~Set across Chandigarh, Nagpur & Kochi, the initiative will educate over 600 travel partners on new destination offerings~ Aiming to attract 100,000 inbound travellers from India by end of the year, South African Tourism has returned with its 2024 edition of ‘Learn South Africa’ initiative. Entering the tier-2 and tier-3 outbound tourism markets of India, the flagship travel trade training workshop will enlighten the tourism board’s travel partners with renewed strategy and equip them with tools to market the Rainbow Nation effectively. In the recent years, there has been a strong uptick in the number of arrivals from India to South Africa. Capitalising on this momentum and in efforts to target emerging markets from the country, South African Tourism’s 3-city destination workshop is set to commence in Chandigarh on 27th September followed by Nagpur on 8th November and Kochi on 13th December. The workshop not only enables the tourism board to share its learnings with the travel trade fraternity but also support its partners in overcoming any obstacles they experience while promoting the destination. Cognizant of India’s outbound tourism potential and its role in achieving South Africa’s long term tourism goals, India is amongst the top 3 focus markets for South African Tourism. With a strong foothold across key metro cities and observing a trend of rising discretionary spendings from tier-2 and tier-3 cities of India, it is vital for the tourism board to continually target newer markets to uphold the increased inclination towards international travel. Programs such as ‘Learn SA’ are instrumental in projecting the Rainbow Nation as a premier leisure and MICE destination. Commenting on ‘Learn South Africa’ 2024 edition, Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager, Asia, Australasia, Middle …

ATOAI’s AGM 2023-24 saw historic unanimous election of a woman candidate Arshdeep Anand as Vice President on its national leadership team for the term 2024-26. Meanwhile, Ajeet Bajaj was re-elected as President. Other elected office bearers include Vaibhav Kala as Senior VP; Ronny Gulati as Hon. Secretary; and Nirat Bhatt as Hon. Treasurer.

While receiving the Fastest Growing Travel Company award on the behalf of Fly24hrs, Vaseem Parvez, Vice President, Fly24hrs Holiday, said, “Kudos to the DDP Group for organising this award ceremony, providing a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of individuals.”

At IFTM-Top Resa 2024 in Paris, India’s tourism sector made a strong impression, with participation from private players and key states like Rajasthan, UP, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The event featured 170 destinations and 1,400 global brands. India’s presence at this event themed ‘New Sustainable Horizons,’ highlights the country’s commitment to sustainability.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with Ritz Carlton Al-Bustan Palace, Mark Tours, and Oman Air, invites the Indian travel trade to an exclusive webinar on Oman’s destinations and product offerings. Gain valuable insights and updates for your clients today at 3 PM IST. Don’t miss the opportunity to win exciting prizes! For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

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.