Italy’s flag carrier, ITA Airways, is about to commence direct flights between Rome and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The service will be beginning on August 1, 2024.

This announcement is in keeping with the airline’s ongoing expansion of its route network, extending into 2024.

Three-weekly flights

ITA Airways is already laying out its summer schedule as we embark on the new year.

The Italian carrier is set to launch a new route connecting Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) with three weekly flights.

Initially, the carrier had planned to launch this route in October 2024. But it decided to advance the commencement date to August 1, 2024.

Currently, this route is not intended to be permanent.

The carrier has announced that it will be operational until March 29, 2025.

Below are the details for the route:

Rome (FCO) – Jeddah (JED)

From August 1, 2024, to October 26, 2024: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

From October 29, 2024, to March 29, 2025: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Jeddah (JED) – Rome(FCO)

From August 2, 2024, to October 25, 2024: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

From October 27, 2024, to March 28, 2025: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

The Italian airline did not disclose which aircraft it would deploy on this route.

However, considering the flight time is approximately four hours, ITA could easily use its fleet of Airbus A320 or Airbus A321 aircraft for this service.

In addition to 39 A320s and two A321s, the airline operates a fleet of 13 Airbus A319s, 10 Airbus A220s, 13 Airbus A330s, and six Airbus A350 widebodies, as per a website.

Airlines operating services between FCO airport and JED airport include the European low-cost carrier Wizz Air and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier SAUDIA.

Presence in the Middle East and Africa

Indeed, ITA has ambitious growth goals. In addition to its expansion in North America, the airline has also made plans to extend its reach to the East.

Starting May 5, 2024, ITA will include Riyadh (RUH) in its route network.

In June 2024, it will commence operations in Kuwait City (KWI). The route to the capital of Kuwait will be serviced three times a week from the airline’s hub at FCO.

ITA is also reaffirming its commitment to Africa.

This summer, the airline will launch flights to Accra (ACC) in Ghana and Dakar (DSS) in Senegal. ITA’s current African destinations include Cairo (CAI), Egypt, Algiers (ALG) in Algeria, and Tunis (TUN).

In addition to the above-mentioned flights, ITA will also expand its North American and European networks by adding more frequencies to London City Airport (LCY) and launching new routes to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).

On December 29th, 2023, the Department of Tourism organized the Awarding Ceremony for the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Check-in Point and Destination Mascot Design Contest 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the Contest).

It is in accordance with the direction of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

This is the first time that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in collaboration with a newspaper, has organized a contest to seek and select unique design ideas for tourism check-in model and mascot.

It is conveying messages about the local culture, history, and people. The goal is to create new tourism products with distinctive features, contributing to enhancing the attractiveness of the city’s tourism brand.

With the theme ‘My Beloved City,’ the contest officially kicked off on November 2nd, 2023, comprising two categories: Designing tourism check-in model and designing tourism mascot.

In just one month since its launch, the contest has received 300 entries from authors including architects, artists, and students majoring in architecture and fine arts, both within Ho Chi Minh City and from provinces across the country.

Representing the Organizing Committee, Mr Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, stated: “The contest goes beyond creative artistic design and aims for practical and flexible applicability, for use in promotional tourism activities. This helps visitors form a deeper impression of Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being the first year of organization and having a short launch period, we have received significant interest and response from individuals and organizations. We highly appreciate the enthusiasm, creativity, and love for the city that the authors have expressed through their submitted works.”

At the end of the preliminary round, in each category, the Organizing Committee selected the top 15 outstanding works for the Finals.

These works were publicly posted on the contest’s website for readers to participate in voting.

During the Finals, the authors participated in a Creative Camp held from December 15 to December 17 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Through activities such as City Tour – Discovering My Beloved City and Meeting the Judges, the authors had the opportunity to explore and experience famous tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Simultaneously, they received feedback and suggestions from the judges to adjust and improve their submitted works.

The evaluation results for the Finals were based on the judges’ scores (60%) and the readers’ votes (40%).

Representing the Contest Judging Panel, National Teacher, Professor, and Doctor Nguyen Xuan Tien stated: “The submitted works all demonstrate creativity and contain unique and interesting artistic intentions. They particularly celebrate the landmarks, tourist destinations, history, and distinctive culture of Ho Chi Minh City. In the second phase of the contest, scheduled for 2024, when the award-winning ideas are evaluated and put into practice, I am confident that it will deepen the impressions of visitors about the city. It will contribute to spreading the beauty of the land and people of Ho Chi Minh City to visitors both domestically and internationally.”

