Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, urges the tourism industry to create a document on reinstating the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) in a new format. During Cll Tourism Summit he said, “I will discuss with the Finance Minister and PM on reinstating the incentive given on Forex earned by tour operators.”

If you are a golf enthusiast, you have come to the right place! Muscat has four international standard golf courses-three of them with stunning sea views and all with the Al Hajar mountain range providing a dramatic backdrop. Choose from Muscat Hills Golf Course (Oman’s first 18 hole grassed course), Ghala Golf Course (18 holes set in a valley below the Hajar mountains where the birdlife is all that might interrupt play), Al Mouj Golf (Oman’s first links style 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman and built on a two kilometres stretch of pristine coastline), and Jebel Sifah (a nine-hole golf course opened in 2018 that can also be played as a varied 18 hole course, with breathtaking views out to sea and across to the mountain range.  

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of this year’s 2,000,000th Indian tourist at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 16 December. This achievement underscores India’s vital role as a key source market for Thailand’s thriving tourism industry. The grand welcome ceremony was attended by Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; H.E. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific; and executives from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thai Airways International (THAI). 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠, Minister of Tourism and Sports remarked, “It is with immense pleasure that we welcome the 2,000,000th Indian tourist to Thailand this year. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of Thailand among Indian travellers.”

South Africa Tourism highlights its rich culture and natural beauty, educating the Indian travel trade on lesser-known regions of the country South African Tourism concluded the third leg of its 10th edition of the ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop in Kochi, following successful events in Chandigarh and Nagpur. This initiative aimed to engage key travel trade partners across India, particularly focusing on the growing interest from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Over 100 travel trade partners from Kochi participated in the event, offering beyond its well-known destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg and helping them to gain insights into South Africa’s hidden gems such as Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal India remains one of the largest source markets for South Africa, with increasing interest from smaller cities like Kochi. Indian travellers are on the lookout for diverse experiences that range from thrilling adventures to rich cultural explorations. In response to this demand, the workshop equipped travel partners with the necessary knowledge and tools to create customised itineraries tailored for travellers in India. The objective of South African Tourism is to position the Rainbow Nation as a premier choice for leisure and MICE travel. Commenting on the event in Kochi, Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager, Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East, South African Tourism, said, “We have witnessed notable trends among Kochi travellers, such as a growing preference for experiential travel, wellness tourism, and adventure activities. Further, travellers from this region are rapidly emerging as a significant market for South African tourism, we have seen a notable increase in inquiries from local travellers seeking unique and offbeat experiences in H1 2024. Our collaboration with local trade partners has been exceptionally positive, reinforcing …

Hoi, an innovative travel-tech platform revolutionising airport experiences for modern travellers, announced significant enhancements to its comprehensive airport services suite, setting new benchmarks in travel experience. The platform’s sophisticated integration with airport infrastructure systems enables unprecedented accuracy in real-time flight information delivery, transforming traditional airport processes into seamless digital experiences. Hoi has transformed the airport experience across major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and New Goa (GOX) through its comprehensive platform. At the heart of Hoi’s innovation is its flagship ‘Time to Gate’ feature, which leverages advanced data analytics to guide travellers through optimal routes and shortest queues. Through direct integration with Airport Flight Status Display Systems and AODB, the platform delivers instant updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and scheduling modifications, ensuring travellers remain informed at every step of their journey. The platform’s 24/7 AI-powered Info Desk serves as a digital concierge, providing instant assistance for all airport-related queries, from baggage claims to facility updates. Hoi’s premium services suite includes VIP meet and greet assistance, priority check-in, porter services, and comprehensive lounge access across terminals, catering to diverse traveller preferences from business executives to families requiring specialised assistance. Commenting on the platform, Harshvardhan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Hoi said, “The post-pandemic era has fundamentally transformed travel preferences, with passengers now demanding seamless digital experiences at airports. As India’s airports witness record passenger volumes and a growing preference for premium services, Hoi has evolved beyond flight information to become an integrated airport solution. Our platform unifies critical stakeholders – from airlines to retail partners – while delivering personalised services that modern travellers expect, from real-time navigation to premium concierge assistance. Through continuous innovation, we’re setting new benchmarks in how travellers experience airports, …

Marks over five decades of shaping goa’s tourism landscape Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, marks a momentous milestone as it completes 50 years of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa. IHCL, with a 16-hotel portfolio, two air catering units and 40+ homestays, continues its pioneering leadership in Goa’s tourism landscape. Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “Goa holds a special place in IHCL’s legacy. Beginning in 1974 with the launch of India’s first beach resort Taj Fort Aguada, this historic moment marked the dawn of luxury hospitality in Goa. Over the past 50 years, IHCL has been an integral part of Goa’s transformation into one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. With the introduction of brands like Vivanta, SeleQtions, Ginger, and the homestay bungalows under amã Stays & Trails, IHCL offers experiences tailored to diverse traveller preferences.” He added, “Today, as Goa continues to develop its infrastructure, IHCL stays committed to realising the state’s tourism potential. This includes our continued investment be it the recently launched TajSATS air catering unit and the upcoming 300-key Ginger hotel at MOPA airport as well as the development of Aguada Plateau as a world-class tourism destination showcasing the state’s rich cultural legacy.” The journey began in 1974 with the opening of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, India’s first luxury beach resort, transforming Goa into a global tourism hotspot. Since then, IHCL has continued to unveil iconic properties like Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, the historic Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage designed by renowned architect Charles Correa and Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon at Dauna …

