The city government of Dagupan, Pangasinan in the Northern Philippines formally broke ground for a new museum celebrating the lives and work of National Artists Victorio Edades and Salvador Bernal, both of whom are native sons of the province.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Edades-Bernal Cultural Centre was held last 15th November. The construction is mandated under Philippine Republic Act No 11726 authored by Christopher de Venecia, representative of the 4th district of Pangasinan.
De Venecia, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, remarked on how the new museum would not only inspire young and old creatives in the province to excel in the arts like Bernal and Edades, but would also provide a safe space for local creatives.
He said: “They will finally have their ultimate platform: a cultural centre and museum in Dagupan City. It’s safe to say that the future is bright and the future is creative, most especially with the addition of this cultural institution to our proud city’s cultural and community life.”
A point of pride
The permanent home for the works of Bernal and Edades will not only bring pride and honour to their hometown but will also boost tourism and the creative industry in Pangasinan province.
Edades was acclaimed as the “Father of Modern Philippine Painting” and proclaimed a national artist for painting in 1976.
Bernal, on the other hand, was dubbed the “Father of Theatre Design” in the Philippines after he was named as national artist for Theater and Design in 2003.
The construction has been estimated at US$2.5 million.
Cambodian minister of tourism Hout Hak was recently in China for a courtesy call with Dong Xiaolin, director-general of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province’s Foreign Affairs Office last 14th November.
Hak was in the country to discuss tourism cooperation between his country and Shanxi Province.
This is expected to further promote Cambodia’s tourist destinations, thereby encouraging more visits from the Chinese Mainland, particularly from Shanxi.
Hak requested Dong for assistance with regard to attracting more Chinese investors to Cambodia for the development of numerous tourism initiatives.
Potential investors would be welcomed to the country with great investment potential, protection, favourable policies, and incentives from the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Hak also encouraged relevant enterprises in Shanxi to forge cooperation with enterprises in Cambodia through the Ministry of Tourism for mutual support in promoting and developing tourism marketing.
Collaboration between Amadeus, Fliggy, and Lazada has enabled the online travel agency and retail platform to ramp up their air travel offerings for the critical 11th November shopping event known as the Double 11 Festival or Singles’ Day.
Solutions from the travel technology innovators enabled Lazada to drive a triple-digit increase in sales during the event.
According to Daniel Zou, head of Lazada Lazpay Digital Goods: “At Lazada, we work to deliver exceptional travel services to our customers and Amadeus is a vital partner in this process. By providing a seamless and comprehensive shopping experience, we exceeded customer expectations and reinforced our commitment to being the go-to platform for all travel needs across the region.”
For his part, Amadeus executive vice-president for its travel unit and Asia-Pacific managing director Javier Laforgue said: “Amadeus is delighted to work with Lazada during this crucial period. Our solutions are designed to simplify the search and booking process, allowing travel sellers access to the widest range of opportunities to build the personalised experiences travellers expect. With Lazada, we have seen this process come to life.”
Game-changing tech
Fliggy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, provided an extensive system integration with Lazada, allowing it to deploy a number of solutions to help travellers build personalised experiences, including Amadeus Custom Search and Amadeus MetaConnect.
The former leverages Amadeus’ IT expertise and powerful search capabilities to create a unique flight search engine, while the latter allows travel sellers access to a neutral source of airline content powered by cutting-edge technology.
The latest Scotland Starts Here campaign has been launched to help bring more visitors to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway over the winter months.
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has launched a new marketing campaign inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region over the quieter winter months to discover everything from frosty woodland walks and the region’s famous Dark Skies to delicious seasonal cuisine and charming local attractions.
The campaign has launched alongside a series of 14 branded destination videos highlighting the diversity of the South of Scotland’s tourism offering across the region.
The new campaign, promoted through SSDA’s consumer-facing platform Scotland Starts Here, aims to boost visitor numbers to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway during the winter off-season. It will run from September 2024 to March 2025.
Designed with feedback from tourism and hospitality businesses in the South of Scotland, the campaign includes a series of advertorials on Reach PLC titles, digital advertisements, social media activity across Scotland Starts Here channels, and a series of press trips to showcase the region’s winter offer. There will also be a competition running to win a short stay in the South of Scotland.
