Partnered with Vietjet Air and Bali Trip, Cross Hotels & Resorts is set to organise an exclusive webinar for the travel trade today at 3:00 pm IST. Gain valuable insights and be there to win exciting prizes. For more information, connect with Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreetkaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

In a conference on channelling retired defence officers in tourism, Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, said, “In development-related ventures, armed forces are highly well- trained in India, and could be an asset that is not being fully utilised. Their potential in the service industry is remarkable.”

As per CRISIL’s report, India’s inbound is still healing from the pandemic, with FTA at 90 per cent of 2019 levels in H1 2024. Though, forex eamings have surged by 23 per cent, indicating higher spending per tourist. India must simplify visa process to attract inbound in comparison to global numbers.

The Union Ministry of Tourism is going to celebrate World Tourism Day today. The event will be graced by Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President, India, as the chief guest. The event will also be attended by Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ashwini Vaishnaw & Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

Etrav Tech organised a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative following the Ganesh Pooja celebrations. In collaboration with the Biker Brotherhood Club (BBC), their team organised a beach clean-up drive to address the litter left after the immersion festivities and to honour the true spirit of the festival. “The Ganesh Puja transcends mere dance, food, and rhythmic festivities; it also serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the importance of preserving our environment. Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, symbolises harmony with nature. As a company committed to sustainability and community well-being, Etrav believes that its responsibilities extend beyond the festivities.” – Etrav The beach clean-up event, held on 22nd September, 2024, brought together members of the BBC, employees of Etrav, and local volunteers who worked tirelessly to collect waste and restore the beach’s natural beauty. With over 100 participants, they removed significant amounts of litter, fostering a sense of community and environmental awareness among all involved. “We wanted to send a strong message that the celebration of Ganesh Pooja should not be just limited to celebrations but also include a commitment to protecting our environment,” said Heniel Rupaarelia, Managing Director, Etrav Tech “Partnering with the BBC allowed us to amplify our impact and inspire even more people to respect and care for our natural surroundings.” As a leading player in the B2B travel sector in India, Etrav Tech is committed to implementing initiatives that promote sustainability and community welfare.

Hyatt Regency Amritsar announced the appointment of Swapnil Dora as the new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Chef Dora brings a wealth of culinary expertise, diverse global experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. In his new role, Chef Dora will spearhead the update of food concepts across all outlets, aligning them with current trends and enhancing the culinary offerings for both in-house guests and local patrons. Known for his dynamic approach to food innovation and attention to detail, Chef Dora’s leadership is anticipated to elevate Hyatt Regency Amritsar’s culinary landscape to new heights. Swapnil’s culinary journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a Diploma in Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition from the National Council of Hotel Management, Delhi, he embarked on his career at Hyatt Regency Delhi as a Commis Chef in 1996. Over the years, he has honed his skills and risen through the ranks, contributing to prestigious hotels like Jumeirah Emirates Dubai, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi, and Hyatt Hyderabad. Most recently, he led the culinary team at Radisson Blu Bengaluru as the Executive Chef. Chef Dora’s expertise spans various cuisines, including Indian, American, Arabic, and Mediterranean, and he holds certifications in hygiene audits and food safety management, further enhancing the hotel’s commitment to quality and safety. “We are thrilled to have Chef Swapnil Dora lead our culinary team,” said Naveen Yadav, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Amritsar. “His deep knowledge, creativity, and passion for culinary excellence align perfectly with our mission to offer world-class dining experiences. We look forward to the innovation and leadership he will bring to our property.” Chef …

Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) showcased Taiwan’s potential for Incentives at ITB INDIA 2024, under the theme “Explore Taiwan, Explore New Asia.” This participation marks a significant step in strengthening tourism ties between Taiwan and India. Indian outbound numbers have increased to 92 per cent of pre-pandemic levels from January to June, compared to the same period in 2019. The Taiwan Pavilion at ITB INDIA attracted numerous industry players, facilitating discussions on cooperation opportunities across sectors, including business travel, incentive travel, and wedding photography. With Indian visitor numbers rebounding, Taiwan is rolling out the red carpet for Indian travellers. The delegation was led by Cindy Chen, Acting Director, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Singapore Office; TTA delegations participated at the ITB, Mumbai after a successful showcase at the Taiwan EXPO 2024 in New Delhi in July. The vibrant Taiwan Pavilion at the ITB, Mumbai was a standout, featuring stunning visuals from the serene Sun Moon Lake to the modern skyline of Taipei 101. The captivating displays showcased Taiwan’s blend of natural beauty and urban charm, attracting industry leaders to explore partnership opportunities. Chen remarked, “The ITB INDIA travel show is an exciting opportunity for us to present Taiwan’s warm hospitality, rich cultural experiences and robust infrastructure. We are here to strengthen our collaboration with Indian travel partners that will lead to new opportunities for both the markets. We’re eager to welcome more Indian tourists and create unforgettable journeys tailored just for them.” Joining Director Chen were Allen Chang, Manager, TTA, and the stakeholders, including Paul Yeh, Shi Chun Travels, Paul Hsieh, Edison Travel, Emily Chiu and Elizabeth O. Salim, Apple Tour, and Hank Yen, EVA Air. The initiative aimed at highlighting ease of …

