The launch of the first State Chapter of the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) happened in Tamil Nadu. The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished guests and industry leaders in Chennai. The event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest, Venkateshan, Regional Director (Southern Region), India Tourism, Chennai, and the Guests of Honour, Amla Dantas and Carl Dantas, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, ETAA. During the event, the newly appointed office-bearer team for the Tamil Nadu chapter was announced with PV Sharan Kumar as Chairman, Fathima Bai as Secretary and Selvi Grace Jecintha as Treasurer. The event was elevated by the attendance of several ETAA National Board Members, including Jagat Mehta, Director and National Board Member, Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, Director, National Board Member and Event Head, Joyson, National Board Member and Regional Director, South India and Abhijit Khadilkar, Director, National Board Member and Membership Head. The inauguration witnessed an enthusiastic crowd of 50+ attendees, including ETAA members, industry professionals from airlines, hotels, tourism, and members from ETAA Bangalore. This event marks an important milestone in ETAA’s mission to expand and strengthen its presence across India, offering new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and development in the tourism sector.  

SriLankan Aviation College, the training arm of SriLankan Airlines, has trailblazed its way to becoming an IATA Authorised Training Centre (ATC) Top Performer for 2024 – an honour reserved for only the most outstanding IATA (International Air Transport Association) training institutions worldwide. This achievement advances SriLankan Aviation College to IATA’s Preferred ATC category, proving once again its relentless commitment to excellence in developing talent for the travel trade on a global scale. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines, commented on the achievement, saying, “We are truly humbled to be recognised as a top performing IATA Authorised Training Centre. It speaks volumes about how much effort the college puts into offering high quality job-ready programmes led by top-tier instructors, blending real-world knowledge and practical sessions. The SriLankan Aviation College has made remarkable progress over the past two years, and with the aviation industry fully returning to pre-pandemic levels last year, we are both ready and excited to meet the growing global demand for aviation professionals.” Over the years, SriLankan Aviation College has introduced some of the most sought-after IATA programmes to Sri Lanka, including the IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma; IATA Cargo Introductory Course; and the IATA Airline Cabin Crew course, among many others. Whether in the quality of training, state-of-the-art facilities or talent incubation, SriLankan Aviation College has consistently produced the best results in the island across all IATA programmes over the years, in line with its mission of developing the right talent for the aviation industry. The ATC accreditation also symbolises the longstanding partnership and credibility that SriLankan Aviation College has built with IATA Training. Other achievements include being an IATA Approved Training Centre since inception, …

Sara Sodhi Juneja, Founder & CEO, Sara Consulting Services announced, “Over the years I have supported Finnish tourism brands in the region, organising a number of Fam Trips, Workshops, Marketing & PR Collaborations. I am thrilled to share that my cooperation with them will continue & I am representing some fantastic Finnish Tourism brands. “While heading Visit Finland in India & Gulf for seven years, my greatest achievement was driving the highest number of overnight stays from India to Finland to date. Another highlight was growing the number of Indian overnights to Finland by 35 per cent in 2024.” Embassy of Finland in India I am happy to continue my work on country branding projects with Team Finland India, collaborating with Embassy of Finland in New Delhi & Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai. Visit Rovaniemi – Tourism Board for The Official Hometown of Santa Claus! Indian overnights to Rovaniemi grew by 90 per cent in 2024 marking the highest overnights from India to Rovaniemi to date. Going forward, my efforts will be aligned to strategically position Rovaniemi as a year-round destination for Indian travellers, offering unique arctic summer & autumn experiences along with the traditional winter attractions. Strawberry and Nordic Hotels & Resorts in Finland—Most Iconic Hotels in Helsinki! With a portfolio of 19 stunning hotels in Helsinki including the iconic properties of Hotel Kämp, Hotel St. George, Hotel Haven, and Hotel Lilla Roberts, as well as Clarion Hotels, Strawberry is committed to draw in more guests from the India market. I will support the organisation in maintaining their leading brand position in India and help them deliver exceptional hospitality experiences tailored for Indian guests. Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi—The premier …

