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Travel

Touristy: India’s first on-demand tourist guide booking app connects travelers with local guides for personalized experiences

Touristy is India’s first on-demand tourist guide booking app founded by Raghav Sharma and Smriti Jha. The app aims to connect travelers with local guides who can provide personalized and unforgettable experiences, showcasing India’s vibrant and diverse culture to the world. A user-friendly platform which allows travelers to find the perfect guide for their trip easily.

Raghav Sharma, founder of Touristy, believes that India’s unique culture and heritage deserve to be shared with the world. As a socially responsible and sustainable tourism company, Touristy is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices and women’s economic empowerment in the tourism industry.


Our team is made up of passionate travelers and experienced professionals who are dedicated to making every trip to India unforgettable. Touristy is proud to be the first of its kind made with guides in India and is part of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, which supports innovative startups on their journey to success. The partnership with Microsoft will allow Touristy to leverage the expertise and resources of the
tech giant to scale its business and bring the best possible experience to its users.

Touristy got featured on Dainik Bhaskar, Radio City and other articles. Touristy has received recognition under the Startup India initiative’s Startups by The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) program in India as well.

Through Touristy, travelers can discover hidden gems, indulge in authentic local cuisine, and experience India’s rich history and culture in a way that is unique to them. Follow
@touristyIndia on social media platforms and visit the website www.touristy.co.in for more
information. A public Beta App will be launched soon.

by Honey

Jetstar’s Big Move: Avalon Takes Off Internationally In a major win for Victorian travelers, Jetstar Airways has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan at Avalon Airport, set to reshape regional aviation from 2026 onward. The low-cost carrier announced it will launch its first-ever international flights from Avalon, connecting the airport directly to Bali (Denpasar) — one of Australia’s most popular leisure destinations. Alongside this exciting addition, Jetstar will also reinstate its Avalon–Adelaide route, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the frequency of Avalon–Brisbane services to meet surging passenger demand. The announcement represents a pivotal milestone for both Jetstar and Avalon Airport, which has long sought to expand its global footprint. The introduction of international routes marks the next phase of Avalon’s growth strategy — positioning it as a strong secondary airport option to Melbourne’s Tullamarine. Avalon Airport: From Domestic Hub to International Gateway Avalon Airport’s journey toward becoming an international gateway has been a long time coming. The introduction of Jetstar’s Bali flights cements its status as a crucial player in regional connectivity and tourism development. For Geelong and western Melbourne residents, the new service provides convenient and affordable access to one of Asia’s most beloved holiday destinations. According to Avalon Airport management, the Avalon–Bali route will not only attract thousands of leisure travelers but also strengthen tourism and economic ties between Victoria and Indonesia. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are expected to benefit from increased visitor flow. “The demand for outbound leisure travel remains exceptionally strong, and Bali continues to be a top destination for Australians,” said a Jetstar spokesperson. “Avalon is ideally located to serve both regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west, and these new services will make international travel more accessible and affordable for everyone.” Reconnecting Australia: Adelaide and Brisbane Routes Boost Domestic Travel Beyond international expansion, Jetstar’s decision to restart the Avalon–Adelaide route has been welcomed by frequent flyers and regional businesses alike. The route, which ceased operations during the pandemic, had long been a staple connection between Victoria and South Australia. Its return highlights Jetstar’s commitment to rebuilding domestic travel networks that were disrupted by COVID-19. Additionally, the airline plans to add more Avalon–Brisbane flights, responding to a sharp rise in domestic travel demand. This move will enhance connectivity between key eastern cities, providing travelers with more flexible and cost-effective options. Analysts believe Jetstar’s growing presence at Avalon could lead to more destinations being added in the coming years, transforming the airport into a vital hub for both domestic and short-haul international routes. Infrastructure Upgrades: Avalon Gets a Public Transport Link To complement Jetstar’s expansion, Avalon Airport is also set to receive a long-awaited public transport connection, improving accessibility for passengers traveling from Geelong and Melbourne. The new bus service will make it easier for travelers to reach the airport, which has previously faced criticism for limited transport options. The introduction of this link is seen as a crucial step toward making Avalon more competitive with larger airports. “Connectivity has …

by Honey

Jetstar’s Big Move: Avalon Takes Off Internationally In a major win for Victorian travelers, Jetstar Airways has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan at Avalon Airport, set to reshape regional aviation from 2026 onward. The low-cost carrier announced it will launch its first-ever international flights from Avalon, connecting the airport directly to Bali (Denpasar) — one of Australia’s most popular leisure destinations. Alongside this exciting addition, Jetstar will also reinstate its Avalon–Adelaide route, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the frequency of Avalon–Brisbane services to meet surging passenger demand. The announcement represents a pivotal milestone for both Jetstar and Avalon Airport, which has long sought to expand its global footprint. The introduction of international routes marks the next phase of Avalon’s growth strategy — positioning it as a strong secondary airport option to Melbourne’s Tullamarine. Avalon Airport: From Domestic Hub to International Gateway Avalon Airport’s journey toward becoming an international gateway has been a long time coming. The introduction of Jetstar’s Bali flights cements its status as a crucial player in regional connectivity and tourism development. For Geelong and western Melbourne residents, the new service provides convenient and affordable access to one of Asia’s most beloved holiday destinations. According to Avalon Airport management, the Avalon–Bali route will not only attract thousands of leisure travelers but also strengthen tourism and economic ties between Victoria and Indonesia. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are expected to benefit from increased visitor flow. “The demand for outbound leisure travel remains exceptionally strong, and Bali continues to be a top destination for Australians,” said a Jetstar spokesperson. “Avalon is ideally located to serve both regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west, and these new services will make international travel more accessible and affordable for everyone.” Reconnecting Australia: Adelaide and Brisbane Routes Boost Domestic Travel Beyond international expansion, Jetstar’s decision to restart the Avalon–Adelaide route has been welcomed by frequent flyers and regional businesses alike. The route, which ceased operations during the pandemic, had long been a staple connection between Victoria and South Australia. Its return highlights Jetstar’s commitment to rebuilding domestic travel networks that were disrupted by COVID-19. Additionally, the airline plans to add more Avalon–Brisbane flights, responding to a sharp rise in domestic travel demand. This move will enhance connectivity between key eastern cities, providing travelers with more flexible and cost-effective options. Analysts believe Jetstar’s growing presence at Avalon could lead to more destinations being added in the coming years, transforming the airport into a vital hub for both domestic and short-haul international routes. Infrastructure Upgrades: Avalon Gets a Public Transport Link To complement Jetstar’s expansion, Avalon Airport is also set to receive a long-awaited public transport connection, improving accessibility for passengers traveling from Geelong and Melbourne. The new bus service will make it easier for travelers to reach the airport, which has previously faced criticism for limited transport options. The introduction of this link is seen as a crucial step toward making Avalon more competitive with larger airports. “Connectivity has …

by INC42

When Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundram Iyengar, the Indian industrialist who founded the TVS Group, introduced intercity passenger bus service in Tamil Nadu in 1912, India barely had any organised bus services. At the time, most people relied on trains for long-distance travel and bullock carts for shorter routes, while motor cars were accessible only to a wealthy few. Today, 40% of India’s road-based travel demand comprises buses. While a large part of this percentage consists of unorganised, local players, tech-driven companies are… Source link