As per Mastercard’s annual report, in 2024, more Indians are traveling globally. In the first three months of 2024, 97 million passengers travelled, with 21% surge in domestic air traffic, and 4% in international travel. Indians are increasingly exploring key markets, with a 53% increase in visits to Japan, 248% to Vietnam, and 59% to the US, compared to 2019.

Tourism Malaysia, along with Sarawak Tourism Board, invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on discovering Sarawak – the Gateway to Borneo and the Land of the Hornbills – today at 3pm. Participate in the quiz and win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 1) GRAND PRIZE LUCKY DRAW BY MULU MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N DELUXE ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 2) DAMAI BEACH RESORT (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N SUPERIOR POOL ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 3) DAMAI LAGOON RESORT (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N DELUXE ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 4) SARAWAK RIVER CRUISE COMPLIMENTARY SARAWAK SUNSET RIVER CRUISE TICKET FOR 2 PAX 5) SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE (KUCHING) COMPLIMENTARY ENTRANCE FEE FOR 2 PAX 6) THE WATERFRONT HOTEL (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N PREMIER KING RIVER VIEW FOR 2 PAX WITH BREAKFAST 7) RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (RWMF) COMPLIMENTARY DAY PASS TICKETS – 10 NOS.to be held from 28-30 June 2024  Prizes are valid from 21st May 2024 till 20th August 2024

ITTA has elected Satish Sehrawat as the new President of its management committee. Other newly elected office bearers include: Krishan Dutt Yadav as Vice president; Bobby KS Sawhney as General secretary; Mahesh Shukla as Joint secretary. Moreover, the newly elected executive committee comprises of Jaspal singh, Amarjit singh, Rajesh Tokas, Madhukesh Malhotra, Sanjay Nagar, and Paramjit Gujral.

Recently concluded PATA Annual Summit in Macao has set a new record for industry, attracting an impressive turnout of over 400 delegates from more than 25 destinations. This remarkable number of registrations marks the highest in PATA’s history since COVID, signalling the unwavering determination of industry professionals to rebuild and reimagine tourism.

Euromonitor International Voice of the Consumer and Lifestyle Survey 2024 has unveiled a notable decline in consumer interest and engagement in sustainable initiatives. With this shift, the onus falls on governments, key stakeholders and destinations to address this shift in consumer behaviour and drive meaningful changes to promote responsible tourism.

Olivier Ponti, Director of Intelligence & Marketing, Forwardkeys, shared that high airfare posed a significant obstacle recently due to strong demand and limited supply. As capacity returns, airfare is beginning to see a dip, although remaining 4% higher than 2019 levels by the end of April 2024. Despite some fluctuations, the global trend indicates a positive shift.

Clarks Safari enters Ahmedabad by signing a 50 rooms property near Kheda Gujarat. The luxury property will cater to luxury travelers, corporates, and families looking for a day outing, along with clients seeking out destination weddings. The brand already has multiple properties spread across the country but Ahmedabad being the business hub and one of the busiest cities of Gujarat, propelled the brand to open doors here. The newly signed property is centrally located and enjoys good connectivity. It is spread over an area of more than 5 acres, and has all the facilities inside it. The property has a banquet hall with a seating capacity of 800 pax. There is a dedicated kids zone and play area, where one can enjoy rain dance. In order to spread awareness around nature and animal life, there is a birding zone, and a pond with various water animals. It is good for those who want to spend their whole day in a luxury setup while enjoying different activities at the resort. They also have a swimming pool and inhouse gym on the property.The property has a Gaushala, from where organic milk products are generated. There will be 50 rooms spread across categories, each room will be furnished with all the amenities, such as a safe box, indoor games, seating area, deck area, pantry, etc. They also have a main lawn to conduct weddings or other functions with 600 pax capacity. Various experiential will be curated targeting different sets of audiences. Apart from solo travelers, and families, the brand is heavily eyeing the wedding segment, corporate, and MICE. The in-house restaurant will serve multiple cuisines, chiefly North Indian, continental, and also Gujarati food. …

Vietnam Airlines started its maiden flight from New Delhi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh on 15 May. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India, Vietnam Airlines, said, “The move symbolises our commitment to providing passengers with world-class travel experiences.” They have also opened an informative centre for travellers’ convenience.

Air India has partnered with Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based, family entertainment, for Air India’s Flying Returns (FR) loyalty programme, effective from 8 May 2024. Now, Flying Returns members will earn reward points when they buy tickets to Merlin’s ‘Madame Tussauds’ across nine locations around the world.

European Commission in recent data revealed an increase in Schengen visa applications in 2023. India has emerged as the key contributor in this, securing the third spot in the rankings for the number of short-stay visa applications. The country has lodged 9.66 lakh visa applications in 2023, an uptick from 6.7 lakh applications in 2022.