Morocco Tourism will organise an exciting webinar to showcase the destination to the travel trade on Monday, February 19 at 11:30am. Attendees will learn about Morocco’s rich tourism assets and its experiential offerings for the Indian traveller. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register.

VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions appoints GB Srithar as the Head of Tourism Services effective 01 February 2024. Srithar joins VFS Global from Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he spent over 27 years in a career that spanned multiple functions, including Human Resources, Organizational Development, and International Marketing. He notably served as the Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and was instrumental in leading the International Marketing and Brand Campaigns teams at STB’s headquarters. His last role as the Regional Director saw him responsible for STB’s regional marketing, tourism development, and trade partnership work across India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Srithar will support our Client Governments by offering specialised services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services. This support will add value and enable these governments to achieve their strategic goals of boosting tourism and trade in their respective countries. According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, “GB Srithar is a valuable addition to our team, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a proven track record. His expertise positions him to lead our efforts with our Client Governments to promote travel, trade, and tourism from key source markets.” GB Srithar, Head, Tourism Services, speaking about his new role said, “I am very pleased to join VFS Global – a very prestigious brand and global leader in its field. VFS Global gives me an incredible opportunity to leverage my experience on a global scale working with our Client Governments to promote and add value to Travel, Trade and Tourism Services in both established and emerging markets.’’ This appointment is very much in line with …

FHRAI is set to host the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2024 in March. It will propose a framework for sustainable tourism stating that Goa Roadmap could be a beacon for sustainable global tourism with 5 key priorities: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management to achieve SDGs.

As per the PATA forecast, the inbound arrival will surge between 2024-2026 in the Asia Pacific region. The top 10 source markets will contribute 59% of all IVAs in 2024. India will account for 1.9% of the relative share of IVAs by 2026 in comparison to 1.7% in 2024 in the Pacific region.

Speaking at the 6th HAI Hoteliers’ Conclave, Puneet Chhatwal, President, Hotel’s Association of India (HAI), shared that tourism sector is likely to create 50 million direct and indirect jobs in next 5-7 years, but the government must support tourism members to achieve full industry status, which will help in generating employment.

South African Roadshow 2024 kickstarted on 12 Feb in Jaipur, followed by Delhi on 13 Feb. In Delhi it saw over 40 participants, especially from tier II cities, and in Jaipur over 45 participants. With over 3500 meetings in Delhi and over 3100 meetings in Jaipur, the roadshow has been a success so far.

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) participated in the recently held Outbound Travel Market (OTM) in Mumbai. The event served as a platform focused on strengthening ties between the travel trade and key stakeholders from the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination. STA’s continued presence at OTM Mumbai is a testament to its burgeoning tourism industry. A delegation comprising 20 key Saudi stakeholders and prominent associates from various sectors, including DMOs such as Red Sea Global, AlUla, Diriyah, DMCs, Hotels, Tour Operators and Airlines, were present at the event to collectively showcase the diverse offerings and initiatives driving Saudi’s tourism landscape. Their presence underscored STA’s commitment to fostering scalable partnerships with the Indian trade association. STA showcased its multi-faceted experiences, services, and products at its booth that embodied the essence of Saudi – the true home of Arabia. The thoughtfully designed space served as an exceptional platform for networking and holding one-on-one meetings with the members of Indian travel trade associations, tour operators, and travel agents as they were able to learn more about mega projects such as Red Sea Global where ultra-luxe properties such as The Six Senses and St. Regis recently opened doors, AlUla, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, and Sindalah which will be opening in NEOM towards the end of this year. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasised the significance of the Indian market, stating, “As we continue to diversify our offerings, India has proved to be a major accelerator. We are committed to making India the top source market, aiming to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030. To facilitate this, we made visa procedures very easy by introducing e-visa options for …

As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples seeking an extraordinary and enchanting getaway can’t ignore Oman. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and opulent hospitality, Oman beckons lovebirds to indulge in a romantic escapade like no other. From tranquil beaches to rugged mountains, the destination offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous, complete with luxurious accommodations and unforgettable experiences. Nestled on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman boasts pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and azure waters, setting the stage for an idyllic Valentine’s retreat. Here’s why Oman is the ultimate destination for celebrating love this February: Luxurious Accommodations: Pamper your loved one with a stay at one of Oman’s top-tier luxury hotels, offering unparalleled comfort and impeccable service. From opulent beachfront resorts to secluded mountain retreats, Oman’s accommodations promise a romantic ambiance and indulgent amenities to elevate your stay. Adventurous Excursions: Embark on unforgettable adventures hand-in-hand with your beloved. Explore Oman’s rugged landscapes through exhilarating hikes, taking in panoramic views of majestic mountains and verdant valleys. Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Dimaniyat Island and swim alongside graceful sea turtles, creating cherished memories together. Nature’s Wonders: Witness the marvels of nature with your significant other, from the captivating sight of turtle hatchlings emerging from their nests to the awe-inspiring beauty of Oman’s diverse ecosystems. Embrace the tranquility of secluded beaches and marvel at the starlit skies as you stargaze with your loved one, far from the city lights. Romantic Dining: Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration with a romantic dinner at Diana Point, perched atop a mountain with panoramic views of Oman’s breathtaking landscape. Indulge in gourmet cuisine as you toast to your love amidst the serene beauty of nature …

Minister of State, MoCA, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) said, “Before Covid-19 pandemic, India was one of the fastest growing aviation market in the world. During the six-year period i.e. 2014-15 to 2019-20, Indian airports witnessed robust double-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.4% in terms of total passenger traffic. Post-Covid, Indian aviation industry is again on the growth trajectory and the total passenger traffic has recovered to the tune of 96% during 2022-23, as compared to pre-covid.”

FITUR 2024 wraps up its 44th edition with exceeded expectations, demonstrating its global influence. The official report of FITUR 2024 reveals the record-breaking participation of 9,000 companies with 152 countries, 806 main exhibitors, 9 pavilions, and 10 monographic sections for tourist segments, representing a 13.7% increase compared to 2023.