The PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) is going to organise ‘फन-Tastic 2025,’ an exclusive meet on live entertainment, events and weddings at PHD House; Co-powered by Sun TV and Supported by Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA). This day-long summit will bring together leading policymakers, entertainment technologists, wedding /event planners and live performers to explore innovation, intellectual property, and sustainability in India’s rapidly growing live entertainment and events ecosystem. The summit will be inaugurated by Kapil Mishra, Tourism Minister, Delhi,  who will deliver the keynote address and emphasise Delhi’s potential to emerge as the premier destination for live entertainment, events and weddings in India. Rajeev Jain, Chair, PHDCCI Entertainment Committee, highlighted the industry’s transformative impact, “Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘Concert Economy,’ we take immense pride in how India’s live entertainment, weddings, and large-scale events from Diljit Dosanjh’s performances to the Ambani wedding to Coldplay’s India tour are not just entertainment spectacles but economic drivers that boost tourism and public revenue. With strong government collaboration, Delhi can be positioned as the epicentre of India’s Event Economy.” Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, added, “Under the dynamic leadership of Hemant Jain, President, and Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI this initiative marks a new chapter for the industry. With the guidance of Rajeev Jain, this platform will unite top voices across sectors to shape a stronger, more impactful future.” She further added that, ‘फन-Tastic 2025’ is more than a summit it is a defining moment for India’s live entertainment and event economy. The glittering participation at PHDCCI फन-Tastic will include an exclusive Funtastic Chat with Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder, Wizcraft Group, who will share insights …

Go Asia (goasia.ph), a destination management company for the Philippines, announced its entry into the Indian B2B travel market. Strengthening its presence in India, has appointed Global India Reps, as its exclusive Marketing Partner for India! With this strategic partnership, Go Asia aims to offer tailor-made travel experiences, reliable ground operations, and curated destination services in the Philippines – including leisure, MICE, honeymoon, and group travel segments to Indian tour operators and travel agents. Sonia Mansukhani, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, goasia.ph, says “India is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing outbound markets, and we are thrilled to enter this space with a trusted partner like Global India Reps. Their strong trade relationships, inground presence, and proven track record make them the perfect ally to position the Philippines as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.” Ashish Saran, Co-Founder and Business Head, Global India Reps added, “We are proud to represent Go Asia in India and to introduce the Philippines as vibrant, diverse, and value-driven destination.”

DEX Group marked the successful completion of its first year in Thailand. The company currently represents ITA Airways, Air Calin & EXPEDIA-TAAP as their GSA, driving growth, visibility, and bookings across the Thai market. Over the past year, DEX Group has built a robust sales and service infrastructure in Bangkok, providing end-to-end airline management services. From trade and corporate sales to customer service, marketing, and regulatory support, the Group has replicated its successful India-based GSA model in Thailand with seamless execution and impactful results. “We entered Thailand with a clear commitment to deliver professional, transparent, and trustworthy GSA services, just as we have done in India for nearly 60 years. Our progress this past year has validated that vision, and we are thrilled to be making a mark with global partners like ITA Airways, Air Calin, and Expedia TAAP” said Vidur Singal, Director & Head (Overseas Operations), DEX Group. DEX Group is the appointed GSA for ITA Airways—operates  5 weekly flights on Rome-Bangkok-Rome route, Air Calin—operates 2 weekly flights on Paris-Bangkok-Nouméa (New Caledonia) route and Expedia TAAP—continues with Year-on-Year growth. DEX Group is accelerating its global footprint and has established office in Dubai (UAE) with office in KSA to follow soon. With strategic plans to scale in high-potential markets like KSA and other GCC regions, DEX Group aims to extend its proven GSA capabilities and expertise to partners seeking efficient and effective representation in these dynamic travel economies. “As we expand into UAE and Saudi Arabia, our focus remains clear—delivering results through deep market understanding, ethical practices, and strong industry relationships,” said Virender Singal, Managing Director, DEX Group. With offices in key Indian Metro cities followed by offices in Bangkok …

Marriott International announced that Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia has been conferred the Bharat Gaurav Award 2025, at a stellar ceremony hosted at the House of Commons, British Parliament in London. This national level honour recognises individuals who have made significant contributions towards nation building through their professional excellence and personal integrity. This award comes with a legacy of esteemed awardees such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, and Indra Nooyi. Held annually, the Bharat Gaurav Awards celebrates those who exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to societal impact. This year, Ranju was recognised not only for her stellar contribution to the hospitality sector but also for her unwavering focus on diversity, inclusion and people-first leadership. With almost three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranju has played a pivotal role in shaping Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio, leading with the mantra—’Pursuit of excellence with humility in leadership.’ She has consistently broken barriers and set benchmarks as one of the few women leaders in the hospitality sector, inspiring future generations with her strategic vision, empathic leadership, and steadfast advocacy for gender equity in the workplace. A true change-maker, Ranju has led several pathbreaking initiatives aimed at cultivating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Among these is Project Pranita, an industry-first initiative launched under her guidance to increase the representation of women in leadership roles across Marriott hotels in India. The program focuses on structured mentorship, upskilling, and career acceleration for women associates, resulting in a tangible rise in women leaders within the organisation. In addition, she has championed a number of employee-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, promote inclusion, and support the hiring and integration of …

