The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
We’re always grateful for the wonderful feedback we receive about our award-winning newsletter. Thank you for continuing to inspire us.
Creatively Yours is not meant to be a sales pitch. Our goal is to share meaningful stories and insights that matter to travel designers about India and the subcontinent. While we may occasionally highlight our successes and developments, our primary focus is on 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’re thrilled to share that Creative Travel has been honored with the “Excellence in Inbound Travel Solutions” award at the Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025, hosted by Hospitality Horizon at the Fairmont Mumbai. This recognition is more than just a trophy - it’s a celebration of the stories we’ve helped create, the cultures we’ve proudly showcased and most importantly, the trust placed in us by our partners and travelers.
In this issue, we shine a spotlight on India’s Golden Fritters of Flavor - Pakoras. Our “Indians Around the World” feature highlights Rabindranath Tagore, a timeless bridge between East and West. His poetry, music, and progressive vision shaped not only modern India but also inspired audiences across the globe. Largely self-taught, Tagore began writing poetry as a child and went on to become the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
For our Cool Location feature, we take you to Tranquil Treehouse Escapes in Wayanad. Nestled in a 126-year-old plantation of coffee, spices, and exotic fruits, the Tranquil Resort in Kerala feels like a lullaby woven from lush greenery and colonial charm. Imagine waking to the sound of birdsong and the gentle flow of a stream, surrounded by nature’s timeless embrace and understated luxury.
And for our recipe of the month, we bring you a refreshing classic: Cucumber Raita - “It Goes With Everything.”
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for major global events like IMEX Las Vegas and WTM in London - essential opportunities to reconnect with industry professionals and shape the future of experiential travel.
We continue to offer customized training and one-on-one strategy sessions for travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. If you’d like to set up a session for your team, simply email us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
Enjoy these stories and more in this edition of Creatively Yours. You can also find additional updates on our news portal, The South Asia Travel Journal.
Creative Travel Wins “Excellence in Inbound Travel Solutions” at Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025
We are delighted to announce that Creative Travel has been honored with the “Excellence in Inbound Travel Solutions” award at the Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025, hosted by Hospitality Horizon at the Fairmont Mumbai. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes from an esteemed independent jury of industry stalwarts, including Dr. Nakul Anand, KB Kachru, Rajiv Kaul, Rattan Keswani, and Mohamad Morani.
Creative Family at the Daycation: ONE TEAM. ONE BOND.
Our recent team daycation was all about connection, collaboration, and a whole lot of laughs! From cracking puzzles to going all-out in red light, green light, and even a friendly cricket match 🏏—every moment reminded us what T.E.A.M. really means: Togetherness, Excitement, Adventure & Memories.
Delhi Airport Introduces DEL Vibes, A Vibrant Cultural Showcase
Delhi International Airport has taken a pioneering step with the launch of DEL Vibes, a vibrant cultural platform that brings the spirit of India alive across all terminals.
Air India to Resume Goa-Gatwick Flight by the End of September
Goa’s tourism sector is set to receive a significant boost with the resumption of Air India’s direct flight to London’s Gatwick Airport by the end of September. The service was suspended following the tragic June 12 Ahmedabad–London crash. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed the update during the monsoon session of the state assembly, calling improved connectivity a “game changer” for Goa.
The Claridges New Delhi Unveils its all New Tasting Studio
The Claridges New Delhi has introduced it’s brand new Tasting Studio, a refined new venue within the hotel dedicated to the thoughtful exploration of fine spirits. Launched in celebration of National Scotch Day, this elegant space underscores The Claridges’ enduring commitment to craftsmanship, hospitality, and the blending of tradition with modern sophistication.
Delhi–Washington Nonstop Flights Suspended by Air India from September 1
Air India will halt its nonstop flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C. from September 1, 2025, citing a shortage of widebody aircrafts as its legacy fleet undergoes a major retrofit. The route currently operated five times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliners due to lower passenger loads than the other North American routes.
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha Reopens, Welcomes Visitors to Renovated Wildlife Haven
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, is set to reopen to tourists this Friday, following a three-month pause to safeguard the nesting saltwater crocodiles.
Durga Puja: A Festival of Fire, Drum and Devotion (28 Sept, 2025 – 2 Oct, 2025)
Durga Puja arrives like a slow sunrise—ceremonial, luminous, and alive. Rooted in ancient myth, it commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, a timeless ode to the triumph of good over evil. The festival opens with Mahalaya, a day of invocation when the Chandi Path and morning recitals seem to call the goddess down into the world.
Dussehra: The Triumph of Light Over Shadow (2nd October 2025)
As the monsoon fades and autumn drapes India in a golden hue, Dussehra—also called Vijayadashami—arrives like a flame of hope. At its heart lies the timeless tale of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, a story that has traveled through centuries, reminding us that righteousness, though tested, always prevails.In North India, the festival takes on a spectacular form. Towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran rise against the evening sky, only to be consumed by fire and fireworks. Crowds gather, their faces lit by the blaze, as the night becomes a stage for good conquering evil.
Food, Festivities & Pandal Hopping in Kolkata During Durga Puja
For Bengalis, Durga Puja is more than just a festival — it’s an emotion, a cultural heartbeat that defines the year. It’s when tradition, food, fashion, and community spirit come together in one unforgettable celebration. People from all walks of life, regardless of background, join in to experience the magic.
Embark on a captivating journey through Jaipur’s rich history and vibrant culture with our flagship morning cycle tour, Pedal to Heritage. This unique adventure offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of the Pink City, combining luxury with an authentic local experience. Begin your tour in the historic walled city, locally known as “Parkota.” As you pedal through its main roads lined with rows of iconic pink-terracotta buildings, you'll be enveloped by a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The leisurely pace of the ride allows you to fully appreciate the intricate architectural details and the city’s timeless charm.
Nestled within a 126-year-old coffee, spice, and exotic-fruit plantation, Tranquil Resort in Wayanad, Kerala, is nothing short of a whispering lullaby of lush greenery and colonial-style serenity. Picture waking to birdsong and the gentle murmur of a stream, wrapped in the timeless embrace of nature as delicate luxury unfurls around you.
Golden, crisp, and fragrant with spices, pakoras are more than just a snack – they are a taste of India’s soul. Found sizzling in roadside stalls, family kitchens, and festive gatherings, pakoras carry a history as rich as their flavor. The word “pakora” is said to come from the Sanskrit pakvavata, meaning “a small lump of cooked food.” Over centuries, they have become a beloved comfort dish across the subcontinent, each region adding its own twist to this timeless fritter.
Rabindranath Tagore: A Timeless Bridge Between East and West
Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 into the well-known Tagore family of Jorasanko, Calcutta, a household alive with poetry, music, and progressive thought. Growing up in such an atmosphere, he developed a curiosity that reached far beyond books, shaping him into a thinker and creator who influenced not just India but the wider world. Largely self-taught, he began writing poetry as a young boy and, in 1913, became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Raita is a traditional Indian side dish made with yogurt (dahi) and a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. Known for its cooling effect, it is often served with spicy curries, rice dishes, or breads to bring balance to the meal. An old Hindi phrase captures the very essence of how a raita should feel: “Raita fel gaya” (literally, “the raita has spilled”). In everyday language, it’s used to describe a situation that has gotten messy or spread out too thin. When applied to food, it suggests that raita should never be stiff or dense — instead, it should have a texture that’s light, flowing, and able to dribble effortlessly.
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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