Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President, Clarks Safari  India is blessed with a varied landscape and architectural marvels, most travelers visit India to experience heritage or spiritual tourism apart from being a favorite destination for leisure and business travel. The hospitality sector is a billion-dollar industry and gives employment to 137 billion individuals. Last year’s budget was promising, with the announcement of opening up 220 airports by 2025, the allotment of 2.4 lakh crores to Indian railways capital expenditure, and increasing coastal shipping using India’s eastern and western shipping lines, boosting the tourism sector. With the 2024-2025 budget in the pipeline, there are a lot of expectations within the industry. The sector only has 1,90,000 branded rooms which is significantly lower than the other Asian counterparts. China has nine times more branded rooms than us. The industry needs more foreign investments and big chains setting up properties in India. Too much of licenses are acting as dampeners, it is essential to have one clearance window, to support ease of doing business and to encourage new players to enter the sector. This will lead to the expansion of the hotel industry and more inflow of international tourists. For long, the industry has been struggling to get industry status, rationalize taxes, and easier loan conditions for small and medium properties. We are hoping this budget will address a few of those issues. It is high time the indirect taxes especially the goods and services taxes need to be standardized as per global standards. All across the globe the GST charged is 12%, whereas in India we charge 18% GST, this leads to the driving of the room tariffs. This will make India globally …

Spree Hospitality, a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip and a distinguished name in the hospitality industry announces the grand opening of its latest addition, Zip by Spree Hotels located in the serene city of Gangtok, Sikkim. This new establishment reflects Spree Hospitality’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and redefining luxury for its valued guests. Zip By Spree Hotels is located on Tibet Road, representing an enchanting blend of sophistication, efficiency, and modern comfort. Its strategic location, just a short walk from MG Marg, enhances the guest experience with the added convenience of exploring the vibrant heart of the city. The hotel boasts an impressive array of spacious and state-of-the-art rooms, meticulously designed to provide an outstanding staying experience. Each room is a beautiful combination of modern aesthetics and traditional warmth, ensuring a retreat of comfort for every guest. Adding a unique touch to the offerings is the Chesum Temple Room, a distinctive Buddhist Temple room where guests can engage themselves in prayer and immerse themselves in a tranquil cultural experience. Zip by Spree Hotels, offers an enchanting rooftop restaurant, Treat, providing a panoramic view of the mountainous city; nestled in the heart of Sikkim. Here, guests can indulge in a diverse culinary experience while relishing the breathtaking views that define Gangtok’s landscape. Mr. Sagar Khurana, Executive Vice President, Spree Hospitality said, Expressing his excitement about the new launch, “As we unveil Zip By Spree Hotels in Gangtok, we are not just introducing a new destination; we are presenting an immersive experience where modern luxury meets the cultural richness of Sikkim. The unique blend of comfort, the stunning rooftop views, and our exclusive Buddhist Temple room exemplify Spree Hospitality’s unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable …

Brij Hotels organized a specially Curated wellness retreat for wellness travelers, and corporate guests in association with Sarvesh Shashi, a celebrity yoga guru and the visionary founder of Diva Yoga. This retreat was organized at the Brij Bageecha, an experiential property nestled in the serene landscapes of Kukas, Rajasthan. The retreat was attended by celebrities like Harleen Sethi, Regina Cassandra, and Deepti Alapati. This retreat was meticulously crafted to provide participants with a holistic experience, seamlessly blending various wellness practices. Through yoga, meditation, creative activities, and a supportive community of like-minded individuals, the retreat aimed to foster rejuvenation and personal well-being. There were several activities such as nada meditation, journaling, hatha yoga, sound healing, and kindness meditation planned to bring balance between mind and body.  To get the digestive system in order a sattvic diet was designed, based on the ancient Ayurvedic principles that were strictly followed. Anant Kumar Co-Founder Brij Hospitality shares, “We are immensely pleased with the response our wellness retreat garnered. We have consciously designed our garden resort to provide a unique and immersive experience, with a focus on seamlessly merging nature, wellness, and relaxation. The property is surrounded by lush greenery, water bodies, orchards in bloom, an organic vegetable farm and manicured lawns. This helps our guests in disconnecting from the virtual world and reconnecting with the self, to get their natural balance back. We further plan to conduct such retreats on Brij’s other properties.” Brij Bageecha Kukas has 20 spacious and tastefully designed Villa Suites, that feature indigenous elements of the finest that Jaipur has to offer. Villa offers a lake view from private verandas, ensuite he/she washrooms, individual shower area, rooms with a view …

