines’ official channels and travel partners.
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.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.