Learn more about the largest cruise ship in domestic waters – Costa Serena – and its sailings ex Mumbai and Cochin in November and December 2023 at this exclusive webinar on September 21 at 3pm. It will highlight specially curated itineraries for a truly international experience with an Indian touch. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Sharing news that his state entered top 10 list of foreign tourist arrivals, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary (Tourism & Culture) & MD, MP Tourism Board, says, “Madhya Pradesh is in the top 10 state for foreign arrivals in 2022 as per MOT report. It is therefore essential to understand the needs of these tourists. The tourism department is dedicated to communicating and promoting the offerings of the state to foreign tourists and stakeholders and at least 8-10% of the total budget has been earmarked for international promotion.”

Speaking in New York at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit, Ajay Prakash, National President of TAFI, stated that 2023 marks the midpoint in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the celebration of the International Day of Peace 2023 coincides with the UN Summit to mark this milestone. He takes over as the Global President of IIPT.  

Launching the new Goa Taxi app, Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, said, “Over the last four years, it has been our goal to develop innovative technology in various sectors in order to increase happiness index of tourists in Goa. Our goal is to attract quality visitors rather than numbers. It would also assist in decreasing accidents and keeping women safe while traveling. I encourage everyone to use the Goa Taxi App.”

The 40th IATO Annual  Convention is set to be held in Puri, Odisha in September 2025 informed Rajiv Mehra, President – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). He added that the proposal was accepted by the Odisha Government Tourism Department. This will be IATO’s third convention in Odisha. Mehra also informed that the 33rd IATO Annual convention held in 2017 in  Mayfair Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar, and it was a very successful convention and was attended by about 900 delegates from all over the country. He also informed that Puri will be a very attractive destination for IATO members and we expect about 1000 delegates to join for the convention. He thanked Aswini Kumar Patra, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Odisha and Odisha Tourism for accepting IATO’s proposal. IATO will soon announce the venue for 39th IATO Annual Convention which is also being finalized.

The ATOAI will organise its seminar combined with an adventure tourism roadshow tomorrow at The Park New Delhi from 9am to 5.30pm. the event will include sessions on best practices and selling adventure travel. It will also offer buyers an opportunity to meet authentic sellers and network with them. To register, visit https://forms.gle/8FGiGDasqHGjxaHG6_

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has announced its TAFI Convention 2023, which will take place onboard Costa Serena from November 4-7, 2023. Registrations are open for members interested in attending this. Starting November 2023 until January 2024, Costa Serena will offer 23 sailings visiting Mumbai, Cochin, Goa and, for the first time ever, Lakshadweep islands.

Join the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, on September 20, 2023, at 11:30 am for an exclusive webinar. Discover Oman’s enchanting blend of beach, hiking, culture, and nature. Dive into their captivating attractions and stand a chance to win a free trip. Contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, 9650196532 for details. To participate, please register on this link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/544/rymlob5o

Speaking about the upcoming IATO Convention in Aurangabad, Radhika Rastogi, Principal Secy, Tourism & Culture Affairs, Maharashtra Tourism, said that the Ministry expects a lot of productive thinking and discussions at the convention. Maharashtra has a lot to offer to tourists. Tourism is ultimately a multi-stakeholder industry and govt is only a small player. And this convention is a great opportunity for all of us to exchange our ideas.”

Having added 3 new routes from KL to India recently, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group MD of Malaysia Aviation Group, says, “India remains a key market for Malaysia Airlines. Currently, our average load factor on this route is at 81% YTD July 2023. We expect to restore our pre-COVID-19 capacity back in the Indian market by end of 2023 and will also look to increase flight frequencies to other destinations.”