Costa Cruises recently celebrated the arrival of Costa Serena in Mumbai at an event on board the Italian flagged ship. Starting 4 November 2023 until 11 January 2023 Costa Serena is set to home port in Mumbai operating on a newly created program of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai and Kochi, Goa and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep. Such a milestone on the 75-year anniversary of Costa was attended by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises & Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior Officials. On board Costa Serena guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be tailored to the tastes of Indian guests. The last itinerary celebrating the completion of its India program will also explore the spectacular Maldives. Costa Serena sailings in India are ideal for both families and couples. The cruises are also a great option for wedding ceremonies, groups, and corporate incentive travel, thanks to the ship being able to offer reserved areas and services. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports stated, “We are offering our full support to the cruise line to home port their ships at Indian ports. We are ready to support further development of our port infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships. It is a moment of pride for us that when the Mumbai Port completes 150 years, we have Costa coming back to offer domestic cruising options to …

At its Global Summit in Kigali, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350BN. The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing. Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy. “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade. “Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.” According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.” “Having established our …

The 2023 Global Travel Trends Report by ForwardKeys says that more diverse travel patterns emerged among travellers in 2023. The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Greece still maintain high positions, but the mix is more varied overall, with the Middle East and Africa (MEA) particularly well-represented among top performers.

Recognising the tourism sector as a pillar of economic and social development, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has launched an education toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schools across the world. The toolkit includes modules not only for Ministries of Education but also for parents, school directors, and teachers.

Releasing the Caravan Tourism policy in Goa, State Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte said, “Caravan tourism is another step towards diversifying tourism by inviting tourists to our hinterlands. It is in tune with our initiatives to offer the rustic experience of Goa to that niche segment which seeks solitude as well as thrills beyond the beaches. Goa Tourism aims at bridging the gap between urban and rural tourism while achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the tourism sector.”

Accor has launched its 24th Novotel property in India, with Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, located close to the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre. The 226-rooms hotel and exhibition centre is spread over 42 acres. It has 13 breakout meeting rooms, a VIP Lounge, 2 Green Rooms and a ballroom with 740 retractable auditorium-style seats, and 70,000 sq. ft. lawn.

The Tourism India Alliance (TIA) held its member induction and industry outreach program in Jaipur on 31st October 2023 wherein prominent tourism stakeholders from the city deliberated and discussed the way forward for the betterment of the industry. All participants welcomed TIA’s initiative and assured full cooperation for its future activities in the region and also allover the country.

Despite visa challenges, Europe continues to lead preferences of Indian travellers, and this is reiterated in Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data – with over 55% of its customers indicating keen interest to travel to Europe for Summer 2024. Hence, aimed at catalysing demand and accelerating bookings, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched their European Holidays 2024, exclusive group-escorted tours – with multiple departures from key metros and customised holidays, commencing March 2024. This first mover initiative by Thomas Cook and SOTC will benefit early bookers by enabling them apply well in advance for their visas.

The DGCA has finalised the new winter schedule for domestic flights effective October 29, 2023 for Indian airlines. It is 3% more than this summer and almost 8% more than last winter flights. Among the big airlines, the maximum increase in flights is by IndiGo and Air India. There are 23,732 departures per week to/from 118 airports as compared to 22,907 from 110 airports in summer schedule 2023.

Experience Kissimmee is organising an exclusive virtual tour of the sunny destination in Florida for the travel trade on Nov 1 at 11am. Through this webinar, attendees can understand myriad ways in which their clients’ trip can be made memorable. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.