The Indian travel industry is set to experience a groundbreaking event, as leading professionals come together for the first time on an equal platform to discuss the most pressing challenges confronting the sector. Titled a Revolutionary Travel Industry Meet, this event will focus on critical issues like Tax Collected at Source (TCS), Goods and Services Tax (GST), the need for a Simplified Tax Structure, and Unethical Trade Practices—topics that have long been neglected or entangled in power plays. More than 100+ travel agents and media fraternities attended the session offline and online. The organizers of the event were prominent travel trade members like Shailendra Kumar Shrivastava from Krishana Holidays, Hemant Passi from DuniyaOnline, Pradeep Shishodia from Liana Tourism, Rohit Kumar from Holidays Worldwide and Naveen Nahar, Citadelii Travelz Factory LLP and many others. Apart from travel trade, the session was also attended by Mr. Arjun Akruwala from ASA GST Advisory Services, Mr. Vibhor Gupta from Gupta Vibhor & Associates and Pranaw Kumar Mishra from Pranaw Mishra & Associates. The event is jointly organizing by the group of travel agents where everyone is a President and secretary and a fellow member. This pivotal meeting promises to be a game-changer, offering equal rights and authority to every participant and this meeting ensures that all voices will be heard, and decisions will be made collectively by the travel fraternity. A panel of tax experts and lawyers will be available during the meeting to offer insights and guide participants through potential strategies to overcome these challenges. To make this discussion accessible to the entire travel fraternity, those who were unable to attend in person participated online. This provided them access to live discussions and debates, allowing …

Goa-based hospitality chain, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the launch of its latest property, Azalea by Stone Wood, a luxurious retreat set amidst the scenic beauty of Carmona in South Goa. Located just 700 metres from the pristine White Sands of Carmona Beach and within walking distance of Zalor Beach, the resort offers a serene escape for travellers seeking relaxation and tranquillity. The launch of Azalea by Stone Wood strengthens the brand’s presence in Goa, a destination known for its stunning beaches, historic churches, and vibrant local culture. Azalea by Stone Wood offers 52 well-appointed rooms, including deluxe, premium, and suite options, all equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, HD LED televisions, and 24-hour room service. The resort also features a multi-cuisine restaurant, Café d’Azalea, a swimming pool, and a host of guest services including airport transfers and a business centre, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. Guests of Azalea can explore several nearby attractions, including Cabo de Rama Fort, a historic landmark with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, and Big Foot, a recreated Goan village that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The property is also close to the iconic Arch of Coconut Trees, a natural landmark perfect for picturesque moments. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to introduce Azalea by Stone Wood, which perfectly captures the essence of South Goa’s beauty and tranquillity. With its prime location, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, we believe Azalea will provide an unforgettable experience for every guest. We continue to believe in experiential boutique …

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts launches a European-inspired castle- Clarks Resorts the Archi’s Castle in Ajmer. The culturally rich state is already known for its palaces, Havelis, and colonial properties. But most of these are dominated by Mughal or Rajputana architecture, castles with European architecture are rare to find. The property is nestled amidst the majestic Aravali hills, creating an iconic landmark where history, culture, and contemporary luxury seamlessly blend. This heritage palace, once part of the regal legacy of Rajasthan, is adorned with captivating art-deco designs, timeless interiors, and architectural elegance. Every corner of the palace holds a story, creating an atmosphere filled with enchanting moments. Its unique architecture and design make it a standout destination in Ajmer. The hotel is centrally located just 6.1km from the railway station and from various sightseeing sites. In order to meet the needs of travelers, the rooms are fully designed keeping comfort in mind. It has 201 rooms In different categories with a nice view from the room. An array of modern conveniences graces all the rooms, including an LED-screen TV with tea and coffee maker, blackout curtains, high-speed WiFi net access, and well-appointed bathrooms with a complete range of toiletries. It has four of its kind of restaurants, all inspired by traveling. The four restaurants operate under the name- Avion Airlines, The Wind, The 18 Arch, and The Volar Helipad. All the restaurants provide a unique experience to the diners and serve a variety of cuisines. Apart from that the Castle has a huge banquet hall targeted to MICE, Weddings, private parties, On Sites, etc. The Clarks Resorts The Archi’s Castle owner Hemant Jain  shares, “Our effort is to blend the …