Through the evaluation process, the Organizing Committee selects and awards prizes to the outstanding works.

In this regard, the total prize value awarded is up to 630,000,000 VND, including cash and gifts from the Organizing Committee, structured as follows:

Category: Tourism Check-in Model Design:

• 01 Special Prize: 80,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 First Prize: 65,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Second Prize: 55,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Third Prize: 45,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Consolation Prize: 40,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Popular Vote Prize: 40,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)

Category: Tourism Mascot Design:

• 01 Special Prize: 75,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 First Prize: 60,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Second Prize: 50,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Third Prize: 40,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Consolation Prize: 38,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
• 01 Popular Vote Prize: 38,000,000 VND (cash and gifts)
  The award-winning works showcase unique aspects of the culture, history, and people of Ho Chi Minh City, while vividly conveying the characteristics of the city’s tourism in a lively and multifaceted manner.

In the next stage of the competition, the award-winning works will be considered for implementation in the actual construction and use in promotional, advertising, and tourism promotion activities, serving the city’s economic, socio-cultural development, internal and external relations.

Parallel to the Awards Ceremony, there will be an exhibition called “Ho Chi Minh City Check!” to introduce the most outstanding and impressive competition entries.

Since the southern England tunnels were flooded on New Year’s morning, Eurostar had to suspend all its operations. This led to the cancellation of all the trains.

Thousands of travellers had to endure appalling conditions as a result of the disruptions to the scheduled transits. But the organization was ultimately able to bring this dire situation under control. 

Eurostar, which is a popular high-speed railway service organization, provides services in Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

Prior to Christmas, the French labour unions called for a strike, and the Met Office issued nationwide yellow weather advisories for ice, rain, and snow. Following all of that came the cancellation of trains on 30th of December. 

Almost 30,000 people were consequently affected by the last-minute cancellations

Due to these uneven situations, travellers had no choice but to remain stranded on mainland Europe. Those who were at St Pancras, meanwhile, were trying to locate hotel rooms and, in turn, make alternative travel arrangements. 

The newlywed couple encountered this obstacle, and one Christopher in particular informed the media that the plans for New Year’s Eve were ruined. 

The Met Office had issued weather warnings for south England, which includes the Isle of Wight, the south west, and Wales’s southwest region.  

In light of the subsequent strong winds and torrential rain, people were advised to be ready.  

The spokesman for High Speed 1 apologized before the media to the people for the inconvenience caused. 

The company’s officials are still unable to determine what caused the flooding. Tunnels close to Ebbsfleet International in Kent became clogged with water, obstructing the high-speed rail route.

Despite this, no proof of the pipe burst that caused the flood to occur has been discovered. 

A video that shows water flowing out of a pipe and eventually submerging the tracks in a tunnel has been shared and shared repeatedly on social media platforms. 

The services relating to the travel disruption were stalled due to strike, storms and other issues. 

The scene at London St Pancras appeared to be a little less chaotic on Sunday than what it had been the day before. 

In addition to this, Eurostar told the media that there had been massive flooding in the Thames tunnel, which has been finally brought under control by Network Rail High Speed. 

[Image Source: Euronews.com]

The Kaziranga Bird Conservation Festival is slated to take place at Kaziranga National Park on January 9-10, 2024. According to reports, this event will incorporate the 5th waterbird census, a citizen science initiative. The festival is the outcome of a collaboration between Kaziranga National Park and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

Crafted to honor and protect the rich variety of bird species thriving in Kaziranga National Park, the festival warmly welcomes bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, college students, and members of civil society to engage actively in this celebration.

According to reports, the festival is expected to attract distinguished personalities, conservationists, and wildlife experts. It pledges an extensive lineup of live sessions, webinars, and a photography competition showcasing the diverse birdlife in Kaziranga. With a thematic focus on “Conserving Birds using Citizen Science,” the festival seeks to unite ordinary citizens, encouraging their active involvement in monitoring and safeguarding bird populations. This strategy promotes a shared responsibility for conservation, aligning with the collaborative spirit inherent in citizen science.

