Activities & latest news in India

The Pink City!

Did you guess where the Pink city is located? If you said India, you would be 100% right! And did you know why?

 Let’s say you were a Maharaja in 1876 ruling over a grand city of majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and maybe the occasional camel ambling across the road. All of a sudden, one day you get a message: “The Prince of Wales is coming to visit!” Now, hold it right there. This isn't any old prince; it's the future King Edward VII who probably brings more crown jewels packed in his suitcase than you possess in your entire kingdom! So simply rolling out the red carpet won’t do; something more extravagant has got to be done.

So what do you do? You ponder, "What can I do that will make my city so inviting that even this prince’s stiff upper lip melts into a smile?" And then BAM – pink! Because pink is all about hospitality and warmth. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live in a big friendly cupcake?

Thereupon Maharaja Ram Singh gives an order: “Paint the town pink!” Not just a house here or there—everything. Pretty soon it feels like Jaipur has been caught with its pants down. Walls, buildings—and maybe even some elephants—are all blushing together pinkly. When the Prince of Wales arrives here it’s as if he’s been transported to some pastel paradise. Possibly he imagines that he was invited to the world’s most massive baby shower.

After His Highness leaves (and still slightly blinded by all that blush), the Maharaja looks around and thinks, "You know what? I like it. Let's keep it this way." That is how Jaipur became Jaipur—the Pink City.The place where anyone would love reside considering someone designed by someone who immerses himself into learning about colours for an hour or two.

Move on today and Jaipur still sports that pink look like no other color ever existed for its inhabitants till date. The markets are full of vibrant textiles, spices and every other knick-knack a camel can carry. Its forts, temples and palaces all wear their pink colours proudly while the wildlife sanctuaries are populated by animals that must be wondering what’s with all this…pink?

So if you are ever in Jaipur again remember - it has been a 150-year long pink party and it is not over yet!

Need help with your FITs, groups, incentives, meetings or events in India?

Uganda Airlines Expands Regional and Long Haul Connectivity  -

Uganda Airlines, the national airline of Uganda, has announced a bold plan to develop its network by opening new routes to major cities in Africa; this is intended to create a strong regional network that will serve as feeder services for its long-haul flights including London, Mumbai and Dubai.

A relatively young carrier; Uganda Airlines is a revival of the original Uganda Airlines which was in operation from 1977 until 2001. The current version began flying in August last year and since then it has been taking steps towards widening its coverage within Africa. This growth of networks represents a significant turning point in the airline’s expansion strategy as well as cementing its status as an important connector on the continent.

New Routes & Timetable Uganda Airlines Expands Regional and Long Haul Connectivity:

• Abuja – Nigeria: From September 12th, 2024, there will be two weekly flights between Entebbe (Uganda) and Abuja (Nigeria). This will boost connectivity into this region which previously had little air service. In addition to Lagos flights operated by this carrier; Abuja becomes another gateway to Nigerian market for Uganda airlines.
• Lusaka – Zambia / Harare – Zimbabwe: Starting September 25th next year there will be direct flights linking Lusaka with Harare while each route experiences four weekly unique triangular operations on Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare sector; one city may be connected back through either Lusaka or Harare before returning back to base at Entebbe. Such arrangement ensures efficiency in terms of utilization of resources vis-à-vis demand patterns from traffic flows between these two countries.

Targeting Underserved Routes:

The other thing which Uganda Airlines is doing is concentrating on underserved destinations so that they can offer cheaper fares thus making travel more affordable for people who live in those areas. For instance, Abuja route will provide a link between East and West Africa thereby giving travellers an option that is less costly when compared with other options which are currently available. By focusing on these neglected markets; Uganda Airlines wants to position itself as one of the leading low-cost carriers in Africa that provides convenient connections throughout the continent by air.

Building Connections through Collaboration:

Apart from enhancing passengers’ seamless connectivity experience; this move will also lead to increased fleet effectiveness as well as profitability. It is with regard to its long haul flights that Uganda airlines seeks to establish a strong regional network.

One of the growth strategies for Uganda airlines among others has been entering into different interline agreements. By March 2021, the carrier had already partnered with Emirates Airlines while by August 2021 it had incorporated Qatar Airways, Hahn Air together with APG Airlines of France among others in this category. Talks were still ongoing over interline agreements with Air Tanzania alongside Precision Air where else South African Airways was under negotiation for interlining come July 2024.

Through such expansions coupled with strategic partnerships; Uganda airlines shows its commitment of becoming a key player in African aviation industry through provision of better connections thus triggering economic growth across the continent.

This move opens up Uganda making travel to and from there much easier and cost effective. Why not plan your next group trip to Uganda? Contact our marvelous DMC in Uganda to help create a customised plan.