Sunny Sodhi, FCM Managing Director, India, said, “India is the 9th largest travel market in the world for business travel spending. It is the 4th largest market for the Asia Pacific region. In 2023, India’s business travel spending grew 24.7 per cent and we anticipate an 18.3 per cent increase in spending in 2024.”

According to UN Tourism’s Tourism Visa Openness report, traditional visa requirements continue to be the most prevalent form of entry regulation, with a considerable impact on international mobility. In 2023, these traditional visa policies affect almost half of the world’s population, 47% to be precise.

Kazin DMC and Four Seasons Hotel Baku, have announced a luxurious familiarization trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, led by Director Vikrant Grover, Kazin DMC. Commencing March 31, this exclusive initiative introduces ten elite Indian travel partners to Baku’s opulence over three nights.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts, a pioneer in sustainable wellness hospitality. This strategic alliance, revealed at ITB Berlin 2024, marks a significant milestone in enhancing Oman’s wellness tourism sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 objectives to diversify its economic resources and promote sustainable development. OMRAN Group and Santani Wellness Resorts will collaborate to develop and operate two exclusive wellness resorts located in the serene landscapes of Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate and in Dhofar Governorate with 182 total keys. These luxury destinations are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, offering a sanctuary for transformative wellness experiences while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability. Santani, Jabal Shams will be the region’s first Astro – Wellness Resort, where guests will experience a multifaceted tailored and customised programmes focused on destressing, rejuvenation, and learning, by the award-winning Santani experiences in design, sustainability, community engagement, food, and service. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated, “This partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and wellness. By integrating Santani’s world-renowned wellness philosophy with Oman’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, we are setting new standards for luxury and sustainability in the region.” The collaboration is expected to create significant economic benefits, including job creation, and will serve as a model for sustainable development and wellness tourism in Oman and beyond. The resorts will offer a range of wellness programmes, including stress management, detox, yoga, and weight management, tailored to individual needs, and designed to promote holistic well-being. Vickum Nawagamuwage, Founder and CEO …

As per Amadeus report, New Distribution Capability (NDC) is the top technology for implementation by leisure travel agents over the next 12 months. As technology investment going to escalate in 2024, 60 per cent of airports expect to roll-out biometrics across the complete airport experience in the next 5 years.

As per KPMG report, global sustainable tourism market size was estimated at US$2.73 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around US$9.17 trillion by 2032. This upward trajectory will register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.40 per cent during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

As per the MyGov website, Conference tourism is among the top 8 sectors currently booming in India and is expected to give good returns along with renewable energy and artificial intelligence. To boost the sector, many initiatives have been taken by the Government recently, such as ‘Meet in India’ campaign.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the approval ₹645 crore for 10 new waterways projects on Brahmaputra in Assam. The projects include the construction of six tourist jetties in Jogighopa, Tejpur, Bishwanathghat, Neamati, Sadiya, and Bindakota.

In a landmark move set to redefine the luxury dining and lifestyle landscape in Oman, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced a strategic partnership with the renowned “The Smokery”, represented by SIRCO Group. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the prestigious ITB Berlin 2024, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership aims to explore potential collaboration opportunities that will bring unique dining experiences to Oman and contribute significantly to the tourism sector’s growth. This aligns with OMRAN Group’s vision to enhance Oman’s position as a premier travel destination while fostering economic development and cultural exchange. Under this new partnership, OMRAN Group and The Smokery will focus on establishing a state-of-the-art salmon smoking factory, the first of its kind in Oman. This initiative is not just a venture into luxury dining, but also a step towards self-sufficiency in providing high-quality, smoked salmon products locally. Additionally, the collaboration will see the launch of upscale fine dining establishments under “The Smokery” brand, renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings and exceptional service standards. OMRAN Group’s CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with SIRCO Group represents a significant leap forward in Oman’s F&B sector. It reinforces our commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in hospitality, enhancing Oman’s appeal as a luxury travel destination.” Eng. Karim Henein, Chairman of SIRCO Group, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential impact of this collaboration on the local and regional culinary scene. “We are thrilled to partner with OMRAN Group to bring our expertise in luxury dining to Oman. This collaboration with The Smokery is a testament to our shared vision …

RezLive.com, a prominent global B2B online travel wholesaler, proudly announces its outstanding presence and success at the prestigious OTM event recently held in Mumbai. This event served as an invaluable platform for RezLive.com to engage with numerous travel agents and esteemed hotel partners, fostering fruitful connections and showcasing the latest offerings. OTM Mumbai provided an exceptional opportunity for RezLive.com to strengthen relationships with travel agents and partners, as well as to introduce them to the company’s innovative solutions and enhanced benefits. The event witnessed a significant turnout of agents, creating an ideal setting for meaningful interactions and networking. The sales team took the opportunity to inform agents about the most recent offerings, including the exclusive RezVault Top-Up Bonus. This special bonus emphasizes RezLive.com’s dedication to delivering additional value to its partners and supporting their achievements within the travel industry. In addition to RezRewards, RezVault and Money box, RezLive.com highlighted its innovative product, Affiliate.Travel, which is revolutionizing the travel industry landscape. Powered by the vision of RezLive.com, Affiliate.Travel is reshaping how travel partners and businesses collaborate. This groundbreaking platform offers a new paradigm in affiliate marketing for the travel sector, providing affiliates with the opportunity to have a dedicated sub-affiliate portal. This portal can be customized and offered to their B2C clients or corporates, empowering affiliates to enhance their offerings and expand their reach in the market. Affiliate.Travel stands as a testament to RezLive.com’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships within the travel industry. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response we received at OTM Mumbai,” said Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, RezLive.com. “It was fantastic to connect with so many agents and partners, and we are excited …