14, Feb 2024
Himachal Pradesh named the Most Welcoming Region in India
INDIA, February 14, 2024: Drawing upon more than 309 million verified reviews from real travellers, Booking.com a global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do and transport options, revealed the Most Welcoming Regions in India according to its 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards. Himachal Pradesh topped the list of the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Goa and Kerala. Mararikulam, Jaisalmer, Bir, Leh and Manali were named the top 5 Most Welcoming Cities in India.
India has 13,348 accommodation partners this year that are being recognised for their excellent service and hospitality with the Traveller Review Award 2024. They received over 1,189,000 reviews and an average review score of 8.8.
2024’s Most Welcoming Regions in India
Traveller Review Award 2024 list of the Most Welcoming Places in India showcases a vast range of destinations from across the country. From scenic backwaters to historical marvels and pristine beaches to mountain escapes, this year’s destinations have been identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024.
| Most Welcoming Regions in India (2024) | Most Welcoming Regions in India (2023) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Puducherry |
| Goa | Kerala |
| Kerala | Rajasthan |
| Rajasthan | Goa |
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh |
2024’s Most Welcoming Cities in India
To help travellers have the most welcoming experiences possible for a really unforgettable trip in 2024, here is the list of the Most Welcoming Cities in India as evidenced by more than 309 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com. Mararikulam with its scenic backwaters, lush countryside lined with coconut trees and peaceful beaches coupled with excellent hospitality has been announced as the Most Welcoming city in India. Jaisalmer, known for its rich heritage and Bir, known for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation took the 2nd and 3rd spots.
| Most Welcoming Cities in India (2024) | Most Welcoming Cities in India (2023) |
| Mararikulam (Kerala) | Palolem (Goa) |
| Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) | Agonda (Goa) |
| Bir (Maharashtra) | Mararikulam (Kerala) |
| Leh (Jammu & Kashmir) | Hampi (Karnataka) |
| Manali (Himachal Pradesh) | Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Thekkady (Kerala) | Thekkady (Kerala) |
| Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) | Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) |
| Kasol ((Himachal Pradesh) | Bir (Maharashtra) |
| Pushkar (Rajasthan) | Munnar (Kerala) |
| Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | Varkala (Kerala) |
Bengaluru Houses Most Awarded Properties, Followed By Manali
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards also recognised Bengaluru (402) as the city with the most-awarded properties in India followed by Manali (342), New Delhi (339), Jaipur (277) and Udaipur (250). The most-awarded property type in India is hotels and then homestays and apartments.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said “Hospitality is an integral part of India’s rich culture and heritage. We are known for our warm and welcoming people who make guests feel at home. Embodying this spirit are our accommodation partners whose excellent hospitality and service transform guest journeys into memories and elevate travel from ordinary to exceptional each and every day. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion – we couldn’t do what we do without you.”
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- By Rabindra
14, Feb 2024
Findability Sciences launches Business Process Co-Pilots
New Delhi, 14th February 2024: Findability Sciences, a global provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) products and solutions, has announced the launch of its innovative suite of Business Process Co-Pilots (BPCs). Business Process Co-Pilots are pioneering tools in their field, utilizing a comprehensive array of AI technologies, including both Discriminative and Generative models, underpinned by a solid framework of data management and governance.
Designed to serve as intelligent co-pilots for business processes, these game-changing AI solutions offer unparalleled efficiency, speed, accuracy, and innovation, with guaranteed ROI for various critical functions across industries. Findability Sciences’ BPCs leverage technology to help navigate complex business processes, thereby unlocking approximately a 30% – 50% reduction in human efforts and millions of dollars in operational expenses.
Anand Mahurkar, CEO of Findability Sciences, shared his insights, “Our Business Process Co-Pilots are a unique suite of solutions that will reshape how business processes function. By harnessing AI’s power, we are transforming business ecosystems and offering far more than merely a technology tool. We are providing our clients with robust co-pilots that drive innovation and redefine business processes while enabling employees to focus on more strategic activities, enhancing productivity, and minimizing operational costs. Findability Sciences’ BPCs are a groundbreaking innovation that will benefit every medium and large business, irrespective of the industry.”
