Thursday, May 31, 2012

Added Attraction for Tourists Taking Flights to India

If things go according to the plan, tourists landing up in India after booking airline tickets could very well experience the thrill of a night time safari!

Yes, India is all set to do a Singapore by planning to set up a night safari park very soon. It will be India’s first night safari park and is surely going to regale wildlife enthusiasts with yet another added attraction after they book airline tickets on flights to India. Vacationers who are planning to a travel to India sometime in near future can definitely take advantage of the opportunity!

Media reports suggest that India’s first night safari park is likely to come up at Gautam Budh Nagar University in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, a northern state in India. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has given in principle approval for the project, reports say.

It will be a 120-hectare park that will be built through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The proposed night safari park will also include an endangered species breeding centre.

Times of India, top English daily, published a report that gave out the finer details of the proposed project. The safari will remain operational between 4pm and midnight all round the year. The park will have a total of 71 species of animals and 841 specimens, including 58 species of mammals, eight species of birds, three species of reptiles and two species of fish. So, enough distractions for holiday makers planning to book cheap flights to India for a hearty wildlife tour!

The report further said 40% animals will be from the Indian sub-continent and the rest will be imported from foreign shores.

Reference

Port Elizabeth Airport Guide

The Port Elizabeth Airport is no more than ten minutes from all major commercial areas of the city. No wonder it has earned the sobriquet of the ‘ten minute airport’ from frequent flyers who patronize this airport.

Address:
Alister Miller Drive, Walmer 6065, South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0)41 507 7348

Time Zone: GMT + 2



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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Durban Airport Guide

Durban International Airport, one of the largest airports in the country, handles some 2.4 million passengers every year.

Address: P O Box X1, Durban International Airport, 4029, South Africa

E-Mail: customercare@airports.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0)31 451 6666

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Many Airlines Still Willing to Spread Wings in India

All the gloom and doom that seem to have permeated the India’s aviation sector could well make experts wary of the industry’s future.

But a report published by the Center of Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) on its website says that while some carriers might have scrapped their flights to India, a good number of global airlines are looking to expand their operations to the country, with few already have done so.

And perhaps the most heartening part of the report for the industry is the fact that not only big cities and traditional hubs like Mumbai and Delhi are attracting ventures from carriers but comparatively smaller cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Amritsar too are featuring in the expansion plans of global players.

Virgin Atlantic is all set to resume London-Mumbai flights from October. Dragonair will be offering flights to Kolkata from November. Etihad will offer a connection between Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad also in November. Air China launched Chengdu-Mumbai operation in May 2012. Kenya Airways started non-stop Nairobi-Delhi service in May-2012.

The reason for India being such a focal point of airlines around the world can be the fact that apart from being a highly popular holiday travel destination and an emerging economy, the country’s geographical location makes it a perfect regional hub. So, for every AirAsiaX that has suspended its cheap flights to India, there are several carriers that see a great potential in the country.

CAPA report says airlines based in Asia, Africa and the Middle East are the ones that seem to be most interested in India.

Reference

Johannesburg Airport Guide

The Johannesburg International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa is undergoing a major revamp in the wake of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Airport

Address: Private Bag X1, O R Tambo International Airport, 1627, South Africa

E-Mail address: customercare@airports.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0)11 921 6911.

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cape Town Airport Guide

The Cape Town International Airport is the third largest airport in Africa and is among the best airports in the world.

Address: Airports Company South Africa, Private Bag X9002, Cape Town International Airport, 7525, South Africa.

Telephone: +27 (021) 937 1200

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Brisbane Airport Guide

The Brisbane International Airport is the ideal stop-over point for well-heeled business and leisure travellers who intend to take a stop-over in the Australian sub-continent.

Address: 11, The Circuit, Brisbane Airport, Queensland 4007, Australia

Website: www.brisbaneairport.com.au

Time Zone: GMT + 10


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

New Hotels for Pilgrimage Tourists Taking Flights to India

The news of the launch of new pilgrim hotel chain by Daiwik Hotels has brought big cheers to the international travellers planning holiday breaks to India to enjoy a cocktail of spirituality.

