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Roadshow

Turkey concluded the first leg of the six-city India Destination Promotion in Kolkata

The Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) successfully launched their India Destination Promotion Event 2025 with an energetic first leg in Kolkata. The event, hosted at Gallery Hyatt Centric, marked the beginning of an ambitious six-city destination promotion series, bringing together key stakeholders from both countries' tourism sectors. The event facilitated productive B2B meetings between Turkish suppliers and Indian travel partners, focusing on key segments including luxury travel, MICE tourism, and wedding destinations. The destination promotion event featured immersive presentations and interactive sessions showcasing Türkiye's evolving tourism landscape, building upon the previous year's successful initiatives. The presence of influential dignitaries, including Onur Gözet, Deputy Director General for Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, underscored the strategic importance of India-Türkiye tourism relations. The Turkish delegation including Mrs. Basak Onsal Demir, Counsellor for Culture and Tourism at the Embassy of Turkiye and Ms. Cagla Yontem, Director for MICE (Wedding and Incentives) together with around 30 premier tourism partners, representing a diverse mix of destination management companies, luxury hoteliers, and specialised tour operators. The event's timing aligns with Türkiye's growing popularity in the Indian market, evidenced by an impressive 20 percent surge in interest throughout 2024. This growth is reflected in the increased participation from Turkish buyers and industry representatives at the event, demonstrating the destination's rising appeal among Indian travellers. Adding significant value to the event, Turkish Airlines and IndiGo played crucial roles in supporting the event, reinforcing the robust air connectivity between India and Türkiye. Their involvement emphasises the ongoing commitment to enhancing travel accessibility between the two countries, making Türkiye an increasingly attractive destination for Indian travellers. Addressing the gathering,  Onur Gözet, Deputy Director General for Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, said: “Kolkata's rich cultural heritage makes it the perfect launchpad for our 2025 India destination promotion series. The remarkable growth in Indian visitors to Türkiye last year has inspired us to enhance our offerings further. We're seeing increasing interest in our lesser-known destinations beyond Istanbul and Cappadocia, and this year's event will put the spotlight on these hidden gems alongside our iconic locations. Our focus is on creating deeper, more meaningful connections that resonate with the discerning Indian traveller.” The Kolkata event witnessed participation from over 200 tourism fraternity members of Türkiye and India and cinched the vibrant synergy between both countries. It served as a pivotal platform for showcasing Türkiye's diverse tourism offerings to the growing Indian travel trade community. The roadshow will continue its journey with subsequent sessions in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, concluding with a grand finale in Mumbai.  

Corporate & Business

Thomas Cook opens outlet in Mangoe Lane, Kolkata

With a strategic intent to capitalize on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated a new outlet in the high-potential market of Mangoe Lane-Dalhousie Square and its surrounding catchments. In addition to the customers from the city of Kolkata, the new branch will also service customers from the surrounding catchments of Central Kolkata. The new outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 9 locations in the city and state. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “Kolkata is an important source market for us, and we are witnessing a significant demand from the city. Hence, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Dalhousie. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the growing and diverse needs of customers in the region, offering easy access and seamless services to our customers – right at their doorstep! We also have exclusive Bengali tours with co-travellers from the State, accompanied by a Bengali speaking expert Tour Manager and the comfort of select Bengali cuisine while on tour. On behalf of my Team, I extend a warm welcome to our customers from Kolkata. My Team and I look forward to co-curating memorable holidays for each of our customers – both within India and international.” In its commitment to enhance access and convenience, Thomas Cook’s new outlet will address diverse customer segments – families, couples, Young India’s, millennials & Gen Z, business professionals and seniors. Thomas Cook’s Dalhousie outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI booking platform assists customers in planning their personalized vacations in real time by checking availability, and making reservations in a matter of minutes. Dalhousie’s position as an important market offers a range of valuable consumer segments, including business professionals, government employees, families, couples, Young India’s millennials and Gen Z, and seniors alike. Thomas Cook’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International and domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), and Value-Added Services like Travel Insurance.    

