The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM) and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosted Harit Yoga – A Signature Event as part of the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations. The event took place at the FHRAI-IHM campus in Greater Noida. Bringing together students, hospitality professionals, and wellness advocates, the event celebrated yoga as a powerful tool for harmony, peace, and environmental consciousness. The session was led by expert trainers from Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, Noida, including Yogacharya Mukta Sharma and Yogacharya Divya Sharma, with support from Yogi Vaibhav, Yogi Rahul, Yogini Nikki, and Yogini Kavita. As part of the celebration, saplings were distributed to participants by Shri S C Suneja and Dr Narendra Kumar, symbolising a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. This act of tree planting underscored the event’s theme and served as a tangible reminder of the connection between personal well-being and ecological health. The gathering commenced with the Common Yoga Protocol and was followed by a series of curated yoga practices, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. Each session aimed to highlight yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a holistic way of life that cultivates mindfulness, balance, and a deeper connection with nature. This year’s theme, “Harit Yoga: Embrace Nature, Embrace Peace,” placed a special emphasis on sustainable living and the role of yoga in nurturing both personal and planetary well-being. Conversations on green practices and lifestyle choices were woven into the programme, encouraging participants to make conscious decisions that align with wellness and ecological balance. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI said, “Yoga is not just about postures or routines. …

Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, proudly marked a new milestone today with the successful launch of its upgraded wide-body operations on the Mumbai-Hanoi route. The airline will now operate four weekly flights using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 aircraft, offering passengers a superior travel experience with enhanced comfort, cutting-edge technology, and greater capacity. The inaugural wide-body flight departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, amidst much fanfare, featuring a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony and a warm welcome for passengers. Dignitaries, airport officials, and representatives from Vietnam Airlines and its India GSA, Aeroprime Group, were present to celebrate the occasion. Speaking at the launch event, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India at Vietnam Airlines, said, “We are thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter in our India operations. Upgrading to wide-body aircraft on the Mumbai-Hanoi route underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled comfort and convenience to Indian travelers. We look forward to welcoming more passengers onboard and strengthening the vital air bridge between India and Vietnam.” This upgrade is a strong testament to Vietnam Airlines’ growing commitment to the Indian market, providing travelers with best-in-class amenities such as spacious full-flat beds in business class, in-flight entertainment across all classes, gourmet meal options including specially curated Indian cuisine, and world-class Vietnamese hospitality. Adding to this, Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director of Aeroprime Group, commented, “Vietnam has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for Indian travelers, and with this upgrade, Vietnam Airlines is perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand, enhancing connectivity between India and Vietnam and setting a new benchmark for travel experience in this sector.” Vietnam Airlines currently operates 14 flights weekly from Delhi …

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80% of arrivals come from neighboring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”

In the aftermath of the recent terrorist incident in Kashmir, V Vidyavathi, Secretary (Tourism), has requested all tourist service operators, travel agents, tour operators, and OTAs, tourist transport providers, hoteliers and all other accommodation units to provide all possible assistance to the tourists, including waving off cancellation fees. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time. As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein emphasised the need to develop a Buddhist circuit in the region to promote spiritual tourism and cultural exchange. He was speaking at the two-day International conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the culture of Northeast. He said that Namsai is a unique example of how an ancient way of life is still being practiced here. Making a strong case for initiating a Buddhist Circuit in the state he said our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals.

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Centre to form a Himachal Scouts Battalion with local recruitment from border areas. He also sought Army support to boost border tourism up to the LAC and called for removing inner line check posts to ease permit hurdles, aiming to simplify travel and improve the tourist experience.

Global travel app Skyscanner in its ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ report, reveals how the love of cricket is shaping the travel choices of Indians. With nearly half (47%) of Indians ready to swap their sofas for seats at the stadium–both within the country and abroad–the passion for the sport is higher than ever before. In fact, 50% of fans are choosing to extend their cricket trips by 3–4 days, turning it into a full-fledged getaway.  From savouring local flavours to checking off tourist landmarks and iconic sites, fans are making the most of their trip by exploring the host city.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its latest property, Cozzet Mahad in Maharashtra. This strategic expansion strengthens the brand’s regional presence, catering to business and leisure travellers. In its first phase, Cozzet Mahad features an inventory of 55 keys under Superior, Club and Suite categories. The second phase will further enhance the offering with an additional 55 rooms, providing guests with a wider selection of accommodations. In terms of its F&B offerings, Cozzet Mahad houses C Pavilion, an all-day dining restaurant catering to diverse culinary preferences. Guests can indulge in a diverse selection of fresh, healthy, hygienic, and thoughtfully prepared world cuisines at C Pavilion. The restaurant also offers tempting mocktails and relishing light bites for a quick snack. Gossip Veg Bistro is a fully vegetarian eatery which offers exquisite tastes. Guests can also bask in the comfort of their room while digging on their favourite food at any time of the day, thanks to in-room dining. More to this is the perched high above the city, Metro Sky Lounge is a stunning 60-cover rooftop restro bar that offers a perfect blend of ambiance, taste, and skyline magic. With panoramic views that stretch across the urban horizon, it’s the ultimate destination for those who seek elevated evenings and unforgettable moments. Cozzet Mahad offers an elegant MICE venue, Summit, a well-appointed banquet and conference hall designed for both formal and informal gatherings. With modern amenities and a versatile layout, the facility comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests, making it ideal for conferences, celebrations, and intimate events alike. Speaking on the latest opening, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, shared, “The Cozzet is a …

The India Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2025 in Kuala Lumpur marks a key highlight of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025. Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has taken the lead in curating and coordinating India’s participation, with a strong focus on Northeast India’s tourism potential. India’s representation this year includes 50 delegates from 18 Indian states and union territories such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, J&K, Andamans & Nicobar among others, each contributing regional strengths to a unified national showcase. “This platform gives us an opportunity to present India’s cultural and geographical richness to a global audience,” said Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles. “Our presence at MATTA Fair reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with ASEAN countries. Assam and the entire Northeast region have distinctive offerings; from wellness retreats and river cruises to wildlife experiences and community-led travel models. This year, we are bringing these stories to the forefront.” Padmapani Bora, IRS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt of Assam Managing Director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation added, “ATDC is proud to implement India’s participation in this landmark event and grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India for nominating us as implementing agency. We are not only representing Assam but also coordinating efforts to position Northeast India as an integral part of India’s global tourism identity. Beyond exhibitions, this is a space for building relationships, exchanging ideas, and opening new channels of growth for regional tourism stakeholders.” India’s participation at MATTA Fair is part of the broader Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025, a two-part initiative designed to foster closer tourism engagement between …

This is a proud moment for India on the global stage! SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications, was honoured with the prestigious PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. In recognition of his tireless contribution to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and steadfast support of the PATA Chapter network, SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications Private Limited, was honored with the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A PATA member since 1999, SanJeet has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in strengthening the India Chapter and was a driving force behind bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023. This award celebrates his enduring legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of global travel and tourism.