This initiative is part of SSDA’s ongoing efforts to support tourism and hospitality businesses by promoting the South of Scotland as a year-round destination, reflecting the aims of the South of Scotland’s Responsible Tourism Strategy 2024-2034 to extend the season and encourage longer stays.
The campaign builds on awareness generated in recent years including National Geographic Traveller (UK) naming the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere, as the only Scottish destination in its renowned global Cool List 2024, as well as Lonely Planet selecting the South of Scotland as one of its Best in Travel destinations of 2023.
Established in May 2020, SSDA is an industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation. Its mission is to position the South of Scotland—encompassing the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway—as a leading responsible tourism destination. By supporting local businesses, driving tourism growth, and promoting sustainable travel, the SSDA aims to generate £1 billion in tourism spend by 2030 and support thousands of new jobs in the region.
The launch of the new campaign follows the news that the South of Scotland Destination Alliance hit its 2025 Covid recovery targets of having a £750m visitor economy supporting 14,000 jobs 2.5 years early.
The SSDA is funded by the Scottish Government through South of Scotland Enterprise, as well as its 660+ business members. It works to develop the South of Scotland as a world-class visitor destination and support tourism businesses to succeed in a sustainable and responsible way.
Vanessa Wegstein, Marketing Manager at SSDA, said: “The South of Scotland has so much to offer in the winter months, from our stunning landscapes and rich literary heritage to the myriad local events and flourishing food and drink scene – and we want to encourage visitors to explore the region outside of the peak summer season, and to relax and recharge through becoming fully immersed in the region.
“Following the success of our previous campaigns promoting cycling and Dark Skies in the region, to name a few, we are confident that we can continue to develop the South of Scotland as a year-round destination – Scotland starts here!”
The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta may be one of the smallest countries in the world (only 316 square kilometres) but it has become a trendy travel destination with over three million visitors annually (2023). Star Alliance member LOT Polish Airlines makes this precious gem available for travellers from India and adds Malta to its global route network starting on 16th April 2025. The flights between the airline’s global hub at the Chopin Airport in Warsaw and the Malta International Airport will be operated four times per week with a Boeing 737. Guests will have the choice between the two service classes LOT Economy Class and LOT Business Class.
In order to offer passengers more flexibility, departures from Warsaw will take place at two different times: Sundays and Wednesdays at 8:20h, Tuesdays and Saturdays at 14:05h. The flight time is three hours.
Overview of the new Malta flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines:
Sunday and Wednesday
Departure with LO 671 from Warsaw at 8:20h, arrival in Malta at 11:20h
Departure with LO 672 from Malta at 12:10h, arrival in Warsaw at 15:05h
Tuesday and Saturday
Departure with LO 673 from Warsaw at 14:05h, arrival in Malta at 17:05h
Departure with LO 674 from Malta at 17:55h, arrival in Warsaw at 20:50h
“Malta is no longer an insider tip, but presents itself as a high-quality holiday destination with a wide range of tourist attractions that appeals a lot to what people from India love when travelling abroad,” says Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets and Italy and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines. “We are therefore delighted to start flying to Malta in April 2025 and to further increase the choice we offer our valued customers from India when travelling to Europe”.
Malta is an island nation whose history stretches back many thousands of years to the Bronze Age and even has relics from the megalithic culture. Today, visitors can experience the traces of Malta’s chequered past in many places. Recreation seekers and outdoor adventurers also get their money’s worth here, especially as the sun shines on more than 300 days a year with pleasant temperatures. Recently, the island has even established itself as a destination for gourmets. Malta is also an important financial and service centre.
With Malta, LOT Polish Airlines is adding another new destination to its flight schedule within a short space of time. The services to Athens/Greece, Lyon/France and Larnaca/Cyprus only recently took off, while Tenerife/Spain (27th November 2024) and Lisbon/Portugal (3rd February 2025) will follow shortly.
With LOT Polish Airlines, travellers from India can fly daily nonstop to Warsaw (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Delhi; Sundays and Wednesdays from Mumbai) with many options for seamlessly connecting services within Poland and Europe and even to North America.
With LOT Polish Airlines, travellers from India can fly daily nonstop to Warsaw (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Delhi; Sundays and Wednesdays from Mumbai) with many options for seamlessly connecting to onward flights within Poland and across Europe, as well as to North America.
