The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, has launched its second property in beautiful Sri Lanka, this move puts the chain well in place to enter into the luxury leisure segment and increase the brands international footprint further. Celestial Hills, a boutique luxury resort, is nestled in the picturesque city of Kandy, the resorts blending in seamlessly with nature, features 11 luxury private villas, each with their own private plunge pools, an outdoor shower and a large balcony all looking into Hatana and Knuckle mountain ranges. The resort also features a local cuisine restaurant, where guests can experience local flavors looking over some fabulous views. The spa, consists of 2 treatment rooms with a range of therapies that our guests can choose from. The pool, nestled in between the trees, is a perfect afternoon spot to relax. The visitors can explore Kandy, which is  a cultural jewel with UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant markets, and tranquil lakes and immerse in a cultural odyssey with the rhythmic beats of Kandyan drums and engagements with local artisans. Mr. Rahul Deb Banerjee, Vice President of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, ‘Our strategy involves both national and international expansion. With our unique property in Sri Lanka, we aim to provide travellers with exceptional experiences. As the Sri Lankan government promotes tourism and domestic interest grows, we anticipate a surge in tourism. We are actively promoting Sri Lanka as our new international destination, offering Indian travellers our renowned hospitality globally.’

In conjunction with the state visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to India, Akasa Air and CFM International today declare an agreement to purchase CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, the sale of which was announced last week. The agreement also includes spare engines and a services contract. The Mumbai-based operator launched its operations in August 2022 and had previously ordered a total of 76 LEAP-1B- powered 737-8 aircraft, of which 22 are currently in service. Mr. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air said, “This significant, long-term agreement is a testament to the confidence that CFM International has in Akasa Air. Continuing to partner with CFM as our engine maintenance provider not only reaffirms our focus on operational reliability but equally underscores Akasa Air’s relentless pursuit of world-class safety.” “With CFM as our long-term engine maintenance provider, we remain confident in our path to becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world, by the turn of this decade”, he added. This new order grows CFM’s footprint in India, with more than 400 CFM-powered aircraft in service and 2,500 LEAP engines in the backlog. Both CFM’s parent companies GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines have also significantly invested in India to build state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to LEAP production and maintenance, while signing strategic partnerships with Indian aerospace companies as part of the “Make in India” policy. Gaël Méheust, president & CEO of CFM International said, “Our customers, including Akasa, are seeing 15 to 20 percent better fuel efficiency with their LEAP-powered fleets and it has the highest reliability and daily utilization rates in this thrust class.” “Today’s order will continue to bring these benefits …

The Lalit has become the first hotel chain globally to have all its hotels accredited by International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGTLA) program. This milestone reflects the group’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. DEI practices have been at the heart and helm of all endeavours at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. The group is one of the first hotel chains in India to have initiated conversations and curated safe spaces for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities across their hotels, restaurants and nightclub. The Lalit is often considered as a leader for the Corporate India as far as DEI initiatives go. There are more than 200 openly LGBTQIA+ team members in The Lalit’s workforce. The group has not only met, but exceeded the IGTLA framework of eight key criteria, namely diversity, equity, inclusivity, policy, community, advocacy, transparency, and sensitivity. Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Hotels stated, “Securing IGLTA accreditation goes beyond recognition; it underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a travel industry that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the freedom to explore without judgment. We’re dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, providing dignified livelihoods, and creating an environment where everyone is genuinely embraced for their authentic selves. This achievement not only fills us with pride as the first global hotel chain to attain it but also positions India as an inclusive nation, ready to elevate LGBTQIA+ tourism experiences.”  

When Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer meets Indian Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra in Zurich, the world sits up and takes notice. After all, not often do you see two dedicated, charming, and passionate sportspersons who’ve done their respective countries proud, occupy the same space! Switzerland Tourism, however, has set the ball rolling by uniting these two great icons who belong to different worlds of sport — Tennis and Javelin Throw — at Zurich’s La Réserve Eden au Lac for a casual and free-flowing conversation. The rendezvous was marked by mutual respect, admiration, and shared stories of triumph and dedication between the two stars. Federer, known for his longevity and prowess on and off the tennis court, warmly welcomed Neeraj who is also Switzerland Tourism’s Friendship Ambassador, to his home country. Neeraj Chopra said, “It’s a dream come true for me to meet Roger Federer here in Zurich. I have always admired his skill, his spirit of true sportsmanship and his ability to inspire millions around the world. Today, however, what inspired me the most was his humility and his easy-going charm that made me feel so comfortable in his presence. We had a wonderful time exchanging notes about our respective passions and life’s experiences on and off the field.” Roger Federer was equally excited meeting Neeraj and shared, “I am amazed by how much Neeraj has achieved personally and for his country through his grit and determination. It’s been great to meet him here in Zurich.” Other than sharing a great love for sports, they also share a common love for Switzerland! Roger Federer is the global ambassador for Switzerland Tourism and Neeraj Chopra is the board’s Friendship Ambassador …