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken a significant step towards women empowerment and creating a safe tourism destination by launching the state’s first craft-based cafe ‘Handloom Cafe’ in Pranpur, a village located 4 kilometres from the renowned tourist destination of Chanderi in Ashoknagar district. This cafe is entirely operated by women making it a pioneering initiative in Madhya Pradesh. Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director, Tourism Board visited Pranpur to inspect the cafe and boost the morale of the women staff. Bidisha Mukherjee, said “Handloom Cafe is a crucial step towards empowering women and fostering a safe tourism environment. The cafe will be entirely run by women, from security guards and welcome staff to chefs, receptionists, cashiers, and even front office managers. To ensure smooth operations, all women have undergone specialised training at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bhopal. A women’s group has been registered as ‘Sakhi Saheli Lok Kalyan Sangh’ to manage the cafe.” Mukherjee also said this project will not only provide employment opportunities to these women but also equip them with the necessary skills, confidence, and financial independence to improve their quality of life. Additionally, this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission to promote a safe and inclusive environment for women travellers.  This women-run cafe will offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s rich culture and progressive outlook.

As part of the global celebrations for World Tourism Day, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Skal International, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, have organised a series of exciting and enriching activities on 27th September to highlight Goa’s cultural and historical heritage. With this year’s theme focusing on Tourism & Peace, three exclusive heritage walks have been curated to offer a deep dive into Goa’s rich history and local life. These walks are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to explore Goa like never before. In addition to the heritage walks, an exciting highlight of the celebrations includes the launch of a coffee table book at the cooking competition “Goencho Swad” by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). This event not only showcases Goa’s culinary traditions but also adds a literary touch, offering insights into the state’s diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Suneel Andhaka, IAS, Director, Tourism & Managing, GTDC stated “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate not just the beauty of Goa, but the stories, culture, and heritage that make it unique. Through initiatives like the Heritage Walks and the Stakeholders Meet, we aim to promote responsible tourism that respects our environment and communities while offering enriching experiences for travellers.” Jack Sukija, President, Travel & Tourism Association, Goa (TTAG) “These World Tourism Day events are designed to deepen the connection between visitors and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. By exploring our historic sites and engaging with local communities, we aim to foster a more immersive and sustainable approach to tourism that benefits both travellers and locals alike. We will also invite all our stakeholders from the travel trade to celebrate this year at the …

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mumbai, and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) successfully hosted a remarkable event titled “Promoting Peace Through Tourism with Thailand and IIPT” on World Peace Day at IFBE, Mumbai. The event, held in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, highlighted the critical role tourism can play in fostering global peace and understanding. The event brought together a diverse group of guests, including the Consul Generals of various countries, distinguished dignitaries, travel agents, airline managers, influencers, hotel managers, and other key players from the tourism industry. The gathering started with a seminar by distinguished speakers to raise awareness about the potential of every tourist to act as an ambassador of peace, promoting harmony among people of different cultures, races, and religions. Ajay Prakash who assumed global Presidency of IIPT in September 2023 spoke eloquently on the power of Tourism to connect people across all boundaries of race, religion or nationality and urged the travel industry to join hands to realise this higher paradigm of Tourism by encouraging all travellers to travel with an open mind and a gentle heart, with respect for their hosts, embracing the diversity they encounter, and encouraged them to adopt and propagate the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveller. Attendees also participated in a range of activities including the “Peaceful Voices” and “Peaceful Messages” campaigns, where guests shared their thoughts on how tourism can inspire understanding and unity across borders. The event also underscored the importance of responsible tourism, encouraging participants to embrace sustainable and green travel practices that help preserve the environment. One of the most exciting aspects of …