Madinat Jumeirah is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Shah as the new Associate Director of Sales, where he will be overseeing the regions of India, Africa, GCC, Asia, China, and the Americas.   An ambitious international sales professional, Shah brings over 15 years of sales expertise, with 11 years dedicated to the Hospitality and Travel & Tourism industry. His impressive career includes managing and developing key markets such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Asia, and Israel. Shah has a proven track record in growing and maintaining the share of inbound sales from his assigned account base, especially within the UAE. Before joining Madinat Jumeirah, Shah held significant roles at prestigious international brands. Most recently, he served as Account Director of International Leisure Sales at a prestigious hospitality brand, where he also held positions as Senior Manager and Sales Manager. His extensive experience also includes roles at diverse brands.   In his new role, Shah will lead a dedicated sales team to further promote Madinat Jumeirah’s luxurious offerings. The resort, known for its traditional Arabic architecture, premium accommodations, and world-class amenities, will benefit greatly from Shah’s expertise in driving international leisure sales across diverse markets. Shah’s appointment marks a new chapter in Madinat Jumeirah’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and maintaining its position as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector.

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced a special anniversary sale to commemorate the successful completion of two years of commercial operations. Travellers can avail of up to 25% discount on ‘Saver’ and ‘Flexi’ fares for flight bookings across the 22 domestic and five international destinations on the airline’s network, upon booking through Akasa Air’s app and website – www.akasaair.com during the offer period i.e. August 7, 2024, to August 10, 2024 Customers can avail a discount of up to 20% on the basic fare by using the promo code ‘AKASA20’ For those booking with an HDFC credit card and using the EMI facility within the same offer period, Akasa Air is offering a discount of up to 25% on the basic fare by using promo code ‘HDFC25’ Both the anniversary special sales also offer a discount of flat 50% off on convenience fees for all flight bookings made through Akasa Air’s website and app during the offer period. The offer is valid for bookings made at least seven days before the date of departure and can be availed on both one-way and round-trip tickets. These limited time offers reflect the airline’s consistent commitment towards making air travel accessible and affordable for all. Akasa Air has introduced multiple best-in-class products and services to ensure an inclusive, warm, comfortable, and efficient flying experience. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft provides ample legroom and comes with USB ports in most aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. The all-new refreshed Café Akasa menu has over 45 meal options including healthy meals, festive favorites, gourmet, and fusion meals, carefully curated to serve an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. Akasa …

Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts, the premier chain of affordable boutique hotels, proudly announces the opening of its newest property in the scenic town of Kumbhalgarh, marking the brand’s second venture in the culturally rich state of Rajasthan. Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh is strategically located just 100 kms from Udaipur Airport, ensuring a convenient 2-hour drive via well-connected roads. The hotel is in close proximity to the renowned Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its historical and architectural grandeur. Guests will also find easy access to other notable attractions, including the revered Ranakpur Jain Temple and the enchanting Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The hotel boasts 21 exquisitely themed rooms, categorised into Deluxe, Super Deluxe, and Suite rooms. Each room is meticulously designed with unique themes: Fort, Moon, and Botanical, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay for every guest. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights at a multi-cuisine restaurant offering fresh and flavorful dishes crafted by expert chefs. Additionally, the rooftop café provides a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of the Kumbhalgarh valley, surrounded by lush greenery. Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh features a large swimming pool, complete with a separate kids’ pool, perfect for relaxation in the morning sun or the cool evening breeze. The hotel also offers a dedicated Games and Activity room, providing a wide range of indoor and outdoor games suitable for all age groups. The property is an ideal venue for both corporate and social events, with extensive banqueting spaces including a versatile banquet hall and a spacious open lawn, catering to the MICE and wedding segments. For those looking to explore the rich heritage of Kumbhalgarh, the hotel offers curated …

Robust 37.3% profit growth in 2Q 2024, with a 6.5% increase in passenger numbers Impressive 88% OTP showcasing strong operational performance Jazeera Airways is excited to announce exceptional results for the second quarter and mid-year 2024. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Jazeera reported a net profit of KD 5.4 million for 2Q 2024, marking a robust 37.3% growth over the same period last year. Group operating revenue also saw a significant increase of 6.2%, reaching KD 52.6 million. Driven by the strong demand for summer and Hajj travel, passenger traffic soared by 6.5% to 1.1 million compared to 2Q 2023. Operating 23 aircraft to 61 destinations this quarter, Jazeera established a leading market share of 28.8% at the Kuwait International Airport. Jazeera Airways achieved an impressive On-Time Performance (OTP) of 88% for this quarter, compared to 83% in 2Q last year, demonstrating our commitment to operational excellence and enhancing our customer experience. The successful renewal of Jazeera’s IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification also reaffirms the airline’s focus on safety and operational efficiency. Growth in passengers and an improved commercial footprint delivered 15.8% revenue increase at Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5). The mid-year results reinforce our positive trajectory, with total group revenue up by 1.1% to KD 98.9 million compared to 1H 2023. This is despite a one-time loss of KD 2.5 million due to a foreign exchange devaluation in March 2024. Passenger traffic for 1H 2024 grew by 5.3% to 2.3 million, maintaining a strong load factor of 76.6% and market leadership with a 28.8% share. T5 revenues also climbed by 14.4% to KD 6.6 million. Financial and Operational Highlights 2Q 2024 ◆      Operating revenue: KD 52.6 million, up 6.2% from 2Q …

