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.

The 16th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is scheduled to take place from 3-8 December, 2024 in the panoramic town of Tawang. This year’s event promises to be a memorable journey of networking, learning and adventure with a focus on sustainable tourism, safety protocols and extraordinary travel experiences. Industry leaders will have the opportunity to network while exploring the breathtaking beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.

As World Tourism Day approaches, the excitement is building for SKAL Pune’s “Pedal for a Purpose” cycle marathon. This unique event, scheduled for 22 September, 2024, aims to unite the travel industry, promote sustainable tourism, and contribute to important causes. Amit Sharma, Cluster General Manager, The Ferns Hotels & Resorts, Maharashtra, shared his vision for the marathon, “I’m delighted to see such a lovely event being organised. “It is a fantastic opportunity to come together for a great cause. I encourage everyone in Pune and the surrounding areas to participate. I’m truly honoured to be associated with this event.” About The Event SKAL Pune is hosting a unique cycle marathon on 22 September, 2024, to celebrate World Tourism Day. The event, titled “Pedal for a Purpose,” aims to promote sustainable tourism, foster networking within the travel fraternity, and contribute to important causes. Participants can look forward to a scenic route, impactful stopovers, and a grand celebration with food, games, entertainment, and networking opportunities. The event is open to all members of the travel industry. Takeaways Waiting for The Travel Fraternity This one-of-a-kind cycling event combines business networking with a commitment to sustainable tourism. The Cyclothon offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, explore scenic routes, and contribute to meaningful causes. Stay tuned to SKAL Pune I India on Youtube for updates.

Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group, said, “Recognising the potential of modern technology, I established Aeroprime, with a focus on injecting innovation into world of airline management and GSA.” The award was collected by his team on his behalf.  

The IPO of Mach Conferences and Events was subscribed 196.70 times. Notably, retail investors demonstrated strong enthusiasm, with a subscription ratio of 136.49 times. The issue being oversubscribed 196.78 times, received bids for over 72.6 crore shares against 36.9 lakh shares offered for subscription.