No trip to the Dhofar region would be complete without a close look at a frankincense tree and the resin it produces. Known throughout Arabia as luban, frankincense is the resinous, aromatic gum of a scrubby, gnarled tree the Boswellia sacra-that thrives in the narrow boundary between the Dhofar mountains and open desert. One of the best places to learn about this precious substance is Wadi Modaam where asha’bi frankincense is produced. In April, the resin collecting season, Wadi Modaam appears to be devoid of all vegetation. Look closer and keen eyes will spot hundreds of wizened and twisted trees dotted across the wadi and over brown, seemingly barren hillsides that will be transformed to a lush green by September and the end of the Khareef. Watch as a skilled artisan uses a manqafa small putty knife tool to cut away a section of bark for the first “tapping” to allow resin to ooze from the tree. The sap is chipped off carefully, collected in a shallow bowl and dried in a mountain side cave for up to 10 days. This deceptively simple process requires considerable expertise so that the tree is left healthy, ready for subsequent years’ tapping.  

India is on the brink of a transformative tourism revolution, fuelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary focus on leveraging technology and data to elevate experiential travel. Leading this charge is Thrillophilia, a company that has long championed the integration of tech-driven travel experiences. CEO Chitra Gurnani Daga recently joined PM Modi to discuss how the fusion of innovation, artificial intelligence, and localised tourism can reshape India’s travel ecosystem, creating a more inclusive, personalised, and sustainable experience for travellers worldwide. India’s tourism industry is poised for a revolutionary transformation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a future where technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) play central roles in shaping the country’s travel landscape. By empowering local communities, unlocking India’s hidden gems, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, PM Modi’s focus on tech-driven travel aligns perfectly with the mission of Thrillophilia, a leader in experiential travel. PM Modi’s Vision: A Digitalised Travel Ecosystem In his recent address, PM Modi emphasised the importance of harnessing technology to unlock the true potential of India’s tourism sector. His forward-thinking vision not only advocates for the use of AI and data to enhance personalised travel experiences but also highlights the need to promote India’s cultural heritage, rural tourism, and the vibrant traditions of its tribal communities. For Thrillophilia, these ideas resonate deeply with its mission to democratise travel, offering immersive, offbeat experiences that help showcase India’s rich, diverse cultural tapestry. Chitra Gurnani Daga, the CEO and co-founder of Thrillophilia, had the honour of discussing these priorities with PM Modi, emphasising how technology can enable a more streamlined, customised, and localised travel experience for both domestic and international tourists. One of the key points of discussion was …

Guests can now book 3-night and 4-night voyages via the Disney Cruise Line website, contact centre, or preferred travel agents The much-awaited Disney Adventure is now open for guests across India and the world to book. Sailing from Singapore in 2025, the one-of-a-kind Disney Adventure will offer families throughout the region the ultimate holiday at sea. The first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia will be a “destination” itself where guests will be taken on a journey filled with immersive storytelling and captivating entertainment which draws on over 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Marvel and Pixar. On the Disney Adventure, the magic will come alive through seven uniquely themed areas: Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef, and Marvel Landing. Here’s How to Book: Guests can book directly from the Disney Cruise Line website; contact centre; or through preferred travel agents. Sailing Dates and Duration Maiden Voyage: 15 December, 2025 Sail Dates: Dates available through March 2026 Cruise Length Options: ○ 3-night cruises (Mon-Thu) ○ 4-night cruises (Thu-Mon) Departure and Return: All cruises will depart from and return to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore. Stateroom Options Choose from a variety of staterooms, including Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge options, designed to cater to every budget and preference. The cruise fare covers accommodation, world-class dining, incredible entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and more. The Disney Adventure will also go on to introduce numerous “firsts” in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, along with experiences thoughtfully designed to delight guests in Asia, including: Enthralling Entertainment Disney Cruise Line’s unique approach to ship design—where every space and venue brings stories to life—sets the …

From the majestic dunes to the vibrant marine life, Al Wusta in Oman is a sanctuary for nature lovers. Travellers can witness turtles nesting on secluded beaches, or dolphins dancing in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea.  Be prepared to be enchanted by the untouched beauty of Al Wusta. Al Wusta is the second largest region of Oman. The capital, Hayma, borders the barren desert that dominates the region. This contrasts with Al Wusta’s eastern coastline which is dotted with wide bays and rocky cliffs; havens for an abundance of birds and a diverse marine life that frequents there. Turtles, whales and dolphins are a common sight along this stretch of the Arabian Sea where the beaches are pristine and often deserted. Visitors can visit: Rock Garden of Duqm: This garden is a must-see for all, whether you are in the region for business or pleasure. Though described as a garden, the area has scant greenery. Rather, it comprises thousands of rocks scattered across three square kilometres. These magnificent rocks of all shapes and sizes have created natural sculptures which appear like animals and other structures, giving the garden its alternative name of the Rock Zoo. Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve: Formerly known as Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife and fungal sanctuary that covers almost 3,000 square kilometres and is known for its population of Arabian Oryx, Arabian Gazelle and Ibex. It was formerly called the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary when it was a successful breeding site for Arabian Oryx; the herd has since depleted due to poaching. Today the reserve is home to around 65 Oryx who manage to survive. A penned area contains female Oryx …