Goa Tourism’s pavilion at ATM 2024 was the centre of activity, attracting buyers from around the globe. The pavilion provided a valuable opportunity for the co-exhibitors to showcase their offerings and forge valuable partnerships. From community-based projects to conservation efforts, the aim is to highlight the holistic approach that underpins the vision for sustainable tourism.

South African Tourism announced ‘Africa’s Travel INDABA 2024’ to take place from 13 to 15 May in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal. The event will host over 40 trade partners from India. Nearly 95 per cent of the participants will be from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The highlight of this year’s event will be the showcase of new and untapped regions within South Africa.

VIDEC’s 2023 Indian Traveller Behaviour & Insights Report says 59% of Indian travellers prefer short weekend trips, and 79% choose domestic over international destinations. Of the international travellers, 84% were first-time travellers, with Thailand, the UAE and Singapore as the top destinations, chosen for their proximity, climate and cultural appeal.

Speaking at a special session titled ‘Attracting the Indian Travellers into the GCC’, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President, Asia Pacific (APAC), Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “The diverse experiences that Saudi Arabia is offering will attract Indians to the destination. We have eased out the visa and offering free transit visas for Indians for 5-8 hours.”

MakeMyTrip in its summer travel trends report declared Goa as the most popular destination among Indian travellers’ during summer. It termed Udaipur and Srinagar as the most searched destinations in the internet compared to the same period last year. The report identified the top destinations that have got travellers’ interest for the summer of 2024.

Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based, family entertainment, have entered a global partnership for Air India’s Flying Returns (FR) loyalty programme. Effective 08 May 2024, Flying Returns members will earn Reward Points when they buy tickets to Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds across nine locations around the world. Two more Madame Tussauds locations will be added for the offering in the coming weeks, thus covering all worldwide locations of the popular tourist attraction. The partnership is powered by GlobalTix, Asia’s leading travel technology company, which enables the booking transactions. Air India’s Flying Returns members can earn up to 16 FR points per INR 100/USD 1.2 spent across participating Madame Tussauds locations. As part of an exclusive launch offer valid on bookings made until 25 June 2024 and visits completed until 30 June 2024, Flying Returns members can earn double Reward Points at five Madame Tussauds locations, namely Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, London and New York. During the limited period, Flying Returns members will also get a complimentary entry for one child (2-11 years) accompanied by two adults at select Madame Tussauds locations. Air India and Merlin Entertainments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremonial event held at the iconic Madame Tussauds Dubai during the on-going Arabian Travel Market 2024. Flying Returns members can earn FR Reward Points on tickets to the participating Madame Tussauds locations by purchasing their tickets here: https://airindia.tickete.co/partner/madame-tussauds-flying-returns-air-india/ Dominique Sidley, Global Trade Strategy Director, Merlin Entertainments, stated: “We at Merlin Entertainments are excited about this partnership with India’s leading airline, Air India, and to welcoming the ‘Flying Returns’ members to our incredible attractions across the globe. India is a …

Goa Tourism proudly commenced its journey in the esteemed Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2024, one of the world’s premier travel and tourism events. With the kickstarting of ATM Dubai, Goa Tourism’s pavilion has become a hub of activity, attracting buyers from around the globe. This presents a remarkable opportunity for all our co-exhibitors to showcase their offerings and forge valuable partnerships. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Govt. of Goa and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, expressed his delight at the successful launch of the event’s first day, stating, “The ongoing ATM Dubai event has ignited an exciting journey for Goa Tourism. It’s invigorating to see such enthusiastic engagement from visitors and buyers, setting a promising tone for the remaining days. With anticipation high, we look forward to even greater levels of interaction and collaboration over the next few days of the event.” As anticipation builds for increased engagement over the coming days at ATM Dubai, Goa Tourism is eager to spotlight its distinctive approach to Regenerative Tourism through pavilion number AS7259 at Hall 7. With a focus on sustainability and immersion, visitors can expect a glimpse into the state’s rich tapestry of travel experiences. From the tranquil depths of spiritual tourism to the vibrant ensemble of Goa beyond its famed beaches, including its lush hinterland, the showcase promises to unveil the multifaceted essence of this coastal gem. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, the team is committed to demonstrating how Goa’s brand of Regenerative Tourism has the power to redefine the travel landscape, offering both visitors and locals alike a deeper, more meaningful connection to this beloved destination. As ATM Dubai 2024 unfolds, Goa Tourism eagerly anticipates …

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency announces its partnership with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members from 30 June to 6 July. The initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2-day Fiji Tourism Exchange, Brent Hill, CEO, Tourism Fiji, said, “Indian tourists visiting Australia or New Zealand can be a great source market for Fiji, which is visa-free for Indian nationals, and we plan to tap that.” Over 80 suppliers are showcasing their products to 125+ buyers from key markets including three travel agents namely Kesari Tours, PickYourTrail, and Thomas Cook India from India.

Manish Sharma, Chairman, Gujarat Tourism Corporation Society, said, “Indian electoral process has been increasingly in demand during assembly elections. UP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka have been highlighted as “tourism-friendly states”, and visitors can be “easily facilitated to experience the process” here. If government takes the initiative of promoting election tourism, 5-7 lakh tourists can be brought to India for elections alone.”