Airlines and Aviation

IndiGo launches direct flights from Kolkata to Phuket from 27 December

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, announces daily direct flights between Kolkata-Phuket, starting December 27, 2024. This will be IndiGo’s second direct flight to Phuket, following Delhi. The new route will expand IndiGo's global network and cater to the growing number of tourists from India to Thailand. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to further expand our network into Thailand, from Kolkata, now adding a daily flight to Phuket in addition to the existing 11 weekly flights to Bangkok. With this new route, IndiGo will now operate 93 weekly flights between India and Thailand. Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is known for its serene beaches and cultural diversity, and the country's visa-free policy for Indian citizens is expected to drive even greater demand. IndiGo remains committed to providing an affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our extensive network.” The addition of this new route will enhance accessibility for tourists to Phuket from the eastern part of the country. The route will strengthen trade, commerce and tourism between India and Southeast Asia. Kolkata, India’s first metropolitan city and a regional hub for Indian tourists, is rapidly enhancing its overall infrastructure to meet the growing demand for travel from the region to Southeast Asia. This is also evident in the development of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, an ambitious project aimed at connecting India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is one of the oldest cities in India which is known for its deep-rooted culture and rich historical backdrops. Placed on the banks of Hooghly River, this ancient city was earlier called as 'Calcutta' and has been awarded as ‘Cultural Capital of India’, ‘The City of Processions' and 'City of Joy'. Kolkata is famous as the birthplace of many famous personalities like Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Laureate) and Satyajit Ray (Bharat Ratna awardee). The city also has deep value for Catholics and other communities as Mother Teresa took her last breath here. Kolkata is also home to numerous historical attractions such as Fort William, Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens (Stadium), Birla Planetarium, Howrah Bridge, Marble Palace, Writer's Building, Nicco Park, Saheed Minar and National Library. Thailand is one of the top travel destinations in the world offering varied and rewarding experiences, ranging from the vibrant marketplaces of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket. Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. It is famous for its magnificent white sand, enchanting marine life, beautiful temples, lively towns, and delicious food. The islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are stunning places that provide immaculate beaches, glistening sea water, and bright coral reefs, making them the perfect tropical retreats. Flight Schedule:   Flight No. Origin Destination Frequency Effective Departure Arrival 6E 1901 Kolkata Phuket Friday Dec 27, 2024 6:00 10:40 6E 1901 Kolkata Phuket Wed and Sat Dec 28, 2024 6:50 11:35 6E 1901 Kolkata Phuket Sunday Dec 29, 2024 6:50 11:40 6E 1901 Kolkata Phuket Mon and Tue Dec 30, 2024 6:00 10:40 6E 1902 Phuket Kolkata Friday Dec 27, 2024 11:55 13:40 6E 1902 Phuket Kolkata Wed and Sat Dec 28, 2024 12:35 14:20 6E 1902 Phuket Kolkata Sunday Dec 29, 2024 12:40 14:20 6E 1902 Phuket Kolkata Mon and Tue Dec 30, 2024 11:40 13:20      

Airlines and Aviation

Air India adds flights to Kolkata from four cities to meet festive demand

Air India announced it will temporarily operate additional flights to Kolkata from four Indian cities to meet greater travel demand to the city during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. Starting 20 September 2024, Air India will operate daily, non-stop flights to Kolkata from Bengaluru and Hyderabad for nearly a month. The airline has also increased frequency to Kolkata from Delhi effective 15 August 2024, and from Mumbai effective 25 September 2024. With these additions, Air India will increase frequency on the Delhi-Kolkata route from 28x weekly to 35x weekly flights, and on the Mumbai-Kolkata route from 21x weekly to 28x weekly. The added flights will operate at convenient times, providing greater choice and ease to travellers who plan to visit their loved ones during the joyous festive season. Air India’s flights to/from Kolkata are also conveniently timed to enable seamless connections via its Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru hubs to/from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, as well as several countries in Europe and Southeast Asia. SCHEDULE OF NEW FLIGHTS TO/FROM KOLKATA Flight # Sector Days of Operation Departure Arrival Effective Date Discontinue Date AI702 Delhi-Kolkata Daily 0220 Hrs 0435 Hrs 15-Aug-24 26-Oct-24 AI703 Kolkata-Delhi Daily 0525 Hrs 0745 Hrs 15-Aug-24 26-Oct-24 AI689 Mumbai-Kolkata Daily 1210 Hrs 1455 Hrs 25-Sept-24 13-Oct-24 AI690 Kolkata-Mumbai Daily 1540 Hrs 1835 Hrs 25-Sept-24 13-Oct-24 AI524 Bengaluru-Kolkata Daily 1210* Hrs 1435 Hrs 20-Sept-24 26-Oct-24 AI526 Kolkata-Bengaluru Daily 1740 Hrs 1950 Hrs 20-Sept-24 26-Oct-24 AI529 Hyderabad-Kolkata Daily 2030 Hrs 2240 Hrs 20-Sept-24 26-Oct-24 AI530 Kolkata-Hyderabad Daily 1515 Hrs 1740 Hrs 20-Sept-24 26-Oct-24 *Scheduled time of departure on Sundays is 1155 Hrs Bookings for the new flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.      