Over the course of four consecutive water bird surveys conducted from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve have unveiled significant congregations of resident and migratory water birds. The latest survey, conducted in 2021-2022, documented an impressive tally of 93,491 water birds belonging to 122 species, spread across 52 wetlands within the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This represents a notable surge from the 2020 census, which reported 34,284 birds, and the 2018 count of 10,412.

Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, underscored the region’s avian abundance, boasting a residence for 521 species, including 62 globally threatened and near-threatened species. The park has gained acclaim for its notable water bird populations, with special mention of the bar-headed goose. Ghosh emphasized the pivotal role played by water birds in enhancing ecological diversity, serving as bioindicators, controlling pests, and acting as sentinels for potential disease outbreaks. These avian species, crucial indicators of wetland health, find vital habitats in the wetlands of the Kaziranga landscape, where they partake in activities such as feeding, resting, roosting, and foraging.

The inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station, now officially known as the Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, marks a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, led the ceremonial events on Saturday, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilities for the people.

The grand ceremony included the flagging off of two Amit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains, adding a new chapter to Ayodhya’s railway connectivity. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts to modernize and improve railway stations across the country, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

The redeveloped Ayodhya railway station, a result of Phase I of the project, represents a substantial investment, totaling over Rs 240 crore. This financial commitment reflects the government’s dedication to elevating the infrastructure standards of railway stations, particularly in culturally significant and high-traffic areas.

Indian Prime Minister Modi, during the inauguration, boarded the decked-up Amrit Bharat Express, inspecting the various features and amenities designed for the comfort and convenience of passengers. His interaction with child volunteers inside the train not only highlighted the commitment to passenger engagement but also symbolised the importance of involving the community in such transformative projects.

The redevelopment goes beyond the aesthetic enhancements, encompassing critical upgrades to infrastructure and services. This includes modern amenities, improved waiting areas, better connectivity, and enhanced security measures. The Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station is now better equipped to handle the growing number of passengers, offering a more pleasant and efficient travel experience.

The addition of new train services, including Amit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, further expands the connectivity options for passengers traveling to and from Ayodhya. These trains are not only efficient in terms of travel time but also contribute to the government’s vision of promoting sustainable and modern modes of transportation.

The Ayodhya railway station redevelopment aligns with broader efforts to boost tourism and facilitate easier access to the city, especially with the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to attract more tourists and pilgrims, stimulating economic growth in the region and positioning Ayodhya as a prominent destination on the railway map of India.

The inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station reflects the government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and services. Beyond the significant investment, this project holds cultural and economic significance, setting the stage for a more connected and prosperous Ayodhya.

The newly constructed airport and renovated station in the temple town of Ayodhya were formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Before the inauguration of Ram Mandir, the much-anticipated sacred precinct, the Prime Minister finally landed to inaugurate the new airport and station. 

On his way to inaugurate the renovated Ayodhya railway station, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was showered with flowers by the local population, who welcomed him with gusto when he arrived in the sacred city of Ayodhya.

As PM arrived at the temple town, the city, which will witness the consecration of the Ram Temple in January, was adorned with flowers, murals, and ornamental columns with a theme. There are heavy security deployments in place.

It is anticipated that he will also lay the cornerstones for numerous development projects in Uttar Pradesh during his visit.

The first phase of the new airport, worth ₹1,450 crore, includes a 6,500 square meter passenger terminal building that can accommodate 10 lakh passengers annually. The exterior of the terminal building is designed to resemble the architecture of the future Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, while the interior is decorated with murals, paintings, and local artwork that depicts Ram’s life. 

The Ayodhya railway station is now a three-story, modern building with waiting areas, escalators, shops, cloak rooms, and child care facilities after ₹240 crore was spent on renovations.

At the station, the PM will introduce the Amrit Bharat Express, a brand-new class of blazing-fast passenger trains. 

The Amrit Bharat trains, which will introduce a new class of ultrafast passenger trains to India, will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at around 11:15 AM. The Amrit Bharat Express, with its LHB push-pull layout and non-air-conditioned coaches, aims to enhance the traveller experience by offering new amenities such as improved luggage racks, visually appealing seat designs, LED lighting, CCTV monitoring, and a public information system.

Prime Minister Modi will unveil two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains during his visit. Prior to that, he will dedicate the rebuilt Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station to the people of India. 

