Encalm Hospitality has joined forces with AVIS India to transform the airport experience. Central to this initiative is Atithya by Encalm, the brand’s signature meet and assist service, which now extends beyond the terminal through integration with AVIS India’s premium chauffeured transfers, delivering travellers a unified, elevated, and thoughtfully curated passage. Atithya has long been synonymous with calm, personalised care from the moment guests arrive at the airport. With the addition of AVIS India’s professionally managed fleet, featuring luxury cars, all impeccably maintained with an average age of just 24 months, this experience now extends beyond the terminal. Whether it is a business traveller on a tight schedule or a family setting out on a holiday, guests are seamlessly guided from gate to vehicle, where a well-trained chauffeur awaits to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. This enhancement elevates the Atithya journey by incorporating door-to-door convenience, including pickups from home, hotel, or office to the airport-and vice versa. AVIS India’s well-versed chauffeurs, hygienic interiors, and 24/7 customer support complement Encalm’s commitment to attentive hospitality and seamless service delivery. Together, the two brands offer a consistent, high-touch standard of care—both within the airport and on the road—allowing travellers to relax and focus on the journey ahead. Bringing together Atithya’s bespoke assistance and AVIS India’s mobility expertise results in a truly integrated end-to-end airport experience, anticipating every traveller’s need and delivering a journey that is as reassuring as it is refined. Commenting on this evolution, Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality, shared, “Atithya has always been more than just assistance, it is about making travellers feel truly cared for at every stage. Expanding Atithya to include door-to-door transfers aligns perfectly with our philosophy …

WGH Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of World Group, welcomed P Rajeev, Minister for Industry, Government of Kerala to the site of its upcoming flagship project in Kochi. The visit marks a significant milestone for the group, as this luxury development was among the prestigious projects showcased at the Kerala Global Investment Meet, aligning with the state’s vision for sustainable and experience-driven tourism. In 2012 the group made its mark in Kerala’s tourism and hospitality sector with the acquisition of World Backwaters Alleppey. Today, World Group Heritance (WGH) proudly owns and operates distinctive properties across prominent destinations like Alleppey, Munnar and Thekkady. The group is now making bold strides with new developments in Kochi, Varkala, Trivandrum, and Ashtamudi—including an exclusive wellness resort—each uniquely designed to international standards while deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural richness. During the visit, the minister will be presented with the master plan and design philosophy of the WGH Kochi project, set to launch on 1 January, 2028. This luxury destination will set new benchmarks in hospitality by combining modern infrastructure with authentic Kerala experiences. J Jayakrishnan, Director of World Group and WGH Hotels & Resorts, expressed his gratitude for the government’s continued support and investment-friendly policies. “Kerala’s infrastructure development and progressive tourism policies are perfectly aligned with our vision. Our projects aim to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while gifting guests an immersive experience of Kerala’s unique lifestyle and traditions,” said Jayakrishnan. The World Group, with nearly four decades of entrepreneurial legacy starting from mining and expanding into sectors like DRI, retail, logistics, agriculture and consulting, has invested INR 250 crores in Kerala’s hospitality sector over the past two years. The group has committed an …

New Records Set in 2024 as Madhya Pradesh, the Heart of India, Becomes a Tourism Hotspot Madhya Pradesh, rich in diversity and heritage, continues to emerge as one of India’s most vibrant tourism destinations. Known for its cultural legacy, historical monuments, natural beauty, and rich wildlife, the state has become the preferred choice for travellers. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourism, recording 134.1 million tourist arrivals — a remarkable increase of 19.6% from 2023, approximately 50.6% from 2019, and an astounding 526% from 2020. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board stated, “Madhya Pradesh is a culturally and ecologically diverse state that offers a complete travel experience to visitors. The arrival of 134.1 million tourists in 2024 is proof that Madhya Pradesh is not only making its mark nationally but is also emerging strongly on the global tourism map. This achievement is the result of visionary policies, development of robust infrastructure, and active participation of local communities.” Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2024, Madhya Pradesh also welcomed 167,000 foreign tourists. Khajuraho recorded 33,131 foreign arrivals, Gwalior 10,823, and Orchha 13,960. Urban destinations also saw a rise in foreign tourists with Indore receiving 9,964 and Bhopal 1,522. Wildlife parks attracted global visitors too, including Bandhavgarh (29,192), Kanha (19,148), Panna (12,762), and Pench (11,272), reflecting the state’s growing global appeal. Major Tourism Attractions Religious Tourism: A New Centre of Faith in India Madhya Pradesh’s religious destinations attracted 107 million visitors in 2024, a 21.9% increase over 2023. Six out of the state’s top ten tourist destinations were religious sites. Ujjain led with 73.2 million tourists, a …