With the potential to grow multifold, BPCs are primarily beneficial for companies that have complex human-centric business processes that involve unstructured data and skilled labor. On the back of its global launch, Findability Sciences expects a 50%+ growth in BPC implementations across industries.
BPCs offer versatile solutions that transcend industry boundaries, providing crucial support to a diverse array of business sectors in addressing some of the most pressing business challenges. Catering primarily to the manufacturing, retail, BFSI, healthcare, and pharma industries, Findability Sciences’ BPCs will ensure complex business processes are no longer just a responsibility of skilled labor, but they have an able co-pilot to perform the tasks better, cheaper, and faster.
As a leader in the vast and ever-evolving world of AI and operational technology, Findability Sciences continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With its Business Process Co-Pilots, the company reaffirms its position as a leader in driving businesses towards smarter, faster, and more reliable adoption of AI.
14, Feb 2024
The Advertising Club and AAAI announces the AGC for ABBY One Show Awards 2024
February 14, 2024; Mumbai, India: Marking its 55th edition, the ABBY One Show Awards continues to strengthen its position as South Asia’s biggest advertising awards that honours creative excellence. Scheduled to take place on 29th, 30th, and 31st May, 2024 during Goafest at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim in Goa, the ABBY One Show Awards is known to honour, inspire and uplift the creative community. Gearing up for an edition that is led by creative inspiration, The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India, now announce its esteemed Awards Governing Council (AGC).
Following is the complete list of AGC members for the ABBY One Show Awards 2024:
The Advertising Club:
1. Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, ABBY One Show Awards 2024 and Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
2. Dheeraj Sinha, Group CEO – India and South Asia, FCB, and Co-chair Awards Governing Council, ABBY One Show Awards 2024
3. Ajay Chandwani, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
4. Alok Lall, Executive Director, McCann World Group India
5. Sonia Huria, Head Communications – APAC, Prime Video
6. Subramanyeswar S., Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Chief Strategy Officer – APAC, MullenLowe Global
Advertising Agencies Association of India:
1. Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia
2. Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024
3. Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media
4. Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World
5. Rohit Ohri, FCB Global Partner
6. Anupriya Acharya, CEO South Asia, Publicis Groupe
Speaking on its highly esteemed Awards Governing Council, Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India, South East, and North Asia, and President of The Advertising Club, “Over the years the ABBY One Show Awards has not only honoured creative excellence but has helped strengthen South Asia and especially India’s position in the global arena. It is imperative that we turn the spotlight on work that is deserving, innovative and socially and culturally relevant with creativity at its heart. The awards has encouraged talent and brought to light work that was impossible to even imagine. We are excited for this edition and are certain that the Awards Governing Council has a tough task at hand given the level and amount of work showcased over the last year.”
Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia further added, “The ABBY One Show Awards has evolved, becoming a level playing field not just for India but the entire South Asian region. We have witnessed agencies and brands of all sizes put their best foot forward, and have been humbly surprised with the kind of work that this region is home to. We are confident that the awards will continue to empower the creative community and provide them with a global stage to showcase innovation and insight behind their creative communication.”
Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, ABBY One Show Awards 2024 added, “The ABBY One Show Awards continue to bring the spotlight on great ideas that manifest into great work. I am humbled by the opportunity to Chair the Awards Governing Council, that comprises stalwarts of our industry. An award, I believe, is as good as the Jury that judges it. So, the AGC is committed to have a stellar line-up of Jury Chairs and Jury members, who have earned their spurs at a global and local level. They will help identify and recognise the best of best that the industry has created, this year. The ABBY One Show Awards 2024 will continue to encourage, empower and accredit work to find its rightful place at a domestic level, and as a stepping stone to the global stage.”
Mr. Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity, said, “It is with great enthusiasm that we continue our association with The Advertising Club for the ABBY Awards. What The One Show brings to the ABBY Awards is a legacy of integrity, a reputation that resonates worldwide. Last year’s collaboration with the ABBY Awards has pushed the creative envelope further, setting new benchmarks in recognizing and celebrating creative excellence. We are delighted to be a part of this property that fosters a culture of excellence in the creative industry and are excited to witness deserving campaigns being honoured with an ABBY.”