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts declare the opening of  Tulip Inn in the pilgrimage city of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The hotel is the second Tulip Inn branded hotel in India following a successfully operational hotel in Koramangala, Bengaluru and the latest addition to Sarovar’s existing pilgrimage portfolio of 09 hotels across leading pilgrimage destinations including Haridwar, Katra, Bodhgaya, Tirupati, Amritsar, Pavagadh, Badrinath, Ayodhya and Vrindavan. The opening is aligned to Sarovar’s strategy of expanding its footprint and driving growth across popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations. Located near Airport Chouraha, Katra Balrampur – Bahraich Highway, the hotel is 18 km from Balrampur railway station and can be accessed via the nearest airport Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. Nestled in Tarai region, the hotel features 71 rooms and suites that epitomize modern-day comfort, Tulipe Inn – an all-day dining restaurant, an expansive banquet hall with an attached lawn, swimming pool and fitness center. Mr. Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director Louvre Hotels India said, “We are excited to enter into a partnership with Orison Hotel & Resort and express our deep gratitude to Dr. Anil Kedia and Dr. SK Verma for reposing trust in us with their flagship hotel. We stand committed to preserving and celebrating the cultural ethos of the region while offering a contemporary and world-class hospitality experience.” Dr. Anil Kedia said, “With Tulip Inn opening we intend to fill the gap for quality accommodation in one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations. We look forward to welcoming pilgrims from diverse backgrounds looking for comfortable and relaxed stays while discovering the scenic beauty of the Shravasti and seeking spiritual growth and …

Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, has once again been listed among the world’s safest airlines for 2024 by Airline Ratings, the renowned airline safety and product rating website. Additionally, Vietjet has consistently held a seven-star rating, the highest level for aviation safety globally, since 2018. In its annual evaluation, Airline Ratings monitored 385 global airlines, considering the airlines’ incident records in recent years, fleet age, results of audits conducted by the governing body of aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other aviation authorities. Vietjet, along with other notable low-cost peers worldwide such as Ryanair, easyJet, Frontier, etc., has been honoured in the top 10 for many consecutive years, recognizing their excellent performance in flight safety for both flight crews and passengers. Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings.com, said, “Vietjet’s dedication to maintaining a culture of safety across all aspects of operations is commendable, especially as it actively expands its flight network. The implementation of a robust safety management system and strict compliance with international regulations have contributed to the airline’s excellent technical reliability indicators, ensuring the highest level of safety in its operations for many years.” Vietjet continues to add new aircraft to its modern and fuel-efficient fleet, boasting a technical reliability rate of 99.72% among top operators in the region and the world. The airline invests continuously in training, aircraft engineering, and MRO services to ensure the highest standard in terms of safety and quality. In recent developments, Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) has officially become a training partner of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure a high-quality aviation workforce.

Türkiye’s Eastern Express, one of the world’s finest railway routes provide an unforgettable journey from the center to the east of Türkiye, started welcoming its passengers. As a route that every adventure seeker visiting Türkiye should experience, the Eastern Express recently completed its first service of the 2023-2024 period. Spanning approximately 1,310 kilometers, the train journey begins in Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, continues to Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, and concludes in Kars. Taking around 26 hours, the trip allows passengers to observe the diverse geography of Türkiye along the route and see how the eastern provinces transform into extraordinary winter destinations during the season. A ‘One-of-a-kind’ adventure Two separate trains operate on the Ankara-Kars route, the Eastern Express and the Touristic Eastern Express. The Eastern Express grew so popular recently that a touristic version was added to the route in 2019 to meet demand. The Eastern Express features pullman and couchette wagons and has approximately 50 stops, whereas the Touristic Eastern Express includes sleeping and dining wagons and has 29 stops. While the Eastern Express has limited break times, the Touristic Eastern Express has two- to three-hour breaks so passengers can see more along the route. The Touristic Eastern Express’s new season service makes sightseeing stops at the Erzincan and Erzurum stations in the Ankara-Kars direction and at the İliç, Divriği and Sivas stations in the Kars-Ankara direction, which is the return route. The Touristic Eastern Express has eight sleeping beds and one dining car, which are pretty comfortable. Each sleeping car has ten compartments (rooms) with two beds. Although passengers can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the dining car, a growing trend – influenced by social media – …