Catering to the growing demand for convenient and stress-free travel solutions, Trevolution Group, operating ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Oojo, Triplicity, and other major travel brands, has introduced a new eSIM feature within its Dreampass Plus loyalty program. The recently introduced loyalty program and its membership are available for paid users, additionally offering a range of exclusive travel deals, rewards, and personalized benefits for travelers booking their flights and ancillary services through the Group’s travel brands. Along with the new in-membership launch, Trevolution Group also aims to offer eSIM as a standalone travel feature in the near future.
Currently offered to new Dreampass Plus members who activate their membership tier, the complimentary eSIM works just like a traditional SIM card, providing 3GB internet access valid for 30 days in over 140 destinations worldwide with additional top-up options. The new free-of-charge feature is easily accessible and activated via QR code, bringing today’s travelers convenience and greater flexibility and making it easier for customers to stay connected while traveling abroad. The advanced solution is integrated into the Dreampass Plus membership program through the external provider POND IoT, which ensures seamless and reliable global coverage for mobile devices without additional charges and roaming fees.
The Dreampass Plus loyalty program can be accessed by customers using Trevolution Group’s products through personal travel agents, as well as the Dreampass mobile app, which works as an all-in-one platform for the Group’s travel product ecosystem, focusing on ancillary services, real-time updates, and personalized offers to streamline the entire travel process. This way, customers can easily manage their cashback rewards and personalized discounts, and now also take advantage of the free eSIM mobile data benefit. The all-in-one loyalty program is a key component of Trevolution Group’s ecosystem strategy, designed to bring together its products, as well as external services into a single platform by offering customers one comprehensive solution for all their travel-related needs.
“Based on the surging interest in quick, reliable, and seamless membership-based travel solutions among our global customers, we are excited to introduce an even wider range of innovative features within the recently launched Dreampass Plus loyalty program. Designed as a single membership service, it brings personalized benefits to all our products and now offers an even more enhanced and enjoyable travel experience, ensuring that travelers always stay connected during their trips. We believe this new feature will offer additional value to our loyal customers, while also promoting the benefits of our new-generation Dreampass super-app and having a significant impact on Trevolution Group’s growth throughout 2025 and beyond,” Alex Weinstein, founder of Dyninno Group and Trevolution Group comments.
Trevolution Group, which operates International Travel Network, ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Dreamport, Oojo, and other travel brands, has established itself as the market leader in the travel business, specializing in the visiting friends and relatives’ segment. Over 840,000 unique airline tickets and vacation packages were sold by the companies under the Trevolution Group brand in 2023, making it the fourth-largest airline ticket consolidator in the US.
The planned investment will expand one of three existing maintenance bays at British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC) to facilitate larger long-haul A350 aircraft. When completed, BAMC will go from one to two fully flexible bays, which will allow more complex and detailed maintenance work to be completed.
The planned work will help increase the airline’s efficiency across maintenance operations as the engineering base will be able to facilitate more aircraft types. Currently, the base can only serve Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft types. This expansion, part of the airline’s £7bn transformation investment, will get underway in 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2026. The project underscores the airline’s commitment to the future of its Cardiff-based operations – which employs 480 colleagues, supporting the Welsh economy.
Andy Best, Chief Technical Officer at British Airways, said: “Our Welsh engineering base is an integral part of our maintenance operation, and this investment, as part of our wider maintenance strategy, will ensure that British Airways Engineering Wales continues to play a key role for many years to come. The expanded facility provides us with greater flexibility and control over our Heavy Maintenance activity on both the Boeing and Airbus long-haul fleets, ensuring more efficient planning and execution.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government, said: “This is very welcome news from British Airways, paving the way for further growth at their Cardiff site and its highly skilled workforce.
“This announcement once again demonstrates the vital role that Cardiff Airport plays in bringing investment into Wales and in growing our Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul sector, where we see continued international interest”
This investment is a recognition of the airline’s worldwide reputation for quality and reliability in aircraft maintenance. It acknowledges over 30 years of BAMC’s experience in this industry and will help build on that experience to keep delivering excellence in the future.
IndiGo operating close to 2100 daily flights has applied proactive strategies and technology to minimise disruptions this winter season.
