Marking a significant milestone in the global travel and tourism sector, the Osaka Group, a prominent player in travel management with over 30 years of experience, officially launched its state-of-the-art corporate office and new digital platform, OsakaConnect.com, in Angamaly, Kochi. This venture is set to redefine the travel industry by introducing the world’s first travel hypermarket, akin to the Amazon model, and aims to cater to Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Enterprise (B2E) clients through a unified platform offering a vast array of 24 travel products. The inauguration was led by Dr. P. B. Boss, Chairman of the Osaka Group, alongside Directors Dr. Bissy Boss and Athul Boss, showcasing a 9,500-square-foot corporate office dedicated to OsakaConnect.com. This strategic expansion supports Osaka Group’s ambitious vision of becoming a multinational travel company, with plans to establish offices in five international locations, including the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia, and Japan, along with 18 branches across India by 2025. Features and Vision of OsakaConnect.com – Designed to elevate the customer experience, OsakaConnect.com offers a one-stop platform with access to 1.8 million hotel bookings, global transportation options, airport lounges, eSIM cards, world tours, and cruise bookings, all supported by 24-hour backend assistance. This first phase focuses on serving B2B and B2E clients by providing streamlined, customized travel solutions. Emphasizing Osaka Group’s commitment to innovation, Dr. Boss stated, “Through OsakaConnect.com, we aim to set new standards in the travel industry by integrating cutting-edge digital technology and delivering a client-centric service mission.” With a vision to establish “the world’s first travel hypermarket,” OsakaConnect.com promises seamless access to comprehensive travel services under one roof, revolutionizing the travel experience for both corporate and individual clients alike. About Osaka Group – …

TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality chain owned by Karma Hospitality LLP, today announced the launch of hi-way MOTELS, the latest addition to its brand portfolio encompassing The Luxury Villa Collection, TreeHouse Exotic, TreeHouse, Nest by TreeHouse, and now hi-way MOTELS. The new brand is designed to cater to the burgeoning Indian road travel market. India boasts the second-largest road network globally, fostering connectivity across the country. This vast network, coupled with a rapidly growing automotive industry, presents a significant opportunity for budget-friendly lodging options. hi-way MOTELS will offer conveniently located properties along highways and expressways, near smaller towns, or on the bypasses of major cities. These modular built motels will be  ground-plus-one structures featuring comfortable rooms with premium bedding, modern bathrooms, places to relax and unwind after a long drive. Especially designed family rooms with bunk beds for children. Complimentary parking for resident guests. The motels will be efficiently designed to provide great returns for our partner investors. hi-way MOTELS will cater to the evolving needs of travelers by offering EV charging stations, food and beverage options like “hi-way Dhaba” restaurants, and partnered with rental retail outlets, and ATMs of partner banks. Additionally, the brand will provide paid parking, car wash facilities, and flexible banquet spaces for renting. Ajay Mehtani, Partner, TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, said “TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts’ decision to enter the motel space is a strategic move that capitalizes on a significant gap in the Indian hospitality sector. hi-way MOTELS by TreeHouse Hotels focus on affordability, convenience, and modern amenities positions it to cater to the growing demand for comfortable and budget-friendly road trip accommodations. We are currently in discussions with potential partners who have land parcels of anywhere between …

If you’re planning a festive escape to the Maldives with your family, the Beach Residences at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers the perfect retreat to unwind and reconnect. These exquisite villa residences provide a harmonious blend of seclusion and luxury, featuring breathtaking ocean views and direct access to the famed Maldivian waters. Spaciously designed to accommodate both families and couples, each residence ensures privacy while catering to your every need with modern amenities and personalised services. You can spend sun-drenched days lounging by their private pool or snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs just steps from their door. Enjoy delightful family meals crafted from fresh local ingredients, all while basking in the sun on your secluded deck. RAAYA Residence by RAAYA By Atmosphere Maldives takes the concept of a beach residence to new heights. Nestled near a tranquil mangrove, this villa boasts a spacious suite designed for comfort and relaxation. The suite feature a private infinity pool, ocean-facing decks, and a terrace with a cozy daybed, allowing guests to unwind in harmony with nature. The thoughtful design and luxurious finishes create a welcoming ambiance that enhances your stay. As Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch, General Manager, RAAYA by Atmosphere notes, “Our goal is to make our guests feel completely at ease, immersed in elegance and tranquility. Every aspect of the RAAYA Residence has been crafted to harmonize relaxation and indulgence, creating an experience where each stay becomes an extraordinary retreat to paradise.” The Kanifushi Residence at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a delightful mix of privacy and indulgence, enhanced by exceptional personalised service. Accommodating up to five adults and three children, this luxurious villa features a freeform swimming pool with a shallow …

