Speaking at KTM, PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, said, “Kerala has for long been celebrated as a favourite holiday destination worldwide. We now seek to emerge as the leading choice for MICE, along with destination weddings. The state has potential to emerge as South Asia’s hub in both segments.”

Addressing the World Tourism Day 2024 event, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice-President, India, stated, “As the tourism sector is booming, MOT & MoCA set to face significant challenges ahead, therefore, the ministers have to be in action 24X7 to fully exploit the enormous potential of Indian tourism.”

Five ministries of Government of India will work with states and UTs to release a masterlist of tourism destinations for development, announced Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MOT, GoI, on the World Tourism Day. The Gol will give free visa to first 1 lakh foreign visitors to India under ‘Chalo India’ drive.

Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa has been elected the new President of The Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI). The appointment took place during the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on 21st September, 2024, where new Office Bearers for the 2024-25 term were also appointed. In his new role, Shaw will continue to lead HRAWI’s efforts in spearheading various campaigns that cover critical facets of the hospitality industry, including food safety, regulatory advocacy, talent retention and development and sustainability. A third-generation hotelier, Shaw also serves as Director of Bona Sera Hotels and Shaw Hotels & Consultancy Services. In addition to his hospitality ventures, he is also the Managing Director of ShawMan Software and Director at IDS NEXT Business Solutions. Known for his advocacy within the industry, Shaw previously held the position of Honorary Secretary of HRAWI. “HRAWI has made significant progress, crossing many important milestones in recent years. The past committee’s leadership worked tirelessly to address member concerns and engage with the Government, facilitating swift resolutions where necessary. The Association has been proactive in addressing key challenges, from simplifying GST compliance to tackling issues like cyber-bullying and talent shortages. My goal is to continue this legacy and work in the best interest of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole. I am grateful to the Executive Committee for placing their trust in me and electing me as President,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI. Under Jimmy Shaw’s leadership, HRAWI will continue engaging with the Government during the GST Council meetings and Union Budgets, collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and making legal interventions to address industry-wide concerns. The Association will be particularly …

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.

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 …