Among 109 airlines, Air India has been ranked 63rd and IndiGo at 103rd position, with a total score of 6.15 and 4.80 respectively, as per AirHelp survey findings published on its website. The survey has ranked Brussels Airlines as the best airline in the world with 8.12, followed by Qatar Airways at 8.11, United Airlines at 8.04, American Airlines at 8.04, and Play at 7.89. On the other hand, the bottom five include El Al Israel Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Nouvelair, Buzz, and Tunisair which has got 3.63. After the rankings went viral, IndiGo on Wednesday refuted the survey findings saying that it has consistently scored high on punctuality, and refuted a survey that claimed the airline is among the worst on the basis of certain parameters, including punctuality. The survey was done by by AirHelp, an EU claim processing agency. It compared the world's biggest and most popular airlines and rated them according to their punctuality, quality of service, and how well they handle claims for compensation. In a statement, IndiGo said the data published in the survey does not report the sample size from India, and neither takes into account the methodology or compensation guidelines used by the global aviation industry "casting a doubt on its credibility". According to the statement, the airline has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations. In a statement to the press, IndiGo said, "India’s aviation regulator DGCA, publishes data on airline punctuality and customer complaints monthly. IndiGo has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations. The data published in the survey by AirHelp, an EU claim processing agency, does not report the sample size from India, and neither takes into account the methodology or compensation guidelines used by the global aviation industry – casting a doubt on its credibility. As India’s most preferred airline, IndiGo refutes the findings of this survey and reiterates its promise of on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience for its customers."(With inputs from PTI)
05 December,2024 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTier-2 cities with strong religious tourism appeal, such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Puri, and Shirdi, are witnessing a sharp rise in residential demand, according to a report by Magicbricks.Driven by a combination of self-use and investment motivations, these cities are emerging as residential hotspots, leveraging their cultural and spiritual significance.Prayagraj has seen a remarkable 28 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in demand, while Varanasi recorded an 18 per cent surge.Puri, a popular destination for devotees of Lord Jagannath, posted a 52 per cent growth, and Shirdi, home to the revered Sai Baba shrine, topped the list with a 67 per cent rise in buyer interest.The demand extends beyond permanent residence, with buyers eyeing opportunities for long-term gains, holiday homes, and short-term accommodations such as bed-and-breakfasts (BnBs) to cater to the influx of tourists.While residential prices in Varanasi have reduced by 5.15 per cent in the past year due to increasing supply, the market remains attractive with an average rate of Rs 6,128 per square foot (psf).Similarly, Prayagraj saw a dramatic price escalation of 122 per cent between January and March 2024 due to high demand, but rates have since stabilized at Rs 6,645 psf.In contrast, Puri has experienced a 30 per cent price appreciation over the last year, with rates reaching Rs 6,114 psf. Shirdi offers one of the most compelling value propositions, with an average price of Rs 4,028 psf, making it a lucrative option for buyers.The surge in residential demand in these cities can be attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of religious tourism, improved infrastructure, and the potential for rental income from holiday homes Also Read: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amarnath Yatra: What’s fuelling the rise of spiritual tourism in India? This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 December,2024 04:07 PM IST | Mumbai | ANICold wave tightened its grip on Kashmir Valley as the minimum temperature dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city on Wednesday. Director of the local Meteorological (MeT) Department, Mukhtar Ahmad told IANS, “Minimum temperature dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city today increasing the cold wave. Dry weather is expected in J&K till the evening of December 8.” Gulmarg recorded minus 3.5 while Pahalgam recorded minus 4.8 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city had 8.4, Katra 10, Batote 6.5, Banihal 3.2 and Bhaderwah 1.4 as the minimum temperature. The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold known locally as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ starts each year on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this period, the minimum temperature falls several notches below the freezing point while the day temperature also hovers around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. As the sun mostly remains hidden under the clouds, even days are very cold in the mornings and evenings. Most water bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, wells and ponds freeze at the surface making boating/rowing extremely difficult in lakes and rivers. People have already started covering themselves with layers of warm clothes, the most