The first 4-star pilgrim hotel chain of India, Daiwik Hotels has planned to set up five 4-star hotels at popular pilgrimage destinations including Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Dwarka in Gujarat, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Katra in Jammu & Kashmir. The hotels aim to serve the middle-income and high-income international and domestic tourists. The hotels will start operating in the next 30 months.

The launch of these hotels will give a boost to the pilgrim tourism in the country that acts as a great crowd puller luring hordes of international travellers to plan air travel and book tickets on flights to India. Pilgrim tourism in India educates the travellers about the authentic spiritual beliefs of the country.

Other than the hotel launch, Daiwik Hotels has also planned to offer knowledge-based recreational facilities to the travellers such as guided tours, historical information about the place and recreational activities like yoga, Ayurveda spa etc. These activities mirror the restorative powers of yoga and Ayurveda and thus remain a key lure that indulge travellers into booking airlines with cheap flights to India.

Managing Director & CEO of Daiwik Hotels, Mr. Debashis Ghosal expressed that the company chose pilgrimage hospitality as there is a huge demand and supply gap in India for quality branded products.

Reference : http://www.southalltravel.co.uk/news/India/90402155/More-Hotel-Options-for-Pilgrim-Tourists-taking-Flights-to-India.html

Adelaide Airport Guide

The Adelaide Airport is the preferred stop-over point for discerning business and leisure travellers visiting Australia.

Address: 1 James Schofield Drive, South Australia 5950, Australia

Time Zone: GMT + 9.5 (GMT + 10.5 from first Sunday in October to first Sunday in April)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Cairns Airport Guide

The Cairns International Airport is one of busiest airports in Australia. Renovated with a cost of A$200 million.

Address: Corner of Grafton and Hartley Streets, PO Box 594, Cairns, Queensland, Australia 4870.

Time Zone: GMT + 10


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Northeast Tourism to Get a Stimulus

Though India is a popular holiday destination, the country’s north-eastern region still remains a relatively unexplored heaven that is replete with incredible natural marvels.

Addressing the issue, Northeast India has decided to unveil its hidden charms to the world around and is thus planning to roll out a master plan to improve its tour and travel industry.

The North Eastern Council (NEC) a nodal association for economic and social expansion of northeastern states like Sikkim has laid the plan in agreement with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is likely to be implemented in the current 12th Five Year Plan period.

India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has taken the initiative to propose this master plan to the ministry of tourism and respective state governments for implementation.

Union Ministry of Tourism reports show that there has been a growth of 6.9% in the number of international travellers booking tickets on flights to India and visiting northeastern region. Whereas, the frequency of domestic travellers visiting the region has grown by 8.09% in 2010.

Eco-tourism, culture and religion are the scoring points of the northeastern India and these are the ones that are likely to draw more number of travellers to look for airlines offering cheap flights to India to plan refreshing breaks here.

Presently, Sikkim is the winning horse in terms of tourism in the region. Experts believe that the success of Sikkim as a tourist hot spot is likely to motivate the underdeveloped tourism industry of other northeastern Indian states as well like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, etc.

Reference

Melbourne Airport Guide

Melbourne Airport has as many as 4 terminals. Terminal 2 is used for international flights, while the rest cater to domestic flights.

Official Website and Telephone: www.melbourneairport.com

Time Zone: GMT +10. It becomes GMT +11 from last Sunday of October to first Sunday of April.


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Cathay Pacific May Decrease Its Flight Frequency to Delhi

Hong Kong's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific may decrease the frequency of its Delhi bound flights to India, even while the airline is looking to enhance its services to other parts of the country.

With effect from May 15th, 2012, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) increased 345 per cent hike in aeronautical charges. Underpinned by the rate hike, Cathay Pacific is expected to make substantial decrease in its flight frequency from the present 14 times a week flights to Delhi.

If the airline trims down its flights to Delhi, it will be the fourth foreign airline after American Airlines, Air Asia and Air France to either cancel or cut down Delhi bound flights.

