Tag Archives: travel

Juniper Hotels acquires luxury property near Bengaluru

 

Juniper Hotels Limited has acquired a 220-room luxury property near Bengaluru International Airport, enhancing its upscale portfolio in a high-demand location. Spread over 6.5 acres of prime land, the almost complete property offers premium amenities, including 29,000 square feet dedicated to MICE events, specialty dining options, a fitness center, and a luxurious spa. Future expansion opportunities for the site are also being explored.

The acquisition, valued at INR 325 crore, was funded by a combination of long-term debt and Juniper’s cash reserves. With Bengaluru’s hotel market seeing significant growth, driven by infrastructure development and a thriving IT sector, Juniper’s investment positions it to benefit from the city’s rising hospitality demand.

Recognised for its portfolio of upscale and luxury accommodations, Juniper Hotels now operates eight properties across India, offering over 2,100 rooms, including 245 serviced apartments. The company continues its focus on expanding its presence in key markets with strategic acquisitions and partnerships that enhance guest experiences and emphasise sustainability and innovation.

This acquisition aligns with Juniper’s commitment to establishing a strong footprint in India’s dynamic hospitality sector, reinforcing its position in Bengaluru and contributing to the region’s economic and tourism development.

Club Med to open 9 resorts until 2026, celebrates 75 yrs

 

Club Med is gearing up for its 75th anniversary in 2025 with expansion plans, embodying its legacy as a premier lifestyle holiday brand. Between 2024 and 2026, nine new resorts will open, offering travellers unforgettable destinations and the signature, premium all-inclusive experience Club Med is renowned for. The addition of new resorts will allow guests to explore iconic landscapes while enjoying high-end luxury and exclusive services.

In a milestone achievement, all Club Med resorts now meet the brand’s premium standards, ensuring luxurious experiences for all guests. From beach paradises to exhilarating mountain escapes, each resort combines thoughtfully crafted experiences with an upscale ambiance, catering to those who seek immersive, high-quality travel experiences. Club Med’s commitment to quality is evident in its diverse offerings, guaranteeing memorable stays filled with relaxation and adventure alike.

This expansion will see new Club Med resorts debuting across China, France, and Greece in late 2024, bringing guests closer to nature, culture, and luxury. Each resort is designed to reflect the local culture while delivering the seamless hospitality Club Med is known for. In every location, visitors can expect a blend of world-class service, locally inspired architecture, and endless activities, creating an ideal environment for families, couples, and solo travellers to unwind and explore.

Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President, Club Med, expressed his pride in the brand’s achievements and future direction. He highlighted the brand’s record-breaking performance in the first half of 2024 and its completed transition to a premium-only resort lineup. This shift upmarket, coupled with digital and AI innovations, underscores Club Med’s forward-thinking approach. In alignment with Club Med’s commitment to sustainable tourism, the Happy to Care initiative remains at the forefront, focusing on environmental responsibility and local engagement across all properties.

Looking ahead, Club Med’s 75th year will also mark a major milestone with the opening of its first resort in the Arabian Peninsula, situated in the scenic Musandam Peninsula of Oman. This new location promises breathtaking natural vistas and luxury amenities, just a short drive from Dubai. With this expansion and a continued commitment to sustainability, Club Med’s future as a leader in premium, all-inclusive travel shines brightly, offering guests worldwide a true taste of L’Esprit Libre—the spirit of freedom.

Gangtok implements odd-even rule amid snowfall

 

Sikkim recently welcomed its first snowfall of the season, drawing a wave of tourists to the scenic region. This increased activity has led the Gangtok government to introduce an “Odd-Even” traffic regulation system starting November 5, 2024, to manage the heightened vehicular flow. The rule applies within Gangtok, particularly along the National Highway from Mayfair Fatak to GICI, Zero Point, during peak hours from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, with midday travel flexibility from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Enforced under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, the odd-even rule allows vehicles with odd-numbered registration endings to operate on odd days and even-numbered ones on even days. Certain routes, such as the Indira Bye-Pass and Northern Bye-Pass, remain exempt, and emergency vehicles are also unaffected by the rule to ensure essential services continue without interruption.

