ETPanache Travel Editor's note: Goodbye 2021. Welcome 2022!

As the Year 2021 draws to a close, a series of good indications pave the way for the New Year 2022. So, let us set the note positive!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF: Miss Universe title bagged by desi girl Harnaaz Sandhu is truly heartwarming. The pageant was held in Israel but people supporting India were from across the globe. The title has come back to India after 21 years. A proud moment, indeed!


HIGHEST FOOTFALL: The India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai has achieved another milestone by recording half a million visitors' mark since its inauguration on October 1, 2021, said Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles.

In his tweet, he said, "#IndiaAtDubaiExpo stands tall, showcasing our capabilities in achieving ambitious goals for global good, which reflects India's Partnerships, Pride & its People." Among the states, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and UT of Ladakh have already showcased their business potential and have secured investment opportunities in key sectors.

INDIAN WEDDINGS RING A BELL: Rajasthan emerged as the 'Best State' and 'Best Wedding Destination' at 'India's Best Awards 2021', stated a release by Rajasthan's Tourism Department. Rajasthan's recent development in infrastructure and modern hospitality have further contributed to making it one of the world's most preferred tourist destinations.

SPIRITUAL TOURISM: Maharashtra boasts of a large number of popular and revered religious and spiritual places that attract a large number of tourists. Trimbakeshwar (Tryambakeshwara), Bhimashankar, Parali Vaijnath, Grishneswar and Aundh Nagnath are the prominent Jyotirlingas in the state of Maharashtra. Aimed at boosting tourism, the Ministry of Tourism held a webinar on 'Jyotirlingam Temples of Maharashtra' recently under its 'Dekho Apna Desh Initiatives' on tourism-centric subjects.

With India looking forward to better days, go ahead, follow the pandemic protocol and share your joy to boost India's 'Happiness Quotient'. Ready?