In a significant development for the Indian and Iranian tourism sectors, the Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 September, 2024, at the ITB India 2024 in Mumbai. The MoU, signed by Mostafa Shafie Shakib, Chairman, ITOA, and Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, aims to strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. The signing ceremony was witnessed by distinguished members of both associations, including Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI, and Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary, OTOAI. The presence of Mostafa Shafie Shakib as the primary signatory from the Iranian delegation highlighted the significance of this initiative. Other esteemed members of the Iranian delegation were also in attendance, further reinforcing the importance of the agreement. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in fostering tourism growth, exploring new opportunities, and creating sustainable partnerships between India and Iran. The MoU underscores the shared commitment of both countries to promoting cultural exchange and unlocking new tourism potential.    

More than 20 travel industry specialists travelled down to Goa onboard FLY91 and were hosted at IHCL’s Goa Resorts during the familiarisation trip.  The familiarisation trip is aimed at promoting Goa, which is focused on sustainable and regenerative tourism, as an immersive leisure tourism destination with diverse potential to host destination weddings and MICE events.  During the familiarisation trip to Goa onboard FLY91, travel operators were acquainted with the airline’s customisable travel arrangements for large travel groups, including weddings and MICE events  In a move aimed at enhancing the Goa experience beyond the state’s beaches, India’s pure-play regional airline, FLY91, has partnered with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to offer an enriched and multi-faceted travel experience to the coastal state.    To showcase this vision, FLY91 and IHCL recently organised a familiarisation trip for a delegation of leading travel agents and event planners from Hyderabad, that is designed to provide firsthand experience of Goa’s hospitality and regional connectivity, already reckoned as a leading destination for weddings, leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).  As part of the familiarisation trip, the delegation of travel industry stakeholders who flew down to Goa onboard FLY91 were hosted at IHCL’s multiple properties, namely Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa and Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. During the trip the team visited Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa.  This collaboration is a key step in building a sustainable tourism model that combines luxury accommodation with seamless travel options, ensuring Goa remains a sought-after destination. It aims to enhance the visitor experience by showcasing that Goa offers much more than just its beaches and …

The three-day B2B trade show, held from 11 – 13 September in Mumbai, successfully concluded with over 600 top-tier Indian & international buyers. Alongside MICE Show India, Travel Tech India, and the ITB India Conference, ITB India 2024 served as a unique platform, fostering fruitful business collaborations in the travel industry. ITB India 2024, the annual 3-day business-to-business trade show and convention, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, came to a successful close today. The second in-person edition attracted key travel industry professionals and created unparalleled pathways to the Indian and South Asian travel markets for quality buyers and global exhibitors representing MICE, Corporate, Leisure, and Travel Technology sectors. The event launched the inaugural ITB India Gala Dinner with over 400 international exhibitors and top buyers in a high level B2B networking function. This year’s event drew over 600 Indian & international top-tier buyers, facilitating more than 25,000 business engagements. Key exhibitors include AsiaPay, Club Med, Collinson Group, EVA Airways, Encalm Hospitality, Kenya Tourism Board, Melia Hotels International, Mize, Mondee, Novotel Jaipur, Prince Hotels & Resorts, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Office of Spain, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Uzbekistan Airways, visitBerlin, and Visit Oulu. “India’s travel industry is experiencing remarkable growth and the increasing demand in this market is sparking renewed interest from around the world. This year’s edition proved instrumental in forging strategic partnerships and driving growth in one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets. With a focus on staying ahead of the curve, our conference tracks provided key insights to ensure attendees are future-ready”, says Joyce Wang, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Organiser of ITB India, MICE Show India, and Travel Tech India. The …