“Goafest and the ABBY One Show Awards have over the years crafted a premiere position bringing together the industry to learn, unlearn and celebrate. Like past editions, this year too we are confident of witnessing work that goes on to set new benchmarks of their own. While we are looking forward to a diverse creative showcase, we are confident that the task won’t be as easy for our jurors and AGC given the level of competitiveness.” concluded Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024.
Jointly organised by Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 will be held on 29th, 30th, and 31st May, 2024 during Goafest at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim in Goa.
Stay tuned for more details on The ABBY One Show Awards and Goafest 2024!
14, Feb 2024
NueGo Launches Valentine’s Day Campaign “LoveOnTheMove”
MUMBAI, 14th February 2024: NueGo, the premium intercity electric coach service from GreenCell Mobility, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Valentine’s Day campaign, #LoveOnTheMove. This initiative aims to celebrate love and togetherness by encouraging couples to travel together and spend quality time on the move.
As we all know, Valentine’s Day is a time to treasure moments with loved ones, and NueGo knows the value of providing unique experiences. NueGo’s #LoveOnTheMove campaign encourages couples to engage on a journey together, whether it’s a quick escape or a romantic day trip. The campaign portrays the spirit of love in motion, emphasising the pleasure of falling asleep in each other’s arms, binge-watching favourite shows, and enjoying magnificent moments when travelling. Whether it’s a gorgeous trip through the countryside or a cosy journey into the city, NueGo offers the ideal environment for couples to bond and make memorable memories.
Devndra Chawla, MD and CEO of GreenCell Mobility, stated, “Valentine’s Day is about creating memorable experiences that deepen our connections with our loved ones. Our #LoveOnTheMove campaign aims to reimagine travel as a meaningful opportunity for couples to interact and share treasured memories. GreenCell Mobility believes that every travel should be an occasion to make cherished memories, and we’re thrilled to provide couples with the option to go on wonderful journeys with NueGo.”
14, Feb 2024
This Valentine’s Day, express your love with thoughtfully curated gifts to make your partner feel special
The most romantic time of the year is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect occasion to shower our partners with love and warmth. With love blooming in all its glory, go beyond conventional gifts this Valentine’s Day and express your unconditional love through an experience that your partner will cherish forever. We have curated out-of-the-box gifting ideas that are sure to catch the extra attention of your loved ones.
NOISE
Whether your partner is health-conscious, preferring to stay on top of their well-being, or someone who enjoys working out to music or listening to podcasts during their commute, this Valentine’s Day, gift your loved one ‘smart’ tech to enhance their experience.
Luna Ring: More than just a sleek accessory, this innovative smart ring tracks sleep, activity, and overall readiness with advanced sensors and an intuitive app. From improving sleep quality to providing personalised fitness guidance and stress management tips, the Luna Ring will be a practical and stylish addition to your S.O’s daily life.
Pure Pods: Developed with a vision to disrupt the smart audio segment, the new Noise Pure Pods are an ideal gift for your partner. Crafted for ultimate ear comfort, this new form factor, aka India’s first OWS, is lightweight and non-intrusive, providing a natural and ergonomic fit for prolonged wear. Equipped with AirWave™ Technology, it uses precise air conduction mechanisms to deliver unparalleled and superior sound. Offering longer and more comfortable listening sessions with up to 80 hours of playtime, it adds a whole new audio experience and
transforms the way your partner interacts with their devices.
Noise ColorFit Pro 5: Elevate your loved one’s style with the Noise ColorFit Pro 5! This revolutionary smartwatch is the perfect present for the tech-savvy person in your life. A true lifestyle ally, it comes with various strap types, a range of vibrant colors, and Emoji support for a personalized and responsive experience. Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable by adorning their wrist with the Noise ColorFit Pro 5 and gifting a touch of innovation and fashion!
Noise Buds Xero: Noise Buds Xero make an ideal Valentine’s Day gift, offering the perfect blend of style and functionality. With their premium sound quality and sleek design, they elevate the listening experience and add a touch of sophistication to your loved one’s everyday life. With Adaptive Hybrid Noise Cancellation of up to 50 dB, these buds seamlessly adapt to surroundings, ensuring premium audio whether in bustling cities or crowded offices.
