Air India is scheduled to operate non-stop flight on the Delhi – Coimbatore – Delhi sector from June 2.
The flight AI 547 from Delhi will depart at 3 p.m. and reach Coimbatore at 6 p.m. The return flight AI 548 from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu will depart at 6.45 p.m. and reach T-3 terminal in Delhi at 9.50 p.m. The flight is scheduled to operate six days a week, excluding Saturday.
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in partnership with the Hanifl Centre and Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), has concluded its Adventure Guide Training Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering industry professionals with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic world of adventure tourism.
The programme spanning four days was conducted in three batches at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) from April 10 to April 21, 2024. The programme brought together adventure guides and industry stakeholders from various parts of the country; Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
The seasoned experts from the Hanifl Centre had prepared a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various aspects of adventure guiding such as Wilderness First aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Leave No Trace (LNT), Risk management, Leadership, sustainability and environmental conservation. They engaged in a combination of theoretical sessions, practical workshops and field exercises, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-world scenarios to hone their skills. Industry veterans and subject matter experts shared valuable insights, best practices and anecdotes, enhancing the learning journey and motivating participants to pursue excellence.
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response and the caliber of participants in the programme. He remarked, “The Adventure Guide Training Programme serves as a cornerstone in our efforts to elevate the standards of adventure tourism in India. By providing guides with vital skills and cultivating a professional ethos, we are not just improving the safety of adventure tourists but also bolstering the sustainable advancement of the industry. ATOAI is grateful to Mr. Akshay Shah, Director Hanifl Centre and Col. Vijay Singh, VSM, President, Indian Mountaineering Foundation for their support.”
In addition to enhancing technical competencies, the programme emphasised the importance of responsible tourism practices, environmental stewardship, and cultural sensitivity. Participants were encouraged to uphold ethical standards, respect local communities, and minimize their ecological footprint, aligning with ATOAI’s commitment to promoting sustainable adventure tourism.
Participants were awarded 4 international certificates: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Leave No Trace (LNT) Awareness Certificate.
As the adventure tourism sector continues to thrive in India, ATOAI remains committed to its mission to nurture a skilled workforce capable of providing exceptional experiences, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and sustainability.
ATOAI endeavors to conduct similar events in all adventure tourism hubs, commencing from July 2024.
The Western India Chapter of TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Spain Mumbai and Tourespana, hosted a meeting for its members. A large number of members attended the meeting.
Fernando Heredia Noguer, Consul General of Spain in Mumbai, gave a presentation followed by an engaging exchange with attendees. In fact, he answered a barrage of questions from the members.
Later speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, the Consul General, said, “In 2023, we had processed almost 52,000 visas which is 30% higher when compared with 2022.”
Talking about the trend, he said that more and more travellers are now showing interest in visiting Spain. “Spain is a diverse country just like India, and people should visit other parts of the country, not just Barcelona and Madrid,” he exhorted.
It is important to mention here that Consulate General Spain (Mumbai) covers Gujarat to Kerala and from Tamil Nadu to Chatttisgarh. Noguer emphasised, “Despite facing manpower constraints, we have successfully reduced the turnaround time for Spanish visas to just 48 hours.”
He added, “Residents of Mumbai and Pune can expect their visas within 48 hours, while those residing in areas like Coimbatore etc. will receive them within 72 to 96 hours due to the longer courier transit times.”
According to Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, the meeting was path-breaking. “It’s rare for a Consul General to willingly engage with our members and answer questions, which makes this event particularly noteworthy. I hope this sets a precedent for similar dialogues with other consulates,” remarked Prakash. He also lauded Pranav Kapadia of Global Destinations for playing a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event.
The event also witnessed a presentation by Elisa Robles Fraga, Director, Spain Tourism Board.
Jay Kantawala, Chairman, Western India Chapter, TAFI, said that the purpose of the event was to provide education to their members regarding the Spain visa process and to promote the country as a tourism destination. He commended the Consul General while stating, “He has been extremely supportive to the industry, and has made concerted efforts to facilitate our needs.”
“We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful networking event in collaboration with TAFI’s Western India Chapter, the Consulate General of Spain, and TourEspana,” said Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations. “The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the travel industry. A fantastic example of how collaboration can truly elevate the travel industry,” he added.
Air Mauritius, the national carrier of Mauritius, will operate one weekly flight from Chennai to Mauritius starting April 13, 2024.
The flagship carrier of Mauritius is set to operate a weekly flight every Saturday from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, with an Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with 254 seats.
Each flight will offer a seamless journey with a duration of 5 hours 45 Minutes from Chennai International Airport, India to SSR International Airport, Mauritius.