Ivory Destinations Pvt. Ltd. further plans to expand its footprint by opening 2 new leisure properties in the mountain state of Uttarakhand.  The properties with be located in Mukteshwar & Ranikhet and are expected to be operational by 2024 & 2025 respectively. While both will provide a different flavor of the holiday experience, both will be family holiday retreats, like its flagship property The Golden Tusk. The Company also recently concluded expansion in its flagship property The Golden Tusk in Jim Corbett National Park taking its inventory to 64 Suites & Villas. The Golden Tusk, a property spread in over 10 acres of land is located at a short 5-minute drive from the Jhirna & Dhela safari zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The exquisitely landscaped resort is home to exotic flora from across the globe and over 100 species of Birds. With this immersive backdrop of nature, the Resort offers a complete offering guaranteeing a memorable holiday experience to the travelers – wildlife itineraries, excursions, daily in-house activities, play zones, 2 swimming pools, a spa, bar, unique dining venues & banqueting facilities are some such experiences that guests can indulge in. The Resort also adheres to Responsible tourism practices and constantly strives to work closely with local communities and authorities, creating opportunities for the local economy, and implementing systems to optimize its operational footprint. Mr. Anirudh Lakhotia, Director, of Ivory Destination shares, “We feel immensely happy & excited about our plans to open two properties in Uttrakhand which should be the next milestone in our growth story. Our forte is to deliver a unique & memorable holiday experience to leisure travelers and both the new properties will only be a …

To mark its 25th anniversary and to signal its future-driven business approach, Hahnair is introducing a new brand identity. The contemporary logo, vibrant colour palette and visual appearance underscore the company’s position as a global force in aviation distribution and its commitment to taking a leading role in the distribution landscape of the future. The new brand appearance is the first step in a series of new developments to accompany the company’s anniversary celebrations. Kirsten Rehmann, CEO of Hahnair, comments on the company’s past and future developments: “25 years ago, Hahnair transformed airline distribution and moved to become a connecting force between travel agents and airlines. The travel industry has always been competitive and dynamic. We are proud to have been contributing to our partners’ successes over the past two and a half decades and we extend a heartfelt thank you for their trust and collaboration. Our exceptional team of experts has always been supporting them with the right solutions at the right time. It is therefore only a natural continuation of our story to offer airlines and travel agencies smart and forward-looking solutions that equip them for the future. We are proud to be sharing exciting new developments throughout our anniversary year.” In 1999, the founders, Hans Nolte and Nico Gormsen, started Hahnair’s ticketing business to expand airlines’ distribution reach beyond their key markets, while at the same time providing travel agencies around the world with additional ticketing opportunities. Today, the partner portfolio of the distribution specialist spans more than 350 partner airlines and more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. To learn more about Hahnair and its solutions for travel agencies and airlines, visit www.hahnair.com.  

The historic Ram Raja Temple in Orchha celebrated the momentous occasion of Pran Pratishtha, marking the consecration of Lord Shri Ram’s divine presence in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. This unique temple holds a distinctive position as the only place where Lord Shri Ram is worshipped not only as a God but also as a King. Originally the palace of Queen Orchha, the temple’s fascinating history traces back to the 16th century AD as a testament of queen’s profound devotion. When the Chaturbhuj Temple was undergoing its finishing stages, the queen acquired a statue of Lord Shri Ram from the sacred Sarayu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Due to the temple’s ongoing construction at the time, the queen placed the statue in the palace’s kitchen overnight. Miraculously, the next day, Lord Ram refused to be moved from that spot, turning the palace into a divine temple. Since that miraculous day, the Ram Raja Temple has been witness to the daily Guard of Honour bestowed upon King Shri Ram, emphasizing the unique dual role of the deity as both a divine figure and a royal sovereign. Under the dedicated leadership of Commissioner Smt. Urmila Shukla, the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums, Government of Madhya Pradesh, has been steadfast in its efforts to preserve and protect the rich cultural and heritage assets of Orchha. The Directorate’s commitment extends to safeguarding prestigious monuments such as the Chaturbhuj Temple, Jahangir Mahal, Cenotaphs of Orchha, Raja Mahal, Laxmi Temple, and numerous other historical marvels. The Directorate of Archaeology has garnered commendable recognition for its relentless work in the conservation and preservation of the state’s monuments and artifacts. Smt Urmila Shukla’s leadership has been instrumental …

