The 40th IATO Annual Convention scheduled to take place in 2025, will be hosted in Puri. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “The convention will take place at the new Swosti Hotel.” He revealed the availability of high-quality stays for the event, including Taj Puri and Mayfair hotels.

Ministry of Tourism has ramped up efforts to boost tourism across southern states, with a mega conference of South Indian tourism ministers set to take place in Vizag today. Notably, the Ministry has already approved various projects, including ₹30.02 crore plan for Mamallapuram.

Uzbekistan Airways has officially announced the commencement of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa, set to operate twice a week from 27 October 2024. The new route, serviced by the advanced Airbus A320 Neo, will connect Tashkent to the Manohar International Airport (Mopa), opening up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and Goa. The introduction of these flights comes after consistent follow-ups with the Uzbekistan Embassy and tour operators and with crucial support from the Indian Embassy in Tashkent. The concerted efforts of the Goa Department of Tourism have played a critical role in making this connection a reality. In line with these efforts to expand Goa’s global reach, Goa Tourism will also be participating in the upcoming Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF). Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism welcomed this initiative, stating, “The introduction of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa marks a significant milestone in enhancing Goa’s connectivity with Central Asia. This new connection will not only boost tourism but also strengthen our cultural ties with Uzbekistan. We are committed to developing Goa as a well-connected and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.” Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Managing Director, GTDC, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, saying, “Uzbekistan Airways’ decision to commence flights to Goa underscores the growing global interest in our state as a prime tourism destination. This direct connectivity will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for visitors from Uzbekistan, making Goa more accessible and inviting.” This new route aligns with the state’s broader strategy to diversify the tourist base and promote Goa as a year-round destination. The Department of Tourism looks forward to welcoming an influx of tourists from Uzbekistan and showcasing Goa’s unique blend …

Rajiv Kapoor, GM, Fairmont Mumbai, won the Dynamic Leadership in Brand Expansion award at the India Travel Awards. “We are thrilled to be recognised for our efforts. This esteemed recognition motivates us to strive for even greater achievements,” he said after receiving the award.

Alejandro de la Osa, CEO, Europamundo Vacaciones, announced their presale and product launch to the trade recently. “These are for the coming season and tours will be available till March 2026. This is the largest brochured product with guaranteed departures available,” he said.

KR Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, GoI said, “India is strongly moving towards building its own plane in the coming few years with the help of industry stakeholders. Major global aerospace players are showing willingness to join hands with India in developing the aircraft.”

The Swiss experience starts onboard Swiss International Air Lines where travellers can enjoy their holiday booked by their travel agent via TourFox. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.  

ITA Airways announced that connections between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and Rome Fiumicino will be resumed starting 5 September, 2024.   The airline will initially operate a daily daytime service, with the following schedule: AZ807 Tel Aviv-Rome Fiumicino, departing from Tel Aviv at 2:30 p.m. (local time) and arriving in Rome at 5:15 p.m. (local time). AZ806 Rome Fiumicino-Tel Aviv, departing from Rome at 9:10 a.m. (local time) and arriving in Tel Aviv at 1:30 p.m. (local time). In addition, ITA Airways will resume nighttime flights from 1 October, 2024 (AZ809 from Tel Aviv to Rome and AZ810 from Rome to Tel Aviv), which will remain suspended until 30 September, 2024. The airline will continue to closely monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East and evaluate their potential impact on operations.

Jazeera Airways has announced an exclusive Early Bird Offer for its customers on its booking. Starting now, passengers can save up to 30 per cent on all Jazeera Airways destinations by booking their flights 45 to 120 days in advance. This offer applies to travel across our extensive network, including destinations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. This offer is valid for travel until 20 March 2025.

Aims to Enhance Passenger’s Travel Experience JPOD Hotels, India’s first-of-its-kind Pod Hotel, today announced the launch of its new Pod Hotel at GMR’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The Pod Hotel is located near the City Side Check-In facility at the car park level. As a part of RGIA’s continuous efforts to enhance passenger travel experience, the facility introduces a modern airport accommodation solution, setting a new benchmark in convenience and comfort for passengers travelling from Hyderabad Airport. Key Highlights of JPOD: Convenience and Comfort: JPOD offers a private space for travellers to rest, work, or enjoy ‘Me Time,’ significantly enhancing their overall travel experience. Affordability: JPOD provides high-quality, comfortable accommodations at an affordable price, making it accessible to a wide range of travellers, from business executives to leisure tourists. It is a cost-effective alternative to traditional airport lounges and hotels. Enhanced Amenities: Each Pod has secure storage, entertainment options, and privacy, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Safety and Hygiene: JPOD maintains safety and high hygiene standards to guarantee a safe and clean environment for all users, ensuring peace of mind. Efficient Use of Space: JPOD’s compact design enables optimal use of airport space, offering a practical solution for comfortably accommodating passengers. Bookings can be made on the spot or through JPOD’s website (https://thejpod.com) and by calling +91 906-342-7737. The Pod offers various packages with dynamic price tarrifs, making it affordable for all the travellers. On this occasion, Jagrut Thakkar, Founder, JPOD Hotels, commented, “We are excited to partner with RGIA in Hyderabad. JPOD’s global standards in design and functionality position us to offer effective accommodation solutions across other airports in India.” Hiren Gandhi, Director, JPOD Hotels, added, “While JPOD is tailored to …