The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition 'Creatively Yours'.
We received some great and encouraging feedback on the newsletter’s new look. Thank you all for that!
Creatively Yours is not meant to be a sales pitch. Our goal is to share news that is relevant to travel designers about India and the subcontinent.
While we may occasionally highlight our successes and developments, our primary focus is helping you understand how we at Creative make our partners more successful at selling our region. For those who don't yet offer this to their travelers, we'll show how India can become a profitable destination to sell.
We are thrilled to have been awarded our 30th World Travel Award this year at the glittering World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony in Manila. This accolade affirms our position as one of the finest teams for luxury travel experiences in the region. With 91 global awards for our work, we are proud to be South Asia’s most recognized DMC. We are incredibly proud of the work our team does for our partners across the world.
This month, we spotlight India's legendary rice dish — Biryani. The Parsis take center stage in the section on Indians Around the World, highlighting their extraordinary pride in their customs and traditions. In our Cool Location feature, we present The Qayaam Gah in Jammu & Kashmir, a retreat offering a transcendental experience with sweeping views of Dal Lake and the verdant Zabarwan Hills. As our recipe of the month, we present a delicious and easy-to-prepare plant-based version of the classic Indian Butter Chicken — Vegan Butter Cauliflower.
We are also preparing initiatives for the famous Mahakumbh fair, which will take place in January-February 2025 — the largest human gathering on the planet. We're currently in discussions with travel planners to create custom trips. Please let us know if you would like a call.
We continue to offer custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions to travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. If you’d like to schedule a session for you and your team, email us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
Read these and other stories in this edition of Creatively Yours. Additional news is also available on our news portal – The South Asia Travel Journal.
Creative Travel India & JungleSutra win again at the 2024 World Travel Awards.
• India’s Leading Destination Management Company 2024: Creative Travel
• India’s Leading Experiential Holiday Company 2024: JungleSutra
• India’s Leading Luxury Travel Agency 2024: Creative Travel
On the evening of 3rd September, at the glittering World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 in Manila, Creative Travel & JungleSutra was awarded three World Travel Awards, taking our total to 30 wins of these prestigious accolades.
Embark on a Divine Journey: Experience the Majesty of Mahakumbh (January 13 to February 26, 2025)
Welcome to the Mahakumbh, a celestial spectacle that graces India's mystical heartland once every twelve years. This grand symphony of devotion, spirituality, and cultural splendor unfolds at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, transforming the ancient city of Prayagraj into a breathtaking pilgrimage site. Drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors, this largest human gathering in the world beckons people seeking spiritual purification and blessings through a holy dip in the sacred waters. Clad in vibrant hues, devotees traverse vast distances, immersing themselves in an extraordinary dance of devotion, where the echoes of Vedic chants and the fragrance of incense weave an enigmatic tapestry of faith.
CIAL proudly launches the 0484 AERO LOUNGE on September 1st, 2024! This new 50,000 sq. ft. facility within the airport but outside the Security Hold Area offers 37 guest rooms, 4 suites, 3 boardrooms, 2 conference halls, co-working spaces, a gym, spa,
NH Hotels to debut Maldives resort in September 2024
NH Hotels & Resorts, part of Minor Hotels, will debut its first Indian Ocean property, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, on September 1, 2024. Situated in South Ari Atoll, just a 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé, the resort offers easy access to top diving and snorkeling spots, including the famous Kuda Rah Thila. The resort boasts 51 elegant suites and villas, each with private pools and chic interiors for a serene escape. Guests can indulge in various dining experiences, including a seafood-focused restaurant and cooking classes.
Sri Lanka is set to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 35 countries, including India and China, starting from October. This move aims to boost tourism and simplify travel procedures. The initiative was announced by Tourism
Enhance your visit to Jaigarh Fort by taking a scenic golf cart ride from Amer Fort in under 15 minutes! This route offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli hills, the historic fort walls, and the majestic sights of both Jaigarh and Amer Forts. It's a great way to enjoy the stunning landscape and add a unique experience to your trip. Tickets for the service are available at the Hathi Stand Booking Counter in Amer. Enjoy the journey and the incredible sights!
Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has made its debut in Mumbai with the launch of Moxy Mumbai Andheri West. This vibrant new property brings Moxy’s playful and youthful
IndiGo expands connectivity with new domestic flights
Starting September 2024, IndiGo Airlines will introduce 10 daily direct flights from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, enhancing its domestic network. This expansion aims to meet rising demand among business, leisure, and spiritual travelers, while also improving access to international destinations across Asia. IndiGo will now offer 1,220 weekly flights from Hyderabad to 69 destinations and 523 weekly flights from Ahmedabad to 35 destinations.
IndiGo strengthens Chennai-Jaffna air links with new daily service
On September 1, IndiGo Airlines launched a daily turboprop ATR72 service (6E1177/6E1178) connecting Chennai and Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This new route complements the existing daily service by Alliance Air (9I101/9I102), which began in October 2019. Jaffna becomes IndiGo's second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo.
Antara’s new weekend getaways in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park
Starting August 1, 2024, Antara River Cruises will launch two cabin catamarans—MV Mahanadi and MV Bhitarkanika—offering unique 2- and 3-night vacations in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park.
On September 28, 2024, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will light up the backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala, with an exhilarating display of traditional snake boat racing. This annual event, named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is one of the most celebrated and exciting boat races in India. Teams from various villages compete in long,
Durga Puja, celebrated from October 9 to 13, is a major festival in India, particularly vibrant in West Bengal. It honors Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra: India’s festival extravaganza
October in India transforms into a vibrant canvas of colour, rhythm, and exuberance as Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra unfold. This trio of festivals offer an immersive journey into India’s deep-rooted traditions and communal joy.
Discover the vibrant flavors of India with our immersive food tour, a perfect blend of culinary delight and cultural exploration. Our food tour of India is a unique experience that combines a city tour, food walk, sightseeing, and urban adventure into one unforgettable package.
Perched majestically on a ridge, Qayaam Gah offers an unparalleled escape into the spiritual heart of Kashmir. Named after the Sufi concept of the highest mystical state, this retreat provides a transcendental experience with sweeping views of Dal Lake and the verdant Zabarwan Hills. Here, luxury meets spirituality in a setting that harmoniously blends with Kashmir's natural splendor and cultural depth.
Biryani is a dish that captures the very soul of India's diverse culinary scene. This irresistible rice creation, bursting with juicy meat or vibrant vegetables, is a symphony of aromatic spices garnished with crispy fried onions and fresh herbs. You can savour its delightful aromas and flavours in bustling street stalls, luxurious restaurants and festive feasts. Biryani is a full-bodied celebration of India's culinary genius.
Centuries ago, fleeing religious persecution in ancient Persia, the Parsis found a welcoming refuge on the shores of Gujarat. From there, they expanded to Mumbai and other regions, seamlessly blending their distinct culture into the vibrant mosaic of India. With deep-rooted pride in their customs, Parsis continue to uphold traditions—whether through the reverence of their unique funerary rites, the joyous celebration of Navroz, or the comforting flavours of Dhansak. These unique cultural practices not only intrigue but also command respect. Parsis have played a pivotal role in shaping India's modern identity as pioneers in industry, scientific discovery, the arts and philanthropy.
Vegan Butter Cauliflower is a delicious plant-based version of the classic Indian Butter Chicken. Instead of chicken, this recipe features tender, roasted cauliflower florets, making it a flavorful and hearty option for vegans or anyone looking for a meat-free dish. The cauliflower is cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that’s infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, offering a delightful depth of flavor.
Global Sales Offices: Creative Travel has network of sales teams around the world to assist you in your region. Specialists are available to assist you with information on leisure travel, special interest trips, corporate, meetings & incentive travel and wildlife products. For details please visit www.creative.travel/contacts
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