The adverse weather conditions during winter like fog and smog in North Indian cities can be extremely challenging, leading to flight disruptions including delays, cancellations, and diversions. Poor or zero visibility makes it difficult for pilots to land or take off safely, impacting overall flight schedules. Strong wind bands, infrastructure limitations, airport congestion, and navigational challenges further contribute to operational disruptions, affecting both schedules and customer experience.
IndiGo remains committed to providing on-time, hassle-free operations and is working around the clock, implementing the following measures to minimize disruptions during this fog season.
Proactive planning: Preparing for the fog season
IndiGo begins planning well in advance of the winter season, anticipating the challenges posed by dense fog
Qualified Low Visibility Operations (LVO) crews are scheduled for flights during fog-prone periods, ensuring safety and operational reliability.
Conditional Captains are excluded from rosters during the fog season to minimize risks and maintain consistency in operations.
Crews are strategically positioned near airports to reduce delays caused by transportation challenges during foggy conditions.
Accommodations and transportation are pre-arranged for crews, ensuring they are readily available to operate flights as soon as conditions improve.
IndiGo coordinates airport standbys to streamline operations and mitigate potential disruptions caused by adverse weather.
Meteorological expertise: Forecasting and risk assessment
A team of experienced meteorologists constantly monitors weather patterns and provides precise forecasts to ensure preparedness.
They utilize tools such as hourly weather reports, terminal aerodrome forecasts, and weather warnings to anticipate fog events.
Safety Risk Assessments are conducted for severe weather, enabling proactive adjustments to operations.
Based on historical data and strategy, IndiGo carries additional fuel to account for holding patterns and taxi delays, reducing the need for diversions and gate returns.
Real-time operations: AOCS and OCC coordination
The Operations Control Center (OCC) actively monitors real-time visibility and manages crew rosters to ensure CAT III/LVTO cleared crew are available.
Based on the MET forecast, OCC manages rostering to ensure adherence to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), and collaborates with AOCS to manage delays and diversions
Base managers and crew tracking teams are coordinated to optimize operations during disruptions.
Diversions are directed only to airports with available Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to ensure operational continuity.
A dedicated AOCS point of contact is assigned to each diverted flight to provide seamless support and ensure smooth operations.
Engineering support: Ensuring aircraft readiness
Throughout the fog season, the engineering team plays a vital role, ensuring that aircraft are properly equipped for LVO and that maintenance activities do not exacerbate fog-related delays. This includes verifying the functionality of essential systems required for low-visibility operations.
IndiGo’s customer-centric approach is evident throughout its fog mitigation strategy. The airline adheres to stringent safety guidelines and keeps customers informed through regular announcements during delays. Representatives from IndiGo ground operations are available to assist customers, and clear communication is provided to those deplaning after diversions, explaining any necessary local regulations. Recognizing the inconvenience of delays, IndiGo provides refreshments based on the length of the delay, and refunds/rebooking options are offered for delays exceeding two hours, in line with regulations from the regulatory authorities.
All of these procedures are outlined in IndiGo’s IROPS Joint Circular, which defines clear responsibilities and procedures for managing disruptions. Through this comprehensive and integrated approach, IndiGo strives to minimize the impact of fog on its operations and provide a smooth and comfortable travel experience for its customers, even during challenging weather conditions.
Teamwork Arts has announced the first tranche of speakers for its much-awaited 18th edition of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, scheduled to take place from 30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. Globally known as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the Festival will once again bring together a vibrant mix of writers, thinkers and readers to explore the transformative power of literature and its unique ability to connect people across cultures.
The 2025 edition of the world’s grandest celebration of books and ideas will reinforce the timeless power of our stories to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate our shared human experiences. In line with a commitment to sustainability, the 2025 iteration will feature environmentally conscious practices throughout the Festival. With an engaging lineup of debates, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable performances, this year’s programme promises a unique blend of cultural wealth, literary masterpieces, and a focus on a greener future, making it a literary festival like no other.
At its heart, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains a champion of linguistic diversity, providing a platform for a wide array of languages. This year’s sessions will feature works and discussions in languages including Hindi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Sanskrit, Assamese, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu emphasising the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation of India’s rich literary heritage.
