Holiday Basket

Air India marked a major milestone on February 1, 2026, by launching its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route and resuming Delhi–Shanghai flights after six years. The new Dreamliner offers modern cabins and improved passenger comfort. Frankfurt strengthens Air India’s presence in Europe. Shanghai restores direct connectivity between India and China. Both routes reflect rising international travel demand. These moves support Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan. Fleet renewal is a key focus for the airline. Overall, the developments signal strong global expansion ambitions.

Celebrity Cruises has announced a major expansion of its river cruise business in Europe. The company will introduce ten new river cruise ships under the Celebrity River Cruises brand. Bookings have opened for the 2028 season with 80 percent more destinations. New routes will join popular rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro. The focus will be on luxury, comfort, and cultural experiences. Modern ships, fine dining, and immersive excursions will be key features. The move strengthens Celebrity’s position in the growing river cruise market. By 2028, the brand aims to offer one of Europe’s most diverse river cruise programs.

Hong Kong will celebrate Chinese New Year with a festive mix of tradition and modern entertainment this February. The city will welcome the Year of the Horse with colourful decorations, parades, and cultural activities. Popular characters will join the celebrations through shows and meet-and-greet events. Traditional experiences like lion dances and calligraphy will remain a key part of the festival. Shopping and dining will feature special menus and limited-edition products. The celebrations are designed to be family-friendly and joyful. This initiative helps boost tourism and attract global visitors. It presents Hong Kong as a lively and welcoming New Year destination.

Singapore Airlines has announced network adjustments for the 2026 Northern Summer season from March to October. The airline will increase flights and capacity across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. More services are planned for Paris, Frankfurt, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Seasonal changes will also apply to Rome, Barcelona, Sydney, and Melbourne. Regional demand growth has led to added flights to Tokyo and Seoul. Modern aircraft will be used to improve efficiency and comfort. The airline aims to balance growth with sustainability goals. These changes support strong summer travel demand across its global network.

Singapore allows selected travellers to enter the country for up to 96 hours without a visa under the VFTF rule. This applies to passengers travelling to or from a third country. Citizens of certain CIS countries, India, and selected PRC document holders may qualify. Indian travellers must hold a valid visa for specific developed countries. A confirmed onward ticket within 96 hours is required. Stay extension under this rule is not allowed. Entry approval depends on immigration officers at arrival. The rule helps travellers enjoy short visits during transit.

Air France will launch special direct flights from Los Angeles and New York to Nice in 2026 for the Cannes festivals. The flights will run during May and June, matching the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions Festival dates. Travelers can reach the French Riviera without changing planes in Paris. Flights from Los Angeles will operate in May, while New York services will run in June. The airline will use widebody aircraft with multiple cabin options. These routes save time and make travel easier for festival guests. The move supports tourism and business travel to southern France. It also strengthens Air France’s role in global cultural events.

Bharat Parv 2026 will be organised by the Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort in New Delhi from 26 to 31 January 2026. The festival is part of the Republic Day celebrations and will be open to the public with free entry. Visitors will be able to explore state and Union Territory pavilions showcasing India’s culture and traditions. A special food festival will offer regional dishes from across the country. Cultural performances like folk dances and music will entertain the audience. Handicrafts and exhibitions by Indian artisans will be displayed at the venue. The event will promote tourism and national unity. Bharat Parv 2026 will celebrate India’s heritage in a joyful and patriotic way.

Thailand is planning a Disneyland-style theme park in its Eastern Economic Corridor to attract more tourists. The project aims to boost tourism and support transport development at the same time. It is linked with major airport and high-speed rail projects connecting key cities. Officials believe the theme park can bring visitors throughout the year. The plan also includes sports and event facilities, but the theme park will be the main attraction. Different park sizes are being studied based on land availability. Casinos will not be allowed under Disney’s rules. The project is still in the discussion stage, with no final decision yet.

Delhi will start a luxury cruise service on the Yamuna river from February as part of its riverfront tourism plan. The cruise will offer an international-style experience with seating for 40 passengers. It will run hour-long trips and provide facilities like music, entertainment and food services. The vessel is being transported from Mumbai to Delhi in January. Final technical and safety work will be completed after its arrival. The service is expected to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Water sports and a leisure zone are also planned near the cruise terminal. The project aims to promote eco-friendly tourism and reconnect people with the river.

KLM has launched free WiFi on its European flights starting from 22 January 2026.The service is being introduced in phases across the airline’s short-haul fleet. At present, around half of KLM’s European aircraft already offer free internet access.The airline plans to extend this service to all Airbus A321neo and Embraer 195-E2 aircraft.Some Boeing 737-800 aircraft will also be included in the rollout in the coming years.Free WiFi allows passengers to browse the internet, send emails, stream content, and stay connected.Travelers can access the service by logging in or registering as a Flying Blue member.The move reflects KLM’s focus on improving comfort and meeting long-standing passenger requests.