Flights from Chennai as from 13th April 2024
| Date | Flight
Number |
Routing | Time of Departure | Time of Arrival |
| Saturday | MK 747 | Chennai- Mauritius | 03H35 | 07H50 |
Flights from Mauritius as from 12th April 2024
| Date | Flight
Number |
Routing | Time of Departure | Time of Arrival |
| Friday | MK 746 | Mauritius-Chennai | 18H30 | 01H50** |
Laurent Recoura, Officer in Charge, Air Mauritius, said, “We are pleased to restart our operations from Chennai after four years of absence. Mauritius and India share a special relationship that is built on the foundation of people-to-people ties. With its idyllic sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and thriving marine life, visitors can expect to relish in Mauritius’ natural wonders, as well as its rich cultural heritage, which reflects its history and deep-rooted cultural ties with India. Both countries are united by ancestry, language and geography.”
Air Mauritius currently operates six times weekly from Mumbai and thrice weekly from Delhi.
Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “The reinstated flight from Chennai to Mauritius is a significant step forward in facilitating travel for visitors from Southern India. We extend our sincere gratitude to Air Mauritius for spearheading this initiative, which not only serves to meet the growing demand for seamless travel experiences but also fosters stronger ties and greater connectivity between our two nations. This renewed connection opens doors to endless possibilities, inviting travelers to explore the unparalleled beauty and hospitality of Mauritius like never before.”
The Tamil Nadu government has given administrative approval for the acquisition of 3,774.01 acres of patta lands to facilitate the construction of the second airport for Chennai. The proposed airport, located at Parandur in the Kancheepuram district, will boast two runways.
The acquisition will cover patta lands in Parandur and 19 other villages in the Kancheepuram district, amounting to a total land requirement of 5,746.18 acres. Compensation for the acquired lands will be determined in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Despite opposition from local residents concerned about potential displacement, the government aims to acquire the lands either through the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997, or through private negotiations. A Government Order (G.O.) issued on October 31 also granted administrative approval for the alienation of 1,917.17 acres of government lands.
The land acquisition process is expected to span at least two years, involving the creation of over 300 temporary posts. The proposal includes the acquisition of wetlands (nanjai) covering 1,085.62.33 hectares, for which inevitability certificates have been issued.
Compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement for affected families will align with the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The state government has approved a comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement package, encompassing housing units, employment opportunities, subsistence grants, transportation support, costs for displaced families, cattle shed/petty shop expenses, one-time grants for artisans and small traders, one-time resettlement allowances, and coverage of stamp duty and registration fees.
Environmental considerations and mitigation measures for waterbodies and watershed management have been addressed in a Government Order issued by the Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department. The order ensures compliance with existing laws based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee, emphasizing that the additional storage capacity created will surpass the capacity affected by the project. The lands earmarked for acquisition are located in various villages in Kancheepuram taluk and Sriperumbudur taluk.
Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group, has launched Fortune Park Tiruppur, its newest property in the historic city of Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. Strategically located in the heart of the textile and knitwear hub of India, the hotel opening marks a significant step forward in Fortune Hotels’ expansion into South India.
Announcing the addition of the Fortune Park, Tiruppur to the company’s 64 alliances -strong portfolio Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels, said, “The Fortune Park Tiruppur is our sixth milestone in Tamil Nadu. It is exciting to continue our successful stride into tier 2 and 3 markets aptly capturing the allure of cities like Tiruppur for travellers, especially in the business segment. The unique charm of Tiruppur, as a thriving industrial and commercial hub allows us to address diverse needs of our guests in a region that seamlessly blends history and commerce in its confines.”
The hotel offers Zodiac, an all-day dining restaurant; the Neptune Bar; Fortune Deli and soon-to-open Nakshatra the roof-top fine-dine offering.
Additionally, the hotel features versatile banqueting and meeting spaces with a dedicated pre-function area to host business events and social gatherings.
On the occasion of the launch of Fortune Park, Tiruppur, KPK Selvaraj, Managing Director, KPK Hotels Private Limited, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with Fortune Hotels and bring their exceptional hospitality to the city of Tiruppur. We eagerly look forward to offering our esteemed guests a warm and memorable stay experience along with an unparalleled culinary journey by way of our multiple food and beverage outlets. Our association with Fortune Hotels has been a positive one, and we together aim to carve a distinctive presence in the city.”
A major industrial city in Tamil Nadu, Tiruppur is just 55 Kms from Coimbatore and in close proximity to key industrial parks, manufacturing hubs, and eminent temples in this region.
Besides Fortune Park Tiruppur, Fortune Hotels has five other alliances in Tamil Nadu, one each in Vellore, Ooty, Madurai, Chennai, and Hosur.
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