Oman Air received delivery of its latest Boeing B787 9 aircraft, the first of three scheduled for this year. Part of an existing order, which includes eight more aircraft by 2027, the newest marks the tenth Dreamliner in the airline’s fleet. As one of the world’s most modern and advanced passenger aircraft, the B787-9 is known for its innovative design and exceptional fuel efficiency, while its wide cabins and large windows offer unparalleled on-board comfort for guests. The aircraft touched down in Muscat on 23 August 2024, arriving from the Boeing facility in Seattle. “We’re excited to welcome our new Boeing B787-9 to our aircraft line-up, which aligns with our strategy to fly a modern and common Oman Air fleet. It allows us to maintain efficiency in operations, optimise maintenance costs and ensure a seamless and consistent experience for our guests,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air. “Our latest addition to the fleet is also consistent with our focus on transforming our airline towards financial sustainability, while upholding our reputation as a world-class carrier and supporting Oman’s ambitions to increase tourism and connectivity in the years to come.” The newest aircraft features a two-class configuration with 30 Business Class seats and 258 Economy Class seats and will serve across the airline’s network of destinations. Oman Air’s spacious, elegant cabin design, and exceptional service and hospitality, has garnered it a string of international awards, including most recently Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East at the APEX 2024 Awards and Best Airline Staff Middle East at the Skytrax 2024 Awards.

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting, a leading hotel consulting services firm, has successfully rebranded Jackson Inn to Pride Elite, Phaltan, Maharashtra delivering strategic hotel advisory services. This shift in partnership with the Pride Group of Hotels marks a significant milestone in the hospitality industry, offering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence in Maharashtra. The rebranding project, facilitated by SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting, aims to transform Jackson Inn into a premier destination for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s comprehensive facilities, including 71 deluxe rooms, 3 suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a lounge bar, and a state-of-the-art gym, will cater to the diverse needs of guests. Sandeep Roy, Founder, SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Pride Group of Hotels to rebrand Jackson Inn as Pride Elite, Phaltan. This project showcases our commitment to providing top-tier hotel advisory services and elevating hospitality standards.” The rebranding initiative is expected to enhance guest satisfaction, drive operational efficiency, and position Pride Elite, Phaltan as a leading hospitality destination in the region. The hotel’s strategic location, just 4.5 hours from Mumbai and 2 hours from Pune, offers guests a convenient and refreshing alternative to popular destinations like Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar. Sameer Gupta, Chairman, Managing Director, Jakson Group commented, “SeaHorse’s professionalism and strategic insights have been instrumental in this transition. We are excited about our future with the Pride Group of Hotels and look forward to achieving new heights together,” said the owner of Jakson Inn. “SeaHorse Consulting’s expertise in hotel consulting services has made this rebranding process seamless and efficient.” SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting’s expertise in hotel management consulting services has played a crucial role in this …

India has emerged as the global leader in the low-cost carrier market. Data from OAG revealed that LCCs, primarily IndiGo, account for 71% of India’s total airline seat capacity, surpassing the global average of 34%. In contrast, aviation giants like China rely on full-service carriers.

Sara Sodhi Juneja, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Visit Finland, said, “Lapland has experienced a remarkable 100% growth in overnight stays in 2023, and from January to June this year, the destination has seen 75% growth. Overall, Finland has received a growth of 25%.”

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, GoI, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Azzan Qassim Mohamed Al Busaidi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, in Delhi. The meeting aimed to boost tourism between the two countries, fostering cultural ties.

Booking.com in its travel trends report revealed that 85% of Indian Gen Z travellers seek to travel solo while 69% are likely to travel with family members and 61% with their parents this year. They are budget-conscious with 71% opting to travel outside peak season to save money.

Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), the travel business division of ITDC, has been appointed as the official travel partner for India’s Paralympic team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and ensures a seamless travel experience for the athletes, coaches, and the entire Indian contingent. A grand send-off event was organized at The Ashok, New Delhi, where the Nation’s Paralympic heroes were honoured. The event symbolized the nation’s collective pride and optimism as our Paralympics athletes embark on their journey to Paris 2024.

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) celebrates the milestone of bringing over 5,000 properties across more than 80 countries under the hotel sustainability basics (basics) programme. It is planning to expand across India with the help of major hotel brands such as Radisson India.

“Domestic cruises are gaining popularity among families, couples, millennials, and Gen Z, offering them an all-inclusive seacation. Young professionals are also combining public holidays with weekends for a domestic cruise holiday,” said Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, VISA, Thomas Cook (India).

During the launch of four-city India roadshow in Delhi, H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said, “In 2023, Oman has seen 70 per cent growth in Indian visitors, and first five months of 2024 has already seen a 15 per cent increase.”