Britain is likely to be disrupted by another strong gust after the uneven situation led by Storm Gerrit, which put people in an uneven state. People in Britain were asked to prepare themselves for the impending storm. 

The Met Office proceeded to warn that there would probably be a significant amount of snowfall in Britain. The weather report has been forecast to fall in northern Scotland on Saturday, and furthermore, gusts as high as 75 mph could hit parts of Wales and the south of England.

In addition, Britain issued a yellow weather alert because of the portion relating to the South East, South West, East Anglia, and Wales. It will be in effect from 11 a.m. on Saturday until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Alex Burkill, a meteorologist with the Met Office, told the people to refrain from going outside on New Year’s Eve. The situation is likely to worsen than what happened during Storm Gerrit. If there isn’t enough precaution and yet people are outside their homes, then they are likely to be subjected to dire situations. 

Due to rainfall and snowfall, there can be disruptions to the transportation network as well. 

Many train companies have advised passengers to check before travelling in the upcoming days, including London Northwestern Railway, LNER, Avanti West Coast, and ScotRail.

About 48,000 homes have power back after Storm Gerrit, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

After a lightning strike in Ceredigion, 36,000 properties in Wales have also experienced disruptions.

A separate yellow warning has been issued for rain in a portion of Wales for Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Furthermore, up to 25 millimeters of rain are expected in a few hours, prompting the majority of Northern Ireland to be under a yellow rain warning from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Scotland is under a yellow weather warning for rain and snow, affecting most of the country from 8 a.m. until midnight, and for ice covering the north and northwest until 10 a.m.

In addition, residents of Greater Manchester’s Stalybridge, Tameside, and Carrbrook are still recovering from an extreme tornado that uprooted trees and destroyed homes.

The whirlwind was thought to have originated from a supercell thunderstorm.

Wales faces a double threat this weekend as the Met Office issues weather warnings for wind and rain, anticipating gusts of up to 75mph and potential flooding.

Wales is set to endure another bout of challenging weather this weekend, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for both wind and rain. The warnings cover a range of areas, including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Cardiff, Conwy, Newport, Swansea, and more. The forecast suggests gusts of 45-50mph, reaching 65-75mph in coastal regions.

This follows the recent impact of Storm Gerrit, which brought winds of up to 85mph, leaving tens of thousands without power in Ceredigion. The upcoming weather front is expected to move across England and Wales, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

The wind warning spans from 11:00 GMT on Saturday until 03:00 on Sunday, coinciding with another warning for heavy rain from 10:00-18:00 on Saturday. The Met Office advises that these conditions are likely to affect travel and may result in power cuts.

This announcement comes in the wake of a supercell thunderstorm causing a tornado in Greater Manchester, leading to a major incident declaration in Tameside. The aftermath revealed significant damage to properties, with roofs missing, trees uprooted, and windows shattered.

As families in affected areas recover from the recent tornado, the Met Office warns of more challenges ahead. Steven Ramsdale, a Met Office Forecaster, emphasizes the likelihood of hill snow and heavy rain, affecting areas previously hit by Storm Gerrit.

In addition to potential travel disruptions, there are reports of railway routes remaining closed in Scotland and flight cancellations at Heathrow. The impact of Storm Gerrit continues to be felt, with ScotRail, LNER, Avanti West Coast, and London Northwestern Railway experiencing disruptions.

As the weather warnings loom, residents and authorities are urged to stay vigilant, prepare for possible flooding, and take necessary precautions. The Met Office will closely monitor the situation, providing updates as the weekend unfolds.

Celebrated for its iconic landmarks such as the majestic Khajuraho temples, Bandhavgarh National Park, and the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh boasts a treasure trove of lesser-known yet equally enthralling destinations. From the captivating marble rocks of Bhedaghat along the Narmada River to the tranquil landscapes of Pachmarhi, the state reveals undiscovered wonders. The intricate caves of Mandu, the ancient heritage of Orchha, and the tribal heartlands of Chitrakoot offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural and historical tapestry of this central Indian state. Madhya Pradesh invites adventurers and culture enthusiasts to explore its offbeat marvels, promising an immersive journey into uncharted territories that are as enriching as they are enchanting.

