Author Archives: TBM Staff - Mumbai

Tourism Ministry Sanctions 76 Projects Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Union Tourism Ministry announced that 76 projects, totaling INR 5,287.9 crore, have been approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with 75 projects now physically complete. Launched by the Centre in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme focuses on the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. It has since been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to promote the creation of sustainable and responsible destinations, with 34 projects worth INR 793.2 crore already sanctioned under this new framework.
Additionally, the Ministry has introduced guidelines for a “challenge-based destination development” sub-scheme within Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This initiative invites proposals in categories like spiritual tourism and ecotourism. To date, 42 destinations across various tourism themes have been selected for development under this scheme.

Under the PRASHAD Scheme, a total of 48 projects, costing INR 1,646.99 crore, are being developed, with 23 already completed. This scheme provides financial assistance for enhancing tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage sites. Moreover, the government has approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), with an allocation of INR 3,295.76 crore for long-term, interest-free loans.

India registered 18.89 million international tourist arrivals and 9.52 million foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2023.
The foreign exchange earnings through tourism during 2023 were INR 2,31,927 crore.

Air India appoints Rogers Aviation as GSA in Mauritius

 

Air India has announced the appointment of Rogers Aviation as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger business in Mauritius. The collaboration aims to strengthen connectivity between India and Mauritius, enhancing services for travellers in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Rogers Aviation will handle reservations, ticketing, and marketing efforts, ensuring seamless passenger support.

Alexandre Faydherbe, CEO, Rogers Aviation, expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting their dedication to exceptional travel solutions. This agreement reinforces Rogers Aviation’s position as a leader in travel and aviation services across the Indian Ocean and Sub-Saharan Africa. The collaboration aligns with Air India’s goal to expand its global reach and improve passenger experience.

Currently, Air India operates five weekly flights between Mumbai and Mauritius, providing convenient connections to destinations across India and beyond. The airline’s expanding fleet and modernised services, combined with Rogers Aviation’s expertise, promise a world-class travel experience for passengers. This partnership will further boost tourism and business travel between the two regions.

As part of its transformation, Air India continues to upgrade its fleet and enhance its offerings. The airline recently confirmed the purchase of 100 Airbus aircraft, adding to its previous orders of 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. This modernisation reflects Air India’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer-focused services.

Oman Air appoints InterGlobe as GSA in India 

 

 

InterGlobe Air Transport Limited has been appointed the exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) for Oman Air in India, marking a significant step towards strengthening Oman Air’s presence in the Indian market. This partnership will leverage InterGlobe’s extensive network and expertise to enhance customer service, sales, and operations across the country, focusing on providing a seamless experience for Indian travellers.

 

Oman Air, known for its exceptional service across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Asia, and Europe, operates over 90 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities from its Muscat hub. InterGlobe Air Transport will provide comprehensive support, including passenger airline management, reservations, ticketing, sales and marketing, and contact center operations. This collaboration is designed to streamline operations and boost Oman Air’s visibility and service offerings in India.

 

The partnership is expected to redefine air travel between India and Oman by combining InterGlobe’s local expertise with Oman Air’s world-class hospitality. Travellers will benefit from improved connectivity, streamlined booking processes, and exceptional customer support, enhancing the overall travel experience between the two nations.

 

Sunil V A, Oman Air’s Regional Vice President, expressed excitement about strengthening their Indian operations, while Siddhanta Sharma, CEO, InterGlobe Air Transport, highlighted their commitment to elevating the customer journey and contributing to the airline’s growth in India.

Air India Express expands Amritsar connectivity

 

Air India Express is set to launch direct flights from Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) to Bengaluru (BLR) and Bangkok (BKK) starting December 27, 2024. These new routes will be operated four times weekly using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, enhancing travel convenience for both business and leisure travellers. This initiative significantly boosts Punjab’s air connectivity network while creating seamless travel corridors to South India and Southeast Asia.

The Bengaluru flight will depart at 5:55 AM and land in Amritsar at 9:20 AM, with the return flight leaving at 11:30 PM and arriving in Bengaluru at 2:45 AM. Meanwhile, the Bangkok service departs from Amritsar at 10:40 AM and lands at 5:00 PM local time. The return flight from Bangkok departs at 6:00 PM and arrives in Amritsar at 9:30 PM, offering passengers a convenient and time-efficient travel option.

This expansion has been widely praised by the FlyAmritsar Initiative, with Global Convener Sameep Singh Gumtala calling it a New Year gift for Punjab. The direct routes are expected to attract more tourists, foster trade, and strengthen cultural exchange between Punjab, South India, and Thailand, making Amritsar a growing aviation hub.

By eliminating layovers, these connections reduce travel time and costs, providing travellers with more efficient options. The enhanced connectivity also positions Amritsar as a pivotal link for domestic and international travel, creating new opportunities for tourism, commerce, and community engagement.

Flight services resume from Puducherry Airport

 

After an eight-month hiatus, flight operations from Puducherry resumed on Friday with Indigo Airlines launching flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The services had been suspended since March when SpiceJet, the sole operator, ceased operations citing operational challenges. Following a request from the territorial administration, Indigo began operating ATR-72 aircraft, providing much-needed connectivity for the Union Territory. The inaugural flight from Bengaluru landed at 12.15 p.m., greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.

The resumption of services was marked by a ceremony attended by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, and other dignitaries. The Lt. Governor personally handed over boarding passes to passengers traveling to Hyderabad. The daily schedule includes flights departing Bengaluru at 11.10 a.m. and arriving in Puducherry by 12.15 p.m., followed by onward flights to Hyderabad and back. Evening flights connect Hyderabad with Puducherry and Bengaluru, ensuring seamless travel options.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy announced plans to further enhance connectivity by introducing flights to destinations such as Goa, Thoothukudi, and Rajahmundry. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Puducherry Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Discussions with the Tamil Nadu government are underway to expedite land acquisition for the airport’s expansion, which is expected to boost economic growth and regional connectivity.

Airport Director K. Rajasekhar Reddy emphasised the importance of the resumed services in enhancing passenger convenience and promoting tourism in the Union Territory. The restored connectivity is poised to attract more travelers, contributing to Puducherry’s overall development and increasing its appeal as a tourism and business hub.

US Consulate in Bengaluru to open in 2025

The United States will inaugurate a new consulate in Bengaluru by January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Indo-US relations. This will be the sixth US consulate in India, adding to those in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti announced this development, emphasising Bengaluru’s pivotal role as India’s IT hub and the need to enhance access to US visa services for its residents.

 

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya welcomed the news, noting that the city, contributing 40% of India’s IT revenue, has long awaited a US consulate. Currently, Bengaluru residents must travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for visa-related processes, underscoring the necessity of this new facility. The consulate will streamline services and reduce logistical hurdles for applicants in the region.

 

Additionally, from January 1, 2025, US visa applicants in India will be allowed one free rescheduling of their interview appointments. This policy change aims to reduce wait times, which currently range from 429 to 479 days for visitor visas across major cities. Plans are underway to expand visa slots by one million in 2025, reflecting the US government’s efforts to meet soaring demand.

 

In 2024, the US issued a record 11.5 million visas globally, including 8.5 million visitor visas, with India contributing a substantial volume. The new Bengaluru consulate, along with increased staffing and technology-driven improvements, is expected to significantly enhance the visa application process, further strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.