While American Airlines terminated its services out of Delhi, Air France chose to reduce the frequency of its Delhi bound flights. Air Asia, popular choice for cheap flights to India and other Asian destinations has already cancelled its services from Delhi Airport.

Other foreign carriers that opposing the recent rate hike of nearly 345 per cent hike by DIAL include the likes of Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

With the recent rate hike by DIAL, budget vacationers looking for holiday tours to India would surely be wary of high priced travel tickets.

Cathay Pacific may decide on whether or not to cut back on its flight frequency to Delhi only after it evaluates the impact of the hike on their operations out of Delhi. With the recent rage of rate hikes, Delhi has become the most expensive airport in the world.

Reference

Sydney Airport Guide

Sydney Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 is the International Terminal, while 2 and 3 are the domestic and Qantas terminals respectively.

Official Website and Telephone:
For latest information on the airport, a reliable source is the airport website, www.sydneyairport.com. One may also send the carrier and flight number as text message to the helpline 199 00 747 for flight arrival and departure status.

Time Zone: GMT + 10. (GMT + 11 from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of March)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Perth Airport Guide

The Perth Airport is the International terminal, while terminals 2 and 3 are used as domestic terminals.

Official Website and Telephone: Visit www.perthairport.com for latest information on flights and associated queries.

Time Zone: GMT + 8


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Indian Govt Launches ‘Incredible Tiffin’ To Promote Tourism

In a bid to promote tourism and to entice foreign tourists to book flights to India, the Union Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has come up with ‘Incredible Tiffin’ campaign. Under the project, ethnic India food will be offered in tiffins to people outside India.

Incredible Tiffin’, an initiative of the Indian Ministry of Tourism, aims at increasing the foreign tourist inflow to India. The campaign will promote Indian cuisine all over the world and will acquaint people with the rich variety in Indian food.

‘Incredible Tiffin’ campaign, an enterprise of the Cuisine Society of India, was launched at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Under the scheme, local ethnic food will be offered in tiffin (colloquially referred as ‘dabba’ in the country) to people outside India, allowing them to sample the different culinary treats that await them after booking flights to India.

The initiative is a part of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign that was launched by the Indian tourism ministry to attract higher number of foreign tourists.

India’s Minister of Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai launched the campaign. He highlighted the contribution of Indian cuisine in making foreigners look for those cheap flights to India. The minister also expressed hope that with the ‘Incredible Tiffin’ being launched, five million more tourists will book airline tickets to India.

V Sunil, the Creative Director of ‘Incredible Tiffin’ concept is of the opinion that India as a tourist hub cannot simply keep promoting the usual attractions. India needs to keep reinventing itself a holiday destination in order to continue attracting people to book flights to India. He said the concept needed to be something “which had contemporary packaging with local connect and appeal.”

With all its aromatic flavours and wonderful diversity, Indian cuisine is highly popular world over and is a must-have experience on holiday tour in the country. Different states and territories of India have their own spread of delightful local delicacies, attracting tourists seeking culinary pursuits to grab tickets on cheap flights to India to discover the country’s inimitable gastronomic concoctions.

Manisha Bhasin, Executive Chef, ITC Maurya, New Delhi was also quoted in different online sources. He said foreign travellers are not very familiar with Indian cuisine as it keeps on changing every 100 kilometres and with each region and community.

"Incredible Tiffin" offers a carefully packaged spread of local delicacies, suggesting what the visitors should look for in Indian food when they travel to India.

The first to roll out under the project is the Delhvi cuisine.

Food from Delhi will have two categories - Farmaishi (royal) cuisine and Saadgi (common man's) food. News reports revealed that a sample Delhi tiffin will have four well known cuisines from Kayasthas, Vaish, Muslim and Punjabi communities.

Under the campaign, the authorities are also planning to celebrate Indian food weeks all over the world. One would be able to buy memorabilia such as tiffin boxes, food maps, books and pamphlets at such events.

Reference

Monday, May 21, 2012

Ottawa Airport Guide

The Ottawa International Airport serves the Canadian capital city of Ottawa and is an important base for Air Canada and its subsidiary Air Canada Jazz.