popular being the garment called the ‘Pheran’. It is customary for Kashmiris to keep an earthen firepot woven in willow wicker filled with embers under the Pheran to keep the body warm. Locals also depend heavily on dried vegetables, including brinjals, pumpkins and tomatoes, as fresh vegetables are hard to come by during the Chillai Kalan. Even dried and smoked fish is used by Kashmiris to provide much-needed calories during the winter months. Also Read: Srinagar: You can now book shikara rides on Dal Lake through Uber This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 December,2024 12:00 PM IST | Srinagar | IANSItalian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci has left for Doha after a six-day stopover in the financial capital, her first call on any port in India. A slew of events, including film screenings, band performances and also an exposition showcasing the best that Italy has to offer, were held to coincide with the 93-year-old ship vessel's call on Mumbai which was aimed at further strengthening India-Italy ties. The ship, which has also being termed a 'floating embassy' by some officials for its strengths in carrying forward Italy's diplomacy efforts, was also visited by common citizens during her stopover. The next appointment for the vessel and also the 'Villaggio Italia' exposition is scheduled on December 16 when it will reach Doha in Qatar. A farewell ceremony was held on Monday at the Indira Dock in Mumbai, in which the Italian Navy band played the European country's national anthem and the Indian band the anthem of the host country. Those present included Admiral Antonio Natale, commander of the Italian Navy's schools, and Italy's Consul General in Mumbai Walter Ferrara. "The 'naval diplomacy' mission of our Navy's icon continues", said Natale during the ceremony.The Amerigo Vespucci, before returning to Genoa in 2025, will touch a total of 30 ports in 20 countries across five continents, as an itinerant ambassador of Made in Italy in the world. Ferrara recalled that the ship, for the first time in its history, docked in India and expressed the hope that this event will mark the beginning of a "new season" in relations between Italy and India. During the stopover in Mumbai, where the Vespucci had never been before, the "great success of visits on board the ship" was confirmed with a very high number of people visiting the vessel, said the commander of the Vespucci, Captain Giuseppe Lai, before setting sail. The success in the number of visitors was also registered at the nearby Villaggio Italia to confirm what a beautiful initiative it is to involve all sides of Italy in the Vespucci's stopovers, Lai said. "We did not expect so many people and once again we have been pleasantly surprised and struck by the affection and in particular by the interest shown by those who visited the ship", added the captain. "Now a new chapter begins, we are going to Persian Gulf countries with very important stopovers in Doha and Abu Dhabi. "Then Muscat, Jeddah, Aqaba, Alexandria of Egypt to finally return to savour the air of the Mediterranean", he noted. After the stopovers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at the end of December, the Vespucci is then planning to sail to the Gulf of Aden and across the strait of Bab el-Mandeb to reach the Red Sea. "We are a Navy vessel and we are preparing to cross that part of the sea with professionalism and training, which are always on our side", stressed Captain Lai. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 December,2024 04:59 PM IST | MumbaiSnow-clad mountains, picturesque valleys, pleasant winter sun and a cup of kahwa – seems like your dream vacation? ‘Paradise on Earth’ is the place to be then. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in India during autumn and winter months. One of the main highlights for travellers is the shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. To make this experience more convenient, Uber has launched Uber Shikara through which tourists can pre-book boat rides through the app. As part of this initiative to promote tourism in the picturesque region, Uber will not charge any fee on shikara rides booked through the app. The entire amount will go to the shikara drivers. Commenting on the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia said, "At Uber, we are always looking to make mobility magical and effortless. Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their shikara ride. We are proud to create this iconic experience enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir.” How to book an Uber Shikara ride Open the latest version of the Uber app Select start and end points as ‘Shikara Ghat No 16’ from the ‘Where to’ bar Select Uber Shikara Select date and time (available only during 10 am to 5 pm) Confirm pick up location (Ghat 16) Click ‘Book’ Each Uber Shikara ride can be booked for a period of 1 hour, designed for up to 4 passengers. The rides can be booked 12 hours prior and up to 15 days in advance. Kashmir in winters The winter season has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing stillness and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Fog and mist gripped the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar on December 2, as houseboats and shikaras sailed silently. If you want to experience snowfall and are not averse to extremely cold temperatures, Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places to visit during this time.
