The Indian aviation sector is abuzz with excitement as bidding giants Ajay Singh, Chairman, and Managing Director of SpiceJet, in collaboration with Busy Bee Airways, and Sky One, led by Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani, compete to resurrect GoFirst Airlines from its grounded state. These bids, submitted to the Resolution Professional (RP) for consideration by the Committee of Creditors, signify a crucial step towards the potential revival of GoFirst.
SpiceJet’s bid to revive GoFirst outlines a comprehensive plan wherein the airline would serve as the operating partner for GoFirst, offering essential staff, services, and industry expertise. The collaboration aims to generate synergies between the two carriers, optimise resource allocation, and strengthen market positioning within the Indian aviation industry. Ajay Singh expressed optimism about revitalising GoFirst and leveraging its strengths for mutual growth and success.
On the other front, Sky One Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani affirmed the bid submission for GoFirst, citing the airline’s vast aviation experience across the globe as a testament to its confidence in the acquisition. Sky One’s interest in GoFirst stems from its coveted slots at domestic and international airports, international traffic rights, and substantial user base, making it a reliable investment opportunity.
A number of simultaneous events made Jan 2024 a nightmare for air travellers. These included the worst spell of fog that north India saw in years, airports in some other regions also affected by poor visibility and closure of the main CAT III runway at Delhi, leaving only one CAT III runway during the worst fog period. An aircraft delayed at any one of the north Indian airports-especially the biggest base Delhi-would have a cascading effect on all the other flights.
The bidding process comes amid GoFirst’s recent challenges, including difficulties with Pratt & Whitney engines that led to the airline’s voluntary insolvency application to the National Company Law Tribunal in May 2023. With a 60-day extension granted by the National Company Law Tribunal for GoFirst’s moratorium, potential investors have a window of opportunity to submit proposals for the carrier’s revival.While SpiceJet aims to leverage GoFirst’s brand recognition and existing infrastructure to drive growth, Sky One’s strategic acquisitions across the global aviation sector position it as a formidable contender in the bidding race. Sky One, headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, offers a wide array of aviation services, including cargo charters, training, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
As the Indian aviation industry braces for unprecedented growth, the bids from SpiceJet and Sky One signify a collective effort to inject new life into GoFirst Airlines and propel it towards a brighter future in the skies.
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As the Republic Day weekend approaches, Indian travelers are gearing up for domestic getaways, and leading digital travel platforms, Agoda and Booking.com, unveil the top destinations capturing the nation’s wanderlust.
Goa Tops the List: For the second consecutive year, Goa claims the spotlight as the most searched destination for the Republic Day weekend. Known for its vibrant nightlife and scenic beauty, Goa continues to be a perennial favourite.
Coastal Charms: Puducherry secures the second spot, offering a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, mesmerizing architecture, and stunning beaches. Jaipur, the pink city, claims the third position, captivating travellers with its rich heritage and diverse experiences.
Hill Stations Beckon: Ooty and Mahabaleshwar, showcasing scenic beauty secure spots in the top five, revealing a preference for tranquil hill stations.
Cultural and Culinary Delights: Jaipur stands out for its rich heritage, culinary delights, and shopping experiences, catering to varied traveller preferences.
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, notes the consistent interest in diverse destinations. He anticipates continued excitement for both domestic and international trips, emphasizing Agoda’s commitment to providing great deals and a seamless travel experience.
Booking.com’s insights reveals that Indian travellers have diverse preferences when it comes to planning their weekend getaways. They are interested in both beach retreats and leisure hotspots, with popular beach destinations being Puducherry, Goa, and Alibaug. Meanwhile, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, and Lonavala have emerged as favored leisure hotspots within convenient proximity to major cities.
Moreover, Indians are not just limiting their searches to domestic destinations. They are also exploring international hotspots such as Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, which are closer to home and are piquing traveller interest.
OYO has experienced an astonishing 350 per cent surge in searches for Ayodhya on its platform in the past year. This surge reflects the increasing interest in Ayodhya as a prominent pilgrimage destination. To facilitate seamless operations, OYO has collaborated with the Ayodhya Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
In addition to hotels and resorts, alternative accommodations such as homestays, guest houses, apartments, and villas are also becoming popular choices among Indian travellers. This reflects a shift in preferences for short breaks and unique experiences.
Finally, the demand for weekend getaways is observed from couples, followed by groups and families, highlighting a diverse range of travellers looking to make the most of their long weekends.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, emphasises the significant opportunity this long weekend presents for the travel and hospitality industry. He notes the rising demand for alternative accommodations and commits to enhancing the traveller experience.
Talking about demand for luxury villas, Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays said they have noted considerable interest in premium markets like Alibaug, Pawna, Udaipur, Karjat showing 50 per cent plus growth, with a distinct preference for luxury villas over budget friendly ones.
“This trend is in line with increased spending capacities across the Indian aspirational consumer segment. The opening up of highways and expressways (e.g. Atal Setu) along with increased rollouts of Vande Bharat trains has made weekend travel even more attractive as an option. Winters were delayed and hence impacted demand. The demand will pick up for winter destinations, as weather gets better and winter sets in! We expect a much much better February and March than last year. March has a long weekend, unexpectedly a really long weekend. I also see really high rates and sold out situations in most popular leisure properties in some cities,” he said.
Short haul outbound destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Malaysia are witnessing demand for this extended weekend.