Indulge in a Luxe Staycation at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru this Independence Day Long Weekend Looking to escape the daily grind and indulge in a luxurious retreat without leaving the city? The Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has crafted the perfect staycation packages for those who want to spend the Independence Day long weekend enveloped in style and absolute comfort.   Joy of Celebration Whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to pamper oneself, the Joy of Celebration package is a ticket to a blissful escape. Guests can enjoy their staycation with a 15% discount on the Room Rate, giving them a head start on a weekend full of savings and indulgence. What’s Included? 15% Off Room Rate: Luxuriate in stunning rooms and suites at a special price. 15% Off Dining and Beverages: Savour gourmet meals and refreshing drinks across exquisite dining venues. 15% Off Spa Treatments: Rejuvenate with indulgent treatments at Infuse Spa, designed to soothe and relax. Early Check-In & Late Check-Out: Maximize the stay with a guaranteed early check-in at noon and a leisurely late check-out until 4:00 pm. This package is designed to offer guests a seamless experience of relaxation and enjoyment, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply the joy of life. Staycation at Four Seasons The Staycation at Four Seasons package is tailored for those who seek a perfect blend of relaxation and family fun. Dive into a weekend filled with culinary delights, rejuvenating spa sessions, and engaging activities for the little ones. What’s Included? Daily Buffet Breakfast at CUR8: Start each day with a lavish breakfast spread, featuring an array of delectable dishes to suit every palate. Buffet Dinner at CUR8: Enjoy …

TravelBullz, a dynamic player in the wholesale travel business and the leading DMC in Southeast Asia, partnered with Scoot, a prominent low-cost carrier renowned for its comprehensive flight services across Southeast Asia, to successfully complete a special familiarization trip aimed at recognizing and rewarding travel agents from Punjab. The trip represented a concerted effort by TravelBullz and Scoot to strengthen relationships with Punjab’s travel industry, offering an immersive experience in two of Thailand’s most vibrant destinations. This strategic initiative included an exclusive journey to Bangkok and Pattaya, designed to enhance agent expertise and stimulate tourism growth from Punjab to Thailand. Selected Punjab travel agents embarked on the familiarization trip on 29th July 2024, gaining new insights and fostering collaboration within the travel industry. Mr. Kanwer Deep Singh, Founder and President of TravelBullz, commented, “This initiative not only recognized Punjab’s travel agents’ dedication but also aimed to empower them with deeper insights into Bangkok and Pattaya. It was a fantastic opportunity to foster greater enthusiasm for Thai tourism.” During the familiarization trip, participants enjoyed guided tours of landmarks, hotel visits and networking with local tourism officials and industry experts. They also experienced Scoot’s seamless connectivity to Thailand, highlighting the airline’s commitment to affordable and convenient travel. Mr. Brian Torrey, General Manager, West Asia & India, Scoot, commented “It was indeed a pleasure to co-host the familiarization trip with TravelBullz focusing on Scoot’s excellent flight connections to Thailand via Singapore. Scoot currently operates flights to 6 destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi and the newly launched flight to Koh Samui, with plans to add more to our flight network in Southeast Asia. The latter 3 destinations are …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Hardeep Singh as Chef de Cuisine. With over a decade of culinary expertise gathered from esteemed brands across India and Dubai, Chef Hardeep brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Starting his culinary journey as a commis chef with Jaypee Hotels in Agra back in 2013, Chef Hardeep steadily ascended through various culinary positions, accumulating a diverse knowledge base along the way. His talent was recognized early on when he achieved the title of First Runner Up at the prestigious AAHAR Delhi food festival while working with Crowne Plaza. He further honed his skills and contributed significantly to the success of renowned restaurants such as JW Marriott’s “K3” and the internationally acclaimed “Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor” at Canvas M Gallery by Accor, Dubai. In his most recent role as Sous Chef at Hyatt Andaz, Chef Hardeep played a pivotal role in elevating their food hall, “Annamaya,” to the status of “Award-Winning Food Hall of the Year.” Throughout his career, Chef Hardeep has remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving the traditional flavors and techniques of Indian cuisine. He adeptly blends these time-honored methods with a modern touch, resulting in innovative and delightful dishes. His passion for exploration extends beyond conventional boundaries, as he continually experiments with new ingredients and local flavors. With a deep-rooted connection to his origins in Punjab and the undivided Punjab Northwest Frontier cuisine, Chef Hardeep’s culinary journey reflects his profound love for Indian cuisine, particularly for its local flavors and traditional cooking. As Chef de Cuisine at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center, Chef Hardeep will oversee …

