Turning its vision into reality, Balitrip Wisata grew into a 100-employee entity across India & Bali. Dhiraj Ranjan Kumar, Founder & MD, Bali trip Wisata, said, “Building a team of this scale was never easy, but we did it with passion, right policies & integrity. This achievement is about the strength, dedication, & trust we built with our partners.”

Amanveer Singh, MD, TEN Events & Entertainment, said, “If a room is sold for ₹1.4 lakh it may be listed at ₹40k with 10 per cent commission on that. Breakfast charges might be deducted & 60 to 80 per cent of the revenue goes toward food, rentals and other expenses. The distribution of earnings must be fair & commissions should apply to total revenue.”

Padmapani Bora, MD, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, said, “As Assam witnessed rise in tourist footfall, the state government is actively working on increasing large-scale concerts to attract music lovers and cultural enthusiasts. By hosting these events, the state aims to draw visitors from across the country and beyond.”

Highlighting that many Indian clients are already recognising Oman as a viable choice, Arjun Chadha, Country Manager, Oman Tourism, India, said, “The aim is to increase participation in this market and establish a loyal clientele who frequently host MICE events in Oman. The country also witnessed the rising trend of destination weddings.”

Known for introducing unique hotels and resorts brands to the Indian travel market, ISA Tourism has taken up the Global Sales & Marketing (GS&M) responsibility for the newly opened boutique luxury Dharm Resort Varanasi – in the lap of Ganges. Newly built, located on the Ganges riverfront in the holy city of Varanasi, Dharm Resort is the only luxury abode in the banks of Ganges that has access for vehicles coming up to the property, alongside the option to reach the resort by a short boat ride. Guests from India and overseas, who have already enjoyed the exquisite, personalised hospitality, are already raving about this resort. Dharm Resort Varanasi represents an exquisite, lavishly appointed 22 spacious rooms and suits in 3-levels, multi-cuisine freshly cooked meals, yoga pavilion, riverfront cafe and all local activities to satiate the upscale curious travellers. Guests can explore the art, culture, and heritage of this historic city whilst staying in a serene and green environment. The pristine sunset view allows the guests to reflect and relax in the quest of spirituality in this ancient city of the world. Speaking on this engagement of ISA Tourism as the Global representation, marketing, sales and PR partner, Manas Sinha, Director, ISA Tourism said, “This alliance is just the first step in elevating the quality stay option in the mystic and vibrant city of Varanasi. Our goal is to offer a perfect option for guests from India and abroad.” “We are already noticing high demand from luxury travellers, especially for the upcoming world famous ‘Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, 16 to 21 April 2025’ where the maestros perform for public at large. Held annually at the Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi, …

Leveraging extensive industry experience Gaurav will lead Messe Stuttgart India’s strategic initiatives that seek to support India’s growth story with their industry-specific events. Messe Stuttgart India, a subsidiary of Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG — one of the world’s leading companies in the trade fair and exhibition industry since 1940—has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sood as its CEO. A distinguished leader with 25 years of extensive experience, Gaurav has contributed significantly to the exhibitions industry. With a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence, he is well-positioned to lead Messe Stuttgart India’s initiatives. His focus will be on advancing the company’s mission of supporting India’s evolving economy through strategic industry events that foster innovation and collaboration. Prior to joining Messe Stuttgart India, Gaurav held leadership roles at Hyve India and MCI Group. “We are excited to work with our new CEO colleague in India, Gaurav Sood and at the same time express our sincere appreciation to Aditya Gupta for his service in the interim period. Sood’s extensive experience in the trade-show industry will facilitate the further expansion of our already successful business model in India,” said Roland Bleinroth, President, Messe Stuttgart. “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Messe Stuttgart India,” said Gaurav Sood. “In a short time we have built a strong presence in the Indian Market, and my vision is to further strengthen our leadership. As India’s economic landscape evolves, I see Messe Stuttgart India playing a pivotal role in this growth facilitating industry collaboration, driving innovation, and creating strategic platforms that empower businesses and contribute to the nation’s progress.” Aditya Gupta, CEO & Managing Partner, India Didactics Association, …