Address: 1000 Airport Parkway Private,Ottawa, ON Canada K1V 9B4

Time Zone: GMT - 5, GMT - 4 (from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Montreal Airport Guide

The Montreal-Pierre International Airport is a major hub for airlines including Air Canada, Air Transat, CanJet, Sunwing Airlines and Skyservice.

Address: 975 Romeo-Vachon Boulevard North, Dorval, Quebec, H4Y 1H1, Canada Time Zone: GMT - 5, GMT - 4 (from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Toronto Airport Guide

The Toronto Pearson International Airport hosts domestic, regional and international passenger and cargo services for the airlines,and is a hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Air Georgian, Air Transat, FedEx Express, Skyservice, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet.

Address: PO Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive, Toronto AMF, Ontario L5P 1B2, Canada

Time Zone: GMT - 5, GMT - 4 (from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Washington Airport Guide

The Dulles International Airport is an important transit point for passengers entering America.

Address: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, 1 Aviation Circle, Washington, DC 20001-6000

Time Zone: GMT-8 during Standard Time, GMT - 7 during Daylight Saving Time Time Zone: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Kenya Airways’ New Flight to India on Delhi-Nairobi Route

To cater to the growing demand, Kenya’s national airline, Kenya Airways has launched a new direct flight service on Nairobi-Delhi route.

As per the airline’s press release, the inaugural flight to India connecting Delhi departed from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 1350hrs with a high-powered team led by Evanson Mwaniki, the Chairman of the airline’s board of directors.

With the launch of this new service, the number of destinations served by Kenya Airways has come to 57. Delhi is the second destination served by the airline in the Indian sub-continent after Mumbai.

The main agenda of Kenya Airways behind the launch of this route is to serve the expanding tourist flow between India and Africa and to strengthen the airline’s presence in the Asian market.

Kenya Airways Chief Executive, Dr Titus Naikuni confirmed in news reports the airline is set to offer four weekly flights to Delhi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Kenya and India have a long-standing relation, both in terms of tourism and trade. The annual trade between these two countries is billed at around $2.5 billion.

India is a major educational hub among Kenyans. Heaps of Kenyans look for tickets on cheap flights to India to further their educational agenda. This is one of the market segments the airline hopes to tap into. Then there is the large Indian population that lives in Kenya, which again make cheap flight deals a great hit among travellers. 

The airline also plans to link India’s capital city with rest of the destinations the airline flies to in Africa.

Reference : http://www.southalltravel.co.uk/news/India/90402146/Kenya-Airways-New-Flight-to-India-Connects-Delhi.html

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Boston Airport Guide

The Boston Logan International Airport handles millions of travellers every year and serves as a focus city for JetBlue Airways.

Address: 1 Harborside Drive, Suite 200S, Boston, Massachusetts 02128-2909, United States Time Zone: GMT - 5, GMT - 4 (from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Chicago O'Hare Airport Guide

The Chicago Airport is way ahead of its counterparts when it comes to offering world class comforts and amenities to embarking and disembarking passengers.

Address: PO Box 66142 Chicago, Illinois 60666, USA Airport Code: ORD Time Zone: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Goa Wins Lonely Planet Award, Plans Unique Monsoon Season Lures

Goa is one holiday destination whose splendour needs no certificate, but accolades do not hurt either!! Yes, the India’s biggest beguiling wonder has added yet another feather in it already crowded hat when the readers of the highly renowned Lonely Planet voted this coastal state as the 'Best Destination for Relaxation' as well as 'Best Value Destination in India'.

These laurels prove what most of the keen vacationers already know – that Goa is THE holiday destination of choice of many international tourists taking tickets on cheap flights to India. Indeed, the lure of Goan beaches has set many a beach bums on a frantic lookout for airline offering tickets on cheap flights to India!

On the other hand, Lonely Planet is no stranger to travel and tourism world either!

Continuing with good news for travellers taking Goa-bound flights to India, it is learnt that the Goan state authorities are all ready to promote the state as monsoon destination too. Monsoon is really not the best of times to plan holiday tour to Goa in case beach fun is the only agenda. However, state authorities have came up with plans to endorse region’s waterfalls, lush green forestlands and inland waterways as alternatives for the beaches.