STAAH and its partners — Booking.com and WebBeds — brought together over 400 representatives of the hospitality industry at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel to exchange ideas and foster new connections STAAH, the New Zealand-based leading hospitality solutions provider that has transformed the business processes of its partner hotels in India and across the world with its stack of hospi-tech solutions, has successfully concluded yet another edition of ‘The Big Connect’ conference, this time in Mumbai. STAAH partnered with hotel booking platform, Booking.com and WebBeds – the global marketplace for travel trade, to organise the mega hospi-tech networking conference that saw the attendance of over 400 industry experts and innovators converge at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel. The event featured insightful sessions on how technology can be leveraged in different ways to empower owners of hotels to optimize their operations and distribution channels while enhancing guest experiences. Hoteliers were educated on the latest tools and strategies to enhance their online bookings and revenue. The attendees also had the opportunity to share and exchange new ideas, discuss emerging trends and technologies while fostering new connections. Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head – India, STAAH said, “We are delighted to have brought ‘The Big Connect’ to Mumbai and are thankful to our partners for making this event a huge success! This event saw representatives from the hospitality sector gather under one roof and, in intellectually stimulating exchanges, find new ways to drive the growth of the sector forward with the adoption of new hospi-tech technologies and platforms. Look forward to taking ‘The Big Connect’ to more cities”. The event concluded with a live comedy session by Atul Khatri followed by a cocktail and dinner at …

Beti ki Udaan, Desh Ka Swabhimaan In its pursuit of giving wings to dreams, the iconic event Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) was organised at the Vidya School, Gurugram, by a team of members of Women in Aviation India. Girl students from the school participated in the activities as part of the event. The main aim of this program was to introduce young girls to the plethora of career opportunities that are open to them in the field of aviation. A team of members of Women in Aviation India conducted the program and gave them a sneak peek into the world of aviation and hospitality. Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister of External Affairs & Culture, Government of India motivated the girls with her inspiring address through a video message. She commended the initiative and said “It’s truly inspiring to see how governments, businesses, and NGOs are working together to empower women and help turn their dreams into reality. This collaborative effort has opened doors for women to break barriers, even in traditionally male-dominated industries like aviation. In fact, women now make up 15% of India’s aviation workforce – three times the global average, showcasing the tremendous progress being made. Women in Aviation India is playing a pivotal part by opening doors for women to make a career in this dynamic sector.” The event had an interesting line up of speakers from the aviation industry which included Capt. Archana Kapoor, Member – Women in Aviation India & Line Captain B-787, Vistara Airlines, Capt. Poonam Gaur, Member – Women in Aviation India and Co-founder, Air Taxi and Ms. Kashish, Member – Women in Aviation India and Flight Operations Quality Executive, TATA …

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the official opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives as   1st November 2024, per schedule. This stunning underwater world-themed paradise represents a major milestone in the company’s expansion plans, marking Centara’s third property to open in the Maldives and fourth resort in the group’s portfolio under the renowned family-focused Mirage brand. Situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a multi-island wonderland which grants guests unprecedented access to two Centara properties , the resort offers boundless family fun, engaging activities and unique bonding moments amidst its captivating theme. From its expansive outdoor water complex, including a lazy river, swimming pool, kids’ pool, and water playground, to the exciting kids’ club, innovative child-focused Candy Spa, and the acclaimed signature Spa Cenvaree, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is designed to deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. The stunning aerial shot of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives The opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is part of the company’s “Future Growth” strategy announced earlier this year. With construction now complete, the final flourishes and finishing touches are being applied so that guests can soon be welcomed in Centara’s inimitable warm and gracious style. This stunning resort underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its family-focused hospitality offerings and delivering world-class experiences in key travel destinations. Don’t miss the opportunity to be among the first to experience Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Centara is offering guests special introductory pricing, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under, and free roundtrip speedboat transfers between Male airport and the resort. CentaraThe1 members will also enjoy an additional 15% discount. This exclusive ‘Me …

Hospitality veteran and current Managing Director of Shervani Hotels, Mr. S.M. Shervani has announced his decision to step down from the managing committee of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India . HRANI is the biggest association in Northern India, representing hotels, restaurants, and associates across nine states. It aims to foster a growth-oriented environment for the sector to tap into emerging opportunities and drive growth. The announcement comes after his outstanding 35-year tenure with the association, which was established by the legendary hotelier, late MS Oberoi. Mr. Shervani, who has also served as the President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India , expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the association, reflecting on his long and fulfilling career. Mr. S.M. Shervani added, “It has been a pleasure to serve this esteemed association for so many years. I was fortunate to become its president and subsequently the president of FHRAI. Also, being a founder member of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality  has been a remarkable milestone in my career.” He also underlined the significance of a retirement age for association members to encourage the involvement of younger generations. Mr. Shervani added, “Associations should have a retirement age to allow the young to take charge, ensuring smooth transitions and curtailing the unfortunate politics that can sometimes arise.” In his emotional farewell message, he extended his warm wishes to HRANI and FHRAI for the road ahead. He also remembered his colleagues including the late Mr. Rajinder Kumar, the late Mr. Lamba, the late Mr. Sushil Gupta  as well as Mr. B.K. Gupta, Mr. Arun Khanna, Mr. Lalit Narula, and Mr. Suresh …

