Besides showcasing varied tourism products and transformative experiences for travellers to India under the theme ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023’, MOT also promoted sustainable tourism at the just-concluded WTM in London. It highlighted its ‘Travel for LiFE’ program based on Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), as a global mass movement led by India urging people to act for the protection of the environment.

Business Events Australia’s signature incentive showcase, Dreamtime, kicked off in Adelaide, which saw around 10 Indian  business events planners in attendance. This is the first Dreamtime to be held since 2019. Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia, said, “Over the next two days 80 international buyers will meet with almost 90 Australian industry sellers at the Adelaide Convention Centre and events across the city, and we hope the relationships formed will drive real business outcomes for the industry right around Australia.”

In order to help inbound tourists plan their itinerary better and entice them to visit Maharashtra, the Tourism Department of Government of Maharashtra has planned to release set dates of all festivals starting with the Mumbai International Festival during January 20-28, 2024. Radhika Rastogi, Principal Secy, Tourism & Culture Affairs, Maharashtra, said, “This was one of our biggest takeaways from our discussions with tour operators who sell India.”

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has pulled up Air India for the second time in less than 18 months for not providing adequate facilities to passengers who were denied boarding. The aviation regulator has stated that it has issued a show cause notice to Air India after their inspections revealed that the airline, yet again, did not facilitate the impacted passengers as per rules.

With a strategic intent to capitalise on the strong and growing travel opportunity from Delhi’s high-end locality, Thomas Cook (India), inaugurated a new Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlet in the city’s South Extension. The outlet was inaugurated by Romil Pant, Executive Vice President and Business Head – Holidays – Thomas Cook (India). The inauguration of this store increases Thomas Cook’s network strength increases to thirteen stores in Delhi (6 owned and 7 Gold Circle Partner) reiterating the Company’s focus to expand its footprint in the city. The new store will serve as a hub for nearby residential and business areas of South Extension, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Saket & Malviya Nagar. Delhi’s South Extension forms an important source market for Thomas Cook offering the company a range of segments like families, seniors, professionals, local trade associations and business travellers. The location represents a significant catchment of premium/luxury consumers Delhi’s HNI-UHNI. Thomas Cook’s consumer insights from Delhi indicate brisk demand of over 65% compared to last year and a 40% growth in demand for luxury/exclusive experiences. Customers from Delhi’s South Extension are displaying growing interest for unique experiential elements like African safaris, luxury cruise experiences, chasing the aurora borealis, dining in Michelin star restaurants, private journeys, staying in an igloo, etc. To cater to the discerning travellers from the region, Thomas Cook has expanded its portfolio of customized holidays and introduced a special range of luxury and premium holidays.

Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, announces its’ 15th Annual Convention. This event is slated to take place at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat from December 16-19, 2023. The four days will bring together stakeholders from all over the country to discuss and celebrate the growth and potential of responsible adventure tourism in India. Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI says “Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at $683 billion, with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth rate since 2012. The World Bank recognizes it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travelers annually. Pre-pandemic projections from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University, USA, anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would burgeon into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone. This not only boosts our economy but also promotes sustainable development in remote regions of our country. Gujarat, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a vibrant hub for adventure tourism in India. We are excited to unveil the untapped potential of this magnificent state, offering thrilling experiences and unforgettable journeys to adventure enthusiasts from around the world.” Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat says “We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to the esteemed members of the Adventure …

Costa Cruises recently celebrated the arrival of Costa Serena in Mumbai at an event on board the Italian flagged ship. Starting 4 November 2023 until 11 January 2023 Costa Serena is set to home port in Mumbai operating on a newly created program of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai and Kochi, Goa and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep. Such a milestone on the 75-year anniversary of Costa was attended by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises & Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior Officials. On board Costa Serena guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be tailored to the tastes of Indian guests. The last itinerary celebrating the completion of its India program will also explore the spectacular Maldives. Costa Serena sailings in India are ideal for both families and couples. The cruises are also a great option for wedding ceremonies, groups, and corporate incentive travel, thanks to the ship being able to offer reserved areas and services. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports stated, “We are offering our full support to the cruise line to home port their ships at Indian ports. We are ready to support further development of our port infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships. It is a moment of pride for us that when the Mumbai Port completes 150 years, we have Costa coming back to offer domestic cruising options to …

At its Global Summit in Kigali, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350BN. The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing. Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy. “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade. “Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.” According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.” “Having established our …

The 2023 Global Travel Trends Report by ForwardKeys says that more diverse travel patterns emerged among travellers in 2023. The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Greece still maintain high positions, but the mix is more varied overall, with the Middle East and Africa (MEA) particularly well-represented among top performers.

Recognising the tourism sector as a pillar of economic and social development, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has launched an education toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schools across the world. The toolkit includes modules not only for Ministries of Education but also for parents, school directors, and teachers.