Erode Tour Operators Association (ETA) announced the installation of its new office bearers for the term 2025-2027. The installation ceremony took place on 23 March, 2025, bringing together distinguished industry leaders, travel professionals, and esteemed guests to mark this significant occasion. The newly elected leadership team includes Saravanan Muthukumaran as President, Ashokkumar as Secretary, Aishwarya Manoj as Treasurer, Nehru Natarajan as Joint Secretary, Sajith as FAM Trip Coordinator, Vignesh as Member Relationship Coordinator and Vasanthakokilam as Event Coordinator. The installation was officiated by K. Babu, Founder & Managing Director of Salem Tour & Travels (P), as the Chief Guest & Installing Officer, alongside Jeril James, Director of Ibex Group of Resorts, who graced the event as the Guest of Honor. Outgoing President Karthik Manoharan, Outgoing Secretary Saravanan Muthukumaran, and Outgoing Treasurer Shakunthalai Parthasarathy presented a detailed report on the association’s achievements over the past two years, highlighting key initiatives such as industry networking events, market updates, and FAM trips. Newly installed President Saravanan Muthukumaran shared his vision for the future, focusing on collaboration, industry growth, and strengthening relationships among tour operators, transporters, and hoteliers. The new leadership team is committed to enhancing the travel trade, expanding opportunities for members, and promoting tourism development in Tamil Nadu and beyond. ETA remains at the forefront of fostering business growth, networking, and knowledge-sharing within the travel industry. Under its new leadership, the association looks forward to an exciting and productive term ahead.

Star Voyager debuts as the newest homeported ship in Singapore, offering exciting itineraries to the best destinations in Southeast Asia, starting 26 March 2025. Strengthening Singapore and the region’s position, as a leading inbound and outbound cruise hub. StarCruises, the successor of Star Cruises brand, alongside Dream Cruises brand, has officially relaunched its legacy with a ceremonial event aboard the Star Voyager in Singapore. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both brands, which has over 30 years of history, now revitalised with a fresh and innovative vision for the future of cruising. The launch of both brands coincided with the Star Voyager’s maiden voyage under the StarCruises banner with a US$ 50 million refit of the ship, sailing out from the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC). Singapore will serve as a key homeport as well as a destination, alongside Jakarta, Melaka, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, fostering tourism across these cities, while offering passengers flexible embarkation options from multiple ports and countries. The milestone event, celebrating the official launch of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, and the inaugural sailing of the Star Voyager, was officiated by both Jean Ng, Assistant Chief Executive –Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board and Jacqueline Tan, CEO, Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC), alongside StarCruises and Dream Cruises’ CEO and Executive Director, Colin Au and its President, Michael Goh, together with the senior management team. “We are thrilled and honoured to return to our roots with the launch of the revitalised StarCruises and Dream Cruises brands, offering an enhanced cruising experience. To celebrate this milestone, we are also excited to introduce the Star Voyager, as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Singapore, exploring the …

Speaking at their Delhi roadshow, Andrew Hartley, VP Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts, said, “India is a key market for us, and we are strengthening our brand awareness for Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Cross Collection, Lumen and Kaura. Our goal is to increase the number of Indian guests by 40% by this year’s end, and we are achieving this through direct channels, forming strategic business partnerships.” The group last year witnessed 275% growth Y-O-Y from the India market, and they are now planning to grow from 28 to 100 hotels by 2030.

Akasa Air plans to be among the world’s 30 largest airlines by fleet size by 2030, said Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air. The airline also aims to capture 15% of India’s domestic market share within the next 5 to 7 years. With an aggressive expansion strategy, Akasa is set to increase aircraft orders and enhance its network to compete with established Indian carriers.