Visit Maldives and Manta Air with key resort/guest house partners have successfully concluded the “Explore Maldives” roadshow held at the prestigious Shangri-La Bengaluru on June 26, 2024. The roadshow aimed at reigniting the interest of Indian travelers to attract more Indian tourists provided excellent networking opportunities between the partner resorts/guest houses and the travel industry leaders in India. The very successful event attended by 130+ agents and media personnel saw participation from major hospitality chains of Maldives that included all segments including resorts and guest houses of Maldives along with DMCs, Travel Agents and Tour Operators as well as MICE travel organizers from India. Participation by travel industry leaders of India including Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Karnataka Chapter and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) – Karnataka Chapter, provided much needed fuel to reignite interest amongst Indian travelers to seek Maldives as preferred holiday destination. The full-day event opened by Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) was followed by presentations by key resort partners and multiple networking sessions that provided invaluable opportunities for the partner resorts/guest houses to engage with the attending travel agents and tour operators. The grand event hosted with tremendous support from the partners also saw numerous raffles and giveaways provided by the esteemed resorts partners exclusively for the event. “Manta Air’s regular direct flights between the Garden City of India (Bengaluru) and the Sunny Side of Life (Maldives) is a significant step forward in not only improving connectivity but also accessibility, making it easier than ever for Indian tourists to reach our shores, and vice versa.” said Zihuny Rasheed. “Building bridges between our cultures is vital, as India and …

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that TCS is a fair point raised by outbound sector, because people who are doing business in India are getting disincentivised and who travel abroad can make the payment and obviate the entire necessity of paying the tax. “We will be taking it up with the Ministry of Finance,” he added.

OTOAI had a follow-up meeting with Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary, Tourism after heads of travel trade associations met new Union Minister of Tourism. “We have been assured that the ministry will take our issues. We will meet again to discuss how outbound tourism is benefiting inbound tourism,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

Speaking about the suggestions HAI proposed to the MOT, KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), and President, HAI, said, “Government has to tweak some of the policies, particularly to give infrastructure status to the tourism sector, and for talent development.”

Abu Dhabi Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on Al Ain city, the thrilling new attractions it has to offer, exciting adventures, and authentic Emirati hospitality that your clients can enjoy. Tune in on July 4 at 3 pm. To register and get more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Addressing the ‘Eco-Tourism Samvad,’ Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh, said, “There is immense tourism potential in UP. Last year, the state witnessed the arrival of 48 crore tourists. UP offers a myriad of offerings such as spiritual tourism, heritage, and eco-tourism. An average of 1.5-2 lakh tourists alone visit Ayodhya daily.”

Following the 39th IATO Convention, Madhya Pradesh aims to claim the top spot in India’s tourism, under the guidance of Sheo Shekhar Shukla, MD of State Tourism Board. Highlighting the preparedness for 1,000 inbound operators, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, IATO MP Chhattisgarh Chapter, expressed belief that they will achieve the target.

FHRAI reiterated one of its key requests in the pre-budget meeting conducted by the Finance Ministry to grant infrastructure status for hotels across all categories and convention centres built at a project cost of ₹10 crore and above to give a fillip to the budget segment in the industry, along with 12 per cent GST rate across all hotels.

From January to May 2024, Singapore welcomed over 5 lakh Indians. “To draw more visitors from the country, Singapore will hold a multi-city roadshow from July 8-12 in Chennai, followed by Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad,” said Markus Tan, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, STB.

Lords Hotels & Resorts is making significant strides in its 2024 expansion strategy with the recent acquisition of a new property in Purulia, West Bengal. The upcoming Lords Eco Inn Purulia will open in early 2025 and feature elegantly designed rooms. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of enticing amenities including a restaurant and rooftop lounge, Additionally, the hotel will proudly offer two opulent banquet halls designed to accommodate conferences & weddings making it a versatile destination for business, celebrations, and leisure travellers. Lords Eco Inn Purulia is conveniently located and well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport to Lords Eco Inn Purulia is Ranchi, located 140 km away, while Kolkata is 250 km and Jamshedpur is just 90 km away​ from the property Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture. We thank our new partners for their trust in us, as we seek to affiliate with more such owners to offer Lord’s exhilarating hospitality to business and leisure travellers. Vikas Suri, Vice President Operations & Development, commented on the new acquisition stating “To maximize further growth and expansion opportunities, we are delighted to consolidate our presence in West Bengal with the opening of our second property in this region. The Hotel will offer top-class accommodation and the finest services at competitive rates. Suri also expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to work together to bring exceptional hospitality services to Purulia.” Roushan Kumar , General Manager Development stated, Our commitment is to deliver warm hospitality to travellers exploring this city as we strive to expand our presence …