Aiming to become Sri Lanka’s first ‘Net Zero’ resort, the newly launched Lodge harmonises luxury and ecological consciousness. In the heart of Sri Lanka’s wild coastal frontier, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, launches, emerging as a beacon of sustainable luxury. Adjacent to Yala National Park, this exquisite retreat offers an unparalleled experience of coastal luxury set amidst the untamed beauty of nature. Featuring ten private Jungle Dwellings, each residence stands as a sanctuary of serenity, complete with expansive wooden terraces that serve as perfect vantage points for observing diverse wildlife roaming freely around the property. Recent enhancements at the once-safari camp transcend aesthetic upgrades. With the introduction of a stunning rooftop infinity pool providing a tranquil oasis, guests can now bask in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the lush jungle canopy. The lodge’s culinary offerings celebrate Sri Lankan heritage infused with international flavors, presenting a diverse dining palette, from The Thicket restaurant to unique experiences at The Hive rooftop bar and beach dining on the dunes. To further enhance the guest experience, a team of skilled butlers is on hand to provide personalised service and curate exclusive excursions. Jetwing Jungle Lodge’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its strides towards becoming Sri Lanka’s first ‘Net Zero’ resort. A significant 125kW solar photovoltaic system has been installed, aiming to offset the resort’s direct and indirect emissions entirely. Further, the lodge has installed an on-site generated biogas and biomass. For those seeking an escape that harmonises luxury with ecological consciousness, Jetwing Jungle Lodge offers a guilt-free retreat into the wild, where every moment contributes to a more sustainable future. Jetwing Jungle Lodge is an addition to the brand’s diverse portfolio of luxury …

At the second edition of ITB India, Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel, delivered an insightful keynote on India’s rapidly evolving travel landscape. With India’s economy and demographic shifts setting the stage for unprecedented growth, Suri painted a vivid picture of how the country’s travel sector is poised for expansion, underpinned by strong domestic demand, a youthful population, and a growing middle class. Suri began by highlighting India’s economic ascent, positioning it as a global powerhouse. Currently, the country boasts a $3.95 trillion economy and is expected to become the third-largest economy by 2027 -28, growing at a steady rate of 8%. This robust growth is fueled by a diverse economic base, including IT, services, agriculture, and manufacturing. According to Suri, this economic diversity and stability create a fertile ground for travel and tourism to flourish. A major driver of this boom is India’s young, tech-savvy population. With 52% of India’s 1.4 billion people under the age of 50, and 27% under 30, Suri emphasised how this “Gen Alpha” is already contributing to the nation’s growing consumer market. These young consumers, being digital natives, are increasingly embracing technology to plan and book travel, shifting from a traditional “saver” mentality to a more “spending” and experience-driven mindset. Suri also touched on the significant shift in consumer behavior, especially post-pandemic. “Pre-pandemic, travel was more about escaping life; post-pandemic, it is about experiencing life,” he noted. This psychological shift has led to a surge in local, experiential travel, with people looking for more meaningful, culturally immersive experiences rather than merely ticking off destinations. The demand for authentic stays, such as Airbnbs and homestays, has increased, reflecting a deeper desire to connect with local …

Siddharth Jain, Founder, Director, Chalo DMC LLP, Director, Membership Development, SKAL Pune shared his excitement for the upcoming Pedal for Purpose Cyclothon in Pune. “Pune is one of the fastest-growing markets for the tourism industry. SKAL is organising a unique event called Pedal for Purpose Cyclothon for the travel fraternity in Pune. It is a blend of fun and social impact that will kick off World Tourism Week on 22 September. I invite all industry members to join this grand affair, which will be a wonderful experience for both participants and their families.” SKAL International Pune’s Pedal for Purpose will celebrate World Tourism Week 2024 with a thrilling cyclothon. The cyclothon aims to promote sustainability, foster networking within the travel fraternity, and contribute to important causes such as road safety, tree planting and reducing plastic use. Participants can look forward to a scenic route, impactful stopovers, and a grand celebration with food, games, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Unite, celebrate, and impact as the travel fraternity comes together for Pune’s first-ever cycle marathon. Registration door to open soon. YouTube SKAL Pune I India

