SKAL International India, a premier global organization of travel and tourism professionals, is proud to announce the launch of its Inaugural National culinary competition, ‘Culinary Sherpa,’ aimed at fostering young talent in the hospitality industry. The competition is set to inspire and recognize the next generation of chefs from hotel management institutes across India. The Culinary Sherpa competition took place in multiple cities, bringing together top culinary talent from premier hotel management colleges. Students competed in a series of rounds that challenged their creativity, skill, and understanding of culinary arts under the mentorship of industry stalwarts and SKAL members. The competition received tremendous response across India, with hotel management students from cities such as Bangalore, Tirupati, Goa, Pune, Chennai, etc., participating with enthusiasm. Competition Highlights: Eligibility: The competition was open to students from hotel management institutes across India. Rajagopaal Iyer, Director, Young SKAL India said “The success of the Culinary Sherpa program highlights the immense talent and creativity of India’s young culinary minds. This initiative not only provides students with a platform to showcase their skills but also connects them with industry leaders, setting the stage for their future success in the hospitality sector. At Young SKAL India, we are committed to empowering the next generation of hospitality professionals, and Culinary Sherpa is a testament to that vision.” Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKAL International India, shared, “Culinary Sherpa is an exciting initiative to nurture young talent and prepare them for the dynamic hospitality industry. By engaging with students and showcasing their passion for food, we aim to create a platform that bridges education and industry opportunities.” Key Objectives of Culinary Sherpa: Promote innovation and excellence in the culinary arts among students. Encourage …

As per a MICE study carried out in 2019 sponsored by Ministry of Tourism, the market size of the India MICE industry is at Rs.37,576 crore, 60% of which is attributable to Meetings, Incentives and Conferences. The international MIC in this accounts for 22% of the market size. 65% are business to business events, and the Meetings & Incentives form roughly 70% of the entire MICE segment for 5-star properties. Ministry of Tourism identified MICE as one of the important segments of Tourism. Ministry has also formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for MICE Industry to promote the growth of MICE industry in the country including Haryana and Delhi NCR.

Looking at the travel landscape in India, Mark Meehan, GVP & MD, Global Ops, Travelport, said, “Research indicates that Indian carriers will become increasingly relevant in the future, both in India and globally. Today, Indian airlines account for around 46% of international traffic in India. That’s up from around 35% from a pre-pandemic perspective.” He said, “Over 12.7 million international passengers travel in the April to June quarter. Indian airlines carry 8 million of those 12.7 million passengers. Growth drivers include fleet expansion by Air India and Indigo, with the latter looking at long-haul markets. Projections in India for 2028 is that international outbound travel will reach 39 million, nearly an 8% pay gap from 2024.”

South Africa will be hosting the T20 World Cup in 2027 and expected to welcome a huge number of Indian cricket enthusiasts. For this, they will set up a dedicated team that can process visa applications for cricket fans. In terms of cultural events, the country will share its calendar of sports and culture events for 2025 with India so that both countries can work together.

Giving credit to the India Travel Award, Gagan Chadha, Owner, Travel2agent Oneworld, commented, “I would like to thank ITA for recognising our efforts in being customer-centric through this ‘Customer Service Excellence for Outbound Tourism’ award.” Since its inception in 2002 as a DMC catering to far eastern destinations, Travel2Agent.com has transformed into a provider of personalised tours for outbound with in-depth destination knowledge.”

Ambiance Holidays Mauritius is pleased to announce the appointment of SSR Travel Solutions as its official representative in India, effective 1st December 2024. This strategic collaboration is designed to strengthen Ambiance Holidays’ presence in the rapidly growing Indian market and enhance its sales, marketing, and business development efforts across the region. SSR Travel Solutions, known for its deep industry expertise and extensive network within India’s travel sector, will work to elevate the visibility of Ambiance Holidays Mauritius. The partnership will connect Indian travellers with the enchanting allure of Mauritius, offering access to its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. Speaking about the partnership, Nayaz Toolun, Owner & Executive Director, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with SSR Travel Solutions to tap into the growing Indian outbound travel market. Together, we aim to deliver customized travel solutions that capture the essence of Mauritius’ vibrant hospitality, diverse culture, and natural beauty.” SSR Travel Solutions, recognised for its successful track record in promoting global travel brands, will focus on amplifying Ambiance Holidays’ market presence in India through targeted marketing campaigns, collaborations with travel trade professionals, and exclusive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. Sidhant Sapneal Rao, Chief Marketing Officer at SSR Travel Solutions, commented, “It’s an honour to represent Ambiance Holidays Mauritius in India. Mauritius is a dream destination for Indian travellers, and we’re excited to work together to deliver exceptional, bespoke travel experiences to this growing market.” This partnership marks an exciting chapter for both Ambiance Holidays Mauritius and SSR Travel Solutions, as they aim to unlock new growth opportunities and meet the evolving demands of Indian travellers.

In a significant move to strengthen tourism ties with India, South Africa has come up with a newly gazetted Trusted Tourist Tour Operator System Scheme which will take effect on 20 January 2025. Aimed specifically at the Indian and Chinese markets, it will allow for bulk visa processing for group travellers. 23 Indian tour operators applied in the first phase.

To stay ahead of emerging trends, travel agents are seeking new tools, technologies, and resources to meet clients’ needs. Robin Lawther, Vice President, Expedia TAAP, says, “They prioritise platforms that offer seamless, all-in-one functionalities. The ability to plan, book, and manage trips within a single portal is crucial, with 18% of agents citing this and ease of use as primary factors.1 These preferences underscore an industry-wide demand for efficiency, where streamlined workflows are critical to a travel agent’s success.”

Jungle Camps has set the stage for IPO, aims to raise ₹29.42 crores fund to be utilised for strategic expansion plans and upcoming four properties across India, namely Sanjay Dubri National Park, Sheopur Fort, Kukru Jungle Camp near Melghat Tiger Reserve, and 4-star hotel in Mathura. They are going to offer special schemes to travel agents bringing around 1000 room nights to the upcoming properties, while their current offerings include US$130-US$200 rates depending on rooms per night to inbound travel agents for their existing properties.

At its 16th annual convention, ATOAI launched the Roadmap & Toolkit for Arunachal Pradesh, positioning it as a model for sustainable adventure tourism. Aimed at enhancing its identity as the “Last Shangri-La,” the initiative integrates ecological, cultural, and technological advancements, promising a balanced approach to promote pristine experiences while preserving local heritage.