Category Archives: Movements

Minor Hotels has appointed Christoph Dueker as Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, effective September 2025. Bringing over two decades of international hospitality experience, Christoph will oversee operations at the two sister properties located along Sri Lanka’s scenic southwest coast. With more than 20 years of global experience, Christoph has worked with some of the world’s leading luxury and lifestyle hotel brands across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Having begun his career with Four Seasons, he has since held senior management positions with Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, and Marina Bay Sands, among others. His leadership combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place, creating hotels that are both high-performing and deeply rooted in their local communities. His focus on guest-centric innovation, destination-inspired design, and meaningful community engagement has consistently translated into elevated experiences and sustainable performance. Commenting on his appointment, Christoph Dueker said, “I’m truly excited to be in Sri Lanka and to work with the talented teams at Anantara and Avani Kalutara. Both resorts have distinctive personalities: one a peaceful Sir Geoffrey Bawa–inspired luxury sanctuary, the other a vibrant lifestyle beach escape. My focus will be on strengthening their individual character while deepening their connection to this beautiful destination.” Nicholas Smith, Vice President Operations – Asia, Minor Hotels, added, “We are delighted to welcome Christoph to this pivotal leadership role in Sri Lanka. His global experience and commitment to thoughtful innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the distinct positioning of our resorts. With a sharpened focus on destination awareness and sustainability, Christoph is well-placed to lead the next phase of growth for our properties in Kalutara.” Nestled between …

The Ministry of Tourism has appointed Harkishore S, IAS as the new Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, for a tenure of five years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

VisitBritain, the national tourism agency for Britain, has appointed Ritu Varma as Country Manager for India. Based in Mumbai, Varma will lead VisitBritain’s activity in India to boost inbound tourism to Britain. The role will focus on product development and implementing VisitBritain’s distribution strategy, working closely with travel trade and industry partners to encourage Indian visitors to discover more of Britain. Gary Robson, Deputy Director Europe, GCC & India, VisitBritain said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ritu Varma to the VisitBritain team. Varma brings with her over two decades of extensive experience in business development, most recently at Tourism Australia.” “Varma has a strong record in product innovation and market growth, making her well placed to lead our team here in India and drive our ambitious market strategy in this key inbound market for Britain.” Ritu Varma, Country Manager, India, VisitBritain, said, “I am delighted to take on this responsibility and lead the VisitBritain team in India. It is an exciting time with India showing such strong growth and with Indian visitors forecast to spend a record £1 billion next year on their trips to the UK.” “I look forward to working with the excellent VisitBritain team to boost this even further, encouraging Indian visitors to explore dynamic and diverse destinations right across Britain. Equally, I am committed to working closely with our partners across the UK travel and tourism industry to ensure they are part of one of the fastest-growing markets, creating opportunities that deliver long-term growth and shared success.” India is an important inbound market for Britain, with 666,000 visits forecast from India this year with those visitors set to spend a record £900 million on their trips. …

Alex to lead Accor’s business and growth strategy in the region Accor announces the appointment of Ranju Alex as its CEO for South Asia (covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Alex is a highly accomplished hospitality professional who has until recently been the Regional Vice President for South Asia for Marriott International, running over 170 hotels across the region. Alex began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and has been in several leadership positions with Marriott International in a highly successful career which spans three decades. She was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav award, a prestigious honour, recognising her several achievements in the industry. Accor and InterGlobe earlier this year announced the creation of a new joint venture consolidating all their businesses into a single entity/vehicle, subject to receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. Gaurav Bhushan, Chairman, Accor/ InterGlobe JV said, “We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Alex to the Accor and InterGlobe Family. She brings a wealth of rich experience, skills and relationships into our business and we look forward to building the foremost hospitality platform in the region under her leadership.” Ranju Alex said, “I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honour to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

Air New Zealand announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Greg Foran who steps down in October after almost six years leading the airline through one of the most challenging periods in aviation history. Currently the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, Nikhil will officially take over as CEO on 20 October 2025. In the nearly five years that Nikhil has been at Air New Zealand he has gained a deep understanding of the aviation sector, and the airline. He has also led major advances in the airline’s technology backbone, loyalty program and customer proposition. Dame Therese Walsh, Board Chair, Air New Zealand says the appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, reflecting the strong momentum underway and a new generation of leadership for the future. “Across Air New Zealand, we are very clear on what matters most—connecting our communities and country to each other and the world, delivering value and excellence, and running a world-class airline that all Kiwi are proud of.” “We have always been bold and not afraid to adapt and lead. Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future. The Board undertook an extensive international search and were delighted to see Nikhil come through the process so strongly. His ambition for the airline’s future and his people leadership skills, coupled with his pursuit of excellence, digital literacy, global outlook and relationships, and his deep care for the airline and New Zealand shone through.” “Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, whether that is climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures or geopolitics. Nikhil brings a fresh …

