Booking.com released the 10th edition of its annual Sustainable Travel Report that explores consumer attitudes and intentions with regards to the social and ecological impact of travel. The report reveals how Indian travellers are leveraging their travel choices to empower local communities and support sustainable tourism. Highlights: 59% of Indian travellers are now conscious of travel’s impact on communities as well as the environment and 63% want to leave places better than when they arrived. This year, travelling more sustainably remains important for most Indian travellers (96%) and a remarkable 99% say they want to make more sustainable travel choices 74% of Indian travellers feel that tourism has a positive impact overall on the place where they live. This year the report explores not just how the travellers feel but how, as residents they perceive the impact of tourism on their communities With insights from 32,000 travellers in 34 countries, including India and amid growing discussion of the impact of tourism on destinations, the research shows a shift in traveller perceptions of what sustainability encompasses. For the first time, more than half of Indian travellers (59%) are now conscious of travel’s impact on communities as well as the environment and 63% now want to leave places better than when they arrived. The research takes a community-centric lens this year. Asking respondents not just how they travel but how they also experience inbound visitors where they live, this approach sheds light on the benefits and challenges of tourism from their perspective as both travellers and locals. The report reveals that while 74% of Indian travellers feel that tourism has a positive impact overall on the place where they live, adjustments are …

Air New Zealand marked a momentous new chapter in its 85-year journey, unveiling both a striking new uniform collection and the first of its fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners. These two milestones signal the airline’s continued commitment to celebrating Aotearoa while delivering world-class innovation to customers around the globe. Uniform Like No Other: A Celebration of Aotearoa Air New Zealand reveals its brand-new uniform – a bold and meaningful expression of the airline’s pride in Aotearoa and its unique cultural heritage. Designed by acclaimed New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana, the uniform marks a powerful new era of identity for Air New Zealand. “For us, this is more than just a uniform; it is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.” Worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders globally, the new uniform will undergo in-flight and ground trials beginning May 2025, with full rollout across the airline in 2026. Introducing the Future of Flying: The All-New 787-9 Dreamliner Air New Zealand also revealed its first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner – ZK-NZH – setting a new benchmark in onboard experience and aircraft design. Customers can book seats starting Wednesday, 7 May, ahead of the aircraft’s debut flights from Auckland to Brisbane on Monday, 19 May, followed by its first long-haul to San Francisco. This retrofit is …

Tivoli Hospitality Group announced the launch of ‘Wedcation by Tivoli’ in Jim Corbett. This expansion marks the brand’s commitment to destination-driven hospitality, seamlessly blending the charm of nature with the elegance of bespoke weddings. “This collaboration marks a strategic initiative to expand into experiential, destination-driven hospitality,” said Akshay Gupta, Executive Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group. “These partnerships bring together local expertise, beautiful properties, and Tivoli’s legacy in luxury and events. It was a natural progression shaped by evolving consumer desires for more immersive and meaningful celebrations.” This initiative builds upon Tivoli’s successful expansion into Tier 2 markets and the NCR region, which includes flagship properties such as The Tivoli New Delhi, Chhatarpur and The Upper HSE – Sultanpur. With this latest addition to its growing portfolio, Tivoli aims to redefine destination weddings through its innovative ‘Wedcation’ concept, inspired by the increasing demand for experiential wedding celebrations. “We see weddings not just as events, but as multi-day experiences,” Gupta elaborated. “Guests can celebrate in thoughtfully designed venues by night and wake up to jungle safaris, nature walks, or yoga by the river. This unique rhythm balances the joy of celebration with the calm of nature—making each moment unforgettable.” “The property stands out through its seamless integration of wedding festivities with nature-based experiences,” he added. “Offering exclusive outdoor spaces, customised wedding setups, eco-friendly accommodations, and adventure options like wildlife safaris and nature walks, we provide an all-encompassing, unique destination for couples and nature enthusiasts alike.” “The concept of Wedcation was born out of a desire to offer couples an extraordinary wedding experience that blends the vibrancy of celebration with the peace and allure of nature,” said Gupta. He further explained the location choice, …