Air

Thai AirAsia introduces direct flights to Chennai and Kolkata

AirAsia Thailand introduces two new direct flights from Phuket to Chennai and Kolkata in India. These new routes are part of Thai AirAsia’s ongoing expansion in India. Slated to take off on 27 October, these new flights allow travelers from two of India’s key cities to fly directly to Phuket.  According to Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya: “By establishing direct routes from our Phuket hub, AirAsia is at the same time extending its international network beyond Bangkok.” Klongchaiya added that the airline has waited for this opportunity to expand its network further into the Indian Subcontinent, offering flights to and from India’s major cities on a regular basis. Bridging the gap between nations Thai AirAsia's CEO opines that the new routes will be instrumental in bridging travel between Thailand and India. These will likewise promote tourism and business, thus boosting the economies of both nations. Klongchaiya said of the matter: "We believe these routes will meet the needs of the Indian people as well as international travelers in Thailand and the Thai people themselves looking to make their way to India”

Food & Drink

Peerless Hotel launches Club Eminence, a homage to Kolkata’s rich history and exquisite culture

Nestled in the heart of the historic area of Kolkata, Peerless Hotel is delighted to announce the launch of its Club Eminence Floors embodying the essence of old Calcutta. Complemented with top-notch amenities the 168-room hotel is an excellent choice for tourists aspiring to encamp in the vicinity of the popular attractions such as Eden Gardens, Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum, and the New Market. The unveiling of a redesigned luxe collection showcases 32 exquisite rooms and suites at Club Eminence. Enticing with appealing rooms, a well-appointed reception lobby, and a stylish lounge bar, Peerless Hotel seamlessly combines harmonious fusion of old-world charm and modern simplicity steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of erstwhile Calcutta. The collaborative effort has injected a fresh perspective into the redesigning process. Inviting guests to immerse themselves in the local cultural heritage, the interior design pays homage to Kolkata’s colonial past. The walls are adorned with paintings capturing moments of a vibrant history, creating a visual narrative that unfolds the story of erstwhile Calcutta. The high ceilings enhanced with cornices and moldings and windows that allow streams of sunlight to dance across the wooden floors, and vintage chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the meticulously curated furnishings. Commenting on the occasion, Kuldeep Bhartee, CEO, Peerless Hotel, Kolkata said:  “Kolkata stands as a cornerstone of our portfolio and has demonstrated exceptional growth in the recent years. The redesigned spaces at Peerless Hotel, Kolkata embodies the spirit of Old Calcutta and celebrates the city’s rich heritage. In cognizance of the rising footfalls to the property, we have taken decisive steps to enhance the ambience and elevate guest experiences. Our unwavering dedication to serve our customers with elegance remains paramount, and the introduction of Club Eminence serves as a testament to our flourishing growth and the escalating demand we continue to meet.” A single point of contact will be assigned for the guests' service throughout their stay, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process. This will also include all arrangements, from dining preferences to entertainment needs. The redesign also accommodates a manned one-touch dial contact providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for valued guests. The new enhancements will further Peerless Hotels’ commitment to its guest and constantly integrating services to elevate guest experiences. Conveniently located just forty-five minutes from the airport, fifteen minutes from Howrah and Sealdah stations and 100 meters from the Esplanade Metro Station, Peerless Hotel Kolkata welcomes guests from around the world.        

Airlines and Aviation

Air India Express expands operations in Ayodhya, launches direct flights to Bengaluru and Kolkata in addition to Delhi, starting January 17

