Explore Singapore’s latest offerings and destination updates, in the webinar hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board. Gain valuable insights on the best of what Singapore has to offer. For more info, or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Sushil Kumar Singh, an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) officer of the 1993 batch, has taken on the additional role of Chairperson of the Mumbai Port Authority. He assumed the position on 1 October, 2024, succeeding Rajov Jalota, who retired on 30 September. Singh is also the Chairperson of the Deendayal Port Authority.

Godwin Group of Hotels appointed Sushil Joshi as their Corporate HR & Training Head. With over 35 years of experience and an award-winning career in top hotel chains such as Carlson Sarovar, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, and Starwood Group, he has held prominent roles and led innovative strategies in business development, revenue generation, and HR practices. His academic credentials include an MBA in Human Resource Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations, solidifying his knowledge and leadership capabilities. Noteworthy among his many accolades is being recognised as the HR Professional of the Year (2019) and receiving the prestigious Golden Globe Tiger Award for his exceptional contributions to the hotel industry. Joshi has been entrusted with overseeing properties in Goa, Haridwar, Meerut, and Gobindgarh Jaisalmer, ensuring continued excellence in Godwin Group of Hotels’ HR practices and growth.

After receiving the ‘Best MICE Tour Operator-West India’ award at India Travel Awards, Sunil Singh, Director, Axplore Travelplus, said, “Such awards provide platform for individuals to reflect on their ability. They encourage us to think creatively and develop innovative ideas that delight our customers.”

India is set to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) for international air travel, with a pilot project planned for June 2025, according to Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation. “We do not want to overcommit. However, we are working in this direction,” Khadakbhavi stated.

Aiming to make India a global hub for cruise tourism, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI, launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in Mumbai and shared insights on how this initiative will boost the cruise sector. The 3-phase programme targets 50 lakh pax by 2047.

Join an exclusive Impiana India market webinar on 8 October at 3 pm. Get insights about Impiana Private Vilas, Seminyak, Bali and their latest offerings, presented by a three-member team. For more details, contact Jaspreet Kaur at +91 9650196532 or jaspreetkaur@ddppl.com.

A Platform to Showcase Karnataka’s Hidden Gems The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) successfully hosted the second edition of its Destination Showcase Event in Bengaluru on 1st October 2024, focusing on the attractions of North and Coastal Karnataka. Following the success of the inaugural showcase on Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur in March, this event received an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders. The event was inaugurated by Srinivasulu, (IFS), Commissioner, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka. Key dignitaries present included K Syamaraju, President, KTS and newly elected President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), along with other KTS executive committee members. Dr. K.V Rajendra, (IAS), Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, visited the event and engaged with stakeholders, discussing marketing efforts and the effectiveness of the showcase. The showcase was supported by several government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Jungle Lodges & Resorts and Mysore Sales International. This initiative highlighted the unique tourist destinations of North and Coastal Karnataka, emphasising its rich cultural heritage, tranquil beaches, and vibrant local arts. K Syamaraju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, said “This initiative, a collaboration between KTS and various tourism bodies, provides a unique opportunity for travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality professionals to discover the hidden gems of North and Coastal Karnataka. By bringing together industry leaders and showcasing the region’s unique attractions, this event aims to unlock the full potential of these areas and foster sustainable growth.” The event featured over 150 participants, including travel agents and industry professionals, who engaged in networking and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. The showcase brought …

Merger involved harmonisation of operational manuals across two low-cost carriers, transfer of aircraft, besides operational, safety and maintenance approvals Air India Group is in the process of merging four airlines into two as part of its 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation program Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect (erstwhile AirAsia India) into a larger Low-Cost Carrier. The formation of the merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group, which is merging four airlines into two. The group is simultaneously in the process of merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline. The merger process for Air India Express was completed in less than a year since the airline’s refreshed brand was unveiled. It involved the harmonisation of operational manuals, as an enabler for the merger, and the transfer of Air operator certificates (AOCs). Given the complexity of such a merger, it required close working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who supported and monitored the process throughout. The merger also received support of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other key stakeholders. On Tuesday, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarter in New Delhi. Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, said: “The successful integration and merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is …

On 27th September 2024, Tourism Department Kargil in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil celebrated World Tourism Day 2024, on the theme “Tourism and Peace” in the seminar hall of GDC Kargil. The team of UTDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and Tourism Department displayed various equipments related to adventure tourism and search and rescue during the program and; large number of students were oriented of adventure tourism and firefighting techniques.   Aga Sayed Mujtaba Musavi, Executive Councillor was the chief guest of this event. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, Government Degree College;  Prof. Nazir Shabani, Commerce Department, Government Degree College, Kargil; Rehmatullah, Assistant Director Tourism; Haji Zaheer Bagh, General Secretary, AKTA; Muzammil Munshi, Root Ladakh; Goba Ali, Thang Turtuk and Er. Raveesh Sharma, Assistant Professor Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made deliberation on tourism in Ladakh in special reference to Kargil tourism during panel discussion. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal Government Degree College, Kargil stressed on the issue of unemployment related to tourism and hospitality industry and asked the AKTA General Secretary, Haji Zaheer Bagh if he can provide internship as well as on the job training and jobs for the students of tourism and hospitality industry. On this special occasion the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made the official announcement for the registration of college with Yuva Tourism Club, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. All the dignitaries, guests, faculty member and students were also present during the official announcement of the Yuva Tourism Club in the seminar hall of the GDC Kargil.