All India ; 4.11.24 ; In 2024 a record number of professionals from India’s MICE industry received certificates on completing a unique training program by The Moscow City Tourism Committee A new stream of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors online certification program was launched by The Moscow City Tourism Committee on June 3, 2024 and successfully completed on November 1 by 200 professionals from India’s MICE industry who received their certificates. Notably the course is still available for specialists joining the program later. The top graduates of the 2024 edition of the program will be awarded at a special ceremony in Moscow. They are also invited to attend the Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition, which will be held in Moscow from December 16 to 17. Five in-depth modules are available to program participants, introducing them to the opportunities of Moscow as a top destination for MICE events. Specifically, as part of the course, MICE specialists receive detailed information about Moscow’s cultural and historical attractions, learn about the best hotels in the Russian capital and the services they provide, and also get acquainted with the intricacies of organizing business trips to Moscow. In addition, all participants receive further recommendations on promoting Moscow among corporate clients in India. One of the program participants, a representative of Vayu Seva Tours & Travels Pvt. ,Sajjan K. Gupta, noted that the in-depth training sessions that showcased innovative approaches to event planning in Moscow, highlighting its world-class infrastructure and unique cultural offerings were especially valuable. In turn, the founder of Vima holidays, Vishakha Sethi Kotyan, reported that during the training he was able to learn detailed up-to-date information regarding entry rules for Indian citizens, specifically about …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Services Association (ASA) are strengthening their collaboration to improve ground handling safety and efficiency. Together, the organizations will work to reinforce standardization, promote safety data sharing, and explore new approaches to enhance sector resilience. “Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximizing the impact of data relies on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective insights,” said Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security at IATA. Fabio Gamba, ASA’s Director General said, “This partnership is a significant milestone that leverages the expertise of both IATA and ASA. By coordinating our approach, we will ensure more robust support for ground and cargo handling professionals worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that standards and best practices are in place that the entire industry can rely on”. IATA and ASA collaboration will include: Safety Data: Through ASA’s Safety Incident Database and IATA’s Incident Data Exchange (a part of IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management – GADM – initiative), both organizations will share and analyze safety information to proactively address safety issues related to ground and cargo handling. Industry Standards: ASA will continue to work with IATA in the development of industry best practices and standards related to ground and cargo handling, taking advantage of relevant data. In particular, this work will focus on key documents such as the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), their adoption by the industry and reduction of variations.

66.1% increase in 3Q 2024 net profit at KD 11.6 million, passenger numbers grow to 1.4 million 9M 2024 net profit up 8.2% to KD 14.4 million Kuwait, Jazeera Airways today announced a strong set of financial results for the third quarter of 2024, achieving a net profit of KD 11.6 million—and posting a 66.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Group operating revenue also saw growth, reaching KD 64.6 million, reflecting a 5.7% increase. Fueled by strong summer travel demand, passenger traffic grew to 1.4 million, representing a 1.8% increase from 3Q 2023, with load factors at 80.6%. The increased passenger numbers and passenger mix led to a 5.8% revenue increase at Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5). Jazeera Airways’ performance for the nine months of 2024 demonstrates continued momentum, with operating revenues climbing 2.9% to KD 163.5 million. EBIT rose by 14.5% to KD 20.7 million, while passenger traffic for the nine-month period reached 3.7 million, a 3.9% increase, with a load factor of 78.1%. Financial and Operational Highlights 3Q 2024 Operating revenue: KD 64.6 million, up 5.7% from 3Q 2023  EBIT: KD 12.7million, up 45.4% from 3Q 2023 Net profit: KD 11.6 million, up 66.1% from 3Q 2023 Passengers: 1.4 million, up 1.8% from 3Q 2023 Load factor: 80.6% 9M 2024 Operating revenue: KD 163.5 million, up 2.9% from 9M 2023 EBIT: KD 20.7 million, up 14.5% from 9M 2023 Net profit: KD 14.4 million, up 8.2% from 9M 2023 Passengers: 3.7 million, up 3.9% from 9M 2023 Load factor: 78.1% Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways, said: ” Our results for the third quarter of this year reflect our unwavering commitment to enhancing connectivity through Kuwait’s …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future.” Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Imagine this: the golden age of seafaring, sails billowing on the horizon, and the unmistakable scent of exotic spices drifting through the air. Nautilus Bar from Four Seasons Jakarta is bringing this nostalgia to Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s very own Copitas on the 15th of November, offering a spirited cocktail adventure that captures the essence of Jakarta’s historic spice trade. Led by the charismatic Bar Manager Julian Brigget, the event promises to be a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair – in line with Copitas’s ethos and a menu inspired by Jakarta’s legendary spice routes. At the helm of this takeover is Julian Brigget, the Bar Manager at Nautilus Bar, whose expertise in mixology is known far and wide. Julian, with his award-winning skills that put Nautilus among Indonesia’s Top 10 Bars by T+L Tastemakers 2023, will be shaking things up with an inventive cocktail menu that pays homage to the legacy of Indonesia’s spice trade. Alongside him, Bagus, Nautilus' skilled bartender, will be lending his craft and creativity to the evening, ensuring each sip is a journey back to the days when spices were worth their weight in gold. Guests can look forward to Lada, a bold, pepper-infused creation that captures the vibrant essence of Indonesian spices. The Red Pearl offers another pepper-forward twist, showcasing the aromatic depth of this quintessential ingredient. Honey Me brings warmth and comfort to the table, featuring a delightful infusion of cinnamon that’s both sweet and inviting, while the Koko Pala pays tribute to one of Indonesia’s most renowned exports—nutmeg—delivering rich, earthy notes that transport guests to the heart of the spice islands. For one night only, patrons can immerse themselves in the …

