Tourism Australia And Air India Sign A 3-Year MoU To Boost Visitor Growth From India

Tourism Australia and Air India have today signed a three-year marketing agreement to sustain and drive the positive trend in Indian visitor arrivals to Australia as Air India expands its presence in the market.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tourism Australia and Air India will explore opportunities to jointly undertake and implement marketing activities to showcase Australia’s world-class appeal and drive future growth in visitation.

Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, of Tourism Australia said, “We have seen tremendous growth in the number of arrivals from India to Australia in recent years and we are keen for arrivals to continue to track in that direction. Tourism Australia’s agreement with Air India highlights our commitment to strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to encourage Indian travellers to plan and book an Australia holiday. We look forward to working closely with Air India to showcase Australia as a holiday destination.”

Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Eastern Markets and Aviation, Andrew Hogg said, “As one of Australia’s valuable tourism markets, India holds immense promise, and we’re excited to collaborate with Air India to further elevate Australia’s appeal for high-yielding Indian leisure and business travellers. We aim to sustain growth in visitor numbers from India to Australia while enhancing travel experiences and connectivity between the two countries.”

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said, “We are excited to partner with Tourism Australia to facilitate travellers’ experiences of the unique offerings this destination has to offer. As we broaden our network across the globe, we aim to deepen our presence in Australia as well.”

Air India currently operates 17 weekly non-stop flights connecting India and Australia. In the year to August 2024, the airline transported over 170,000 Indian travellers, securing an 18.5% market share and remains one of the largest carriers of traffic from India to Australia.

About Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for promoting Australia to the world as a destination for business and leisure travel. Tourism Australia’s purpose is to increase the economic benefits of tourism to Australia, and in particular seeking opportunities to grow the overnight annual expenditure generated by tourism. The organisation is active in around 15 key markets, where it aims to grow demand for the destination’s tourism experiences by promoting unique attributes which will entice people to visit. Tourism Australia’s activities include social and digital media, traditional advertising, public relations and media programs, trade shows and programs for the tourism industry, consumer promotions, online communications, and consumer research.

For more information visit www.tourism.australia.com | www.facebook.com/seeaustralia

About Air India

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India is a pioneer of Indian aviation. Since its first flight in 1932, Air India has built an extensive global network that spans 29 countries across five continents, connecting India with major destinations in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Middle East.

After its homecoming in 2022, from the Government of India to the Tata group, Air India embarked on Vihaan.AI, a five-year transformation journey, with a vision to be a global airline with an Indian heart. The first two phases of this transformation, ‘Taxi’ and ‘Take-off’, were focused on fixing the basics and building foundations for growth. The airline has now entered the ‘Climb’ phase, which will focus on achieving excellence in operations and customer experience.

A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity to passengers as a full-service global airline, while its wholly owned subsidiary Air India Express operates as a low-cost airline flying within India and nearby countries.

63% Bengaluru-Based Parents Give Milk To Their Kids To Maintain Intake Of Calcium – Godrej Jersey’s Milk Report

~Pan India, 60% parents prefer the same

As the nation celebrates Children’s Day today, Godrej Jersey carried out a survey amongst the Indian parents to understand their rationale of giving milk to their child. While some highlighted the need to remain fit and weight management in addition to gaining some energy and as a meal replacement, 63% Bengaluru-based parents and 60% parents across the country said that they give milk to their kids to maintain intake of calcium.

Titled ‘Bottoms Up…India Says Cheers to Milk!’ the comprehensive study covering consumer responses from Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, provides valuable insights into evolving consumer preferences and industry trends. Beyond understanding the parents’ rationale for giving milk to their child, the survey also tried understanding  which milk-based products they prefer for their kid.

Commenting on the findings, Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Godrej Jersey said, “Multiple research studies globally and in India have proven the nutritional value of milk which is good for children. Consisting of high nutritional quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A, it is widely an imperative for growing children. Amidst this, it is encouraging to see from our consumer survey on why parents prefer to give milk to their kids.”

Another interesting insight which came from report was that 90% of Indian kids drink milk more than 4-5 times a week and more than 40% of parents were open to consider flavoured milk as a school meal, or for consumption during the day, or more specifically during playtime!

The survey was designed and conducted by YouGov. Creamline Dairy Products Limited, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), a diversified food and agri-business conglomerate of Godrej Group sells the products under the brand name Godrej Jersey.