While no one can argue that vacationers on flights to India during any other time of the year are likely to land up in Goa at some point or other, it is equally true that monsoon brings along with it a drop in the number of tourist inflow to the state.

If it works, it really would be hugely beneficial to Goan tourism and Indian travel industry as a whole.

Reference

Tampa Airport Guide

The Tampa International Airport offers world class facilities and conveniences to passengers embarking and disembarking from international flights.

Address: 5503, West Spruce Street, Tampa, Florida 33607, USA

Telephone: (813) 870 8700

Time Zone: GMT - 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Los Angeles Airport Guide

The Los Angeles International Airport is undoubtedly one of the most admired airports in the world.

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, California 90045, USA

Telephone: (310) 646 5252 (24-hour recorded information) Time Zone: GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Hawaii Airport Guide

The Honolulu International Airport is Hawaii’s largest airport.

Address: 300 Rodgers Boulevard No 4, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819, USA

Telephone: (808) 836 6411.

Time Zone: GMT - 10


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

San Francisco Airport Guide

The San Francisco International Airport pampers its visitors with more than a dozen lounges set up by various airlines to cater to the requirements of passengers.

Address: PO Box 8097, San Francisco, California, 94128-8097, USA

Telephone: 1-800-435-9736 Time Zone: GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, May 11, 2012

4.52 Lakh Foreign Tourist Arrivals During April 2012

The numbers proof what many were speculating! India is indeed on a fast track to establish itself a top holiday destination.

India’s Ministry of Tourism has rolled out some figures in regards to Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism on the basis of data received from major airports of the country.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the month of April, 2012 was 4.52 lakh while in same month last year the figure was 4.38 lakh. In 2010, the figure was 3.72 lakh. This clearly indicates that more people are choosing India as their preferred destination and are booking flights to India to land up in different parts of the country. In terms of growth percentage, there has been a growth of 3.3% in April 2012 over April 2011.

Moreover, Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the period January-April 2012 were 24.34 lakh with a growth of 8.3% in comparison to the FTAs of 22.47 lakh in comparison to January-April 2011.

Earnings from foreign travellers in the month of April 2012 stood at $1.31 billion which was $1.29 during the month of April 2011 and $1.01 billion in April 2010.

All these mumbo jumbo of facts and figures just indicate one thing – that India is indeed mushrooming big time as holiday destination. People are looking for airlines offering tickets on cheap flights to India, they are looking for hotel deals and they are looking to visit India to unravel its many gems.

India's enhanced infrastructure and booming economy can also be given some credit for the increasing tourist inflow into the country.

Reference

Miami Airport Guide

The Miami International Airport is the third busiest airport in United States catering to over 20 million passengers from nearly 160 countries worldwide.

Address: PO Box 025504, Miami, Florida-33102-5504, USA

Telephone: (305) 876 7000 Time Zone: GMT - 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Las Vegas Airport Guide

Famous the world over as the gateway to ‘Sin City’ the Las Vegas Airport pampers those who choose to spend time here.

Address: PO Box 11005, Las Vegas, Nevada 89111-1005, USA

Telephone: 702 -261-5211 Time Zone: GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Kerala Tourism’s Plans to Promote Bekal as Top Destination

The Kerala Tourism Department has planned to promote Bekal and the 17th century fort there by launching a new campaign - 'Know Bekal'. The campaign is a joint venture of Kerala Tourism and Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Limited (BRDC) and will be inaugurated on May 10 by Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala.

The campaign will feature a number of programmes such as tours for travel professionals, road shows, open theatres, light and sound shows and setting up of information kiosks at major destinations.

AP Anil Kumar, Minister of Tourism, Government of Kerala said that the govt. has also been planning to launch a special airstrip to provide easy connectivity to Bekal. He also added that the main aim behind the campaign is to show the rapid transformation in and around the town, including establishments of luxury resorts and improved transport infrastructure.

