Tag Archives: cultural heritage

Penang partners with EaseMyTrip

 

Penang has partnered with EaseMyTrip to enhance its presence in the Indian travel market, leveraging the company’s digital reach and market expertise. As part of this collaboration, EaseMyTrip will create a dedicated Penang page on its Malaysia microsite, showcasing the destination’s attractions, itineraries, and cultural highlights. Blogs, videos, and curated content will be tailored for diverse traveller groups, including families, honeymooners, and solo adventurers. Jointly funded marketing campaigns will further amplify Penang’s appeal, positioning it as a top destination for Indian tourists.

The partnership focuses on niche tourism markets like destination weddings, wellness tourism, and MICE travel, with EaseMyTrip crafting customised itineraries to target these segments. Additionally, data analytics will provide insights into Indian traveller preferences, seasonal trends, and high-demand periods, enabling the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) to refine marketing efforts and expand its reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Exclusive Penang offers will also be integrated into EaseMyTrip’s loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits.

This collaboration highlights Penang’s diverse attractions across demographics, from its rich cultural heritage to world-class modern facilities. EaseMyTrip’s expertise in customer engagement and PCEB’s commitment to sustainable tourism align to make Penang a go-to destination for Indian travellers. The initiative also supports innovative promotional strategies to bolster cultural and economic ties between India and Penang.

According to Nishant Pitti, Chairman of EaseMyTrip, this partnership will redefine travel experiences for Indian tourists. Similarly, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in boosting India’s outbound travel market. The two-year partnership underscores a shared vision of driving sustainable tourism and delivering immersive travel experiences.

75 iconic lighthouses in India saw more than 10 lakh visitors till September

 

More than 500,000 tourists visited the lighthouses between April and June this year, highlighting the success of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

These developments have also contributed to job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities generated in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisan businesses.

With a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometres, India is home to 204 lighthouses that stand as silent sentinels of its rich maritime heritage. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are now being reimagined as tourism destinations under the government of India’s developmental vision.

This initiative aims to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses while unlocking their potential for economic growth and community empowerment. The central government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to enhance India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.

By developing these sites, the government seeks to enhance India’s tourism offerings while fostering local economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Some lighthouses date back centuries and are located near UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural landmarks.

Source: IANS

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum to reopen on Republic Day

 

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad City Museum, Mumbai’s oldest museum, is set to reopen on Republic Day, January 26, 2025, following a 3-year closure for extensive restoration. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invested INR 6 crore in repairing the iconic 167-year-old structure, primarily addressing severe leakage issues that threatened its precious artefacts. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani remarked, “The restored building will represent the heritage of Mumbai.”

Originally opened in 1857 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the institution chronicles Mumbai’s history through original artefacts, maps, documents, statues, and images. Renamed after Dr Bhau Daji Lad in 1975, the museum is housed in the first colonial building in Bombay built specifically as a museum. While no new items will be added to the collection, this restoration preserves the building’s historic significance.

BMC officials emphasised the delicate nature of the repairs, which aimed to restore the museum without compromising its original structure. The last significant restoration, carried out between 2003 and 2008, earned the museum UNESCO’s 2005 Award of Excellence for Cultural Conservation. This latest effort ensures the preservation of the museum’s legacy for future generations.

Closed during the pandemic, the reopening marks a significant moment for Mumbai’s arts and culture scene. The museum, a testament to the city’s history and heritage, now stands revitalised, ready to welcome visitors once again.

Goa’s Raponkarancho Seafood festival kicks off

 

 

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, inaugurated the Raponkarancho Seafood Festival on December 13, 2024, at the picturesque Arambol Beach. This vibrant event celebrates Goa’s rich coastal heritage and seafood culture. Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Chairman of GTDC Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Mandrem MLA Shri Jit Arolkar, and Director Tourism Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, graced the occasion alongside dignitaries and foreign guests. Guests were welcomed with traditional Ghumots, symbolising Goa’s cultural pride and hospitality.

The festival drew visitors from across the globe, including local and foreign tourists, who relished authentic Goan seafood prepared by traditional Raponkars (fishermen). Day 1 featured electrifying performances by Shine On, Cosmic Sound, Usman, and OG Shez, creating a festive atmosphere. Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, emphasising the festival as a platform to honor the fishing community and promote Goa’s cultural heritage while boosting its tourism ecosystem.