Noida International Airport today entered a strategic collaboration with Akasa Air, to support each other in their growth journeys. Akasa Air will base aircraft at the airport to operate domestic and international flights from Noida International Airport, to support the growing air travel demand in the region. India has witnessed a surge in passenger traffic in recent times, and this is poised to grow further in the years ahead. Noida International Airport and Akasa Air share a commitment to supporting this growth by deepening air connectivity from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh to India and the world. Mr. Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, said, “We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as our airline partner, marking a significant step forward as we progress towards airport opening. This partnership highlights our commitment to strengthen air connectivity in the Delhi NCR region and Western Uttar Pradesh. Akasa Air is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the country, and we are thrilled to have them join us on our mission to establish a comprehensive air network, connecting major metros as well as Tier 2 and 3 cities across the country. Our goal remains to offer passengers unmatched connectivity and an exceptional travel experience.” Commenting on the occasion, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said,” “Noida International airport exemplifies our government’s focus on developing aviation infrastructure as the country moves towards becoming an international aviation hub. Akasa Air’s proposed partnership with the airport is in line with our endeavour to build a holistic network that connects the length and breadth of the nation. We are confident that the synergy will enable us to further fortify connectivity to and from …

In an eagerly anticipated announcement, the theme for Taj Mahotsav 2024 is revealed as ‘Sanskriti & Samriddhi,’ echoing the profound connection between culture and prosperity. Under the patronage of the Uttar Pradesh Government and organised by the Taj Mahotsav Committee, this festival stands as a legacy initiative, celebrating the rich roots of Indian heritage. As a tradition, the Taj Mahotsav’s Management Jury invited the public to contribute ideas for this year’s theme. The response has been overwhelming, showcasing the enthusiasm and creative spirit of the community. After careful consideration, the theme ‘Sanskriti & Samriddhi’ was selected to encapsulate the essence of cultural richness intertwined with prosperity. The associated slogan, “Viksit Bharat Ke Sankalp Sang, Taj Mahotsav Ke Rang,” reflects a commitment to the development of an evolved India and the vibrancy that Taj Mahotsav brings to this shared vision. The chosen individual/entity whose theme suggestion has been selected will be honoured with a token of appreciation amounting to ₹10,000, a gesture of gratitude for their contribution to this cultural extravaganza. The deadline for theme submissions was January 15th, 5 PM. Revised dates for the mega festival have been announced, with Taj Mahotsav 2024 commencing on February 17th and continuing until February 27th, ‘24. This extension promises an extended period of revelry and cultural immersion for both locals and visitors. Anticipating the excitement, the Taj Mahotsav 2024 has lined up a spectacular array of events, including a Kite Festival, Hot Air Balloon rides, Musical Performances, and captivating showcases of various art forms, encompassing dance and handicrafts. Bollywood & Punjabi Nights will add a glamorous touch to the festivities. Moreover, a mesmerising light show has been planned, promising to enhance the grandeur …

Signs multiple hotels with Bangalore-based Grand Continent Hotels  India’s fastest growing group of hotels, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts declare its latest business model – A Sarovar Affiliate,  a model that will position the group on a rapid trajectory of growth and expansion to meet its business plan for the next five years. with the launch of this model, the group foresees bringing a large number of hotels into its existing portfolio within the mid-market and premium categories across India. The first agreement in this direction has been signed with Bengaluru-based Grand Continent Hotels to manage its upcoming hotels across key metropolitan and secondary cities pan India. With this development, Sarovar will add over 10 hotels in the next five years to its proliferating portfolio. The recently opened hotels include a 45-room hotel Grand Continent Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and a 48-room hotel Grand Continent Hebbal, Bengaluru. Under the new agreement, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts will extend robust sales and marketing support to Grand Continent Hotels which stand to gain from Sarovar’s wide network of Regional Sales Offices (RSOs) across eleven cities and Louvre’s global distribution platform. Mr. Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director, Louvre Hotels India said, “We are pleased to introduce a flexible, limited-services and bespoke model that addresses the paradigm shift being experienced globally. Businesses are exploring and discovering possibilities of alliances and partnership opportunities which forge businesses on a fast track and offer scalability and our Affiliate business model is an important step in this direction.” Mr. Ramesh Shiva, Managing Director Grand Continent Hotels Pvt Ltd Said, “We are excited to partner with Sarovar Hotels & Resorts which enjoys a legacy of size …