QUBO
Qubo MagZap Wireless Power Bank
The MagZap X1 Wireless Power Bank by Qubo is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, combining practicality and thoughtful design. Compact and versatile, it ensures your loved one’s smartphone is always ready to use, allowing for seamless charging, working, and playing on the go. With wireless charging technology, it enables multitasking during charging, making it convenient for virtual meetings, movie watching, or gaming. Its sleek design and precision charging for iPhones, available in two exclusive colors, make it a stylish and practical accessory—a thoughtful expression of love for your special someone on Valentine’s Day.
14, Feb 2024
Influencer.in Voted Best Marketing Agency 2023
Chennai, February 14, 2023… Influencer. in, one of India’s leading Influencer Marketing platforms and an initiative of Social Beat, was chosen as the “Best Influencer Marketing Agency 2023” by Label Awards. This recognition is a result of Influencer. in’s extensive network of 100,000+ creators and partnerships with over 200 renowned brands globally due to unwavering commitment to ROI-driven marketing.
Founded in 2020, the agency’s success is attributed to its innovative approach, leveraging influencers on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon, LinkedIn, Moj, TakaTak, and industry-specific platforms.
On receiving the award, Suneil Chawla, Co-founder of Social Beat, stated, “Influencer. in has consistently demonstrated excellence in the influencer marketing space. This recognition as the Best Influencer Marketing Agency for 2023 is a testament to our team’s dedication, creativity, and the impactful collaborations we’ve fostered between brands and influencers.”
Arushi, Business Head at Influencer. in, added, “We take pride in being a platform that connects brands with influencers and prioritises authentic storytelling and engagement. This award reinforces our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients and further establishes our position as a leader in the influencer marketing landscape.”
Influencer.in specializes in the E-Commerce, Fin-tech, and Gaming sectors, catering to well-known brands such as Snapdeal, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ, BGMI, Navi, Jupiter, HDFC Bank, Pokemon Unite, and others. With over 200 campaigns executed in 2023, the agency has achieved an average reach of 8 million and engagement of 2 million. Key collaborations include partnerships with Meta, YouTube, Go Colors, Matrimony.com, boAt, Flipkart, Fortune, Navi, McDonald’s, and A23 Gaming.
With a focus on engaging 1,00,000+ influencers, particularly micro-influencers, Influencer.in distinguishes itself through a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the influencer marketing landscape.
14, Feb 2024
Exclusive Partnership with Chef Pin Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is thrilled to unveil a strategic collaboration with Chef Pin, featuring renowned home chefs and a gourmet journey dedicated to promoting diverse regional Indian cuisines in 2024. This exciting initiative aims to highlight the unique flavours and traditions that define the rich gastronomic landscape of India. The collaboration will take place at Tamra, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi’s multicuisine restaurant, offering guests an unparalleled dining experience.
Guests can eagerly look forward to experiencing a harmonious blend of culinary artistry crafted by the following esteemed home chefs. From the soulful spices of Bengal to the regal aromas of Jodhpur, this collaboration promises an epicurean spectacle that transcends boundaries.
14, Feb 2024
Universal Sompo General Insurance Unveils Eyewear Insurance: A New Dimension in Protection
Mumbai, February 14, 2024: Universal Sompo General Insurance Company introduced an innovative Eyewear Insurance cover, addressing the increasing demand for eyewear protection in today’s digital era. With increasing disposable incomes and a growing reliance on digital screens, the need to safeguard eyewear has become paramount. This comprehensive insurance plan covers loss or damage from Fire and Allied Perils, Accidental Loss or Damage, Burglary, and Theft for various eyewear, including spectacles, lenses, sunglasses, and blue filter glasses.
In this dynamic digital landscape, where every glance carries the weight of a thousand pixels, Universal Sompo Eyewear Insurance emerges as a guardian of clarity and comfort. Whether it’s the enchanting allure of luxury eyewear or the essential protection of blue filter glasses, this insurance plan reflects a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Key Features:
Worldwide Coverage with Theft Protection: Unique worldwide coverage, including theft protection—an aspect often excluded by competitors.
Flexible Differential Excess and Claim Settlement: Differentiating itself with flexibility in differential excess and claim settlement types.
Versatile Group and Individual Options: Available as a group platform and individual sachet product, catering to diverse needs.