About Godrej Agrovet

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) is a diversified, Research & Development focused food and agri-business conglomerate, dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. GAVL holds leading market positions in the different businesses it operates - Animal Feed, Crop Protection, Oil Palm, Dairy, Poultry and Processed Foods. GAVL has a pan India presence with sales of over a million tons annually of high-quality animal feed. Our teams have worked closely with Indian farmers to develop large Oil Palm Plantations, which is helping in bridging the demand and supply gap of edible oil in India. In the crop protection segment, the Company has strong presence in the B2B segment through its subsidiary Astec Lifesciences and through its extensive distribution, network pan-India delivers innovative agrochemical offerings catering to the entire crop life cycles. In Dairy, Poultry, and Processed Foods, the company operates through its subsidiaries Creamline Dairy Products Limited and Godrej Tyson Foods Limited. Apart from this, GAVL also has a joint venture with the ACI group of Bangladesh for animal feed business in Bangladesh.

For more information on the Company, log on to www.godrejagrovet.com.

Fino Bank Launches “Gullak” Account Aimed At Improving Household Savings

*Customers get up to Rs 2 lakh insurance cover on debit card and monthly payout of interest

Having made banking easy, simple and convenient, Fino Payments Bank is now focusing on making customers save more. Continuing its efforts towards creating value for customers, Fino Bank has today announced the launch of a new savings account “Gullak” aimed at improving savings by offering a range of benefits designed to meet the unique needs of customers.

One can open Gullak account at any of Fino Bank’s around 22000 merchant points spread across the state of Karnataka and enjoy the benefits. With a minimal account balance of Rs 1000, Gullak account holders need not pay any annual plan fee, get to make cash deposits without any charges, avail 7 free ATM transactions in non-metro locations and enjoy offers on Rupay debit card. An exciting proposition is the waiver of the minimum account balance on meeting certain criteria. 

These include, five UPI transactions through FinoPay mobile app in a month valued at Rs 500 or booking a one-year Fixed Deposit of at least Rs 5000 issued by Fino’s partner bank or credit of any government welfare scheme benefit in the account. If customers meet any one of the three criteria, then even if the account balance is less than Rs 1000 there will not be any charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance.  

Gullak (Piggy Bank) assumes significance in today’s context where majority of people withdraw all or most of the money from their bank accounts, thereby losing the opportunity to save and invest.

Announcing the launch of Gullak savings account Mr. Rahul Singh, Senior Divisional Head, Fino Payments Bank said, “Customers need to aim towards higher savings to create a corpus for future expenses as well as any emergency requirements, avoiding the need to take loans. Our endeavor with Gullak is to help account holders develop a savings first mindset, with focus on safety and growth. Higher deposits allow customers to earn attractive interest rates going up to 7.75% annually. With a minimum balance of Rs 1000 in the account customers get an instant, Haatho Haath debit card with up to Rs 2 lakh insurance cover along with access to multiple benefits including monthly payout of interest.”

With Gullak savings account Fino Bank aims to target customers with the ability to keep higher balances and value savings based growth. Primarily they could be young professionals, small entrepreneurs, working women as well as self-employed. Customers with the potential to save more than Rs 2 lakhs can do so with Gullak, wherein the excess of Rs 2 lakh gets deposited in a sweep account of a partner bank offering a higher interest rate. With Gullak, Fino’s neighbourhood banking services aim at increased engagement and financial well-being of customers.  

Further, Fino’s neighbourhood points are open for extended hours where any bank’s customer can transact, do deposits, withdrawals, money transfer and access third party products such as life, health, and motor insurance, referral loans, and pay utility bills. #Hamesha!

MAHE Releases The Book COVID-19 Pandemic Insights From Managing The Crisis In A Teaching Hospital

Manipal Universal Press (MUP), a unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), released COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Managing the Crisis in a Teaching Hospital, authored by Jibu Thomas, Associate Director – Operations at Kasturba Hospitals. The book provides a comprehensive account of the challenges and adaptive strategies implemented by the hospital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a valuable resource for healthcare administrators in preparing for future health emergencies.

The book was formally released by Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who emphasized its significance as a record of how Kasturba Hospital transformed into a dedicated COVID-19 treatment center, effectively managing the crisis from the first case to becoming a model facility. "This book is an important resource that chronicles the journey of turning a tertiary hospital into a successful COVID-19 care center," he said. He also added that it will serve as a useful resource for hospitals in managing future pandemics.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, also spoke at the event, reflecting on the profound impact of the pandemic and commending the dedication shown by healthcare professionals and administrators. He described the book as a crucial documentation of the efforts and innovations that occurred under unprecedented circumstances, offering both lessons and inspiration for future crisis management.