Having served 11 million passengers, the airline is on its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, celebrates its second anniversary today, marking an extraordinary journey evidenced by significant milestones for any Indian airline in the history of aviation. The airline operated its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, redefining the representation of an Indian airline led by its empathetic service culture, reliable operations and affordable fares. Akasa Air has consistently been India’s most on-time airline. This, together with its operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback has made it the preferred carrier of over 11 million passengers in India since its inception. In line with its endeavour to cater to the growing demand for air travel by connecting people, cultures, and regions, Akasa Air has registered triple-digit growth and continues to be the fastest-growing airline in global aviation history Celebrating the milestone, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said, “Two years ago, we embarked on a journey with a vision to redefine air travel, and today, I can proudly say that we have successfully delivered on our purpose while upholding our commitment to reliability, service excellence and affordability. We offer an unparalleled flying experience with the most comfortable seat in the Indian skies, a fresh in-cabin experience and our carefully curated culinary offerings, delivered by our empathetic crew. In this past year, we have consistently been India’s leader in on-time performance while registering greater operational reliability, and the lowest customer complaints, and cancellations in the industry. These milestones would not have been possible without the dedication of …

The Radisson Blu Hotels & Suites GRT Chennai recently hosted an exceptional gathering, the “GReaT conversations,” an exclusive event curated for top travel procurement leaders from leading corporate houses in Chennai. Held on August 2, 2024, this exclusive event offered a unique platform for thought leadership and industry networking. The evening commenced with an insightful address from the CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Vikram Cotah, who elaborated on transforming the existing hotel to the first Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai in India. He covered the unique design elements inspired by nature, the Hotel’s efforts in taking care of guests’ well-being, sustainable initiatives, and the new wing offering Biophilia suites. Mr. Cotah added, “We have utilized a lot of technology, including AI, to enhance convenience and well-being for our guests. Our biophilia suites are a testament to our commitment to making our hotels more sustainable.” Following the keynote address, we launched our one-of-a-kind “GReaT conversations” evening, an engaging panel discussion. This event demonstrated our commitment to facilitating high-caliber, engaging discussions about our industry and trends. It reinforced our dedication to providing premier hospitality and emphasized our commitment to engaging with our partners to understand new trends and explore ways to work better together. The conversation was moderated by our Vice President Commercial, Mr. Jit Bose, who stated, “The vibrant and insightful panel discussion shed light on future trends in business travel and MICE, which is critical for our hotels to steer future strategies.”

The newly opened Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, is now open and ready for guests who are looking for a unique and adventure-filled vacation experience. Additionally, Zones 6 to 10 are open for safari during the monsoon season Situated in one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, the resort promises an exceptional blend of outdoor excitement and lavish comfort. Named after the picturesque mango tree-lined ravine in the heart of the Ranthambore Sanctuary, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort stands out for its proximity to the park, known for its thriving tiger population. Visitors can expect an extraordinary stay, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with top-tier amenities and services. While winter remains the peak tourist season, Aamaghati offers a magical experience year-round. The monsoon months transform the freshly bathed forest into a lush, green paradise, providing a unique and captivating atmosphere for guests. A blend of historical heritage and innovative Mud architecture. Moored in the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort reflects the legacy of the Chauhan kings of Ranthambore. Thoughtful details throughout the resort, such as naming the bar Johra Bohra and the restaurant Badal Mahal, pay homage to the erstwhile liquor cellars, granaries, and garrison dining hall of the fort. These elements weave the history and legends of the fort into the very fabric of the resort. Mr. Abhishek Hissaria, MD of Aamaghati Resort, adds, “A unique aspect of the 5.3- acre resort is its conceptualization by the pioneers of Mud Architecture, the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath. They utilized a special technique involving mud, cow dung, and lime plaster, along with thatch roofs and bamboo details, minimizing cement usage throughout …