In the last decade, India’s sacred geography has not merely been visited—it has been rediscovered. The mountains are no longer just landscapes; they are living sanctuaries. From the snow-draped shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath to the meditative calm of Bodh Gaya and the golden stillness of Sarnath, India’s spiritual soul has stirred—one pilgrim at a time. Tourism in this era was not crafted through brochures but through bhakti, memory, and the civilisational impulse to reconnect. Between 2014 and 2024, this spiritual awakening reshaped the country’s cultural map. Kedarnath, once a symbol of tragedy, rose like a phoenix—welcoming over 16 lakh pilgrims in 2024, up from barely 40,000 a decade earlier. Ujjain, rejuvenated as a city worthy of Mahakal, drew 7.32 crore visitors in 2024. Kashi, reborn in light and sanctity, saw 11 crore people walk its sacred lanes. Bodh Gaya and Sarnath quietly echoed across continents, drawing over 30 lakh seekers in 2023. And then came a moment that transcended statistics—the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya in January 2024. It was not an inauguration; it was a restoration of the civilisational heartbeat. In just six months, over 11 crore devotees arrived—not just to witness, but to belong. Equally monumental was the Mahakumbh 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, with over 65 crore pilgrims at the confluence of faith and transcendence. Together, Ayodhya and Prayagraj became twin lighthouses of Bharat’s spiritual renaissance. This was not tourism—it was homecoming. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this return was given shape, infrastructure, and soul. No longer a checklist-driven industry, tourism became a national mission to rediscover the sacred self. PM Modi’s visionary mantra— “Wed in India, Visit India, Invest in India”—recoded …

This year marks a significant milestone in the friendship between Japan and India as 2025 commemorates the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation between Yokohama and Mumbai, officially established on 26 June, 1965. To celebrate this enduring relationship, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is rolling out a series of special initiatives throughout June 2025 on its NH829 (Narita–Mumbai) and NH830 (Mumbai–Narita) routes. As part of the anniversary celebrations: Commemorative stickers featuring the 60th anniversary logo will be distributed to passengers flying on NH829 and NH830 throughout the month. A 60th Anniversary Leaflet featuring the Lucky Draw and prizes from Yokohama & ANA will be distributed at Mumbai airport at departures and arrivals. Passengers can scan a dedicated ANA QR code to enter a lucky draw, with exciting prizes including: Complimentary stays at Hotel Associa Shin-Yokohama and The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu ANA aircraft models Yokohama Zoo and Sankeien Garden tickets Yokohama-themed merchandise such as coasters, bandanas, and ANA-branded tote bags From June 1 to June 30, 2025, the ANA check-in counters at Mumbai International Airport will proudly feature the official 60th-anniversary logo. A special in-flight announcement will be made on June 27, 2025, on both NH829 and NH830 flights, commemorating the occasion of the sister city agreement. This initiative not only highlights ANA’s commitment to connecting cultures but also strengthens the emotional and historical ties between Yokohama and Mumbai. As India–Japan relations continue to grow, ANA is honoured to play a part in celebrating this legacy of friendship.

In January 2024, as the sun rose over the holy city of Ayodhya, a prayer whispered for centuries finally found its voice. The Pran Pratishta of Shri Ram in his Ram Mandir was not just a religious milestone—it was a moment of civilizational redemption. After centuries of invasion, colonial distortion, and political delay, the temple stood tall—etched in sandstone, echoing with mantras, and pulsing with history. It wasn’t just about architecture; it was about the healing of a wounded soul. The return of Shri Ram to his birthplace rekindled the spirit of a nation that had long carried the silence of exile in its heart. A few months prior, another symbol of India’s ancient spirit quietly returned to its rightful place. During the inauguration of the new Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the Sengol—a sacred scepter presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 by Tamil Adheenams to mark the dharmic transfer of power. For decades, it had been forgotten, mislabeled, and dismissed as a walking stick. Its restoration was not just an act of remembrance—it was a powerful declaration that India would no longer view itself through borrowed eyes. The Sengol represented rule anchored in righteousness, not relics of empire—a decisive embrace of India’s own statecraft and spiritual traditions, long overlooked in a post-colonial order. Together, these moments signaled a deeper cultural resurgence—a civilisational stirring that would unfold across eleven transformative years. From the outset in 2014, it was clear that under the Modi Government, culture would no longer be ornamental—it would be foundational. International Yoga Day, first observed in 2015, saw millions across the globe celebrate an ancient Indian practice that fuses body, mind, and spirit. Yoga was not …

OTOAI announced the dates of its 6th Convention. The 3-day convention will be held in Moscow from 10 to 13 July. Experience the vibrant pulse of modern life at Red Square! Amidst the majestic architecture, history seamlessly intertwines with contemporary energy, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere of this legendary destination! See you at 6th OTOAI Convention in Moscow! Just 30 days to go!

Virgin Atlantic has introduced a first-of-its-kind rewards programme exclusively for Indian travel agents. Exclusive Virgin-style Rewards and Benefits including epic experiences and exclusive event invitations. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme – it is a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences

G Parameshwara, Home Minister, said, “Karnataka government will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mega events, meetings and celebrations aimed at preventing any untoward incidents. He added that the government will take strict measures to identify lapses.

The 2nd edition of Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is all set to be held from 26 to 28 September in Madurai. With the theme of heritage, wellness and wedding, the event this year envision to showcase Tamil Nadu’s tourism potential to hotels, tour operators, tourism transport businesses, destination companies, wedding planners and wedding decor experts.