Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, shared that the company’s strongest inbound markets — the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East — have recorded double-digit growth. Rising interest from Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa reflects India’s growing appeal to global travellers seeking authentic, safe, and value-driven experiences, as well as its ability to cater to both leisure and business travellers.

Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies based in Zurich, today confirmed the strategic takeover of London-based Signature Hotels. The takeover gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels a significant footprint in the UK market. The commercial term of the deal remains undisclosed. Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional properties set to open during the next twelve months. The group’s portfolio is characterised by a focus on individuality, local character, and human-centred hospitality- balancing sustainable performance with culture, wellbeing, and social responsibility. Through this takeover, Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands its reach within London’s upscale hotel segment while extending into one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets, India, where Signature has two properties under development. The partnership further aligns two family-led groups united by shared values, long-term vision, and a commitment to meaningful, people-focused hospitality. “Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman, Grand Metropolitan Hotels. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.” Ramesh Arora, current CEO, Signature Hotels group, will be retained as a Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Arora has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust. “This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining …

Hahnair marked a decade of partnership with American Express Credit Card by hosting an event in Delhi. Bharat Kapoor, Regional VP, Hahnair (India), said, “Through our ties with Travesla, our India partner, we further enhance service for Indian travel agencies through a dedicated nationwide team and 24/7 support.” He also talked about the addition of Southwest Airlines to its more than 100 non-GDS carrier portfolio under the H1 and X1 systems.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, GoI, revealed that the Ministry of Tourism will soon launch a revamped global promotion and marketing plan to strengthen inbound tourism. The strategy targets key source markets with focused promotions, collaborations with global brands and influencers, and enhanced synergy with states under the unified Incredible India brand, alongside a renewed push for MICE tourism.

TravTalk successfully hosted the first edition of its Think Tank — a closed-door roundtable titled ‘Reimagining Inbound India: Making India the Must-Do Destination for a Younger Global Traveller’ at the Le Meridien New Delhi. The focus was on brainstorming strategies for packaging India for the next generation of inbound visitors.

Switzerland Tourism’s exclusive webinar on Laax and Landquart Fashion Outlet takes place on 30 October at 3 pm IST. The session will spotlight Laax — a scenic mountain village in Graubünden — and the Landquart Fashion Outlet, featuring over 180 brands. Participants who attend all webinars have a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2026. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Luxury India Holidays celebrated its long-standing partnerships and industry friendships through a special networking event in Delhi. Founded in 2004, the company has carved a niche in luxury experiential travel, completing over 20 years of operations. Viswas Makhija, Founder & President, said India’s inbound tourism needs a fresh, unified push led by private players. He believes that the country must market itself as a “one-stop solution for holidays” through its diversity and depth, noting that private entrepreneurs, not the government, have long carried the responsibility of promoting India globally. The company, with sales representatives across Europe, North America, Russia, and Mexico, focuses on personalised global roadshows rather than trade fairs to attract high-value travellers. Makhija emphasised that inbound success depends on collaboration among Indian DMCs, associations, and marketers — “walking the roads of the world” to build new partnerships and promote niche, experience-led travel across India’s cultural and luxury segments. Highlighting the evolving preferences of international visitors, Prerna Pradhan, Director – Product Development, said that the company noted a growing demand for experiential and wellness travel. Cultural journeys remain the most popular, though repeat travellers are increasingly exploring India’s wellness, adventure and beach destinations.

Join an exclusive webinar on 24 October at 3 PM (IST) to know more about Dubai Safari Park and its unique attractions and visitor experiences. Interested participants can register to attend the session. For more information or registration assistance, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

H.E. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India, hosted a special luncheon in New Delhi to strengthen tourism ties and highlight the growing opportunities between the two countries. The event brought together key representatives from India’s travel trade to explore avenues for enhancing connectivity, promoting cultural exchange, and boosting visitor numbers both ways. Emphasising Türkiye’s diverse attractions, the ambassador reiterated the country’s commitment to deepening engagement with India’s outbound travel market and fostering closer people-to-people connections.

ITC Hotels announced the signing of definitive agreements with DSR Hospitality Services for two new managed hotels in Nellore and Hyderabad under its Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels brand. With these two additions, ITCHL is set to expand its presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Brand Welcomhotel continues to grow through the asset right strategy, expanding its visibility across India by associating with hotel developers for new management opportunities. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Hyderabad Panjagutta will feature 117 rooms and over 800 sq m of meeting space. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Nellore will feature 127 rooms and over 2,600 sq m of meeting space.