17th September, 2024 marks a landmark day for the Tourism India Alliance (TIA) to get into an MoU with Amity University Uttar Pradesh as its Exclusive Trade Partner to organise Tourism & Travel Expo as an integral part of the International Conference on “Bridging the Gaps in Tourism Knowledge and Practice: Sustainable Development, Regenerative Tourism, Digital Eco-Systems and Green Investments” scheduled from 07th to 09th February, 2025 at Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP) India Campus. The International conference is jointly organised by “Amity University” and “International Tourism Studies Association” (ITSA) and the integral Tourism & Travel Expo will be organised by the Tourism India Alliance (TIA). An audience of about 50000 is expected to visit the Tourism & Travel Expo and more than 1000 delegates from India and Overseas are expected to attend the Conference over the period of 3 days. “At TIA we are always working to provide best value proposition for our members and this Tourism and Travel Expo will be the appropriate opportunity for them to showcase best of what our Incredible India has to offer and to access a valuable market” said Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice President, TIA. “This partnership will boost our efforts to get connected with the global academia as we strongly believe that education is the only way to build up a robust foundation of human resources needed for the growth of tourism and hospitality industry” said Puneet Saxena, Vice President (Education), TIA.

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023-24 financial year and held its elections for the 2024-26 term on 16 September 2024, at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi. The event concluded with an exclusive Fellowship Dinner aiming to promote unity and camaraderie among its members who had gathered from various parts of the country. Annual General Meeting 2023-24 The AGM commenced with a powerful and visionary address by Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI who emphasised the association’s relentless pursuit of advancing sustainable and responsible adventure tourism in India. He lauded the united efforts of ATOAI members in fostering responsible tourism initiatives; while highlighting the remarkable progress and transformative achievements the association has accomplished over the past year. Ronny Singh Gulati, Honorary Secretary, presented the comprehensive annual report, showcasing ATOAI’s transformative initiatives and significant accomplishments throughout the 2023-24 period. Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented a detailed overview of the financial performance report for the year 2023-24. His thorough analysis covered critical financial metrics and insights into the association’s financial stability and operational performance during this period. Resolutions passed at the AGM include: Approval of the Previous Minutes: The AGM passed the minutes from the 2023 AGM, held on 20 September, 2023. Financial Overview: Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented the financial report for 2023-24, which was unanimously approved by the AGM. Auditor Appointment: The AGM formalised the appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Pawan Kumar Ambawta, as auditors for the 2024-25 financial year. Tejbir Singh Anand, Senior Vice President, delivered the vote of thanks, extending deep appreciation to the ATOAI Executive Committee, Secretariat, members, the Ministry of Tourism, state governments and the …

Brij Hotels, a collection of distinguished boutique hotels, is thrilled to announce that Brij Lakshman Sagar, a secluded escape nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, has joined the esteemed portfolio of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). This recognition signifies Brij Lakshman Sagar’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences that embody SLH’s core values of personalised service, unique locations, and commitment to quality. Originally built in the late 19th century as a hunting lodge by the Lakshman Singh, Thakur, Raipur, Brij Lakshman Sagar reflects the region’s rich heritage through meticulous restoration. This commitment to honouring the past combined with contemporary eco-friendly practices, perfectly aligns with SLH’s dedication to creating unique experiences. Brij Lakshman Sagar’s philosophy revolves around the “Zero Kilometre” concept, where resources are sourced locally, minimising the environmental impact and celebrating the rustic charm of rural Rajasthan. Spread over 32 acres, the hotel offers a haven of tranquillity with 12 independent cottages boasting private pools. The meticulously designed architecture and interiors pay homage to the region’s heritage, this commitment to tradition extends to the exquisite cuisine, featuring regional specialties and recipes passed down through generations of the Raipur family and local villages. Udit Kumar & Anant Kumar, Founders, BRIJ said “We are incredibly honoured that Brij Lakshman Sagar has been included in the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels Collection. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to preserving Rajasthan’s rich heritage while providing our guests with exceptional and eco-friendly experiences. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service and sustainability, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience the unique charm and tranquillity of Brij Lakshman Sagar.” Sudeep Mhatre, CEO, SLH Hospitality said “Brij Lakshman Sagar’s inclusion in the …

Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, is pleased to announce the expansion of its international network with the introduction of twice-weekly flights from Dubai to Paro, starting on 28 October, 2024. This new route will strengthen Drukair’s global connectivity, offering seamless travel options for passengers from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and other Western regions. It also underscores Drukair’s commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties between Bhutan and the UAE. As a major global hub, Dubai opens up exciting opportunities for travellers from the UAE and beyond, whether for business, leisure, or cultural exchanges. Key Details: Inaugural Flight Date: 28 October, 2024 Route: Paro (PBH) – Dubai (DXB) v.v. Frequency: Twice Weekly As Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair remains committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel. The new route offers passengers the unique experience of flying ‘On the Wings of the Dragon’ between Bhutan and the vibrant city of Dubai. “Launching services to Dubai is a proud moment for Drukair. It reflects our expanding international presence and our dedication to connecting Bhutan to the world,” said Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer, Drukair. This route is expected to boost tourism in Bhutan, attracting visitors from the Middle East and beyond, while also providing convenient travel options for Bhutanese residents and expatriates in the UAE and neighbouring regions.  

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) orchestrated a spectacular Members Meet Evening on 12 September, 2024, at the prestigious Lyla Bombay in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This event was held in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance, and it drew an impressive gathering of over 80+ members. The evening served as a dynamic platform for OTOAI members to explore new horizons and opportunities within the outbound tourism landscape. This soirée garnered tremendous support from Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting the immense potential to attract tourists. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised the association’s unwavering commitment to enhancing members’ knowledge and expertise. He expressed satisfaction with the exposure provided to emerging outbound destinations from India, noting the success of the event as a testament to the fruitful collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance. “The event was well-supported by Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting their immense potential to attract tourists,” Munshi remarked. “We are delighted with our partnership with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, and the resounding success of the evening underscores its mutual benefit.” The Members Meet Evening not only fostered knowledge exchange but also showcased the collective enthusiasm of OTOAI, Tourism Western Australia, and ASEGO in shaping the future of outbound tourism from India. As the association continues to strive for excellence, such collaborative efforts pave the way for industry growth and innovation. OTOAI is a leading association representing India’s outbound tour operators and travel agents. With a focus on member growth, education, and industry partnerships, OTOAI aims to promote ethical standards, foster collaboration, and contribute to the development of the outbound tourism sector in India.

Continuing its successful run for third consecutive year, Business Events Australia’s signature incentive showcase, Australia Next 2025 will take place from 1-3 December, 2025 in Melbourne/Narrm. “Our signature incentive showcase has not been held in Melbourne in more than a decade so it will be great to once again take international business events buyers to Victoria,” said Robin Mack, Executive General Manager, Commercial & Business Events Australia, Tourism Australia. The program will be delivered in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau. This year, Australia Next 2024 was held in Cairns in association with Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

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 …