Christopher Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance, said, “In India, we have seen considerable growth, with 5 lakh members of the GHA Discovery Program through The Leela Discovery. We aim to reach the one-million-member milestone in coming years by strengthening our relationship with Leela.

In a strategic move set to revolutionise the adventure and tourism landscape of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), and Global Leisure and Entertainment have entered a strategic joint venture. This collaboration is aimed at developing a state-of-the-art Water Sports and Biking Centre in Khasab, in the Governorate of Musandam. The announcement was made at ITB Berlin 2024, marking another key milestone in Oman’s tourism sector. The partnership aligns with OMRAN Group’s vision to enhance Oman’s status as a premier adventure destination while fostering economic development and cultural exchange. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated, “This partnership with Global Leisure and Entertainment underlines our commitment to innovating Oman’s adventure tourism landscape. By launching the first adventure centre in Khasab, we are setting new benchmarks for experiential travel in the region.” Lennard Otto, Managing Director of Global Leisure and Entertainment echoed this sentiment, “Our collaboration with OMRAN Group is a step towards creating unparalleled adventure experiences in Khasab. We are dedicated to contributing to Oman’s vision by providing dynamic, world-class activities that attract global tourists and adventure enthusiasts.” The new venture will see Khasab transformed into the ultimate adventure sports district, catering to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The initiative will introduce an array of experiences, from water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding to diverse biking trails offering mountain, beach, and urban explorations. Abdul Hafidh Al Harthi, Asset Manager of Experiences at OMRAN Group, highlighted the project’s significance, “This venture signifies a leap forward in our efforts to diversify Oman’s tourism appeal. The Khasab Adventure Centre is poised to become a cornerstone in our strategy to enhance the region’s …

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.