The authority tasked with functioning of the Bekal Tourism Project, BRDC is planning to establish multiple five-star luxury resorts in the town by the end of 2012 to serve extravagant travellers booking tickets on flights to India and landing in this town.   

Kerala has always been a popular holiday destination that entices millions to look for airlines offering cheap flights to India. Bekal is yet another gem of this god’s own country heading the way to touch new heights.

IC Mahesh, Management Director, BRDC expressed that apart from sea-facing Bekal Fort, the Kerala Government is keen to promote other attractions of the town as well including backwaters, rich cultural heritage and options of water and aero sports.

Reference

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Orlando Airport Guide

Being the gateway to the ‘City of Theme Parks’ Orlando International Airport never ceases to impress those who arrive here.

Address: 1 Airport Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32827-4399, USA

Telephone: (407) 825 2001 Time Zone: GMT - 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

India to Extend TVoA to France, Germany and Russia

India is set to offer Visa-on-Arrival to the nationals of France, Germany and Russia as the country’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) gave its green signal to this new TVoA policy.

The move will have more travellers from these countries booking tickets on flights to India that will assist Indian Government to realise its goal of doubling the international tourist footfall in the country in next 3 to 4 years. The government sources rule out any expected reciprocation from these countries, which so far do not provide TVoA to Indian nationals, as one of its objective.

It is a common belief that TVoA to any country adds to its tourism industry. India is quite popular among Europeans and many hope to net airline tickets on cheap flights to India for their next holiday tour. While cheap flights deal may be at times easy to come by, a pre-approved Indian visa could jeopardise travel plans for many.

Finland and Luxembourg are only two Europeans countries so far covered under India’s TVoA policy. Now, with its extension, many French and German tourists will also be able to plan their travel to India without worrying about Indian Visa.

Security implications and tourist inflow from a particular country form part of the criteria for granting TVoA to the residents of that country.

While, Spain and Malta are being considered positively sources within the MEA hint that idea of clearing TVoA for certain Central Asian nations does not seem to have unanimity in the Indian government.

As of now, 11 countries including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Finland, Luxembourg and New Zealand enjoy India’s TVoA policy.

Reference

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

New York Airport Guide

New York’s John F .Kennedy International Airport is the preferred stop over point for discerning business and leisure travellers from all across the globe.

Address: Building 14, Jamaica, New York 11430,USA

Telephone: (718) 244 4444 Time Zone: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Business, Budget & Best Services! Delhi Hotels That Offer All

With leisure vacationers already won over, Delhi is now aiming at the business-minded!

Indeed, a good number of business travellers who book flights to India are now increasingly looking towards Delhi and its surrounding areas for business opportunities. As one would expect, hotels in Delhi that are placed close to business hubs are highly sought after by foreign travellers with flights to India. Executives who vie hard for cheap flights to India surely wouldn’t like to splurge too generously on expensive hotel rooms and therefore they look for options that provide superior services with reasonable affordability during.

Lemon Tree Hotels

Lemon Tree Hotels is actually a fine alternative for those who make efforts for procuring tickets on cheap flights to India. Lemon Tree Hotels have multiple properties in India and each one of them stands as a fine alternative for businessmen who like their comfort without stretching the boundaries of travel budget. The group has few properties on the outskirts of Delhi, with couple of them being located very close to international airport. Lemon Tree’s three properties are located in Gurgaon, a top business hub that holds offices of almost every major company.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

Just like Lemon Tree, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group offers the perfect balance of wonderful services and reasonable costs for business travellers on their working tour to the city. Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson are the different brands that greet tourists who have airline tickets for Delhi. Several of the group’s properties are located close to Delhi/NCR’s commercial zones, becoming an automatic choice for corporate executives!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Air India's Dreamliners – Deployment on Short-haul Routes First

The national carrier of India, Air India is contriving to deploy its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to operate domestic routes and short-haul international air travel starting from the second week of June. The decision has been taken by the airline to expand enough crew resources. 

Amidst the dark clouds haunting the Indian aviation sector, the news comes as music to the ears of the holiday makers planning domestic travel or taking tickets on short-haul international flights to India. 