Taiwan Tourism made a grand return to the Indian capital, hosting its first post-pandemic roadshow at Le Meridien, New Delhi. The event saw a buzzing turnout of 110+ travel agents and 12+ renowned travel trade media, all excited to rediscover what makes Taiwan the next big destination for Indian travellers. With Air India and EVA Air as airline partners, the spotlight was firmly on promoting seamless travel routes connecting India and Taiwan. The roadshow aimed to reignite interest in Taiwan as a premier leisure and MICE destination and saw enthusiastic participation from the travel industry. Attendees were kept engaged with a variety of incentives, including lucky draws, a fun-filled on-site social media challenge, and a lively Q&A session where quick thinkers bagged enticing prizes. Adding to the buzz, a lucky winner from Ice Group India walked away with a show stopping prize package which included a return airport transfer, a city tour, and Taipei 101 entry tickets for two, all topped off with round-trip EVA Air tickets from Singapore to Taipei. Speaking about the roadshow’s success, Noel Saxena, Representative of Taiwan Tourism in India, shared, “We are on a mission to take Taiwan tourism to new heights, and we’re thrilled to see travel numbers bouncing back post-pandemic. India’s MICE segment holds great potential, and events like these help us tap into that market and spread the word. We recently hosted a networking and education seminar with Thai Airways in Mumbai and have a roadshow planned for Mumbai at the end of September. Additionally, we are organizing a leisure FAM trip to Taiwan for leading travel partners from India to experience Taiwan firsthand.” Air India and EVA Air showcased robust routes …

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is thrilled to announce the launch of “Pind Di Rasoi,” a Dhaba Food Promotion at Edesia, running from 7th to 15th September 2024, from 7 PM to 11 PM. This unique culinary event promises to bring the authentic flavors and rustic charm of traditional North Indian roadside eateries to the heart of New Delhi. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant Dhaba-themed ambiance that transforms Edesia into a lively food haven. The festival will feature a variety of traditional North Indian dishes, showcasing the hearty, spiced, and rich flavors characteristic of Dhaba food. Highlights include: • Authentic Dishes: A diverse menu featuring iconic Dhaba delicacies. • Rustic Ambience: Décor and seating arrangements that replicate the charm of roadside eateries. • Live Cooking Stations: Witness culinary artistry at live counters such as Amritsari fried fish counter, Sardar Ji Ke Kebabs Corner, Gama Pahalwan Tawa Counter, Dara Singh Dhaba, Punjab Di Hatti, and Shankar Mithai Ki    Dukaan. • Street Food Stalls: Enjoy regional variations and street food favorites, including specialties from Gurdaas Ram Jalebi Wala and many more. Event Details: • Dates: 7th – 15th September 2024 • Time: 7 PM – 11 PM • Price: ₹2999 plus taxes Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager of Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, “This festival is a tribute to the rich culinary heritage of North Indian Dhaba culture. We are excited to offer our guests an authentic and immersive dining experience, complete with the flavors and spirit of traditional roadside eateries.” For reservations and inquiries, please contact +91 95829 44897.

M/s Sankalp Recreation Private Limited, a leading hospitality and restaurants company based out of Ahmedabad, today announced the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium Motera in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels over more than 95 countries. Being adjacent to the world’s largest cricket stadium by capacity ‘Narendra Modi Stadium’, the hotel is upgraded to Ramada’s brand standards and is a popular choice for sports enthusiasts in addition to corporate and leisure clientele. The hotel has 55 contemporary spacious rooms and a host of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, tea lounge, health club, spa, swimming pool, banquet hall, meeting rooms and a business centre. The hotel also provides access to premier sports facilities like an Olympic-size pool, gym, tennis courts, squash courts, and jogging track in addition to various indoor activities. The hotel is conveniently located just six kilometers from Sardar Vallabhai International Airport and a short walk from Motera Stadium metro station in Ahmedabad. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said, “We are proud to open Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium Motera in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad with trusted, long-standing partner M/s Sankalp Recreation Private Limited. This addition marks the second Ramada by Wyndham hotel in the city, under our world renowned midscale hotel brand and joins the Wyndham Advantage with access to innovative technology, our growing loyalty programme and more. With over 60 properties in incredible India, we look forward to welcoming guests to this impressive hotel and delivering memorable stays.” Mr. Kailash Ramavatar Goenka, CMD, M/s Sankalp Recreation Private Limited said, “We are delighted to announce …