03 December,2024 01:32 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentAfter declaring the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district, the Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a luxury tent city with more than 2,000 swiss cottage-style tents in Sector 20 (Arail) of the Mahakumbh Mela area to accommodate crores of devotees expected for the Mahakumbh 2025. As per an official statement, the project is being carried out by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC), in collaboration with six key partners: Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era. This ambitious project aims to cater to the expected 45 crore visitors from 75 countries. These tents will be constructed to world-class standards, offering five-star hotel-like facilities. The tent city will offer accommodations in four categories: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day. Additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 will apply for extra guests (excluding dormitories). The tent city is being developed in line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With an estimated 45 crore pilgrims expected to visit, these tents will be operational from January 1 to March 5, offering world-class accommodation facilities. Visitors can book accommodation via the UPSTDC website or the Mahakumbh app, the statement said. To ensure the comfort of guests, the tent city will feature Villa Tents spanning 900 square feet, Super Deluxe Tents ranging from 480 to 580 square feet, and Deluxe Blocks covering 250 to 400 square feet. These tents will be equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, double beds, mattresses, sofa sets, customised interiors, writing desks, electric geysers, fire extinguishers, quilts, blankets, mosquito nets, WiFi, dining areas, common sitting spaces, all with scenic views of the riverbank, it added. Additionally, the tent package will include information on yoga, cultural events, and significant religious and historical sites in Prayagraj and surrounding areas, it said. The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government in a landmark decision on Sunday declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district. Also Read: Uttar Pradesh government declares Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as new district The upcoming Maha Kumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is expected to be a milestone in the promotion of Indian culture. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 December,2024 09:56 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANSThe 2024 Formula 1 season is nearing its end with the finale in Abu Dhabi from December 6 to 8. The penultimate race of this season – the Qatar Grand Prix – took place from November 29 to December 1, and saw Max Verstappen clinch the title. The sport has developed a strong fanbase in India, and fans from the country are eager to catch the action live as they prepare to travel for the final showdown. While some people enjoy the thrill of these races, others are just eager to witness their favourite sports stars live. Indian fans travelling to catch F1 races live Search data from Skyscanner revealed a growing anticipation and interest in travelling to F1 destinations among Indian fans. The search volume was found to be the highest from New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in India for trips to Doha, Qatar (for Qatar Grand Prix) in November compared to October and December – with it being twice as high compared to November 2023. This reflects the growing enthusiasm among Indian fans to experience the race. According to the Skyscanner Travel Trends 2025 report, airfares to Doha have dropped by 15 per cent in 2024 compared to last year, making it a steal for value-seeking Indians. For Abu Dhabi, where F1 enthusiasts can experience the concluding race this year, the search data shows a 57 per cent jump in volume in the first week of December compared to the following week, suggesting Indians’ eagerness to witness the iconic Yas Marina showdown. Sports tourism – A growing trend Beyond F1 too, travelling for sports events is gaining momentum and is expected to be a prominent travel trend in 2025. The above-mentioned report reveals that over half (53 per cent) of Indian travellers are eager to attend a live sporting event in 2025, either domestically or internationally. Also Read: From cricket to F1: Why Indians are packing bags for sports in 2025 About 2024 Formula 1 season Being called one of the most competitive F1 seasons, the 2024 championship has witnessed several thrilling races so far. Max Verstappen stands at the top of the rankings, followed by Lando Norris and Charles Lecrerc. The concluding race is set to take place this week in Abu Dhabi.
02 December,2024 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEtihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has revealed a brand new livery featuring the colours and branding of its partner, Indian cricket club Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2025 season. The aircraft, which is the first Airbus A320neo to be operated by a UAE carrier and 20 per cent more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft, will serve on Etihad’s short haul routes. The aircraft’s inaugural flight will take place in December to CSK’s home base in Chennai, delighting the millions of fans visiting and residing in the city. Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to once again demonstrate our commitment to the Indian market and celebrate our partnership with CSK with this stunning new livery in the bold yellow and blue colours of the Chennai Super Kings. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with CSK and the joy that cricket brings to so many people around the world." “With our rapidly expanding global network, we are able to showcase the CSK special livery to millions of people in destinations wide and far, and bring more fans globally to the game we love and enjoy,” he added. In February, Etihad became official sponsor of the Indian Premier League team, CSK, for the 2024 season, with a special ceremony launching the partnership held in Chennai and attended by thousands of fans. Etihad has since brought the partnership to life at matches with engaging fan experiences and activations, including distributing bespoke whistles in the shape of aircraft for fans to cheer on the players in the traditional CSK style ‘whistle podu’. Etihad operates 181 flights per week to 11 Indian cities, connecting Indian guests to a wide range of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. In 2024, the airline launched new routes to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, as well as the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and added frequencies to key gateways of Mumbai and Delhi. In September, the UAE carrier celebrated 20 years of flying to India with a red-carpet event at the Ice Factory Bellard Estate in Mumbai, attended by Bollywood celebrities including Katrina Kaif, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi among others. Etihad’s special liveriesAs well as its signature ‘facets’ tailfin, Etihad boasts a number of special liveries celebrating its global partnerships, including Manchester City FC in the club’s signature blue and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebrating the last race of the season which takes place annually in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this year, Etihad also unveiled a Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi livery featuring the famous DC Superheroes and Looney Tunes characters, and most recently a unique 20th anniversary livery on an Airbus A321neo which features a line-art drawing of the famous landmarks of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