Air India is contriving to deploy Dreamliner on one of its scheduled return flights from Delhi to Mumbai and Hyderabad which are currently operated with another aircraft. Whereas the short-haul international destinations served by the airline’s new aircraft will be Singapore and Dubai. India remains a popular holiday destination and people in such cities would definitely like to explore the charm of the country by flying on the world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft and who knows they might even land up with cheap flights to India!

Air India has become the third international airline to receive the Boeing 787 after All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. The aircraft has capacity to accommodate up to 210 and 250 passengers on routes of 14,200 km to 15,200 km. 

As per the news reports, the training for Air India’s crew depends upon the number of landings they undertake with the Dreamliner and it may become a long-drawn-out course if the airline decides to operate its aircraft on international long-haul routes such as Europe, Australia and the United States.

Reference

Chennai Airport Guide

The Chennai International Airport is reckoned amongst the largest international airports in India and is also one of the busiest airports handling more than a million passengers per year.

Address: Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Airport, Tirisulam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Website: http://www.airportsindia.org.in/chennai/index.jsp Time Zone: GMT + 5:30




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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Chandigarh May Have Air India Flights to Dubai and Bangkok

India's national flag carrier, Air India (AI) recently proposed to start flights to Dubai and Bangkok from Chandigarh. AI officials from Chandigarh conferred a presentation at New Delhi regarding the proposed flights. However, the airline has not received an affirmative nod from Indian Ministry of Defence.

If the proposed flights see the light of the morning, local holiday makers looking for ticket deals on full-service carriers to experience all the luxuries and amenities while heading for a leisurely break will certainly be a happy lot.

Chandigarh AI officials prepared the proposal after a thorough survey was conducted with the Tricity residents. It is expected that the proposed direct flights to India connecting Dubai and Bangkok will get popular with commuters looking for an easy escape to these popular travel destinations.

Though Ministry of Defence is yet to answer the call, the airline is confident of getting approval to start international flights from Chandigarh. However, several airlines have been declined permission to start international flights in the past. Air Arabia, popular low cost carrier offering cheap flights to India, also recently failed to get the consent of the ministry for its proposed flight to Sharjah.

Chandigarh International Airport renovated its new terminal building which opened on 14th April 2011 and also obtained ‘custom airport’ status, which is mandatory to operate international fights. However, the airport has still not been approved to host international flights.

Though presently there is only one AI flight that operates from Chandigarh Airport, Air India has proposed start domestic flight connecting Chandigarh to Mumbai besides international flight to Dubai and Bangkok.

Reference

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Hyderabad Airport Guide

The prestigious Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad in Hyderabad stands as a proud emblem of India’s new age infrastructure and a classic example of what public private partnership can accomplish.

Address: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Shamshabad, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad - 501 218, Andhra Pradesh

Website and Telephone: http://www.hyderabad.aero/ (+91-40-66764000) Time Zone:GMT+5:30



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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Bangalore Airport Guide

The Bangalore International Airport , Bangalore or Bengaluru, the ‘Hi-Tech City’ has truly lived up to its reputation of being a beacon for the future.

Address: Bangalore International Airport, Airport Road, Bangalore, India- 560300

Website: http://www.bengaluruairport.com

Telephone: +91 (80) 6678 2425 Time Zone: GMT + 5.5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Kolkata Airport Guide


Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is located about 16 kms from the gleaming new landmark, City Centre, in the posh serene Salt Lake area.

Kolkata Airport Address: Kolkata, 700052, India.

Website and Telephone: For latest information on flights and other associated queries, passengers can visit the website http://www.aai.aero/kolkata/index.jsp or call +91-33-25118787. Time Zone: GMT + 5.5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Amritsar Airport Guide

Raja Sansi International Airport (Amritsar International Airport) to cater to the ever increasing influx of travellers to this pilgrimage city.

Address: Amritsar International Airport, Rajasansi, Amritsar – 143101. (Punjab) India.