Trailblazing Handloom Tourism Village in India:
Madhya Pradesh takes pride in hosting the inaugural handloom tourism village in India. Nestled just 4 kilometers from Chanderi in the Ashoknagar district, Pranpur is a quaint village with 243 weavers’ houses. Selected by the Union Textiles Ministry for Development as India’s premier Craft Handloom Tourism Village, Pranpur’s recognition underscores its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Renowned for its exquisite handloom textiles, intricately woven by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations, Pranpur is poised to become a hub for tourists seeking an immersive experience in the world of handloom weaving. Visitors can witness the artistry firsthand, interact with the weavers, and acquire unique handcrafted souvenirs. Pranpur’s designation as India’s first Craft Handloom Tourism Village marks a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the country’s rich textile heritage.

Fossil Parks:
Madhya Pradesh, celebrated for its abundant fossil legacy, hosts four extraordinary fossil parks: Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, Ghughua Fossil Park, Bagh Caves Fossil Park, and Dinosaur Fossil Park. Within these parks lie a treasure trove of ancient remnants and artifacts, offering a glimpse into a bygone era spanning millions of years. Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meticulously preserves fossilized plant imprints, providing valuable insights into prehistoric vegetation. Ghughua Fossil Park, situated near Dindori, stands out as a significant palaeobotanical site, showcasing plant fossils from the Mesozoic era. Bagh Caves Fossil Park, located in the Dhar district, seamlessly combines ancient cave paintings with fossilized remains. The Dinosaur Fossil Park in Dhar, renowned for its comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including eggs, bones, and footprints, offers a captivating window into the Mesozoic era. These fossil parks collectively weave a narrative of Earth’s ancient history and evolution, making them indispensable attractions for paleontology enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.

Bhedaghat Marble Rock:
Bhedaghat is famed for its awe-inspiring Marble Rocks, towering cliffs that grace the banks of the Narmada River, reaching towering heights of up to a hundred feet. Carved over centuries by the rhythmic flow of the river, these marble formations present a mesmerizing spectacle, particularly when bathed in sunlight, casting an otherworldly glow. Best experienced through leisurely boat rides along the river, these tranquil journeys offer a front-row seat to the dance of light and shadow on the marble cliffs, creating a captivating display known as the “Dhuandhar Falls” or the smoke cascade. Here, the river plunges dramatically through the rocks, creating a misty, smoke-like appearance. The Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat stand as a testament to natural wonder, enthralling visitors with their ethereal beauty and timeless allure.

Embark on an exploration of Madhya Pradesh’s diverse attractions, appealing to nature enthusiasts, history connoisseurs, and those in search of unique travel experiences. The state’s unwavering commitment to Responsible Tourism and community empowerment establishes a new standard in Indian travel.

This year has given us much to appreciate, and as we approach the end of 2023, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and contemplate a year well-lived. In celebration of New Year’s Eve, Stonecraft Group is orchestrating its most extensive forest camping adventure to date.

This exceptional event unfolds in the world’s largest Miyawaki forest, offering a carefully curated festive experience. Collaborating with the forest, the innovative chefs at Ariko Cafe have fashioned a delightful feast. The festivities kick off on the evening of December 31, extending through the night to ensure guests fully immerse themselves in the enchanting surroundings.

Upon arrival at Woods, guests are greeted with refreshing welcome drinks and delectable high-tea snacks. The evening progresses with a live performance by The Band Elementals, creating an atmosphere conducive to dancing in the expansive open spaces. Bicycles are available for guests to tour the sprawling 60-acre property and explore the captivating 18-acre Miyawaki forest.

As night descends, an outdoor movie screening takes place in the crisp winter air, inviting guests to relax by the screen with blankets and recliners. The experience is enhanced with unlimited artisanal coffees and gelatos from Ariko Cafe, specially crafted for the holiday season at Woods.

A delightful surprise awaits with a thoughtfully curated menu exclusively designed for the New Year’s Eve Camping Village.

A welcoming bonfire beckons near the tents, providing warmth for a cozy evening before retiring. The gentle symphony of crickets and rustling leaves serves as the perfect ambient soundtrack. The next morning, wildlife photographer Sriram Reddy leads an insightful bird-watching walk through the forest, offering the chance to spot rare winter visitors. Guests are then guided to breakfast counters, where they can indulge in fresh Continental and Indian breakfast options—a fitting conclusion to a festive and immersive forest experience.