Set against the turquoise waters of the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, Amilla Maldives has long been celebrated for its bold take on luxury, sustainability, and inclusivity. Now, with the appointment of Gaurav Makhijani as Director of Sales, the resort signals its intent to deepen its global partnerships and sharpen its strategic edge. Tucked within the breathtaking Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Amilla Maldives isn’t your typical island escape. It’s a sanctuary that balances barefoot luxury with a sense of purpose, welcoming couples, families, and groups of friends to unwind in 67 spacious Pool Villas and Residences, all with private pools and indoor-outdoor living. From its reef-fringed shores to its kombucha-making workshops and art classes, Amilla invites guests into a vibrant mix of play, rest, and reconnection. More than just a beautiful destination, Amilla stands out for its environmental and social commitments. As an EarthCheck silver-certified property and member of Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection, the resort weaves sustainability into every aspect from inclusive menus catering to a range of dietary lifestyles, to being an IncluCare-certified resort that prioritises accessibility and guest wellbeing. Now, the resort enters an exciting chapter with the addition of Gaurav Makhijani as Director of Sales. With more than 14 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Gaurav brings with him a deep understanding of the Maldivian market, having held leadership roles at Kuda Villingili, The OZEN Collection, and Jumeirah Maldives. At Amilla, Makhijani will lead the charge in strengthening global sales efforts and building long-term relationships with partners. His appointment comes at a time when the resort is doubling down on its core values of sustainability, inclusivity, and authentic connection and his strategic approach is set to align seamlessly with …

With India’s rising middle class and younger Indian travellers, the country is poised to reshape the global leisure travel industry. According to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), global leisure travel spending is projected to triple from $5 trillion in 2024 to $15 trillion by 2040, driven by emerging markets like India and China.

AVIAREPS, an international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage brands, announced the appointment of Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise to grow its cruise division. Tom will oversee the cruise line department of AVIAREPS and will be responsible for expanding the company’s service portfolio for cruise lines worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in the travel and cruise industry, Tom Fecke brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic development. He previously held sales and leadership roles at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre and RCL Cruises and was Secretary General of the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA in Brussels to lobby the interests of the European cruise industry. Tom joins AVIAREPS with a strong network and a proven track record of helping cruise lines grow their passenger numbers and boost sales. The cruise industry saw a strong global recovery after the pandemic, with passenger levels rising 6.8% in 2023 above those of 2019 across all regions. In 2024, the global cruise market generated a value of $8.9 billion and is projected to reach $18.4 billion by 2030. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% between 2025 and 2030. Cruise lines worldwide are preparing to meet this demand, with 37 new ships currently in the order books at the yards until 2028. (Sources: CLIA, Horizon). Under the management of Tom Fecke, AVIAREPS will grow its cruise representation department, offering market research, travel trade development and PR, sales and marketing activities. From organising trade shows and agent training to managing media relations and call centre support, AVIAREPS helps cruise operators strengthen their presence, grow their passenger numbers and expand …

IndiGo announced that subject to Regulatory and Shareholder approvals, IndiGo’s Board of Directors appoints Michael Whitaker as an Independent Director. Whitaker served most recently as Administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. agency in charge of air safety, efficiency, and the operation of the national air traffic system in the U.S.A. He resigned from the FAA in January of this year. Whitaker held numerous roles in his 30-year aviation career. Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, IndiGo, said, “Mike’s deep and varied industry and government experience will contribute significantly to having an effective and diverse Board. His focus on efficiency, operations, air safety as head of the FAA will reinforce IndiGo’s longstanding focus on operating at the highest levels. Also, his extensive experience in International Governmental Affairs will be hugely instrumental as IndiGo continues its global expansion.” “I am deeply honoured to have the privilege of joining the Board of the world’s fastest growing airline on its way to become a global aviation giant,” Michael Whitaker said. “India is one of the world’s great travel hubs with unlimited growth potential. I look forward to working with the Board to continue the growth of this world-leading Indian company.”  

The Utah Office of Tourism has appointed Tera Atwood as its new Global Markets Specialist, marking a significant step in strengthening Utah’s presence in key international markets, with a dedicated focus on India. With international travel from India on the rise, Atwood’s role will focus on increasing Utah’s visibility among Indian travellers, strengthening travel trade relationships, and developing targeted campaigns to position Utah as a must-visit U.S. destination. Tera Atwood brings extensive expertise in tourism and destination marketing, and she is eager to engage with the rapidly growing Indian travel market. Sharing her enthusiasm, Atwood said, “I have always been captivated by India’s rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and incredible diversity. With a rapidly growing economy, an expanding global influence, and a diverse community of travellers seeking new experiences, India is an exciting and dynamic market to engage with. My key priority is to position Utah as a premier destination for Indian travellers. By showcasing our iconic landscapes, world-class adventures, and luxury experiences, Utah is the perfect place to satisfy the craving for unforgettable international travel.” The Utah Office of Tourism continues to see a rise in international visitors. In 2024, Utah surpassed 2019 visitor spending and visitation levels, with tourism contributing over USD 12 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Indian travellers alone spent USD 16.7 million in Utah last year, making India one of the fastest-growing visitor markets for the state. With visitor spending from India projected to grow by over 200 per cent from 2019 to 2028, Utah is committed to expanding its brand presence and engagement in the region. With a strong focus on market expansion, Atwood aims to strengthen trade partnerships, enhance media engagement, and develop strategic campaigns …