Flightworth.com, a travel services provider, recently organised RTTCL cricket league in association with TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India). Eight teams participated on 1 March, 2025, with winners and top performers receiving cash prizes and accolades from industry giants like SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Indigo, Egyptair and Nirwana Hometel. An IPL style auction for players was held on 28 February 2025. This pioneer event for the travel trade was a mix of excitement and newness. The initiative was led by Manoj Sogani Jain, Chairman, BCS Tours & Travels and was well acclaimed, marking a notable achievement.  

Goa has been honoured with two prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade fairs, reaffirming its position as India’s premier tourism destination. The award for Tourism Minister of the Year – India was conferred upon Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and governance in advancing Goa’s tourism sector. Goa was also awarded as the Destination of the Year – India, recognising the state’s diverse tourism offerings, sustainability initiatives, and global appeal. The awards were received by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, on behalf of the Minister at the ceremony held at ITB Berlin. Expressing his gratitude, Khaunte said, “This recognition on a global platform is a testament to our commitment to responsible and innovative tourism. Goa continues to evolve as a world-class destination, offering sustainable, high-value tourism experiences while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.” These awards further strengthen Goa’s international positioning and reinforce its appeal as a preferred travel destination for global travellers.  

This 25th and 26th April, La Mamounia, Marrakech—celebrated for its unparalleled blend of Moroccan tradition and modern luxury—invites guests to an extraordinary weekend where the worlds of Burgundy’s finest wines, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and classical music converge in an unparalleled celebration of art de vivre. Nestled within the historic city walls and surrounded by 20 acres of lush gardens, La Mamounia offers a serene oasis just moments away from Marrakech’s vibrant medina. With elegantly designed accommodations that reflect the rich Moroccan heritage, this exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse in the elegance, heritage, and artistry of both French and Moroccan traditions. As La Mamounia’s storied gardens awaken in the golden light of spring, guests will embark on a journey of indulgence featuring exceptional wine tastings, intimate cocktail evenings, and exquisite dining experiences. At the heart of this celebration is a spectacular Gala Dinner, where the legendary Grands Crus de Bourgogne will be paired with masterfully crafted dishes by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Leading this culinary masterpiece is Marc Haeberlin, a Michelin-starred icon from Alsace’s famed Auberge de l’Ill, alongside Stéphanie Le Quellec, the visionary force behind the two-Michelin-starred La Scène in Paris. Complementing their artistry, renowned Master Cheesemaker Bernard Antony will curate an extraordinary selection of cheeses, ensuring every course is a testament to tradition and innovation. Beyond the pleasures of the table, an enchanting classical concert will bring the weekend to its crescendo. A stellar ensemble of world-class musicians will perform a carefully curated repertoire, weaving together the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, and Gershwin in a mesmerising evening of symphonic brilliance. Set within La Mamounia’s opulent surroundings, this performance promises to transport guests into the realm of musical mastery, where every note resonates with the grandeur of this iconic palace. …

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, emphasised the need for public-private partnerships to drive destination marketing at state and national levels. “States can support the industry by incentivising international films and collaborations to showcase destinations globally,” he said.

Mandeep Lamba, President, South Asia, HVS, stressed the need for infrastructure status in the hospitality industry. He said “Infrastructure status is the first requirement for hospitality, as it enables access to long-term financing. Hotels are a highly capital-intensive business.” This move would drive investment and sectoral growth.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said, “One of the targets we could perhaps place for ourselves is how to double tourism’s GDP contribution from 5% to 10% in the next ten years and probably add 25 million jobs in the next five years.” He emphasised the need for strategic efforts to achieve this growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I urge stakeholders to invest in promoting health tourism and take advantage of the opportunities. We must also fully tap into the potential of yoga and wellness tourism. There is immense scope in education tourism and I hope for in-depth discussions and the development of a strong roadmap.”