  In addition to Delhi, Air India Express announced the commencement of new routes from Ayodhya to two major metros – Bengaluru and Kolkata, starting January 17. The airline will operate direct flights on these routes, significantly boosting connectivity to and from Ayodhya, its third station in Uttar Pradesh. Air India Express will operate its inaugural flights between Ayodhya and Delhi on December 30, alongside the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham. The first flight on the Bengaluru-Ayodhya route, will depart on January 17, 2024, at 08:05, reaching Ayodhya at 10:35. The return flight will leave Ayodhya at 15:40, arriving in Bengaluru at 18:10. On the Ayodhya-Kolkata route, the flight will take off from Ayodhya at 11:05, landing in Kolkata at 12:50. The Kolkata – Ayodhya flight will depart from Kolkata at 13:25, touching down in Ayodhya at 15:10. Speaking about the launch of the new routes, Dr Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said: Our dedication to expanding connectivity throughout India remains steadfast, driven by our expanding fleet. The introduction of non-stop services connecting Ayodhya to Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata underscores this commitment. As pivotal hubs in our network, Bengaluru and Kolkata will serve as gateways to Ayodhya, providing pilgrims from South India and Eastern India with convenient one-stop itineraries.” The airline has released the schedule for tri-weekly non-stop flights between Ayodhya, Bengaluru, and Kolkata with bookings available through the airline’s award-winning mobile app and website airindiaexpress.com, as well as other major booking platforms.   Schedule effective January 17, 2024 Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Bengaluru Ayodhya 08:05 10:35 Mon, Wed, Thu Ayodhya Bengaluru 15:40 18:10 Mon, Wed, Thu Ayodhya Kolkata 11:05 12:50 Mon, Wed, Thu Kolkata Ayodhya 13:25 15:10 Mon, Wed, Thu Ayodhya is the third airport in Uttar Pradesh in Air India Express network, following Varanasi and Lucknow. The airline connects UP to both domestic and international destinations. Air India Express made history as the pioneer airline to commence Varanasi-Sharjah flights, marking the first international connection for Varanasi. With a weekly schedule of 21 flights, the airline connects the sacred city to Bengaluru and Sharjah. Air India Express offers 60 weekly flights from Lucknow, connecting the capital city of Uttar Pradesh to Dubai and prominent Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. Bengaluru is the largest domestic station on Air India Express network with 344 weekly flights, directly connecting the city to 22 destinations. Additionally, the airline provides direct connectivity from Kolkata to 6 destinations, operating a total of 85 weekly flights. Recently, the airline also launched the Vista VIP, its business class-like product, in a bid to enhance customer experience. The offering includes wider seats and increased legroom, Gourmair hot meals, additional baggage allowance, and Xpress ahead priority boarding services. More recently, Air India Express also became the very first airline to operate a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on the day when the Surat International Airport had its new international terminal inaugurated.        

Global

Kolkata to raise a toast to Asia’s largest sports and  fitness `Kumbh’ through FITEXPO INDIA 2023

Kolkata is gearing up to host one of Asia’s largest sports, fitness and wellness trade Expo through FITEXPO INDIA 2023 (December 1 to 3) at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. “FITEXPO INDIA is more like a `Kumbh mela’ for sports, fitness and wellness and connects with the growing base of sports lovers, fitness enthusiasts and wellness practitioners while providing a 360-degree view of these rapidly expanding sectors where health, wealth and commerce go hand in hand under the same roof with overarching commercial benefits in the long run. The Indian sports, fitness and wellness sector, under Khelo India and Fit India, is now five times bigger,” said Gagan Sachdev, founder-director of THE FITEXPO INDIA and Vice-President, Calcutta Sports Dealers Association (CSDA). This mega EXPO, spread over a sprawling three lac square feet, will draw over 5000 fitness experts and sports personalities from all over India. The event, being held in the sports-crazy `City of Joy’ in association with SPORTEXPO, is a one-of-its-kind event that is expected to garner huge footfalls, especially the crowd of young enthusiasts along with business-to-business (B2B) as well as business-to-commercial (B2C) clients. “Our two years of effort and passion will culminate in FITEXPO INDIA 2023 which will engage the entire fitness and sporting community of West Bengal, including the sports development authorities, Sports Authority of India and The Bengal Olympic Association. We feel proud to present this event in which more than 10,000 people will participate during the three-day FITEXPO INDIA 2023,” said Mr Sachdev. More than a hundred different kinds of events related to fitness, bodybuilding, powerlifting, kettlebell, weight lifting, CrossFit, armwrestling, dance fitness, Zumba, yoga and so on. FITEXPO INDIA 2023 will have thirty-two formats of martial arts, mixed martial arts and combat sports. Other than popular games like cricket and football, there would be throw ball, dodge ball, rugby, skating and cycling; indoor games like badminton, table tennis, carrom, chess, archery and dart tournaments also and many other activities. “It's not just a show; it's a celebration of wellness. Bringing fitness icons from all kinds of genres under one roof makes it a wholesome experience, and I'm thrilled to be part of this vibrant community, where health and happiness dance hand in hand," said personal trainer and Zumba presenter, Natalie Pote Shaw. With a Corporate Business Lounge facilitating B2B activities and the FitPitch (the theme-based flagship fundraising and trade exchange) event would encourage growth, collaboration and investment for start-ups and innovators. “At The FITEXPO INDIA 2023, we're not just lifting weights, we are lifting the standard for fitness. Our gym is proud to be part of this groundbreaking event, where health meets innovation, and we redefine what it means to elevate your fitness journey,” said Rashmi Sachdev, owner of Karma Fitness Studio. “This Expo will not only nurture the spirit of sportsmanship and inculcate competitive behaviour but also help identify and honour talents from different fields of sports; encourage brand endorsements as more and more corporates come forward to recognise and endorse sporting talent. One of the biggest gains from the EXPO would be direct and indirect investment flowing into Bengal in the rapidly expanding sports and fitness sector. This includes sports goods and services, fitness gears, fitness software and a wide array of training, coaching and skill-development services,” said Abhay Mishra, Principal Advisor, FITEXPO INDIA 2023. A large number of associations and bodies related to sports, fitness, calisthenics, wellness, sporting infrastructure and software, along with students from various schools of Kolkata will be participating in live events at the FITEXPO INDIA 2023. The event has been curated to match the standards of similar International events.      