01 December,2024 01:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Swami Chatbot, launched by the Pathanamthitta district administration in Kerala, has received an immensely positive response from pilgrims visiting the Sabrimala temple. The Chatbot, which became active on November 15, aims to make the pilgrimage experience better by equipping thousands of devotees with important information and assistance. The chatbot initiative, undertaken by District Collector Prem Krishna, was meant to address concerns of the pilgrims and simplify the pilgrimage process. "Within just 10 days of its launch, the chatbot reached 75,000 users, showcasing its widespread acceptance and usefulness among devotees. The Swami Chatbot handles an average of 5,000 to 10,000 requests daily, highlighting its efficiency in addressing the needs of a large number of pilgrims," the District Administration said in a press note. The chatbot offers assistance to the devotees on various fronts, including a food chart for pilgrims. It informs about the timings for the temple's closing and opening along with the updates regarding Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) bus schedules to provide ease to the devotees. "The chatbot has played a key role in emergency assistance. So far, it has handled 1,768 emergency cases, mostly medical emergencies, and has been instrumental in reuniting missing persons with their families, ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims," the note read. The Pathanamthitta district administration further informed that the improvements to the chatbot will be carried out in the coming week. The chatbot would be able to update about the weather, the admin said, adding that it would help devotees with real-time information so that they can plan their visit accordingly. "The Pathanamthitta District Administration is committed to continually enhancing this service. In the coming week, we will be adding weather updates to the chatbot's capabilities, providing pilgrims with real-time information to help them plan their visit more effectively," the note read. The devotees can activate the chatbot by sending "Hi" to 6238008000, the admin said, adding that the Swami Chatbot was part of their broader initiative to make use of technology to ensure that the Sabarimala pilgrimage remains safer and more efficient for the pilgrims. "The overwhelming response we've received demonstrates the bot's effectiveness in improving the pilgrimage experience and assisting pilgrims in real time," the Pathanamthitta admin said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
28 November,2024 04:13 PM IST | Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | ANIJapan's Yamanashi prefectural government plans to raise the entry fee for climbers of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, from the current 2,000 yen to a range of 3,000 to 5,000 yen, local media reported. The proposed hike would merge the entry fee with the existing voluntary conservation cooperation charge of 1,000 yen per climber. Local communities have criticised the voluntary payment system as confusing and overly complicated, Jiji Press cited informed sources as saying. Entry policies of Mount Fuji, which straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, may see similar changes on the Shizuoka side. The Shizuoka prefectural government is considering implementing a mandatory entry fee of 3,000 to 5,000 yen starting next summer, replacing its voluntary conservation payment system, Xinhua news agency reported. Yamanashi officials have presented three potential fee increase plans to local stakeholders, proposing new entry fees of 3,000, 4,000, or 5,000 yen per climber. The changes aim to streamline payments and enhance funding for the mountain's conservation and management. Also Read: Pompeii in Italy aims to combat mass tourism with daily visitor limit This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 November,2024 07:19 PM IST | Japan | IANSEver thought of going on a trip with your parents and grandparents? Families in Asia Pacific (APAC), including India, are increasingly embracing intergenerational travel. From Gen Z's thirst for adventure to millennials' desire for relaxation, each generation brings its own flavour to the travel experience. People believe that intergenerational travel fosters meaningful connections and lasting memories. According to the Gen.Voyage! report by Booking.com, more than half of Indian travellers agree that this shared experience is a valuable opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. Trending destinations for intergenerational travel According to the research, Ayodhya in India is the second-most trending destination for intergenerational travel among families in APAC, with Urayasu in Japan occupying the top spot. Other trending destinations include: Uluwatu, Bali Murcia, Spain Leatherhead, United Kingdom Baku, Azerbaijan Charlotte, USA Nago-Torbole, Italy Ulverston, United Kingdom Haywards Heath, United Kingdom Factors to consider while choosing destination In APAC, some destinations are emerging as clear favourites among families for their blend of cultural allure, diverse activities and family-friendly amenities. As stated in the report, top considerations for Indians while choosing a destination for intergenerational travel are: Safety and security (44%) Affordable pricing and value for money (34%) Family-friendly attractions and activities (31%) Availability for family-friendly accommodations (30%) Accessibility for all age groups (26%) Ingredients for a memorable intergenerational trip Intergenerational travel is an opportunity to nurture family bonds and create memories that can last a lifetime. Ensuring everyone has a great time is important for a successful trip. Some key considerations include: For Indian families, clean and safe accommodations are paramount, ensuring everyone can relax and unwind. Trips need to be suitable for everyone, ensuring grandparents and children alike enjoy themselves Indians are financially savvy of their travel expenses and prioritise vacations that are value-for-money. From adventure activities to relaxing spas, a variety of activities is crucial for different ages along with food and restaurant options nearby that cater to every palette. Also Read: From cricket to F1: Why Indians are packing bags for sports in 2025
26 November,2024 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