Mandrem MLA Shri Jit Arolkar and GTDC Chairman Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar also praised the initiative, calling it a reflection of Goa’s cultural identity and a celebration of the vital contributions of its fishermen. Director Tourism Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, noted the event’s role in fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy GM Marketing of GTDC, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the enthusiastic participation of visitors and stakeholders.

The festival will continue on December 14 and 15, with thrilling performances by Purple Rain, Gravity Band, DJ Katrin, DJ Ivan, The Imperial Band, Forefront, DJ Afroz Sayed, and Teri Miko. Visitors can savor traditional Goan seafood, enjoy live music, and immerse themselves in Goa’s vibrant cultural programs. The Raponkarancho Seafood Festival promises a unique and enriching experience, inviting all to celebrate Goa’s coastal traditions in full splendor.

Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam highlights Andhra Pradesh’s rich heritage

 

The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Festival 2024 commenced with vibrant Prequel Events on December 1 across Andhra Pradesh, celebrating the state’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Andhra Pradesh government, these events set the stage for the main festival in Vijayawada from December 6 to 8, promising an immersive cultural experience.

In Srikakulam, the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli hosted a soulful concert by Manda Sudharani and her group, enthralling over 300 attendees. Rajamahendravaram’s Anam Kalakendram came alive with the mesmerising melodies of Thulasi Viswanath and her group, drawing a crowd of 750 people and reflecting the city’s artistic legacy. Mangalagiri’s Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple showcased devotional Narasimha Swamy Krithis by Malladi Narayana Sarma and team, creating an intimate yet profound musical experience.

Ahobilam’s Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple witnessed a spellbinding performance by Kumari Deepika Varadarajan and her group, attended by 250 people in a historic and sacred setting. Meanwhile, in Tirupati, the Indira Priyadarshini Auditorium at Sri Padmavathi Mahila Vishwa Vidyalayam resonated with enchanting renditions by Vidwan Garimella Balakrishna Prasad and Vidushi Bullemma, attracting over 1,000 students and music lovers, celebrating the legacy of Annamacharya Kritis.

These events underline the Ministry of Tourism’s innovative promotion of Music Tourism, blending cultural heritage with tourism to engage the youth and celebrate India’s classical music traditions. The main festival in Vijayawada will feature soulful performances, regional cuisine, handicrafts, and handlooms at venues like Tummalapalli Kalakshetram Auditorium, Durga Ghat, and Kanaka Durga Temple, offering a holistic cultural experience from December 6 to 8, 2024.

SriLankan Airlines Eyes More Indian Tourists with Ramayana Trail Package

 

Seeing India as a place that offers “enormous growth” opportunities, SriLankan Airlines aims to increase flights to the country as well as attract more tourists, including with the Ramayana Trail package, according to a top airline official.

The Ramayana Trail will help people connect with 20 significant locations in Sri Lanka that are linked to the Ramayana story.

SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall said growth in the number of tourists from India has been stellar this year but still below the pre-Covid numbers. He was speaking at a function in the national capital for the launch of the Ramayana Trail package on Saturday evening. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Kshenuka Senewiratne was also present.

Till the end of October this year, around 20 percent of the tourists who came to Sri Lanka were from India. “We have been looking at how to lift and rejuvenate tourism from India to Sri Lanka to the next level,” he said while mentioning the Ramayana Trail and added that it was time to do something different.

Currently, the airline operates 88 flights a week to nine destinations in India — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai. Emphasising that the airline sees India as a place of “enormous growth and possibilities,” Nuttall said it wants to be part of that growth and is working with its Indian partners.

He said the airline aims to have more frequencies to the Indian cities that it already operates and offer more flights at convenient times. In due course, he said the carrier will look to add more destinations.

Kshenuka Senewiratne said Ramayana is not merely a story, it is a tapestry encapsulating culture, spirituality, and heritage. “For centuries it has been a source of inspiration and guidance, fostering connections between India and Sri Lanka through mythology, traditions, and values in which people-to-people ties have always been at the core,” she said.

Through the Ramayana Trail package, she said SriLankan Airlines is not only offering an opportunity to redefine the significant locations but also to celebrate the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

As part of the trail, “visit Seetha Amman Temple, where Sita is said to have prayed during her captivity, and stand in awe of Rumassala Hill, where a piece of the Himalayas is believed to have landed, dropped by Hanuman. Every stop is a connection to your spiritual heritage, bringing the stories of the Ramayana alive,” the airline release said.

Source: PTI