Evoke Experiences, a leading experimental hospitality company, is proud to announce the much-anticipated Rann Utsav 2024 – The Tent City, set to begin on November 11, 2024 in Kutch, Gujarat. A much-awaited annual affair, which has placed the Kutch region in the map of global tourism, this year’s event promises a grander, more immersive experience, featuring over 400 luxurious tents and welcoming an expected around 50,000 guests throughout the festival. Kutch is one of the most ecologically and culturally diverse districts in the state, and the Rann Utsav is a vibrant celebration of its art, crafts, music, dance, local tradition and natural beauty. For the first time, Evoke Experiences will not only operate and manage The Tent City but will also oversee the market, branding, and entertainment services at the renowned Rann Utsav. This expansion marks the beginning of an exciting seven-year partnership, with Evoke Experiences confirmed to manage Rann Utsav’s operations through 2031. Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, shared his excitement for this year’s festival: “Rann Utsav 2024 represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. We are honored to not only host The Tent City but also manage the market and entertainment services. With our commitment to sustainability and community development, we look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the progress of Dhordo and the Kutch region.” Held annually in the enchanting Dhordo village, nestled within the expansive Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav has become a globally renowned cultural festival. Dhordo was recently honored with the prestigious “Best Tourism Village” (BTV) by the United Nations, making it the only village in India to receive this accolade. This year’s Rann Utsav will once again serve as …

~The awards were recognised in different categories including Sustainable leadership, Sustainable experiences & Sustainability Champions~ Famously called the abode of clouds, the state Meghalaya flaunts its beauty with windswept table-top mountains and lush green forests with spellbound streams and waterfalls. The rich culture and tradition of Garo, Khasi & Jaintia tribes, and their peaceful co-existence with nature contributes to the charm of the state. The shining bright example of this harmony is the Living Root bridges in our state. These bridges are shaped by our communities by manipulating the roots across a river or stream creating an out-worldly illusion enough to enchant anyone who visits these places. There are many such places defining tourism in Meghalaya. However, the culture and warmth of our people is the basis of our tourism efforts and hence the key USP. The state’s commitment to responsible travel practices has earned its recognition at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024. It may be mentioned that the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024, organised by the Department of Tourism in Meghalaya in collaboration with Outlook Group, in order to observe World Tourism Day. This state-level award is an effort of the Tourism Department in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, in line with the Meghalaya Tourism Policy of 2023. At the awards, Sieng Riti Institute, founded by Shri Snar Singh Malngiang, was awarded Gold in Sustainable Leadership Cultural Ambassadors. Sharing his testament, he said, “The sole objective of Sieng Riti Institute when we formed was based on three pillars – Learn Preserve and Impart. The Institute imparts training in traditional music, customs, and usages based on indigenous knowledge and practices, to preserve, protect and promote …