Tag Archives: Chennai

India maintains top tourism source market position for Sri Lanka

India has maintained the top spot as a source market for tourism in Sri Lanka. As per data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, tourist arrivals from India have crossed 1 lakh 39 thousand in the current year so far. This translates to over 18 per cent market share out of 7.67 lakh tourist arrivals into the island nation. India accounted for 23,461 tourist arrivals in July which was ahead of other countries.

The connectivity between the two countries has improved over the last few months as air travel resumed between Jaffna and Chennai in December last year.

 

SIA, Scoot to operate new flights on Chennai, Bengaluru & Hyderabad routes starting October

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group is set to restructure its services to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, as SIA and Scoot adjust their capacity and network in response to evolving demand patterns.

The changes, which are subject to regulatory approvals, are planned as follows:

Chennai
Scoot will commence daily services between Singapore and Chennai from November 5, 2023, while SIA will go to a twice daily service between the two cities from October 29, 2023. As a result, the SIA Group’s operations between Singapore and Chennai will increase from 17-times weekly to 21-times weekly. SIA will operate its Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-8, and Boeing 787-10 aircraft on its Chennai routes, while Scoot will operate its Airbus A320 aircraft. This transfer of services will reintroduce Scoot to Chennai after a three-year hiatus, and offer additional options for customers on this important route.

Hyderabad
SIA will take over Scoot’s daily services between Singapore and Hyderabad from October 29, 2023, and progressively increase its frequencies between the cities from seven-times weekly to 12-times weekly. The new five-times weekly morning services will be operated by SIA’s Boeing 737-8s, offering more options for passengers travelling from Hyderabad to and beyond Singapore. The daily night services will be operated by SIA’s Airbus A350s. As a result, Hyderabad will be entirely served by SIA’s full-service product.

Bengaluru
SIA will operate twice daily flights between Singapore and Bengaluru from October 29, 2023 using its Airbus A350s on all days except Thursdays and Sundays, where the morning flight will be operated by the Boeing 737-8. SIA will discontinue its thrice-weekly SQ512 and SQ513 Airbus 350 services. As a result, the Airline will operate 14-times weekly instead of the current 16 times a week, offering customers better connectivity from Bengaluru to key destinations in the network.

Sy Yen Chen, General Manager India, Singapore Airlines, said, “The SIA Group is committed to India, and is able to offer customers our industry-leading products and services to even more cities across this key market. This restructuring of our services to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad reflects the strength of the SIA Group’s portfolio of airlines. This gives us the flexibility to adjust our services when necessary so as to offer more options to our customers, and connect them to our wider Group network.”

Brian Torrey, General Manager India, Scoot, added, “The reintroduction of Scoot’s operations in Chennai aligns with our Group’s network strategy to optimise resources and to better match capacity with demand. India has always been an important market for us. By including Chennai in our route network, we can now connect and serve individuals and families to the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. We are thrilled to relaunch our Chennai flights and look forward to welcoming our value customers on board our expanded network in the near future.”

Customers with existing bookings for travel from October 29, 2023 will be re-accommodated on SIA or Scoot flights as appropriate. SIA and Scoot’s customer service teams will progressively reach out to affected customers to assist with the re-accommodation or refund, where applicable.

SIA will operate 96-weekly flights to and from eight Indian cities, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, while Scoot will operate 44-weekly flights to and from six Indian cities, namely Amritsar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirapalli, and Visakhapatnam.

SIA Group’s Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru Flight Schedules

 Chennai

 

Currently – 28 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ524 Singapore – Chennai Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 0740hrs – 0920hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ525 Chennai – Singapore Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 1030hrs – 1740hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ526 Singapore – Chennai Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 2220hrs – 0020hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900

 
SQ527 Chennai – Singapore Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 0130hrs – 0820hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ528 Singapore – Chennai Daily 2025hrs – 2200hrs Boeing 787-10
SQ529 Chennai – Singapore Daily 2315hrs – 0610hrs (+1) Boeing 787-10

 

From 29 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ524 Singapore – Chennai Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 0700hrs – 0855hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ525 Chennai – Singapore Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 1005hrs – 1645hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ524 Singapore – Chennai Thursdays, Saturdays 0700hrs – 0855hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ525 Chennai – Singapore Thursdays, Saturdays 1005hrs – 1645hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ528 Singapore – Chennai Daily 2020hrs – 2200hrs Boeing 787-10
SQ529 Chennai – Singapore Daily 2315hrs – 0555hrs (+1) Boeing 787-10
From 5 November 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
TR578 Singapore – Chennai Daily 2220hrs – 2350hrs Airbus 320
TR579 Chennai – Singapore Daily 0035hrs – 0720hrs Airbus 320

 

Hyderabad

 

Currently – 28 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ522

 