This insurance accommodates both individuals and groups, offering tailored options for both Employer-Employee and Non-Employer-Employee relationships, with a policy duration of up to one year. Customers have the flexibility to customize coverage based on preferences or invoice value, ensuring a cost-effective plan featuring unique elements such as differential excess and claim settlement types.
Doctor Mancy Modi, a Professor in Periodontology and Oral Implants currently practising at Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Hospital expressed her views “I have been wearing glasses for 10 years and I understand the importance of clear vision and the monetary burden of spectacle replacements. The idea of having them insured brings a genuine smile to my face.”
The company stands dedicated to delivering innovative solutions aligned with evolving customer needs. This unique eyewear insurance product exemplifies Universal Sompo’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
14, Feb 2024
Buddy Loan recognized among the Top 10 Fast-Growing Digital Personal Finance Companies
Bangalore, India, 14th February 2024: Buddy Loan, a leading loan service provider in the fintech arena, recently ranked 8 th in SimilarWeb’s Digital 100 fastest-growing online businesses report under the personal finance category in India.
In a data-driven triumph, Buddy Loan has clinched the spotlight in SimilarWeb’s Digital 100 ranking. The methodology, focused on the percentage increase in average monthly traffic from 2022 to 2023, reveals Buddy Loan’s meteoric rise with 23.3 million web traffic and 1.2 million average monthly unique visitors.
Since its establishment in 2018, Buddy Loan has been dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bridge the gap between borrowers and lenders. Buddy Loan’s success lies in its transparent and user-friendly lending ecosystem, in partnership with RBI-approved Banks & NBFCs. The platform’s recognition among the top fintech platforms by SimilarWeb is a testament to its commitment to excellence.
Expressing enthusiasm about this accolade, Amitabh Bishnoi, President of Growth & Initiatives, stated, “Our goal is to empower consumers with accessible and efficient financial solutions. This recognition validates our efforts in transforming fintech, prioritizing speed, efficiency, and consumer-centric solutions.”
Buddy Loan’s dedication has not only earned prestigious recognition but has also positively impacted the financial well-being of consumers. Bishnoi extends gratitude to valued customers, partners, and employees for contributing to this significant milestone. As the company continues to innovate, its unwavering commitment remains: to redefine fintech boundaries and deliver unparalleled value to users. Buddy Loan stands as a testament to fintech evolution, embodying innovation and consumer-centric solutions in every digital transaction.
14, Feb 2024
Rural Rising: United Way Bengaluru and Applied Materials India commit to sustainable development in Kolar
Bengaluru, 14 February 2024: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), along with corporate partner Applied Materials India today inaugurated an integrated rural development drive in Mulbagal taluk in Kolar district. The Rural Rising program primarily focused on enhancing the living standards of rural communities and improving available resources to ensure a sustainable, long-term impact on their lives. Attended by delegates from both organizations, the event featured cultural performances and presentations of science projects by some of the young bright minds.
Sharing thoughts on the initiative, Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru, said, “The Rural Rising program is a unique and one-of-its-kind initiative. The saturation approach, which focuses on Gram Panchayat to block and district-level development, makes it a very organized, sustained, and sustainable impact-driven process. I particularly thank our corporate partner, Applied Materials India, who had the vision to make a difference by investing in areas that needed help.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Sarika Rath, Head of Communications & Public Affairs at Applied Materials India said, “We endeavor to create a positive and sustainable impact in India’s rural communities through our Rural Rising program. Convergence and collaboration are two key elements for achieving a positive impact and these programs help us to achieve the same. Our purpose drives everything we do, shaped by our Values and reflected in our actions.”
Since 2015, Applied Materials India has been supporting over 200 villages across Bangarpete, Kolar, and Srinivaspur blocks in the Kolar district, and reaching out to over 1.5 lakh beneficiaries directly. Following successful initiatives in these blocks, the focus transitioned to Mulbagal Taluk, marking the second consecutive year of involvement in the taluk, this year.
Rural Rising has been United Way Bengaluru‘s flagship program that has demonstrated the potency of bringing together Gram Panchayats, local communities, volunteers, NGOs, and corporations towards a shared objective. The program is designed to meet the Mission Anthodya and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, validated through an in-depth needs assessment in collaboration with local authorities and community members. The program’s emphasis extends across critical pillars of Education, Health, Livelihood, Women Empowerment, and Environment.
