Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Delhi Office has announced AllKnown Marketers as their designated representative for the Indian market. AllKnown Marketers along with JNTO is mandated to execute Travel Trade and PR initiatives in key target markets, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s endeavors to expand Tourism from India to Japan. Japan, a land where tradition seamlessly intertwines with modernity, beckons travelers to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Within its borders lie treasures both ancient and contemporary, waiting to be explored by those who seek adventure and enlightenment. Hidden among the landscapes are historic castles steeped in legend and rural villages frozen in time, offering a glimpse into Japan’s storied past. Delve into the depths of traditional arts like calligraphy and ikebana, where every brushstroke and arrangement holds profound significance. Japan’s fusion of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation creates a dynamic tableau of experiences, inviting travelers to wander through bustling city streets or find solace in tranquil temple gardens. Prepare to be enchanted as you discover the captivating allure of Japan—a destination where tradition and modernity converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of culture and beauty. Ryo Bunno, Executive Director, JNTO Delhi Office, stated, “India is one of our primary markets, and we certainly have high expectations owing to its performance trajectory in the recent past. AllKnown Marketers team will serve as our extended arm in the market to orchestrate strategic marketing and communications outreach that drives a consistent flow of Indian arrivals. We are excited to appoint a team of market leaders who will navigate us to introduce our diverse offerings and position Japan as the most coveted getaway for Indian experiential travelers.” Acknowledging the latest addition …

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the launch of a new hotel, SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer. The company has a total of 16 properties in Rajasthan, operational and shortly opening. The addition of this new property will reinforce the brand’s leadership position in this key market and underline its commitment to impeccable guest experiences. The hotel features 104 well-appointed rooms and offers facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, multiple lawns, and an on-site restaurant. SKK The Fern, Jaisalmer is just a 10-minute drive from the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, making it an ideal stay option in this thriving tourist destination. With a beautiful central courtyard and multiple lawns, SKK The Fern shall be the ideal place to host dream weddings in this Golden City. All the rooms boast an exemplary balance of elegance, sophistication, royalty, and old-world charm blended with modern features and facilities. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We are pleased to announce the launch of SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer. This new hotel will add to our value as a major hospitality brand in Rajasthan. We aim to exceed our guests’ expectations and provide them with a truly unforgettable experience by providing great accommodation, top-notch facilities, and warm hospitality. SKK The Fern promises a delightful and royal stay for anyone visiting this popular tourist city.”

As per ICRA’s latest report, the domestic air passenger traffic is estimated at ~154 million for FY2024, which represents a YoY growth of ~13%, in line with ICRA’s estimates. Further, the domestic air passenger traffic in FY2024 has surpassed the pre-Covid levels of ~142 million in FY2020 as well. Data also shows that the domestic aviation industry operated at a passenger load factor of ~90% in March 2024, against ~88% in March 2023 and ~89% in February 2024.

All arrangements have been made to commence the implementation of new visa methodology and new online methodology of the Department of Immigration and Emigration with effect from 17 April, 2024. Arrangements have been made together with GBS Technology Service & IVS Global Institute to implement the E-Visa system – the online methodology to be introduced in lieu of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) methodology implemented at present at www.srilankaevisa.lk.

STB India recently chose a golf platform in India called 4moles to connect with its C-suite corporate clients who have been organising premium MICE events overseas, at two networking MICE events held in Delhi and Bangalore, reaching key decision-makers. To stay competitive, especially in an environment where the common perception is that Singapore is expensive, STB believes it is vital to target corporates with an interest in hosting premium MICE events in Singapore.

Experiences surpass ownership and this is evident in India’s growing sports fandom, says Monish Shah, Founder & CEO, DreamSetGo. “Demand for immersive experiences is at an all-time high. We’re proud to play a pivotal role in bridging the access gap between Indian sports enthusiasts and the world’s biggest sporting events. As we gear up for iconic events like the Olympics and the T20 World Cup, we’re committed to enabling once in a lifetime experience for all those who will be traveling to support our Indian squads,” he says.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has initiated legal action to seek appropriate remedies for hotel members affected by adverse provisions from the Delhi High Court for the hospitality sector from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s (DGFT). These conditions have posed challenges for the industry, particularly in light of adverse economic circumstances exacerbated by events such as the global recession, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. FHRAI has advocated for relief for the hospitality sector through persistent representations to the Ministry of Tourism and DGFT since 2017. Despite sustained efforts, the sector still needs to receive the necessary relaxations, prompting FHRAI to seek legal intervention. DGFT, in the year 2007-08 in the new EXIM policy, introduced an additional condition which not only meant that over and above the primary condition, the industry need to comply with a secondary condition of maintaining 3 years average past performance continuously over & above the Specific EO and the Average has to be maintained for the entire block of 8/6 years till the redemption of license. Unfortunately post the introduction of the secondary condition, the hospitality industry suffered a huge decline and thereby reduction in the FOREX due to which the industry has not been in a position to fulfil the secondary condition of maintaining the 3 years average past performance. The hospitality industry had brought this issue of decline in foreign contribution to the notice of DGFT way back in February 2017 itself and that coincided with completion of 1st block of the 8 years when the license expired post the introduction of the secondary condition in the year 2007-08. Since then, the industry has been continuously requesting …

With age no barrier, Chinese women are spreading their wings and spending big on travel. They are now taking the driver’s seat in making travel decisions and seeking personalised experiences. We look at some of their travel behaviours and the segments that are taking a lead on this.   Women overtake men According to a 2024 Women’s Travel Consumer Insight Report released by the online travel agency Trip.com Group, average annual per capita travel expenditure for women exceeded that of men by nearly 8% in the past year. The report was based on the analysis of data recorded between Feb 20, 2023 and Feb 20, 2024. The spending power of Chinese women for travel is evident, with significant growth momentum seen in lower-tier markets.   Travelling for festivals Many women are booking flights to celebrate festivals in various parts of the world for that immersive cultural experience and to soak in the local folk customs and festival atmosphere. For example, they are travelling to Nepal for Holi festival, also known as the festival of colors, and Chiangmai in Thailand to join a lantern celebration. This new wave of Chinese women travellers are now travelling to a dozen destinations at home and abroad every year on an average.   Non-business travel They also travel for non-business reasons. The report said that middle-aged women born in the 1970s and 1980s accounted for 62.2% of the female travelers and were by far the main force when it comes to consumption, the report showed. Young women born in the 1990s and 2000s accounted for 28.5% of tourism spending, indicating their emerging potential as consumers. While the older generation born in the 1950s and 1960s …

India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is at a major inflection point, says Melissa Ow, CEO, Singapore Tourism Board. “We announced two major initiatives – Partnering with MakeMyTrip and with PhonePe. As Singapore’s 5th largest market, with more than a million visitors in 2023, the Singapore Tourism Board is optimistic about India’s growth potential,” she said citing a McKinsey report that said Indians made 13 million outbound trips in 2022, which could rise to 40 million in 2030, and 80 million in 2040.

JLL India’s latest report ‘Hotel Investment Trends – India 2023 highlights the growth and positive start of the first quarter (Jan-March) of 2024 in the hospitality sector. It mentions that the upper upscale segment saw the highest number of keys changing hands, followed by the upscale, luxury, and midscale segments. The first quarter of 2024 witnessed a significant 80% Year-on-Year increase in hotel transaction volumes, reaching USD 78 million.