New features enable aviation organisations to digitally transform M&E and MRO operations with AI-driven predictive management, advanced automation, and real-time insights. Chennai, India; Miami, Fla., – Ramco Systems (BSE-532370, NSE-RAMCOSYS), a global enterprise software company offering next-generation SaaS-enabled platforms and products, announced today the release of its Aviation Maintenance Software 6.0, which leverages AI and machine learning for smarter, predictive aviation management. The latest product launch includes new AI-driven features that enable organisations to digitally transform their Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and engineering operations. These features also streamline workflows from resource planning to purchase orders and improve management of flight safety and compliance. “The latest version of Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 is a significant milestone in our journey of continuous innovation and commitment to excellence,” said Sundar Subramanian, CEO, Ramco Systems. “Along with the advanced capabilities, our specialised Engine MRO solution is a key part of this release, addressing the critical challenges of engine maintenance. By harnessing advanced technology and our domain expertise, Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 will enable aviation organisations to meet their growing customer demands and stay competitive. We look forward to empowering organisations to drive transformation with this game-changing release.” New features provide a seamless MRO experience that optimises supply chains, cuts costs and increases productivity. Powered by robust AI algorithms, Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 introduces: Advanced Engine MRO Management System – Ramco’s specialised Engine MRO software manages the entire engine lifecycle through advanced configuration tracking, LLP management, and automated work-scoping to simplify complex MRO processes and improve turnaround times. Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) Hub for Complex Engine Assemblies – Ensure safe and efficient operation with digital task cards, hierarchical configuration views, and real-time updates. The …

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) will hold its 11th Annual Convention and 23rd Annual General Meeting on 19 & 20 September, 2024, at INDeco Hotels Swamimalai. IHHA is the first post-independence aggregation of India’s erstwhile Royals and Thakurs, to formulate a master plan for their future role and promote heritage tourism in India. Crucially, the initial objective was to maintain and preserve the legacy surrounding their palaces. The first Annual Convention, held on 21 & 22 September, 2012, at Nahargarh, Ranthambore, aimed to revive India’s rich cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. K. Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, and K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister for Tourism, Government of Pondicherry, consented to launch this event. Similarly, Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, are expected to deliver speeches at the special convention. Aside from the above, several bureaucrats, policymakers, and tourism specialists are slated to attend. This convention fittingly themed, “Revitalising Indian Heritage,” will lay out IHHA’s strategy for the next 25 years. The convention will also focus on identifying young leaders to take the message forward. “IHHA aims to infuse young and sustained energies to chart a course to revive heritage tourism in the country,” said HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II, Jodhpur, President Emeritus, IHHA. Thakur Gajsingh, Alsisar, General Secretary, IHHA added, “IHHA will also look into ways that the Ministry of Tourism and IHHA can work together to protect and preserve Indian monuments.” Steve Borgia, Vice President, IHHA, will lead and host this historical convention. It is anticipated that over 150 former Royals from all over India will attend this momentous gathering. …

SKAL Pune is beginning Tourism Week with a groundbreaking cycle marathon,” said, Krishna Gopalan, Vice President, Travel Masters, Mumbai, Vice President, SKAL India. “This unique event, scheduled for 22 September, 2024, is in partnership with TAAI, TAFI, IIHM and PHA. I urge the entire travel fraternity in Pune to join us for a day of fun, networking, and supporting a great cause. Let’s get out and enjoy the ride!” SKAL International Pune’s Pedal for Purpose will celebrate World Tourism Week 2024 with a thrilling cyclothon. The cyclothon aims to promote sustainability, foster networking within the travel fraternity, and contribute to important causes such as road safety, tree planting and reducing plastic use. Participants can look forward to a scenic route, impactful stopovers, and a grand celebration with food, games, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Unite, celebrate, and impact as the travel fraternity comes together for Pune’s first-ever cycle marathon.  

TRN Marketing, a leading marketing company, announced its new partnership with Thompsons Africa, a top destination management company in South Africa. This collaboration aims to elevate South Africa’s position as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists. Through this partnership, TRN Marketing will serve as Thompsons Africa’s representative in India. Leveraging Thompsons Africa’s expertise and resources, TRN Marketing will develop tailored marketing campaigns and initiatives to attract Indian travellers to South Africa’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Sidhartha Roy, Senior Vice President, TRN Marketing, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are elated to collaborate with Thompsons Africa and introduce their exceptional services to the Indian market. South Africa offers unparalleled beauty and adventure, and we are committed to inspiring Indian travellers to explore this remarkable destination.” TRN Marketing will focus on promoting South Africa’s top attractions, including safaris, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. By utilising targeted marketing efforts, industry partnerships, and dedicated promotional activities, TRN Marketing aims to increase Indian tourism to South Africa and strengthen the ties between the two nations. With its extensive experience in destination marketing, TRN Marketing is well-positioned to enhance South Africa’s presence in the Indian market. This partnership with Thompsons Africa marks a significant step in enriching the travel experience for Indian tourists and broadening their horizons with the wonders of South Africa.