Author Archives: TBM Staff - Mumbai

Chhattisgarh Opens Doors to Free Train Travel for Ayodhya Darshan

BJP government in Chhattisgarh has approved an annual free train travel scheme for people who want to go for darshan of Lord Ram at Ayodhya temple.

The decision was taken on Wednesday at a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, an official said.
“Fulfilling yet another guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised during the 2023 assembly elections,” an official release said.

It said 20,000 people would be taken to Ayodhya on annual pilgrimage by train.
Those in the age group of 18 to 75 years who are medically fit would be eligible under this scheme. In the first leg, the selection of people above 55 years of age would be done.

A committee would be set up under the collector in each district to select pilgrims.

“The scheme would be implemented by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and a necessary budget would be provided by the state tourism department,” the release said.

An MoU would be inked with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to implement the scheme and a weekly special train would be arranged.

“People can board the special train from Raipur, Durg, Raigarh, and Ambikapur stations. The main destination of the 900-km tour would be Ayodhya,” the release said.

During the tour, pilgrims will make a night halt in Varanasi where they will be taken to Kashi Vishwanath temple and participate in the Ganga Aarti.

Notably, the Sai government last week decided to declare January 22 as a “dry day” to mark the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

In another decision, the state government has also decided to appoint Prafull Bharat, a senior advocate of the Chhattisgarh High Court, as the new Advocate General (AG), the release said.

He will replace former AG Satish Chandra Verma who resigned after the BJP came to power in the state last month.

Source: PTI

Following Offensive Remarks, EaseMyTrip Extends Maldives Booking Suspension

Fueled by the ongoing controversy surrounding offensive remarks about Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, Indian travel agency EaseMyTrip reaffirmed its indefinite booking suspension to the Maldives on Thursday. In a statement titled “Nation First, Business Later,” the company cited national pride and highlighted India’s extensive coastline with its own breathtaking beaches.

“Motivated by the recent disrespectful comments made by Maldivian officials towards India, its citizens, and Prime Minister Modi, we have indefinitely suspended all travel bookings to the Maldives, effective January 8th. This decision reflects our commitment to national pride and prioritizing it over business interests.”

Expressing gratitude for public support online, EaseMyTrip concluded with a call to national unity: “Your social media voices reflect our shared love for India. Let’s stand together in this.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep visit in January, showcasing its tourism potential, remains a focal point.

Prime Minister Modi shared picturesque glimpses of Lakshadweep’s untouched beaches, including his “thrilling” snorkeling experience. However, the visit sparked controversy when Maldivian Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna posted a derisive social media comment, later deleted, about the visit. This ignited online outrage, with #BoycottMaldives trending and Indian celebrities advocating for promoting domestic beach tourism, particularly in Lakshadweep.

Faced with mounting online anger over the disrespectful remarks, the Maldivian government quickly distanced itself, with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer calling them “unacceptable.” However, India remained unsatisfied, summoning the Maldivian envoy to register a formal protest.

Indians topped the charts in Maldivian tourism in 2023, with a whopping 209,198 arrivals, followed closely by Russia (209,146) and China (187,118).
While India led the pack with 240,000 visitors in 2022, the Maldives also witnessed significant arrivals from Russia (198,000) and Britain (177,000), highlighting its draw for various international travelers.

India’s domestic aviation hits a high note with 13.8 million passengers in December, says ICRA

Credit rating agency ICRA on Wednesday said its outlook on the Indian aviation industry is stable on the back of the fast-paced recovery in domestic passenger traffic in FY2023 and nine month FY2024, and expectations of the trend continuing for the rest of FY2024.

In a research report on the sector, ICRA said the industry witnessed improved pricing power, reflected in the higher yields (over pre-Covid levels) and, thus, the revenue per available seat kilometre – cost per available seat kilometre (RASK-CASK) spread of the airlines.

The momentum in air passenger traffic witnessed in the current fiscal is expected to continue in FY2025, though further expansion in yields from the current levels may be limited.

For December, 2023, domestic air passenger traffic was estimated at about 138.1 lakh as against about 127.4 lakh in November 2023.

Domestic air passenger traffic in the nine month FY2024 (April–December 2023) was 1,145.4 lakh, a YoY growth of 16 per cent.