Anna Funder
The 18th edition will feature over 300 speakers across five dynamic venues, offering attendees the chance to engage with a stellar lineup of global and Indian literary figures. The first list of speakers includes literary luminaries such as André Aciman, Anirudh Kanisetti, Anna Funder, Ashwani Kumar, Cauvery Madhavan, Claudia De Rham, David Nicholls, Fiona Carnarvon, Ira Mukhoty, Irenosen Okojie, Jenny Erpenbeck, John Vaillant, Kallol Bhattacherjee, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Manav Kaul, Miriam Margolyes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Nathan Thrall, Prayaag Akbar, Priyanka Mattoo, Stephen Greenblatt, Tina Brown, V. V. Ganeshananthan, Venki Ramakrishnan, and Yaroslav Trofimov, promising a series of stimulating and eclectic discussions.
Venki Ramakrishnan
Voices Behind the Festival:
Namita Gokhale, renowned writer and Festival Co-Director, said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a vibrant meeting place for stories, ideas, and cultures. As we prepare for our 18th edition, we celebrate literature’s power to inspire, challenge, and unite. This year, we welcome an incredible lineup of authors, poets, and thinkers, who will engage our audiences in unforgettable conversations and foster a shared love for the written word.”
William Dalrymple, acclaimed historian, writer and Festival Co-Director, shared:“The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a celebration of the written word, a confluence of diverse voices, and a testament to the power of stories to inspire and connect. This year, as we gather again in the Pink City, we look forward to welcoming a stellar lineup of writers, thinkers, and dreamers from around the world. It’s a space where ideas spark, cultures converge, and conversations thrive—a true carnival of literature for all.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, MD of Teamwork Arts, remarked: “The Jaipur Literature Festival has become a global brand synonymous with culture, creativity, and collaboration. This year, we aim to amplify its impact, not just as a celebration of literature but as a powerful platform for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. The festival offers unparalleled opportunities for partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, creating meaningful conversations and driving global visibility. It’s more than an event—it’s a movement that bridges cultures and inspires innovation.”
Tina Brown
Highlights of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025
Jaipur BookMark (JBM): Bridging Creativity and Commerce
Celebrating its 11th edition, Jaipur BookMark (JBM) continues to shine as a premier B2B networking platform for the literary world. This hub for publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders fosters innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities. As the business arm of the Festival, JBM serves as a meeting ground where creative ideas transform into impactful global projects.
Heritage Evenings and Jaipur Music Stage
Beyond literature, the Festival extends its celebration to arts and culture, with Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historical backdrops, offering attendees a taste of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. The Jaipur Music Stage, running parallel to the Festival, will showcase electrifying performances by renowned Indian and international musicians, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the festivities.
A Platform for Global Voices
As the world’s most beloved literary gathering, the Jaipur Literature Festival has earned its place as a democratic, non-aligned platform, championing freedom of expression and inclusivity. Each year, it brings together voices that challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and celebrate diversity, making it a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange.
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 is not just an event; it is a celebration of ideas, cultures, and the universal love for storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a budding writer, or someone who simply loves great conversations, this Festival is the place to be.
EaseMyTrip.com announced the launch of its first franchise store in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which opened its doors to customers on 27th October. This strategic expansion adds to the company’s growing network of retail stores under its successful EaseMyTrip Franchise program, reinforcing its commitment to bringing personalized travel services closer to customers across India. This marks the 20th store unveiled under the company’s flagship program.
The new EaseMyTrip franchise at No G-11, Carav’s Aseem Complex, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur- 482002, M.P brings the company’s comprehensive travel solutions closer to customers in Madhya Pradesh. The state-of-the-art store offers a complete range of travel services, including domestic and international flight bookings, premium hotel accommodations, customized holiday packages, and seamless bus and railway reservations.
Travelers can also access specialized services such as luxury cruise bookings and end-to-end visa assistance. The store’s contemporary design, coupled with expert travel consultants, ensures customers receive personalized attention and tailored travel solutions in a welcoming environment.
Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said: “The launch of our Jabalpur store represents another significant step in our retail expansion strategy. Madhya Pradesh is a key market for us, and Jabalpur’s rich tourism potential makes it an ideal location for our newest franchise. This expansion aligns with our vision of creating a robust offline presence while maintaining our tech-first approach to travel solutions.”
The Jabalpur store is part of EaseMyTrip’s ambitious franchise program, which aims to establish 100 retail stores by FY25. The program has seen consistent growth, with the Jabalpur store following the most recent launch in Bhubaneshwar.