Author Mr. Jibu Thomas expressed that this is his second book, aiming to provide an authentic record of the experiences, challenges, and policy adaptations made by Kasturba Hospital and the TMA Pai Hospital during the pandemic.

Welcoming the guests, Dr Srinivasa Acharya, Chief Editor (in Charge) at Manipal Universal Press (MUP), expressed pride in releasing MUP's 294th publication. He highlighted MUP’s 13-year journey, rooted in MAHE’s commitment to academic publishing, and emphasized that the new book serves as both a historical record and essential guide, capturing critical lessons from the pandemic and celebrating MAHE’s healthcare teams' collaborative efforts.

The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor of Technology and Science; Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar; Dr Raviraja N S, Chief Operating Officer of Administration; Dr Anand Venugopal, Professor in the Department of Radio Diagnosis and Imaging; Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent and Professor in the Department of Community Medicine; Mr C G Muthana, Advisor of Administration; Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean and Professor in the Department of Urology; Dr B Unnikrishnan, Dean and Professor in the Department of Community Medicine; Mr Sachin Karanth, Deputy Director PR and Communication, MAHE; and Dr Bincy M George, Associate Professor and Division Coordinator in the Division of Anatomy.

Step Into Glamour: BeautyXperience 2024 Unites Luxury Brands, Celebrities, And Beauty Enthusiasts At Phoenix Mall of Asia, Blr

The Phoenix Mall of Asia is set to host BeautyXperience 2024, an exciting event celebrating beauty, diversity, and innovation on November 15th. This exclusive event will feature luxury beauty brands like Dior, Chanel, Sephora, Estée Lauder, and more, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends in beauty and skincare.

The event highlights include a ‘masterclass by celebrity makeup artist Bhumika Bahl, where she will share expert tips and beauty secrets, ‘live music and dance performances’, a ‘hi-tea indulgence, exclusive offers’, and ‘luxury gifts from top beauty brands.’ Attendees can network with beauty enthusiasts and industry experts, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about the beauty industry.

Renowned for her expertise and transformative makeup tutorials, Bhumika Bahl has collaborated with celebrities and conducted masterclasses across India and abroad. Known for her online and offline courses, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, making her the perfect guest for BeautyXperience 2024. 

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience that blends beauty with empowerment and innovation!

Event Details:

Event: BeautyXperience 2024: Where Elegance Meets Innovation at Phoenix Mall of Asia 

Date: Friday, 15th November 2024 

Location: Fan Park, 2nd Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia – Bangalore North 

Time: 5:00 PM onwards 

Registration: Visit Phoenix Mall of Asia website to reserve your spot.

Titan Eye+ Accelerates Premiumisation Journey With New Flagship Store Format

Titan Eye+, India's leading eyewear retail brand from Titan Company Limited, announced the launch of its new premium store format with the opening of its first flagship store in Bengaluru. The 1800-square-foot store marks a significant milestone in Titan Eye+'s premiumisation journey, offering an elevated eyewear shopping experience that combines international luxury brands with state-of-the-art eye care technology.

Conceptualised by renowned designer Michel Foley, the new format store presents a sophisticated retail environment with four distinct lifestyle sections catering to kids, young adults, men and women, and international brands. The store showcases an extensive collection of over 20 international luxury brands including Cartier, Gucci, and Tom Ford, alongside Titan's own premium offerings from Titan, Fastrack, and Dash. Distinguishing itself from traditional Titan Eye+ stores, the new format introduces innovative elements including coffee shop-themed transaction areas that create a relaxed consulting environment for shoppers. The store layout is thoughtfully designed to enhance the customer journey, with specialized zones that cater to different consumer segments. A team of 11 specialized staff members, including three expert optometrists, ensures personalized attention and professional service for every customer.

Mr. N.S. Raghavan, CEO, Eyecare Division at Titan Company Ltd., stated, "India is witnessing a remarkable shift towards premiumisation across categories, with consumers increasingly seeking products and experiences that reflect their global exposure and refined tastes. Our new flagship store format is strategically aligned with this trend, offering discerning customers access to premium international brands and exemplary service under one roof. This launch represents a significant step in our premiumisation journey, as we continue to evolve our retail approach to meet the sophisticated needs of today's Indian consumer."