The airlines’ capacity deployment in December 2023 was higher by about 3 per cent than December, 2022. Further, for 8M FY2024 (April–November 2023), the international passenger traffic for Indian carriers stood at about 189.5 lakh, a YoY growth of about 28 per cent.

 

Source: IANS

British Airways unveils sale with fares ranging from 225,000 to 345,000

British Airways has officially kicked off its annual January Sale in India, presenting discounted tickets to over 30 long-haul destinations spanning the UK, US, and Canada. Customers can avail these special offers until midnight on Tuesday, January 31.

Club World (business class) flights are now available at a reduced-rate from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Additionally, discounted premium economy (World Traveller Plus) tickets are available for customers commencing their journey from Hyderabad making flying more pocket friendly for the travellers.

Be it reuniting with family in Toronto, indulging in shopping sprees in New York, or basking on the beaches of Miami, British Airways caters to diverse preferences. Club World tickets from Mumbai to destinations like Toronto and New York begin at INR 345,000 while return fares from Mumbai to London start at INR 225,000.

Club World customers have the opportunity to enhance their travel experience with style, benefiting from priority check-in, exclusive lounge access, and a refined dining experience at 35,000 feet.

Commenting on the offer, Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer said, “If there is ever an excuse for our customers to treat themselves to a great deal, it is now. British Airways has been flying to India since 1924, making it one of our longest-served and most valued destinations, and with 56 flights a week from five Indian cities to London, there is a vast range of options for Indian tbbtravellers to take the trips they deserve this year. We are delighted, especially since 2024 marks the remarkable milestone of our 100th year of flying into India. We look forward to celebrating this incredible journey with our valued customers.’’ Continue reading →

TTM+ 2024 to be held from June 5-7

Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024 is primed to connect international buyers with Thailand’s tourism offerings, taking place from June 5-7 in the picturesque Phang-Nga Province.

More than 920 participants are expected to converge at TTM+ 2024, forging connections. 420 buyers from 50 countries, representing markets like Europe, ASEAN, and America, and new territories like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America, will have the opportunity to meet with 500 Thai sellers showcasing tourism experiences across the Kingdom.

Beyond the exchange of business cards, TTM+ 2024 fosters knowledge-sharing and industry insights. 100 local and international media professionals will be present. This space fosters new partnerships and generates innovative ideas.

British Airways selects Çelebi India for ground handling at Chennai

Çelebi India announces its collaboration with British Airways to provide ground handling services at Chennai International Airport. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, as Çelebi expands its presence in India and British Airways strengthens its commitment to exceptional service in the region.

British Airways has chosen Çelebi India as its ground handling service provider in Chennai. This strategic alliance signifies the trust and confidence British Airways places in Çelebi’s expertise, gained from over 65 years of providing ground handling services to some of the world’s biggest airlines.

Tauseef Khan, CEO, Çelebi Ground Handling, India quoted, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with British Airways as the chosen ground handling service provider at Chennai Airport. This collaboration is a significant milestone, underscoring Çelebi’s commitment to delivering top-tier services and contributing to the growth of India’s aviation industry. As we extend our support to British Airways, we remain dedicated to providing seamless and sustainable ground handling solutions, further solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the aviation landscape.”
Aparna Malhotra, Regional Airport Manager, India and Maldives for British Airways also added, “This alliance represents the trust and confidence that British Airways has in Çelebi’s expertise. British Airways is known for its exceptional service and unwavering commitment to safety standards. We look forward to dedicated, seamless and sustainable ground handling solutions, further solidifying our unyielding loyalty to exceptional service to our passengers and unwavering commitment to safety standards of the industry.”
Çelebi India’s Growing Presence and Commitment to Excellence.

This collaboration with British Airways is part of Çelebi India’s expansion strategy, adding to its operations at major airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, and Kannur.

Çelebi India, operating in nine major airports across the country, has a rich history of providing seamless ground handling services. From ensuring a smooth passenger experience in the terminal to meticulous aircraft preparation, baggage processing, and timely pushback, Çelebi has consistently demonstrated excellence. With over 750 employees hired by the end of the year, the company ensures airlines and passengers receive unparalleled, on-time service.

Airlines such as US Bangla Airlines, SCOOT, Air Asia Indonesia, Cathay Pacific and YTO Cargo have also recognized and chosen Çelebi as their trusted ground-handling partner at Chennai airport.