“A noteworthy trend is the unique combinations/inclusions being selected by customers – a spiritual trip to the Golden Temple with a local meal and stay in a farmhouse and food trails; exciting winter experiences and lunch in the midst of an apple orchard in Shimla; biking across rugged terrain spa-wellness. We are witnessing demand for non-standard travel experiences and unconventional options like stays in machans/tree houses overlooking lush green tropical vegetation of Wayanad, Chikmagalur, Munnar, Thekkady; restored heritage fort in Goa, private villas with concierge services and a chef in Alibaug or plantation bungalows amidst rolling tea/coffee estates in Darjeeling, Assam or Coorg,” Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook India said.
As the Republic Day long weekend unfolds, Indians are choosing destinations that offer a mix of cultural, culinary, and local experiences, showcasing a diverse and evolving travel landscape. Whether it’s the coastal charm of Puducherry, the vibrant nightlife of Goa, or the rich heritage of Jaipur, travellers are in for an exciting escape during this extended holiday.
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In a strategic move to capitalise on India’s emerging tourism destinations, especially Lakshadweep and Ayodhya, which are currently in the limelight amidst various reasons, AweSpace Ventures, a prominent real estate transaction advisory firm, is set to develop bespoke residential retreats in Ayodhya and Lakshadweep. The company said it is seeking substantial INR 100 crore funding to meet the surging demand for luxury travel experiences across the country.
Ayodhya, renowned as a temple town, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, particularly with the much-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir scheduled for January 22. AweSpace plans to redefine opulent living in Ayodhya, catering to a diverse demographic, including the growing interest in spiritual tourism.
Vijay Naraayanan, Co-Founder and CEO of AweSpace Ventures, expressed excitement about this ambitious endeavour, highlighting Ayodhya’s shift from a spiritual hub for senior citizens to a sought-after destination for families, couples, and millennials.
Simultaneously, AweSpace Ventures has identified Lakshadweep as a prime location for boutique bespoke villa projects, leveraging its pristine beauty and global acclaim. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit, showcasing Lakshadweep’s pristine beaches and captivating snorkeling experiences.
However, AweSpace has reconsidered its initial plans to expand into the Maldives, redirecting its focus to Lakshadweep amid offensive comments by Maldivian ministers against India. The company said it aims to offer fully-furnished ultra-luxurious villa estates and mansions across approximately 150 acres in prime tourist destinations, including Goa, Alibaug, Mashobra, Udaipur, and the Nilgiri Hills.
Government-led tourism activities, managed by SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports), include the iconic Paradise Island huts. A new proposal under the Smart City initiative aims to introduce a 90-room hotel. In the private sector, India’s first water villa project, initiated by an Indian group, stands out as a major endeavor.
Meanwhile, The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of two Taj-branded resorts on the islands of Suheli and Kadmat in Lakshadweep. The Greenfield projects, set to open in 2026, underscore IHCL’s commitment to sustainable development in pristine locations.Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, noted that the resorts aim to create a minimal footprint while preserving the fragile eco-system of Lakshadweep. Suheli Island will host a Taj resort with 110 rooms, including 60 beach villas and 50 water villas, while Kadmat Island will feature 110 rooms, including 75 beach villas and 35 water villas.
“This signing is in line with IHCL’s pioneering spirit, which has put several destinations such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and Andamans on the global tourist map. We see significant potential in Lakshadweep, with its pristine beaches and coral reefs set amongst the Arabian Sea. The two world-class Taj resorts will attract international as well as national travellers.”
With both AweSpace Ventures and IHCL leading the way, Ayodhya and Lakshadweep are poised to become havens for luxury travel enthusiasts seeking bespoke and sustainable experiences.
Ayodhya is set to become a global tourism hub, expecting over three lakh daily visitors in the next few years, reveals Dikshu Kukreja, the master planner of the project. Drawing inspiration from Vatican City, Cambodia, Jerusalem, Tirupati, and Amritsar, Kukreja emphasizes efficient land use, minimal congestion, and preserving Ayodhya’s cultural heritage.
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J&K Tourism has welcomed Yasha Mudgul as the new Secretary, poised to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor.
Mudgul, an IAS officer of the 2007 batch, was recently serving as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government for the Cooperatives Department, along with the added responsibility of Administrative Secretary for the ARI & Trainings Department and Mission Director for the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan. She is now appointed as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government in the Tourism Department.
Additionally, she retains her role as Mission Director for the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) until further directives are issued, according to an official notice.
In 2023, more than 5 lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah, showcasing the progress made by the region in the tourism sector. The tourism officials expressed keen interest in bolstering the tourism sector to generate livelihood opportunities, particularly in Bhaderwah, while revealing the ongoing efforts by private stakeholders to establish world-class hotels and 5-star facilities in the district.
Mudgul replaces former Secretary of Tourism & Culture in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah who has become Secretary for the Health & Medical Education Department, leaving behind a legacy of achievements and a visionary outlook for the state’s tourism sector. His tenure, notably witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism activities and numbers growing threefold with respect to foreign tourist arrivals, pinning J&K on the global tourism map.Shah, who began his career as a medical professional and traversed through the Indian Police Service to finally join the Indian Administrative Service, brought a wealth of experience to his role in the tourism department. Before becoming the Secretary of Tourism & Culture J&K, Shah was the Deputy Commissioner of various districts including Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam.
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