Features

iLEAD sets the stage for sustainable innovation in Kolkata’s Durga Puja

  iLEAD, Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship And Development, through its Waste Billionaire initiative and in collaboration with Moitreyee Sangha, has unveiled a unique idol created entirely from discarded automobile parts.  The pandal is a testament to sustainability and innovation, featuring various upcycled and recycled items such as a sofa made from discarded cycle tires, lights crafted from parts of washing machines, a vertical garden constructed from plastic bottles, and more. It is not just a celebration of tradition, but a powerful statement on environmental consciousness and entrepreneurship. The primary objective of this remarkable endeavor is to inspire the youth to actively participate in environmental conservation by reducing waste and carbon emissions. In today's world, the climate crisis looms large, and this initiative strives to be a catalyst for change. What makes this initiative even more special is its emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship through upcycling and recycling waste. “With minimal capital investment, individuals can transform discarded materials into valuable creations, contributing not only to the environment but also to economic growth. India witnesses a staggering influx of approximately 2.5 million tons of automobile waste destined for scrapping annually. Converting this waste into scrap art offers a substantial business opportunity”, said Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman of iLEAD. As an institution that fosters leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, iLEAD is committed to spreading awareness among the youth and encouraging them to become responsible citizens and innovative entrepreneurs. The Moitreyee Sangha pandal serves as a reminder that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places and that innovation can solve complex environmental problems. As Durga Puja enthusiasts from Kolkata and beyond gather to witness this artistic masterpiece, they are also reminded of their responsibility towards our planet. This initiative is a call to action, inspiring the youth to become pioneers in environmental conservation, and entrepreneurs in their right.    

Airlines and Aviation

Air India announces non-stop flights between Kolkata and Bangkok from 23 October

Air India, India’s global airline, will introduce a non-stop service between Kolkata and Bangkok starting 23rd October 2023. Launched during the festive season in Kolkata, this new flight will cater to the need of a convenient direct connection between the two cities. AI322 will depart Kolkata at 2200 hrs to reach Bangkok at 0205 hrs the next morning. The return flight AI321 will take off from Bangkok at 0305 hrs to land in Kolkata at 0410 hrs (All Local Time). The flight, operated with a narrowbody Airbus family aircraft, will have a two-class configuration of Economy and Business Class and operate six days a week from Monday to Saturday. Besides lending a boost to tourism and trade in the two cities, the direct service to Bangkok will offer a unique opportunity to Air India passengers to take convenient connections via Bangkok to and from 10 popular destinations in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia on the network of Bangkok Airways, with whom Air India enjoys an interline partnership with seamless connections beyond Bangkok. Air India currently operates a total of 14 flights to Bangkok per week with daily non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai connecting the destination. Building a more robust network is a key element of Air India’s transformation journey and the new launch is in line with the airline’s commitment to expand connectivity and enhance frequency on its domestic and international sectors as it keeps augmenting the fleet with new aircraft. Bookings for the flights have already opened on all channels, including Air India’s website: (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and through travel agents (including online travel agents).    

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Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Hyatt Regency Kolkata, JA Block, Sector III, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata

JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, JBS Haldane Avenue, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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