In a ceremony brimming with global aspirations, the Osaka Group proudly unveiled its newest branch in London, UK, on Sunday, December 31, 2023. This strategic move marks a pivotal milestone in the Group’s ambitious “Vision 2025” plan, fueled by a burning desire to achieve multinational status and establish a presence across all continents. The virtual inauguration was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, each provide their well wishes and highlighting the significance of this expansion. Honorable Sri. P Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir of the Kerala Government, officially inaugurated the branch, commending the Group’s dedication to excellence and its contribution to Kerala’s economic future. He expressed confidence in Osaka Group’s ability to not only thrive in the UK market but also become global ambassadors for the state. Smt. Gita Krishnankutty, Head of Investment at the UK Department for Business and Trade, delivered the keynote address, warmly welcoming Osaka Group to the UK. She praised the Group’s expertise and focus on unparalleled service, noting how it aligns perfectly with the UK’s vision for a thriving tourism sector. Expressing excitement for the partnership, she looked forward to a mutually beneficial relationship. Dr. P B Boss, Chairman and Managing Director of Osaka Group, delivered a visionary address that resonated with the audience. He emphasized that the London inauguration was not just about opening a new office, but about planting the seeds for a global Osaka Group. By 2025, he envisioned a world where the Group’s name would be synonymous with exceptional travel experiences, wherever one might go. London, he declared, was a crucial step in that direction, and the Group was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay …

Cruise, Offbeat and Rural tourism to be integral part of 2024 trajectory  In an effort to boost tourism the Madhya Pradesh government has mapped an innovative strategy for 2024. Besides introducing new elements, the government plans to revamp and broaden the existing schemes to add more vibrancy to the sector. Cruise tourism, all women rides, safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla Principal Secretary Tourism said, “We designed a multi-pronged strategy for tourism in 2023.  In 2024, the plan is to make it more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly and adventure packed.” Cruise Tourism, New Trails Mr. Shukla who is also the Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board said, “We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The multi-option, multi-destination cruises, will be punctuated with rural experiences in between the two destinations. Elaborating on other cruise projects lined up for 2024 Shukla said that plans were afoot to link the Rajhat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. “Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024,” he added. Intra-state cruises from Miakal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district, Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar are also on the anvil. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be given a facelift by adding new experiences. Identifying and developing new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks/Sanctuaries …

The Lalit Group, a trailblazer in luxury hospitality, successfully concluded its much-anticipated ‘Elphie’s Celebration Parade’ on Christmas Day. This one-of-a-kind event, a revitalized version of the iconic ‘Santa’s Fun Parade,’ unfolded as a magical journey of inclusivity, diversity, and boundless cheer. The parade, featuring Elphie, our vibrant mascot of inclusivity in rainbow hues, encapsulated the spirit of celebration without boundaries. In line with our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Elphie welcomed all, transcending differences of religion, caste, gender, and sexual preferences. The festivities commenced with Elphie traversing the city in a lively convoy, spreading joy and distributing sweets, candies, cookies, cakes, and special Elphie Books to children. Accompanied by bikers sporting The Lalit T-Shirts, the parade car weaved through a carefully planned route, sharing the holiday spirit starting from the main lobby of the hotel moving towards the International Airport onwards to Chakala and covering neighbouring areas of Marol Naka and finally returning to The Lalit Mumbai. Elphie’s Celebration Parade was not just an event; it was a manifestation of the Groups commitment to fostering joy, unity, and diversity. The overwhelming response from the community reflected the success of these endeavors. The Lalit Group extends heartfelt gratitude to the community, participants, and media for contributing to the success of Elphie’s Celebration Parade. The event epitomized The Lalit Group’s ethos of creating memorable experiences that resonate with the spirit of togetherness.

The Indian hotel industry anticipates a robust fiscal year in 2024, with double-digit revenue growth, according to ICRA. The growth will be attributed to a combination of domestic and international factors, especially in the latter half of the fiscal year. Premium hotels in India are forecasted to achieve occupancy rates of around 70–72%, marking a significant recovery. Average room rates for these hotels are projected to be in the range of Rs. 6,000–6,200, maintaining a 20–25% discount relative to the FY2008 peak. Despite healthy occupancy, slight margin dips are anticipated in FY2024 due to extensive renovation and maintenance activities undertaken by hotels, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Safari shares key insights on 2024 hospitality trends., He believes the key metro cities will again lead to an increase in tourism due to MICE, business travellers, etc. The majority of the revenue in the tourism sector will flow from domestic travellers, but international travel will also pick up. At the same time, experiential travel and tier-2 cities will also witness a tourist surge due to infrastructural development. Technology will play a bigger role, and even boutique hotels will strengthen their IT infrastructure, to generate more footfalls. He further adds, “Tourists are becoming more aware of their preferences and choices, adventure tourism will witness a surge. The existing national parks infrastructure will be improved and a few new parks might open up. Wildlife tourism will attract more domestic and international tourists. With the opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, spiritual tourism will see a boost.  Also, sustainability will no longer remain a PR activity. The way climate concerns are being raised, and sustainable efforts are taken by the …