Federation of Associations in Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) is set to hold its National Tourism Conclave ‘Tourism 2030 – India on Mission Mode.’ Bringing together industry and government to define the roadmap for the sector to become a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, contributing 10 per cent to India’s GDP. Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, FAITH, said “India will continue to be among the fastest growing major economies on its path to becoming the world’s third largest global economy. This coupled with limited supply addition in the country’s top ten lodging markets, foreign tourist arrivals set to exceed pre-covid levels, and the permanent shift in consumer behaviour with travel becoming a non-discretionary spend will continue the demand buoyancy in the tourism sector.” He added, “The National Tourism Conclave will focus on enabling a transformation in the policy framework and facilitate the creation of a favourable investment environment to unlock India’s tourism potential. This roadmap to 2030 will serve as the building block for USD 3 trillion tourism economy in 2047, aligned to the vision of Viksit Bharat, as envisaged by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.” The conclave will feature a series of panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on enhancing India’s global positioning by deliberating on issues such as Development of a Holistic Travel Eco-Systems, World Class Infrastructure & Connectivity, Sustainability & Inclusivity in Tourism, Preserving Culture & Heritage, Promotion of Destinations and Leveraging India’s Demographic Dividend – Building the Talent Pool. According to Ajeet Bajaj, Vice Chairman, FAITH, “The conclave will witness participation of senior leaders from both the Government and the Travel & Tourism industry.  The recommendations emerging from the conclave will be presented to the …

Travstarz Global Group, a Trip.com invested company hosted a networking evening and training for its travel agent partners at Hotel Grand Mercure, Agra on 28th April, 2025. The event saw a packed crowd with over 35 agent partners joining in for the evening from Agra and surrounding cities. Pankaj Nagpal, Managing Director, Travstarz Global Group said, “Over the last 3 years we have been regularly conducting Training and Networking Workshops for our Agent Partners across various cities. Our core strength has always been Tier 2 & 3 Cities and this time we chose Agra for our event and we are very proud that we are the first DMC in India to have hosted such an event in the city of Taj. We received an overwhelming response from the agent partners, and I was personally amazed to see the kind of existing and potential outbound business from Agra. We showcased our entire portfolio of products and destinations specially focussing on Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Vietnam, Japan and Georgia which have been recently added to our DMC list taking our Total DMC Offices to 21 Destinations now. We already have unmatched offerings for USA and Canada both with over 600 short and long-haul itineraries for these countries alone with our Head Quarters in Los Angeles, USA and we hope to get a strong support from Agra for all our DMC locations” Vani Singh, Vice President, Travstarz Global Group added, “We have been wanting to do such an event in Agra for quite some time now since we have witnessed good volume of outbound business coming from here already. These shows and networking events are our way to reconnect with our partners …

Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil marked the conclusion of its three-week PM-USHA Bridge Course 2025 with a vibrant valedictory ceremony held on campus. The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon (CEC, Kargil) and Guest of Honour Kacho Farooz Ahmed, alongside college faculty, students, and invited dignitaries. Key Highlights: Inauguration of New College Buses: The event commenced with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, officially inaugurating two newly procured college buses to enhance student transportation facilities. Welcome Address: Principal Prof. Disket Angmo warmly welcomed the guests with traditional khataks and delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the college’s transformative role over the past 24 years. She emphasised that local institutions in Ladakh, like GDC Kargil, are on par with metropolitan colleges in terms of quality and commitment. Cultural and Academic Presentations: The event featured a series of engaging performances and presentations, including: A soulful Naat-e-Sharief by the Imani Sisters The official release of the PM-USHA Bridge Course-2025 Newsletter A captivating Purgi drama titled Thokbari Skya performed by 4th-semester students Program Review and Address by Dignitaries: Prof. MNM Shabani, District Nodal Officer for PM-USHA, provided an overview of the bridge course under the ‘Gender Inclusive & Equity Program,’ outlining its objectives and impact. Guest of Honour Kacho Mohammad Feroz congratulated the college for empowering students to make informed academic choices. Chief Guest Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon reflected on his educational journey and assured continued support for college infrastructure projects. He proposed the formation of a committee to draft a roadmap for ‘Vision 2047’ for Kargil. Recognition and Felicitation: Faculty members were honoured for their contributions, and participants of the Bridge Course received certificates and …

As part of its expansion plan to strengthen inbound tourism to the UAE, Al Rais Travel Group, Dubai-based travel conglomerate, has announced the appointment of a Representative Office in India. The announcement comes in conjunction with Al Rais Travel Group’s participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its global network and building new partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators across India, one of the UAE’s key source markets. Commenting on the expansion, Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Executive Director, Al Rais Travel Group said, “Establishing a Representative Office in India is a strategic move to enhance our presence in one of the most vital tourism markets for Dubai and the UAE. We aim to forge strong partnerships with the Indian travel trade and offer tailored, high-quality travel solutions that meet the expectations of Indian travellers and support the growing momentum of travel between our two nations.” Prem Sagar, Group General Manager, Al Rais Travel Group, mentioned that India remains one of the largest source markets for inbound tourism to the UAE, driven by deep-rooted cultural, economic, and tourism ties. Mamta Pall, Founder & CEO, FootprintsWorldwide said, “We are honoured to be chosen as the India Representation Office of Al Rais Travel Group Dubai. We are dedicated to increasing the footprint of our partners in the region. With this collaboration, we will bring the best of Dubai and UAE’s attractions and hospitality to our mutual clients, opening up a world of opportunities for unforgettable journeys.” Through the representation office, Al Rais Travel will provide enhanced support to travel agents and tour operators across India, while launching innovative promotional campaigns and creating bespoke travel packages designed specifically …

Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) opened nominations for the EEMA Spotlight Awards 2025, an annual celebration that honours innovation, creativity, and excellence across the Indian events and experiential marketing industry. Scheduled to take place on 24th May 2025 at Club Riviera in Gurugram, the event promises to be a star-studded evening bringing together some of the most influential figures and rising stars in the industry for a night of recognition, inspiration, and collaboration. This year’s awards aim to spotlight exceptional individuals and organisations that have demonstrated strategic brilliance, imaginative storytelling, and flawless execution in the live events space. From grand wedding celebrations and entertainment extravaganzas to high-impact corporate events, music festivals, and government-led initiatives, the EEMA Spotlight Awards will honour outstanding work across a wide spectrum of categories. Participation is open to individuals, agencies, emerging talents, and enterprises from across India that have delivered noteworthy event experiences. Nominations are open until 11th May 2025. Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Jain, Director, Rashi Entertainment and a founding member of EEMA, emphasised the importance of the platform in showcasing Indian talent on the global stage. “The EEMA Spotlight Awards are more than just accolades—they are a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and community. It is a moment for our Partner Fraternity to be acknowledged for the excellence we deliver year-round,” he said. Echoing his sentiments, Vijay Arora, Director, Touchwood and fellow EEMA founder, added, “This is a landmark moment for Delhi to host such a prestigious award night. I urge all vendor partners to come forward, share their work, and be recognised. I also extend heartfelt thanks to those who have already submitted their nominations.” With an enhanced format, new award categories, …

The Imperial New Delhi redefines the MICE experience with its Exclusive Summer Conference Packages, designed to elevate every event with sophistication, comfort, and prestige—seamlessly paired with impeccable service and exceptional value. These specially curated Day Conference Bundles, available for groups of 75, 100, or 150 attendees, blend timeless grandeur with modern amenities and personalised services. Each package offers an array of exclusive privileges, including complimentary coordination rooms, elegant venues, and signature touches such as the Regal Afternoon Tea Break. Guests can also enjoy VIP suite upgrades, attractive summer rates, and exclusive dining benefits at our award-winning restaurants. Whether hosting a strategic corporate convention, a high-stakes stakeholder meeting, or a landmark celebration, The Imperial is committed to transforming your vision into reality with unmatched finesse. Backed by expert planners, flawless logistics, cutting-edge technology, and a hallmark of gracious hospitality, every gathering becomes truly memorable. The hotel’s state-of-the-art MICE venues provide the ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and elevated networking. From intimate boardrooms to iconic event spaces, The Imperial offers a stellar selection of venues. The Royal Ballroom, graced by the majestic Durbar of the Nawab of Maler Kotla lithograph, provides a regal setting for grand occasions. Emily Eden & Hodges offers refined elegance for smaller events, while Daniell’s Tavern adds historic charm to bespoke gatherings. Meanwhile, luxurious private meeting rooms ensure the perfect environment for focused, high-impact discussions. With a seamless blend of business amenities and leisure offerings, the packages deliver an experience that is as productive as it is indulgent. Discover how The Imperial turns meetings into milestones—where tradition meets innovation, and business becomes a memorable affair.  

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) welcomed more than 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, representing a 16 per cent increase on last year’s edition. The event has showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19 per cent from the Middle East and 81 per cent from the rest of the world. Organised by RX Global, ATM 2025 was based on the theme of ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,’ exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries and communities. The theme was a central element throughout the event, which ran from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, visited the exhibition and received an overview of this year’s key themes and innovations. Throughout the course of the four-day event, several prominent dignitaries and VIPs attended ATM 2025, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, who officially inaugurated the event, while His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, explored the show floor and was presented with highlights of the 2025 edition. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “My colleagues at RX Global and I are proud to have welcomed a vibrant and engaged community of travel professionals to ATM 2025. This year’s theme has resonated strongly throughout the show floor, emphasising how …