As per Mabrian’s, ‘India Market Insights: Outbound & Inbound’ report, launched during WTM 2024, several destinations are rising in Europe for Indian arrivals. Spain saw a 3.8% surge in demand, alongside Austria (+9.8%) and Greece (+18.3%), which witnessed highest growth in the past 12 months.

15th & 16th November at Far & East are set to be nothing short of magical as the award-winning all-day modern kitchen-style dining room at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru transforms into a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s beloved Loy Krathong festival. With Chef Wimon Pahuja at the helm, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic Thai feast that promises to be a journey through the flavours, traditions, and spirit of Thailand. For two days, Far & East will be a dazzling blend of Thai lanterns, fragrant aromas, and the warm glow of the season’s most cherished festival. Loy Krathong, known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ symbolises gratitude, new beginnings, and a chance to let go of the past, making it the perfect backdrop for Chef Wimon’s culinary showcase. With 18 years of experience across Thailand, India, and Nepal, Chef Wimon brings to the table not just the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine but also its soul, culture, and history. Guests will be treated to a meticulously curated à la carte menu, transcending the usual Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. Chef Wimon, a seasoned expert in Thai cuisine, will present a selection of lesser-known delicacies and refined versions of classic favourites, each dish carrying the authenticity and finesse of traditional Thai flavours. Think bold, aromatic spices, tender cuts of meat, and the freshest seafood cooked to perfection—every plate a testament to her culinary mastery. Boasting a bold and modern space with a tropical-rainforest leitmotif reflected in its brightly patterned upholstery and curtains, the traditional Asian art and warm lighting at Far & East create an inviting mood for this intimate and relaxed meal. Impeccable Four Seasons service will …

Musandam zip line stretches an astonishing 1,800 meters across the azure waters of Khor Qadi. As the world’s longest zip line over water, it promises an unparalleled adrenaline rush. The adventure begins atop Jebel Fitt, where brave adventurers take that exhilarating leap. With the wind in your hair and heart pounding, you will soar over the rugged terrain, capturing unparalleled views of the Mokhi area and the captivating Wilayat of Khasab coastline. This unforgettable journey culminates at a specially designed platform connected to the Atana Khasab Hotel. There, you can catch your breath, revel in the sense of accomplishment, and soak in the panoramic vistas of the breathtaking surroundings.  

By Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman, Shailesh Haribhakti and Associates Malaysian Airways Flight 370, which mysteriously disappeared on 8 March, 2014, has once again captured public attention. Recent advancements by Elon Musk’s SpaceX have sparked new theories and discussions about the fate of the aircraft. Could groundbreaking technology help us finally understand what happened that fateful day? This article delves into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the disappearance of Flight 370, the role of emerging technologies, and the implications for future aviation safety. The Enigma of Flight 370 The disappearance of Malaysian Airways Flight 370 remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. The aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, leading to extensive search efforts across the Indian Ocean. Despite years of investigation, only a few pieces of debris have been found, leaving many questions unanswered. Recently, reports have emerged suggesting that SpaceX has developed technology capable of correlating with Inmarsat satellite signals that were captured during the flight’s final moments. This development has reignited interest in the case and opened up new avenues for investigation. Could this technology finally provide the answers we have been seeking? Theories Abound: Black Holes and UFOs Among the more sensational theories surrounding Flight 370 is the idea that it may have disappeared into a mini black hole, possibly influenced by extraterrestrial forces. While this notion sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel, it raises fascinating questions about our understanding of space and time. Alternatively, some experts suggest that the aircraft may have veered dramatically off course due to a series of mechanical failures or human errors. If this were the case, it could have flown until it exhausted its …

Ask anyone in Oman what Bahla is famous for and, after the celebrated Bahla Fort, they will say pottery. Many potters learn their trade as children from their parents. Potters of Bahla are friendly and will be delighted to show you how they make coil, slab and thrown pots. Visitors can see each stage of the process up close; a process that has remained largely unchanged with very few modern tools and accessories to help create their masterpieces.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region. “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future,” said Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Frankincense could be your raison d’être to visit Oman, a country known for enticing fragrances. If you are travelling to Oman, you can find frankincense in most souqs of this country. Although, Dhofar region is especially famous for the immersive experience it offers by showcasing the meticulous process of producing frankincense, known throughout Arabia as Luban. One of the best places to learn about this precious substance is Wadi Modaam where asha’bi frankincense is produced. In April’s resin-collecting season, its barren hills hide gnarled trees awaiting the Khareef’s lush renewal. Skilled artisans use a manqafa, a small putty knife, to tap the bark, releasing precious sap, later dried in mountainside caves—a delicate craft ensuring future harvests.

Oman, a land blessed by nature, holds diverse picturesque charms for travellers seeking majestic landscapes. Every corner of the Sultanate has at least one wadi embodying unparalleled beauty encompassing stunning turquoise pools, mountain caverns and beautiful gorges. Wadi Bani Khalid invites you to spend a leisurely day hiking, swimming, picnicking, and exploring caves. Its emerald pools, framed by palm trees and striking orangey-red cliffs, create a picture-perfect retreat. Equally captivating, Wadi Al Shab, hidden between towering cliffs, unveils its beauty step by step. A short boat ride leads to a scenic hike past caves, waterfalls, and ancient dwellings, revealing nature’s artistry. For adventure seekers, Wadi Bani Kharus offers untouched hiking trails, Wadi Bani Auf boasts breathtaking panoramas and lush terraces, while Wadi Ghul, with its towering palms, is a stunning escape into Oman’s natural splendour.

International hospitality brand, Atmosphere Core has made two pivotal leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a people-first culture. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch as General Manager of RAAYA Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returned to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere. Born in Australia, Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, cost-effectively develop new projects, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency. Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.     Milan Mookerjee as Vice President of Human Resources Milan Mookerjee has been appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core. Veteran Human Resources leader, Mookerjee will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across the Atmosphere Core’s resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, he is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture. Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality, where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programmes tailored to business needs.

VFS Global has worked with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland since 2010 and under the new agreement will continue to provide Schengen short terms visa services and Residence permit services including biometric enrolment in 32 countries (including India) across 10 regions. Since 2010, VFS Global has handled more than 8.5 million visa applications on behalf of the Government of Finland. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland said, “We anticipate a seamless and professional collaboration with VFS Global. In our tender, we especially highlighted the global coverage of the outsourced services, quality of biometrics and technical capacity, quality control, risk management and customer service. The external service provider receives applications, collects biometric data and application fees and forwards them to the missions. It does not make visa decisions. Visa decisions continue to be the responsibility of Foreign Ministry officials.” Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Finland as their trusted service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and welcome the opportunity to renew our services. We look forward to offering visa applicants best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across 10 regions globally.” 10 regions worldwide where these services will continue to operate are South Asia, the Americas, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Europe, CIS and Russia. VFS Global is responsible for managing the front-end administrative duties only. This includes the collection of application forms and required documents as per the checklist as well as the enrolment of biometrics. VFS Global does not play a …