The store also features a unique cutting-edge eye care clinic equipped with ZEISS VISUCORE 500 technology, representing the latest advancements in diagnostic capabilities. This advanced high precision automated unit combines objective & subjective refraction in one cycle, completing comprehensive eye examinations in less than 5 minutes while maintaining exceptional accuracy. This gives our clinic staffed by experienced optometrists who have collectively conducted over 1.1 lakh eye examinations, more time to consult your eyecare needs better.

"As Indian consumers continue to embrace premium lifestyle choices, we're seeing a growing appreciation for quality eyewear that combines fashion with functionality," added Mr. Raghavan. "Our new store format creates an environment where customers can explore the finest international brands while receiving world-class eye care services, truly elevating the eyewear shopping experience."

The launch in Bengaluru is part of Titan Eye+'s broader premium retail strategy, with the next flagship store scheduled to open at South City, Kolkata in November 2024. The company currently operates 108 premium stores across India and plans to expand this premium format to other major metropolitan cities.

“Britannia Pure Magic” And “The Womb Launch Choco Stars” With 12 Different Ads On A Single Day. Quite A Feat

~Introduces a fun, star-sign-inspired campaign that brings each zodiac’s unique snacking style to life~

TVCs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWhGuuKHedutBSW7vxBkitqzdihDZH70k

When one thinks of a cream biscuit, they usually think of a sandwich biscuit, but today is different. Introducing “Britannia Pure Magic Choco Stars”, a groundbreaking new chocolate cream cookie that will redefine the way we enjoy cream-filled treats.

Unlike traditional sandwich biscuits, Britannia Pure Magic Choco Stars features an innovative open-cream format, where the rich, velvety chocolate cream is embedded in a star-shaped cavity on the lower half of the cookie—without a top biscuit layer. This one-of-a-kind design allows for a more indulgent, flavorful and chocolatey experience with every bite.

To announce the launch, Britannia Pure Magic Choco Stars is unveiling an advertising campaign centered around the 12 star signs. The heart of the campaign revolves around a series of 12 imaginative and engaging ads, each inspired by one of the star signs. This makes each star sign’s Choco Star moment both relatable, memorable and share worthy. The campaign, which will run across multiple platforms, portrays how each zodiac personality enjoys their Choco Stars in a unique and playful way, reflecting their individual traits and preferences.

From an over-sensitive Piscean, generous Cancerian to a Royal Leo or Magnetic Scorpio, each ad will depict how individuals of each sign approach the act of eating a chocolate filled Britannia Pure Magic Choco Star—whether it’s savoring the moment, devouring it in one bite, or making it a ritual.

Amit Doshi, Chief Marketing Officer of Britannia said, “We wanted to create a product that would break the mold of traditional cream biscuits, and Pure Magic Choco Stars is an exciting new format that brings an extra level of fun and enjoyment to every bite. As the newest addition to our Pure Magic brand, which continues to push the envelope with its innovative chocolate offerings, Choco Stars brings a fresh twist to the choco-bakery experience. Paired with our star sign-themed campaign, we hope to connect with consumers on a deeper level by tapping into the unique personalities and behaviors that make each of us who we are”.

According to Suyash Khabya, Chief Creative Officer, The Womb “When thinking of interesting ways to eat Choco Stars, someone in the creative team said we can plan 100 interesting ways to eat it...but actually, on deep creative introspection, we figured there are only 12 ways to eat Choco Stars. Because there are only 12 star signs! Ta-da.

Each star sign eats Choco Stars according to their personality trait. We had great fun figuring the personality traits and matching them to the star signs. On another note,  I am just wondering when was the last time a product was launched with 12 ads on the same day?!? Hats off to the team at Britannia for lapping up the idea on the first hearing itself.

Not just TV, we have a solid digital & social plan for this campaign. We will be targeting people on the basis of their star signs on Meta. And we are very confident that the idea inherently has virality embedded in it, it’s simple yet unignorable. And it will lead to sharing and conversations.”

So, get ready to discover your zodiac-snacking style with Britannia Pure Magic Choco Stars – where every bite is a delightful twist of fun and flavor!

About Britannia Industries 

Britannia is a 100+ year old Company and is a market leader in the Bakery category in India with an annual revenue of over Rs 165 Billion. The company’s two focus categories include - Bakery & Dairy, with trusted & iconic brands such as Good Day, Marie Gold, Milk Bikis & Nutrichoice. Britannia products are available in over 80 countries. The Company manufactures its products in nearly 100 factories, which are made available in over 27 lakh outlets to eventually reach over 180 Million households in the country. The Company's vision is to be a responsible global, total foods company, and delight consumers with delicious, and wholesome snacks and beverages throughout the day.