India has become the world’s 3rd largest air travel market, climbing from 8th in 2014, as per IATA. Driven by affordable airfare policies, domestic air travel surged 129% over the decade, far outpacing global growth at 61%. As a result, domestic travel accounts for 78% of India’s total origin-destination departures, up from 72% to 78%.

Gujarat has become the first state to join the Cruise Bharat Mission, signalling its commitment to boost maritime tourism. It positions the state as a frontrunner in India’s coastal development. The mission aims to increase sea cruise traffic 10-fold by 2029, propelling India toward becoming a globally competitive cruise tourism destination.

ITB India will organise its 4th edition at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from 2 to 4 Sept under the theme ‘Business of experience: Curated travel for targeted growth.’ Darren Seah, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, said they are expecting over 400 exhibitors, 600 buyers and around 8000 attendees.

The Kerala government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism, said PA Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister. Supporting newcomers will ensure that they flourish in the completive ecosystem, he said.

Now inviting Indian travellers to witness Sri Lanka’s majestic elephant gathering Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, together with Cinnamon Nature Trails and in partnership with Seylan Bank, announced the return of The Gathering of Giants, taking place from 25 to 27 July 2025 at Cinnamon Habarana Complex. This much-anticipated event marks the third edition of a unique nature experience that brings together wildlife enthusiasts, families, conservationists, and travellers from across the globe—especially neighbouring India—to witness Asia’s largest congregation of wild elephants. Conveniently timed around a long weekend for many Indian travellers, this immersive three-day event offers front-row access to one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles—the seasonal migration of hundreds of elephants to Sri Lanka’s Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Recognised by Lonely Planet as the 6th greatest wildlife spectacle globally, the elephant gathering is a breathtaking and humbling experience that promises to resonate with Indian nature lovers, photographers, and families seeking responsible and meaningful travel. “Bringing The Gathering of Giants to life for the third consecutive year reaffirms our deep and enduring commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage,” said Hishan Singhawansa, Chief Executive Officer Designate, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. “This event goes beyond observation—it is about sparking awareness, nurturing responsible tourism, and uniting communities and experts to drive lasting change. It is one of over 35 ongoing humanitarian and conservation initiatives that shape who we are and what we stand for.” Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the Cinnamon Habarana Complex—comprising Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon—offers guests front-row access to nature’s theatre, all supported by Cinnamon’s signature brand of conservation-conscious hospitality. This immersive three-day experience blends expert-led wildlife talks, hands-on workshops, and guided …

Maitland & Knox Heritage Hotels, the homegrown luxury boutique chain behind Galle Fort Hotel, Thotalagala, and The Warden’s House, has officially rebranded as Island Life – Sri Lanka. This is among the biggest rebranding exercises carried out by a Sri Lankan group in recent years. This new name and identity reflect a new, experience-led approach to homegrown hospitality. The specialised boutique hotel chain now pegs itself as ‘the custodians of the perfect Sri Lankan experience.’ The new brand logo of Island Life – Sri Lanka captures the soul of the island—where a wave echoes coastal calm and a peak evokes the wild highlands. Together, they reflect the rhythm of serenity and adventure, inviting guests to experience Sri Lanka’s story through every stay. With Island Life – Sri Lanka, the group begins a new chapter rooted in storytelling, sustainability, and soul. At its core is a promise: to our guests more than just a stay—an opportunity to feel Sri Lanka, move with its rhythm, embrace its culture, and connect with its people. Guided by a philosophy of fulfilment through action, every stay is thoughtfully designed to go beyond comfort — shaped in curated experiences, personalisation, and authentic connection. From cultural encounters and locally inspired design to meaningful moments through art, heritage and service, we ensure each guest feels fully immersed in the essence of the island. Island Life – Sri Lanka now includes three iconic properties Thotalagala (Haputale): A restored 19th-century tea planter’s bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, offering heritage charm, quiet luxury, and meaningful interactions. Thotalagala features 7 suites complementing gourmet experiences, guided walks, an Insta-viral infinity pool and Sri Lanka’s best high tea. Galle Fort Hotel (Galle): …