 Singapore –Hyderabad Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 2000hrs – 2205hrs Boeing 737-8

 
SQ523

 

 Hyderabad –Singapore Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 2300hrs – 0620hrs (+1) Boeing 737-8
SQ522 Singapore –Hyderabad Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 2000hrs – 2145hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ523

 

 Hyderabad –Singapore Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 2315hrs – 0610hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900
TR574 Singapore –Hyderabad Daily 2230hrs – 0035hrs (+1) Airbus 320
TR575 Hyderabad –Singapore Daily 0135hrs – 0855hrs Airbus 320

 

From 29 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ518 Singapore –Hyderabad Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 0800hrs – 1010hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ519

 

 Hyderabad –Singapore Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 1120hrs – 1830hrs Boeing 737-8

 
SQ522 Singapore –Hyderabad Daily 2000hrs – 2155hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ523 Hyderabad –Singapore Daily 2310hrs – 0605hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900

 

Bengaluru

 

Currently – 28 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ508

 

 Singapore –Bengaluru Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 0900hrs – 1105hrs

 

 Boeing 737-8

 
SQ509

 

 Bengaluru –Singapore Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 1155hrs – 1900hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ510 Singapore –Bengaluru Daily 2005hrs – 2155hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ511

 

 Bengaluru –Singapore Daily 2310hrs – 0610hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900
SQ512 Singapore –Bengaluru Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 2210hrs – 0005hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900
SQ513 Bengaluru –Singapore Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 0120hrs – 0825hrs Airbus A350-900

 

From 29 October 2023
Flight No. Route Frequency Timing Aircraft Type
SQ508 Singapore –Bengaluru Thursdays, Sundays 0855hrs – 1040hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ509

 

 Bengaluru –Singapore Thursdays, Sundays 1155hrs – 1905hrs Boeing 737-8
SQ508

 

 Singapore –Bengaluru Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 0855hrs – 1040hrs

 

 Airbus A350-900
SQ509

 

 Bengaluru –Singapore Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 1155hrs – 1905hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ510 Singapore –Bengaluru Daily 2005hrs – 2155hrs Airbus A350-900
SQ511

 

 Bengaluru –Singapore Daily 2310hrs – 0610hrs (+1) Airbus A350-900

 

Thomas Cook, SOTC launch monsoon getaways to tap increased demand

To capitalise on the increased demand for monsoon travel, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have curated monsoon getaways that include short driveable holidays, air-inclusive holidays, weekend & extended weekend getaways and multiple shorter trips/mini-cations of approx. 3-7 days starting at INR 7,099.00* for 4 days.

The companies’ Monsoon portfolio extends across popular locales like Kerala backwaters, Wayanad, Coorg, Munnar, Vagamon, Alleppey, Chikmagalur, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Pondicherry. Also, Himalayan ranges and off-beat destinations like Dharamshala, Spiti Valley and the North-East; beach destinations like Goa and Andamans.

Travellers from Delhi-NCR are keen on short and drivable holidays to Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Nainital, Mussoorie; travellers from Maharashtra & Gujarat are visiting Rajmachi, Lohagad, Igatpuri, Lonavala, Matheran, Mahableshwar and Panhala; and travellers from Karnataka/Tamil Nadu are visiting Hampi, Gokarna, Coorg, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari.

Outdoor enthusiasts can opt for thrilling game drives at leading national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Corbett or monsoon hiking/trekking. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice with high adrenaline experiences such as body surfing, waterfall rappelling/trekking in Rishikesh and Lonavala; white water rafting in Ladakh, zip lining in Dawki, kayaking in Kerala, etc. Leisurely biking trips among quaint hamlets, lush meadows and tea/coffee plantations are also a top draw across India. This is an ideal time for Kerala’s famed ayurveda treatments and a tour of the backwaters and forests of Thekkady.

Additionally, short haul international destinations are witnessing high demand during this season with increased interest for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi; island destinations like Maldives, Mauritius. Strongly emerging on the radar are Vietnam, Cambodia and Japan; also Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.

Cruises represent a unique value proposition for travellers for monsoon travel: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers. On the domestic front, Thomas Cook & SOTC have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 8000 customers booked from restart of travel. Popular cruises during the monsoon include domestic sailing of Cordelia Cruise (Chennai – High seas – Chennai) and Chennai to Sri Lanka; on the international front, Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises in Singapore.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Monsoons in India have a special attraction – an experience in itself to witness the rains across different parts of the Country. Being a traditionally low season for travel, Monsoon is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and experience slow travel at discounted rates with special offers. Our Monsoon Getaways include a diversity of offbeat experiences such as biking trips, trekking, hiking, and more for customers across segments including millennials/working professionals, group of friends, couples and families. We invite our customers to book their monsoon getaway with us and have a memorable experience.”

Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Travelling in India during the monsoon season creates an out of the world experience with beautiful scenery and weather. It’s the perfect season for self-drive holidays, nature trails and offbeat outdoor & adventure experiences like bike trips, hiking, rafting, waterfall rappelling/trekking, and more. Our Monsoon Holidays are curated for customers who want to experience India’s untapped beauty amidst the rains. Additionally, value-options like special deals/discounts, complimentary transfers, dining or spa-vouchers make Monsoon travel a truly attractive value proposition for Indians.”

 

Cordelia Cruises starts its international sailing from Chennai to Sri Lanka

Cordelia Cruises starts its international sailing for Sri Lanka and the maiden voyage was flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The other guests of honour which included Tamil Nadu Tourism minister- Thiru K. Ramachandran, Chennai Port Chairman-Sunil Paliwal & Chennai Port Deputy Chairman- S Viswanathan came together for the inaugural international sailing to Sri Lanka by India’s Premium Cruise Line.

Elevating the cruising experience, Cordelia Cruises is committed to offer top notch experiences to its visitors. The new route marks a new chapter in India’s maritime tourism industry. Talking about the new launch, Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure pvt ltd, Cordelia Cruises, said, “Ever since our launch in the India market, we are committed to providing world-class amenities and unmatched hospitality, we aim to redefine the cruising experience for our esteemed guests. Cordelia Cruises served 84000 guests between June 2022-September 2022. In the year 2023, we hope to host over 50000 passengers for our Sri Lanka sailings alone between June 2023-September 2023. We are certain that our new route will be very well received. This initiative is a testament to the Government’s commitment to promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. We are grateful to Sonowalji, Ramachandran, Paliwal and Vishwanath who have graced this milestone and memorable occasion to support us in our vision to make India, a globally renowned cruising destination.”

With this first of its kind cruising experience, Cordeila will offer epitome of everything luxury, warm and great. Discovering Sri Lanka, the best of cuisines, scenic sights and an experience like no other – Cordelia Cruises will leave no stone unturned to make this sail a Once in a lifetime experience trip to Sri Lanka for all patrons on board.

Sri Lanka seeks Rajinikanth’s support to boost tourism

Sri Lanka has invited Tamil superstar Rajinikanth to visit the island nation in an effort to boost tourism.

Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner, Dr D Venkateshwaran met the world renowned actor at the latter’s residence in Chennai invited him to visit the island nation “as his presence will enhance cinema-induced tourism as well as spiritual and wellness tourism”.

The envoy extended an invitation for Rajinikanth to explore the newly-arranged ‘Ramayana Trail’ that is exclusive to the country and also other unique Buddhist sites in India’s southern neighbour.

The Padma Bhushan awarded superstar has a massive following among the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, while he is also extremely popular among the movie loving Sinhalese and other ethnic communities.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka had also announced a plan to strengthen ties with Uttar Pradesh by promoting the Ramayana Trail in the island nation and the Buddhist Trail in the Indian state through a formal framework.

Myanmar Airways starts direct non-stop flights from Yangon to Chennai

Myanmar Airways commenced direct non-stop flights from Yangon to Chennai enhancing the connectivity between the two countries further after Delhi (Mon, Wed, Fri) and Kolkata (Thu, Sun) and Gaya. The flight was operated by A320 aircraft. It departed from Yangon at 0800 Hours and arrived Chennai airport at 1015 Hours.

With the non- stop flights , MAI makes Chennai closer to new exotic touristic destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) to name a few. Yangon is famous for Shwedagon Pagoda – Myanmar’s most sacred and famous Buddhist Pagoda along with other religious sites like Bago, Pindaya and nature trails in Inle lake. Bagan offers more than 2,200 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries.

According to the release, this route will boost the leisure, MICE, VFR, Corporate, labour and medical travellers with comfortable connections to Yangon and beyond to other international and domestic network of MAI.

Initially MAI will be operating on this route once a week on every Saturday. The flight 8M 630 will depart Yangon at 0800 hours and arrive Chennai at 1015 hours. The flight 8M 631 will depart Chennai at 1115 hours and arrive Yangon at 1515 hours. MAI is a full-service carrier and currently operates to 18 international destinations and 18 domestic destinations and has seamless interline arrangements with 34 carriers.

The aircraft was welcomed on arrival with Water Salute, the ceremonial welcome by the Airport Authority of India. There were ceremonies performed at both Yangon Airport and Chennai Airport where passengers were given a warm welcome and the check in counters were beautifully decorated.

In India, MAI is represented by STIC Travel Group as the airline’s GSA for India. MAI is available on all leading GDSs like Amadeus , Galileo , Travelport etc. for agents to make bookings and on all the major OTAs.