Telephone: Passengers can seek airport information by calling the airport helpline +91-0183-2214166 or by visiting http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/amritsar_generalinfo.jsp Time Zone: GMT + 5.5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

JAL Launches Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Delhi-Tokyo Route

On Monday, Japan Airlines (JAL), the national carrier of Japan flew its Dreamliner Boeing 787 flight to New Delhi from Tokyo on May 1, 2012. The new Dreamliner of the airline is much advanced in terms of competence and fuel consumption contrasting to its existing fleet of Boeing 777.

While elaborating the plans of the airline, the Country Manager of Japan Airlines, Mr. Yasushi Isomura elaborated that the airline has planned to operate five Tokyo-Delhi flights per week and the Dreamliner will be deployed to operate four of these flights from May 1.

Japan Airline’s first Dreamliner flight was launched to the US last week while India has become the second nation where the airline will fly this modern fuel-efficient aircraft.

With the commencement of the Dreamliner, the airline is anticipating to attract a fair share of business and leisure holidaymakers taking inbound and outbound flights to India.  The airline's Delhi-Tokyo service will also lure travellers from other Indian metros, which hold around 10-15% of the total flyer count.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner can accommodate a large number of flyers especially those looking for cheap flight tickets in economy class. The aircraft offers 42 seats in business class and 144 seats in economy class for those seeking cheap flights to India connecting Delhi with Tokyo and vice versa.

Presently, Japan Airlines has placed order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner, whereas Air India has ordered for 27 of these aircraft out of which the airline is hoping to get at least three this year. India’s largest carrier by passenger number, Jet Airways is also in the beeline waiting for its order of 10 of this ultra modern aircrafts.

Reference

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Cochin Airport Guide

One of India’s youngest airports, the Cochin International Airport located in Nedumbassery.

Address: Cochin International Airport Ltd., Kochi Airport P.O. Kerala- 683111

Website: www.cochinairport.org/ Time Zone: GMT +5.30


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Virgin Atlantic


One of the most enduring brands in the aviation industry, Virgin Atlantic is undoubtedly the world’s most loved airline. Under the deft leadership of its charismatic founder, Richard Branson, it has constantly set new benchmarks in the aviation space.

Official Website: The website www.virgin-atlantic.com is a useful guide for searching booking information, airfares and the different cheap airfare offers put up by the airline at frequent intervals.

Title: Flights to London | Flights to the UK | Virgin Atlantic

Description: Book flights to London from New York and other US destinations with Virgin Atlantic. Join Flying Club, manage flights and book our lowest fares.

Address: (UK Office): The Office, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9HU

Special Feature: Frequent Flyer Programme, Hubs, Major Routes, Cabin Classes, Lounges, Online check-in, Meals, In-flight Entertainment, Baggage Policy, Awards and Accolades

Find cheap flights offers of Virgin Atlantic Airlines from UK Airports.

Turkish Airlines Looks to Boost Frequency of Flights to India

Turkish Airlines is likely to increase its frequency of flights on Turkey-India route, provided the airline manages to get the nod from the Indian aviation ministry for expanding the bilateral limits.

As of now, the airline is allowed to run 14 passenger flights to India each week, with seven each from Delhi and Mumbai. Turkish Airlines is also authorised to operate 14 cargo flights.

Turkish Airlines’ Adnan Aykac, General Manager (northern and eastern India) said the airline is trying, through the Turkish government, to negotiate with Indian authorities to permit them to run more flights.

The carrier has plans to add more destinations in its India network. Cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad are likely to be included in the carrier’s network, in case it gets all essential approval from Indian aviation ministry.

India is a top holiday destination and also an important business hub for travellers on corporate tour. Moreover, airports like Delhi International Airport are blossoming into popular regional aviation hubs. All such factors have contributed towards the increasing traffic between the two countries.

However there is some concern regarding the recent hike in the airport charges in India. The availability of tickets on inbound and outbound cheap flights to India would definitely be affected in case the airport charges are increased steeply, something observed by Adnan Aykac.

Aykac is also of the opinion that airport charge hike is likely to affect the Delhi International Airport’s (DIAL) plans to establish the airport as an air travel hub.

Reference