Expanding upon its renowned commitment to offer guests an extensive selection of diverse destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a major hotel management agreement with PT Yetosa Pratama Sukses (Puri Group) for Cross Batam Antapura, a 340-key tropical island paradise. Developed under the ‘Luxury by Design’ concept and set amid stunning natural beauty, the resort is scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2027. Forging a new partnership with Puri Group, one of the bigger property developers on Batam Island, Indonesia, this is Cross Hotels & Resorts’ inaugural property on the booming island. Cross Batam Antapura is a hybrid resort, offering guests a choice of 250 contemporary hotel rooms and 90 luxury pool villas, all centered around a low-rise Water Courtyard. Seamlessly blending traditional Indonesian designs with modern refinement, the striking resort provides a serene setting that invokes personal wellbeing. Located only 13 minutes from Hang Nadim International Airport, a short drive from the international ferry terminal and close to three international golf courses, Cross Batam Antapura is sure to appeal to holidaymakers, day-trippers and event planners alike. The integrated resort offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and excitement, from secluded retreats to exceptional dining experiences. Adults can relax with rejuvenating spa services while juniors are presented with a vibrant recreational and entertainment scene. “It has been an honour working with Puri Group and to present our aspirational goal of being APAC’s hotel management operator of choice for owners seeking an innovative alternative to those offered by larger chains. While Cross Batam Antapura is our first resort on Batam Island, it becomes our eighth property in Indonesia. Batam Island is a gateway to the rest …

Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the Saryu Mahotsav in Ayodhya at Ram ki Paidi today. The Tourism and Culture Minister said that, “the aim of the festival is to raise public awareness about the conservation of water, forests, and land while promoting our harmonious coexistence with nature.” He also highlighted the adverse impacts of increasing urbanization and industrialization on the environment. Rivers are drying up and traditional water sources such as ponds, tanks, and wells are getting depleted of water levels. He also stressed the urgent need for prudent use of water resources and the protection of forests to ensure a healthy environment and sufficient natural resources for future generations. Growing issues of global warming, climate change, and ecological imbalance due to increased human interference are posing a significant threat to nature and its resources. He remarked that rivers are lifelines; great civilizations have thrived along their banks. To rejuvenate these vital water bodies, collective awareness and efforts are necessary. In maintaining a balance with nature, it is imperative to save rivers, ponds, and natural water sources. The Saryu Mahotsava is being organized to foster public awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Nature is essential for human survival. Therefore, it is crucial to keep our rivers, forests, land, and natural water sources alive. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in order to create awareness about the same is inviting people to take part in this Mahotsava.

India’s foremost offering in tourism is culture and heritage but as a sub-continent, we have a lot to offer. Manisha Saxena, DG, Tourism, said, “We want to make wildlife a big tourism offering. We need to segment the offerings not only to the traditional source markets but have to identify newer ones as Southeast Asia and others.”

Fitch Ratings report affirmed that the tourism and travel sector in the APAC region will continue to recover although the pace will be slow. Footfalls in APAC will reach 92 per cent of 2019 level this year, with nominal global tourism receipts exceeding that in 2019 by six per cent, fuelled by robust demand, economic resilience, and additional flight capacity.

RateGain report revealed that 40 per cent of the bookings of mid-size hotel chains happen through Online Travel Agency (OTAs). In contrast, for large-scale hotels 32 per cent of bookings come through OTAs, concluding that large-scale hotels mostly use their brand name for bookings, while mid-size hotels take a balanced approach worldwide.

NSE has launched the Nifty India Tourism Index, a new thematic index, which will track the performance of Nifty 500 tourism firms. It will track the largest 30 stocks from the eligible basic industries. Following stocks are presently among the 17 stocks in the index: BLS International, Chalet Services, Easy Trip Planners, GMR Airports, Indian Hotels, IRCTC, and InterGlobe Aviation.

Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, Goa, assured that the number of visitors to Goa has surged in the just-concluded tourist season touching the one crore mark. There has also been a rise in the number of international tourists, which is 150 per cent above pre-COVID figures. Goa continues to see the arrival of tourists in monsoon season as well.

Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya, announced at Convocation 2024 of ICFAI University Meghalaya that the state government is planning to invest ₹5,000 crore in the tourism sector, expecting to create around 50,000 jobs. He urged the youth to leverage the upcoming changes and contribute in the sector for better future.

Manisha Saxena, DG, MOT India, “India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. In line with PM Modi’s ‘Mission Life,’ MOT has come up with a sectorial programme, ‘Travel for Life.’ It aims to  encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices and mindful approach in managing the resources.”  

Addressing ‘Dakshin Bharat Utsav,’ DK Shivakumar, Deputy CM, Karnataka, said that the southern states should come together and have a common policy to promote tourism. He raised concerns about the Centre’s role in promoting tourism in South India. He stated, “The 18 per cent GST and other revenue cuts are killing the sector.”