Additional exceptions apply on the second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and official government holidays, allowing unrestricted vehicle movement. The system’s enforcement includes penalties under Sections 177 and 179(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, reflecting the government’s commitment to effective traffic management for residents and visitors.

The Gangtok administration will assess the rule’s impact and make necessary adjustments to facilitate smoother travel and improved experiences during the winter season’s peak tourism period.

Jaipur Airport opens new International Terminal

 

In a significant enhancement to Jaipur’s air connectivity, the Jaipur Airport has introduced a second terminal dedicated exclusively to international travellers. This new terminal, situated in Sanganer, served as the city’s original airport before domestic operations moved to Terminal 2.

Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the newly refurbished terminal is set to improve the airport’s capacity, offering a smoother travel experience for international passengers. The reopening of this terminal marks an important step in Jaipur’s growing infrastructure, supporting the city’s rising status as a global tourism and business destination.

The addition of the second terminal is expected to ease congestion at Terminal 2, enhancing operational efficiency for both international and domestic flights. The terminal’s updated facilities, designed with a blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and modern aesthetics, aim to provide a comfortable and welcoming experience for travellers.

With this new development, Jaipur Airport is better equipped to accommodate the increasing influx of international visitors, positioning Jaipur as a prominent destination on the world map and fostering tourism and economic growth in the region.

Odisha introduces incentives to boost air connectivity

 

The Odisha cabinet has approved a financial incentive program to strengthen air connectivity from the state.

Airlines operating domestic routes will receive INR 5 lakh per round trip, while international flights will be supported with INR 10 lakh per round trip.

This support aims to encourage airlines to expand services to and from Odisha, making air travel more accessible and boosting regional connectivity.

This initiative builds on previous viability gap funding that facilitated international flights to major destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai. By offering these incentives, the state government intends to attract more airlines, offering travellers greater choices and reducing travel costs for both domestic and international routes.

The incentive program also aligns with Odisha’s broader goals of fostering tourism and economic development. Improved air connectivity is expected to draw more visitors, strengthen business links, and encourage investments across sectors. The growth in passenger traffic would, in turn, stimulate demand for local services and employment, contributing positively to the state’s economy.

This strategic initiative underscores Odisha’s ambition to become a major player in regional aviation. By prioritising connectivity and offering substantial incentives, Odisha is positioning itself as an emerging travel hub, creating opportunities for tourism, trade, and broader economic growth.

The Gypsy Travel Festival returns to Mumbai from Jan 11-12, 2025

 

India’s premier curated travel showcase, The Gypsy Travel Festival, is set to return to Mumbai for its Third Edition on 11th and 12th January 2025 at Jio World Drive. Bringing together top industry experts, this event allows attendees to explore, personalise, and secure unforgettable travel experiences all in one place. From virtual reality tours and interactive workshops to live performances and global cuisine, the two-day celebration invites travellers to dive into a world of adventure, culture, and exclusive festival-only deals.

The festival serves as a one-of-a-kind platform, connecting eager explorers with leading travel professionals for personalised insights and guidance. Featuring over 300 travel products from across the globe, guests can enjoy immersive activities like perfume-making and origami, gaining rich cultural inspiration. Unique to this event, attendees can secure unmatched travel offers, receive expert tips from industry leaders, and discover a wealth of vacation ideas from every continent.

Sumit Lulla, Festival Director, shared, “Travel today is about meaningful connections and remarkable stories. Our aim is to foster a community of explorers and provide them with trusted travel insights. We are thrilled to continue elevating travel for all attendees, offering both online and offline avenues to make trips unforgettable.”

As India continues to lead in the APAC Travel Confidence Index, The Gypsy Travel Festival stands out as a transformative platform that goes beyond inspiration, bridging the gap between dreams and reality. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or planning your next journey, this festival is your gateway to fulfilling those travel aspirations.