This summer, escape to the enchanting island of Bali and indulge in the ultimate staycation experience with our exclusive “Summer Vibe Staycation” promotion. Offering a captivating blend of experience, comfort and the vibrant spirit of Bali, this special promotion is available at the sophisticated Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak and Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta. With savings of up to 40%, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of birds chirping, the gentle caress of the island breeze, and the warmth of the tropical sun, with endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation right at your fingertips. Our hotels are beautifully situated in two of Bali’s most iconic locations, each catering to distinct tastes and preferences. At Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak, you are in the pulsating heart of Bali’s nightlife. Nestled in the chic Kayu Aya Street, Seminyak area, this hotel is perfect for those who crave the dynamic nightlife and vibrant party scene. Whether you’re planning to dance the night away at the trendiest clubs or enjoy a serene evening at one of the elegant beachside lounges, Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak provides the ideal base for your escapades. And for those seeking a culinary delight, the Kuuki Rooftop Dining offers breathtaking sunset views and a delectable Asian fusion cuisine, making every dining experience a memorable one. Meanwhile, Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta offers a nostalgic retreat in the lively area of Kuta. Ideal for those who wish to relive the classic Bali experience, this hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Kuta Beach. Here, you can bask in the sun, enjoy the cool ocean breeze, and savor …

Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT, India, says, “Israel is safe and open for tourism. The first half of 2024 alone saw over 5,700 Indian arrivals to Israel. To attract more tourists, we are planning to introduce a first-ever e-visa program for Indians. Although still in its early stages, we anticipate launching a pilot run for e-visas by the end of the year.”

Being one of the major source markets for Malaysia, India has contributed significantly to the country’s tourism landscape. “Malaysia has witnessed 80.2 per cent rise in Indian visitors with 2.96 lakh arrivals from January to April in 2024 compared to the same period last year,” said Manoharan Periasamy, DG, Tourism Malaysia.

MOT apprised that India has witnessed 9.24 mn Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in 2023, which marks an increase of 43.5 per cent from 2022. Interestingly, 1.22 mn of them were from APAC countries – Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Republic of Korea. Additionally in 2023, 6.35 lakh foreign tourists arrived in India for medical purposes.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, along with Oman Air, Magic Travels, and W Muscat, invites the travel trade to attend a webinar on the destination and offerings. Get insights and updates today at 3pm IST and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532

Hospitality giant Eraaya Lifespaces has announced a significant milestone in their acquisition of US-based Ebix Inc., reporting a payment of ₹101 crore. With the latest remittance of US$12 million (approximately ₹101 crore) in July 2024, Eraaya Lifespaces Limited is excited to share progress on the acquisition. So far, a total of US$21.75 million (around ₹181 crore) has been paid towards securing Ebix Inc. Moreover, a substantial payment of US$35 million (approximately ₹293 crore) is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2024. This acquisition entails the Consortium securing 100 per cent equity in Ebix, encompassing its assets and certain liabilities across its global subsidiaries, as detailed in a stock exchange filing. The bid submitted by the consortium led by Eraaya Lifespaces had been approved and accepted as the highest and best bid for Ebix and declared as the winner following the auction process overseen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at an ascribed enterprise value of US$361 Million (₹3,009 crores approximately). The acquisition will be effectuated through Ebix’s Plan of Reorganization proposed in its Chapter 11 proceedings, subject to ongoing negotiations among the consortium, Ebix, and Ebix’s creditors and other stakeholders. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court had allowed the Plan of Reorganization to be sent to creditors for voting and scheduled a hearing to consider approval of the plan.

Urging the Government of India ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, Nitin Mittal, Coordinator South, NIMA, said, “The government of India should think of providing GST rebates or GST refunds to the MICE group or international tourists on shopping, if not then at least on the purchase of sustainable products like khadi, and Indian handicrafts.”

As per the new amendments in e-Visa provisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s Port Blair seaport is now a designated entry port for e-Visa holders. The amendment will boost yacht and superyacht business along with cruise tourism. Now, five other Indian seaports where persons with e-Visa will be allowed includes Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, and New Mangalore.

Appreciating the promotional strategy of Abu Dhabi in India, Abdulla Mohammad, Director, International Operations, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said, “India is the number one source market of tourists to Abu Dhabi. We hosted over 1.67 lakh guests in our hotels from India this year, representing a 37 per cent growth vis-a-vis last year.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts designated Andrew Hartley as the Vice President of Commercial. With a wealth of 20 years of experience in sales & marketing and commercial operations, Andrew has served in Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Oman within the luxury hotel industry. At Cross, he will be engaged in business growth in the commercial direction at the Bangkok Corporate Office. Before taking on Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts, Andrew was the Assistant VP – Strategic Sales & Marketing for Raffles Hotels and Resorts in Cambodia. His previous roles include esteemed positions at prominent hospitality establishments, including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in the Asia Pacific, Sofitel in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji, and Intercontinental in China.