Aiming to make India a global hub for cruise tourism, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI, launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in Mumbai and shared insights on how this initiative will boost the cruise sector. The 3-phase programme targets 50 lakh pax by 2047.

Join an exclusive Impiana India market webinar on 8 October at 3 pm. Get insights about Impiana Private Vilas, Seminyak, Bali and their latest offerings, presented by a three-member team. For more details, contact Jaspreet Kaur at +91 9650196532 or jaspreetkaur@ddppl.com.

A Platform to Showcase Karnataka’s Hidden Gems The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) successfully hosted the second edition of its Destination Showcase Event in Bengaluru on 1st October 2024, focusing on the attractions of North and Coastal Karnataka. Following the success of the inaugural showcase on Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur in March, this event received an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders. The event was inaugurated by Srinivasulu, (IFS), Commissioner, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka. Key dignitaries present included K Syamaraju, President, KTS and newly elected President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), along with other KTS executive committee members. Dr. K.V Rajendra, (IAS), Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, visited the event and engaged with stakeholders, discussing marketing efforts and the effectiveness of the showcase. The showcase was supported by several government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Jungle Lodges & Resorts and Mysore Sales International. This initiative highlighted the unique tourist destinations of North and Coastal Karnataka, emphasising its rich cultural heritage, tranquil beaches, and vibrant local arts. K Syamaraju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, said “This initiative, a collaboration between KTS and various tourism bodies, provides a unique opportunity for travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality professionals to discover the hidden gems of North and Coastal Karnataka. By bringing together industry leaders and showcasing the region’s unique attractions, this event aims to unlock the full potential of these areas and foster sustainable growth.” The event featured over 150 participants, including travel agents and industry professionals, who engaged in networking and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. The showcase brought …

Merger involved harmonisation of operational manuals across two low-cost carriers, transfer of aircraft, besides operational, safety and maintenance approvals Air India Group is in the process of merging four airlines into two as part of its 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation program Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect (erstwhile AirAsia India) into a larger Low-Cost Carrier. The formation of the merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group, which is merging four airlines into two. The group is simultaneously in the process of merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline. The merger process for Air India Express was completed in less than a year since the airline’s refreshed brand was unveiled. It involved the harmonisation of operational manuals, as an enabler for the merger, and the transfer of Air operator certificates (AOCs). Given the complexity of such a merger, it required close working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who supported and monitored the process throughout. The merger also received support of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other key stakeholders. On Tuesday, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarter in New Delhi. Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, said: “The successful integration and merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is …

On 27th September 2024, Tourism Department Kargil in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil celebrated World Tourism Day 2024, on the theme “Tourism and Peace” in the seminar hall of GDC Kargil. The team of UTDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and Tourism Department displayed various equipments related to adventure tourism and search and rescue during the program and; large number of students were oriented of adventure tourism and firefighting techniques.   Aga Sayed Mujtaba Musavi, Executive Councillor was the chief guest of this event. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, Government Degree College;  Prof. Nazir Shabani, Commerce Department, Government Degree College, Kargil; Rehmatullah, Assistant Director Tourism; Haji Zaheer Bagh, General Secretary, AKTA; Muzammil Munshi, Root Ladakh; Goba Ali, Thang Turtuk and Er. Raveesh Sharma, Assistant Professor Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made deliberation on tourism in Ladakh in special reference to Kargil tourism during panel discussion. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal Government Degree College, Kargil stressed on the issue of unemployment related to tourism and hospitality industry and asked the AKTA General Secretary, Haji Zaheer Bagh if he can provide internship as well as on the job training and jobs for the students of tourism and hospitality industry. On this special occasion the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made the official announcement for the registration of college with Yuva Tourism Club, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. All the dignitaries, guests, faculty member and students were also present during the official announcement of the Yuva Tourism Club in the seminar hall of the GDC Kargil.

The Cocoon Collection announced the highly anticipated grand reopening of Cocoon Maldives, set for 1 October, 2024. Following a series of transformative upgrades, the resort is ready to welcome guests back to experience an elevated level of luxury and relaxation in the heart of the Maldives. Known for its unparalleled beauty and serene environment, Cocoon Maldives has introduced a variety of new features designed to enhance the guest experience and reaffirm its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality. Among the most notable additions are five brand-new Beach Suite Pool Villas, each offering an exclusive beachfront experience with a private pool. These suites are perfect for those seeking both luxury and seclusion, allowing guests to relax in privacy while enjoying stunning ocean views. Adding to the excitement are five brand new lagoon suite with pool villas and ten Sunset Lagoon Suites, now equipped with water slides, catering to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike. The thrilling slides offer a fun and unique way to enjoy the lagoon, especially during the Maldives’ mesmerising sunsets. For guests looking to stay active and rejuvenate during their stay, the resort has introduced a state-of-the-art gym and a serene Sunset Yoga Pavilion. The new fitness centre provides modern equipment for a complete workout, while the yoga pavilion offers a tranquil space for meditation and relaxation, all with the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives as the backdrop. The beloved Loabi Loabi Bar has undergone a significant extension, creating an even more vibrant atmosphere for guests to unwind and socialise. With its expanded space and enhanced beverage selection, it promises to be a convivial meeting spot for both relaxation and entertainment. Meanwhile, we are enhancing our lagoon and beach …

Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association (MITTA), announced the successful culmination of its extensive roadshow. Following successful events in Trivandrum on 23 September, Calicut on 25 September, and Bhubaneswar on 27 September, the roadshow concluded in Guwahati on 30 September. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Indian travel market and promoting its diverse tourism offerings. The roadshow aims to foster deeper connections with travel agents and highlight Malaysia’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi, emphasised the importance of this event, stating, “Our roadshow is a strategic move to engage directly with Indian travel agents. We are eager to showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality, ensuring that travel agents have the latest information to offer their clients.” A key feature of the roadshow will be the participation of 25 prominent Malaysian hoteliers and travel agents. These industry representatives will engage in one-on-one business meetings with their Indian counterparts, fostering collaborations and exploring new opportunities. The initiative also serves as a prelude to the much-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to position Malaysia as a top global travel destination. Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, commented, “With direct flight connections from major Indian cities, including the recently resumed service by Air India after a 16-year hiatus, Malaysia is more accessible than ever. Our roadshow is designed to highlight the ease of travel and the multitude of experiences Malaysia offers to all types of travellers.” The diverse tourism offerings in Malaysia cater to a wide range of interests and demographics. Whether it is a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, …

Accepting the Best Upscale Hotel Chain award on behalf of Fortune Park Hotels, Amit Chawla, GM, Fortune Select Exotica, Navi Mumbai said, “This award means a great deal to us because we have been working hard to elevate our brand. I thank India Travel Awards for recognising our efforts.”

Salil Nath, Founder and CEO, Travesla, has launched India’s newest GSA and Airline and Travel Management company. With 12 years at Etihad, including heading operations across the Indian subcontinent, Nath aims to revolutionise GSA services by offering 360-degree commercial solution for airlines.

As technology is transforming the aviation sector, Ricardo Letosa, Head of Business Strategy, SITA, said, during CAPA India Digital Aviation Summit 2024, “85% pax want travel documents auto-linked to digital identity. In fact, we have provided digital ID enrolment, and biometrics to three AACO airlines.”