With an aim to promote local sellers, the 4th edition of Goa International Travel Mart is all set to commence on 3-4 April at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. It will also be held virtually from 3-9 April. Suneel Anchipaka, Director Tourism, Goa said, “GITM 2024 aims to redefine Goa’s tourism landscape by focusing on regenerative, spiritual, and hinterland tourism, setting new standards for sustainability and inclusivity. Over 250 national and int’l buyers are part of this year’s event.”

Tourism New Zealand will conduct an exclusive training sessions for the travel trade on visitor visas led by Immigration New Zealand live on Thursday, April 4 from 10am – 11am. Attendees can gain valuable insights and updates on visa procedures and regulations for the destination. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register.

Over the past decade, tourism has embraced sustainability as a strategic pillar. A WTTC report shows that 42% of leading tourism companies globally have set a climate target – either interim, long-term, or both. As sustainable business practices gain traction around the world, companies must increasingly consider the concerns of stakeholders – travellers seeking eco-friendly destinations, and communities concerned about their future.   Tour operators Emissions from tour operators vary across the sector, depending on how asset-light or asset-heavy they are. Some operators express concerns about limitations they encountered regarding infrastructure at destinations, while others are investing in sustainability initiatives. But the current infrastructure and technology at some destinations are not developed enough for those investments to yield results in the short term. For example, some tour operators want to invest in electric buses, but current EV coach battery life is inadequate for longer tours. Travel agencies and OTAs Travel agents — both brick-and-mortar and online — interact with a variety of industry players, from suppliers to destinations, and influence consumer choices. They are well-placed to help the industry achieve its sustainability goals, though these efforts are complicated by the new reporting frameworks. OTAs and travel tech companies more broadly are not easily classified, as they often fall in the software sector rather than tourism. As such, they also lack specific guidance on how to tackle sustainability issues relating to their travel operations. They will likely have to consult sector-based guides, such as for car rental and leasing, hotel and lodging, and airlines. Accommodation One complicating factor for hotel chains is the industry’s range of business models and ownership structures. Many operate under franchise agreements with multiple levels of control, …

As per ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics), arrivals from India for the year-ended January 2024 stood at 402,200 which is 101% of 2019 levels. This is the first time that Tourism Australia has crossed the 400,000 arrivals milestone from India. India has also significantly improved its ranking to be the 5th largest inbound market for Tourism Australia in 2024, from number 7 in 2019. In the month of January 2024 alone, Australia witnessed 26,200 visitors from India, which is 106% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. India has also significantly improved its ranking to be the 5th largest inbound market for Tourism Australia in 2024, from number 7 in 2019. Australia’s allure as a favored destination for Indian tourists has never been greater, buoyed by targeted marketing initiatives, the speed and ease of an entirely digitized visa application process, and the growing air travel options between the two nations. Moreover, the sustained rise in visitor numbers year after year since 2019 underscores the success of Tourism Australia’s joint endeavors with its airlines, key distribution partners, and over 5,000 Aussie Specialist Agents in India to drive consideration and conversions. Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf for Tourism Australia shares, “This resurgence of Indian tourists to Australia is a testament to the resilience and rebound of international travel, particularly from one of our most valued markets. This is a clear indicator of the strong desire for travel and exploration among the Indian travelers, who are drawn to Australia’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and the multicultural vibrancy of our cities.”

Tourism New Zealand will conduct an exclusive training sessions for the travel trade on visitor visas led by Immigration New Zealand live on Thursday, April 4 from 10am – 11am. Attendees can gain valuable insights and updates on visa procedures and regulations for the destination. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register.

MoT recently conducted a roadshow in Moscow and St Petersburg – its first international roadshow since 2019 and engaging Russian outbound tour operators.

In summer 2024, the Indian aviation industry will witness a higher number of domestic and international flights as per the Summer Schedule 2024 released by the DGCA. According to the schedule released by the civil aviation regulator, there will be 24,275 domestic departures to and from 125 airports. There is an increase of around 6% in comparison to the Summer Schedule 2023, which had 22,907 weekly departures per week from 119 airports.

Although Goa has been abuzz with tourists October to December, the state’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has acknowledged a decline in foreign tourist arrivals in the year gone by. He blamed the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict between Israel and Palestine for this. He has laid out a plan to boost tourist arrivals, which includes projects like the state’s homestay policy, first-of-its-kind regenerative tourism model and commencing caravan tourism.

Cyprus Airways tickets can now be issued in India by their Direct Sales Agent, Girisons Airways, located in Mumbai. In 2018, Cyprus Airways achieved a significant milestone by successfully passing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Cyprus Airways continues to uphold its long-term goal—to be a catalyst for tourism growth in Cyprus and a beacon for local travellers, offering a world of possibilities. Our commitment to expanding horizons remains steadfast as we embark on this thrilling journey together. Based at the vibrant Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus Airways operates with a passionate team of over 150 professionals. Cyprus Airways flights are operated on Airbus combination of A320 and A220 aircraft, offering Economy Class seats and Business Class Seats ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for every traveller to Europe, Middle East, and beyond. In our current summer 2024 schedule we operate flights from Larnaca to various European destinations such as Rome, Milan, Zurich, Paris, Barcelona, Brussels, Prague, Athens and various Greek islands such as Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Thessaloniki etc. We have also started operations to DUBAI thrice weekly. Indian travellers can now visit Cyprus for 2 to 3 days during their European holidays. This add-on program can easily be adjusted because they can purchase a return Cyprus ticket which can start in one European city and end in another city- for example they can do Rome-Cyprus-Paris. In this way passengers can same time and money for the Rome to Paris sector.  

One of Fiji’s most luxurious and top independently owned/operated resorts, the award-winning Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji, recently announced the completion of a million-dollar renovation, according to Director/Owner James McCann. The six-month renovation will be completed this month. With only 18 spacious bungalows, a small group of Fijian villagers as its neighbors, and 30 minutes by private air transfer from Nadi International Airport, the secluded Resort has reasons to celebrate with a stunning new renovation of its public space as well as the exterior/interior of villas.