Novotel Group opens its 124-key Novotel Delhi City Centre in New Delhi, offering exceptional connectivity and convenience. The hotel caters to travellers seeking a seamless blend of comfort & eco-conscious design. Garth Simmons, COO, Accor Asia, said, “The opening marks another significant step in Accor’s expansion in India. It underscores our commitment to offering world-class amenities and sustainable practices, delivering exceptional experiences for both business and leisure travelers.”

Sharing a new development, Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, says, “We will soon start our new SmartEdge programme across the country, where we will train the agency counter staff on new products and how they can upsell new products to help with conversions. We intend to start this from April 2025 and we are currently mapping the cities. We intend to do this over the next 6 to 12 months in about 30 to 40 cities across India.”

Los Angeles Tourism is back with Series 2 of its exclusive webinar for the travel trade today at 3 PM IST. Get the latest updates from our partners on the city’s top offerings and experiences. Participate in the quiz and win Amazon gift vouchers. For more information or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Emphasising on actionable efforts at individual level towards Sustainable Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, urged the hospitality sector view sustainability as a key parameter that will shape the growth of both the industry and the Indian economy.” Speaking at FHRAI’s 2nd edition of Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025, he called on each stakeholder to take responsibility and invest in sustainable actions before climate change negatively impacts business and livelihoods.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the public sector should look at sustainability, not as a compliance but commitment. “The private sector should look at green buildings, creating offerings that are carbon neutral and creating community which has ethical and local sourcing. These things must be built in business. Then sustainability will not be a trade-off, but a big strategic advantage for us,” he said.

TAAI has launched TAAI DMC Connect that offers Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in India and internationally an opportunity to remain connected with the Indian industry to help promote their products and services. In its website revamp, TAAI will offer DMCs an opportunity to actively engage with the industry. This will support members’ handhold and bring in quality relationship that can benefit our travelling customers.

IHCL has announced the signing of the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand in Palitana, Gujarat. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Taj has been redefining luxury for over 121 years and its recognition as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand is testament to it. We are honoured to partner with His Highness Thakore Saheb Mandhatasinhji Jadeja of Rajkot to bring the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand. This addition reinforces our commitment to preserving India’s rich heritage and expanding our portfolio of Palaces, Havelis and Forts.” “As one of Gujarat’s revered destinations, Palitana holds immense potential for spiritual tourism. This also presents an opportunity for us to build the social and weddings segment in the region,” he added. Further to extensive restoration, the 65-key Taj Palitana will feature luxurious rooms and suites, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The hotel will include an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant, a lounge, and state-of-the-art facilities such as a gym, pool, and spa. Catering to the growing demand for social and wedding events, the Palitana Palace will house a 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom, flexible meeting spaces, and outdoor lawns. In addition to restoring the Palace to its original grandeur, a collection of royal art and historical artifacts will be displayed within the property.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that while technology-driven solutions like DigiYatra and web check-in enhance efficiency, the manual check-in system remains fully operational, ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers, including those without smartphones or those who prefer manual processes.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India is all geared up to organise its second edition of Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 on 26 March in New Delhi. The platform is focused on advancing sustainability into mainstream tourism and hospitality. The day-long event will see Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the Chief Guest. It will also have panel discussions focusing on key topics.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO in the recent luncheon meeting before the elections, expressed gratitude to members for their trust and support. He reflected on his 30-year association with IATO, from joining in 1995 to serving as Vice President and then President. Mehra expressed gratitude for members’ trust, highlighting key milestones like expanding membership beyond 2,000 and securing special hotel rates for small agents. He praised IATO’s transformation into a pan-India association and acknowledged industry and government support. Assuring continued dedication, Mehra welcomed new leadership, confident in IATO’s future growth.