Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said, “By 31 March 2025, we should achieve the same arrival figures we had in March 2020. Thereafter, we can focus on increasing those numbers further. Hotel rates should stabilise, airfare should stabilise, and the Government of India should immediately begin promoting tourism abroad through both print and electronic media to attract more business.” 

As per ixigo, domestic airfares to popular mountain destinations have surged due to rising demand. Flights from Mumbai to Dehradun saw a 13% increase in fares, while New Delhi to Srinagar fares jumped by 18%. Jammu emerged as a hot destination, with bookings up by 147% year-over-year (YoY). 

Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC said, “We are keen to talk to the Indian government to ensure that it is reaching out to the aviation sector to help produce more sustainable aviation fuel because we can’t really do tourism without aviation. We need the aviation sector. We will have more people travelling by air and we need to do that more sustainably. And the only real opportunity right now is through sustainable aviation fuel. So we really encourage the Indian government to incentivize its production.”

According to ForwardKeys, in 2024, inbound travel to India shows a promising recovery trend, with a 9% increase compared to 2023 and a 5% increase above pre-pandemic level in 2019.  Key regional drivers of this growth are the Americas and Europe, which continue to lead the recovery.  The Americas demonstrate a strong demand for India as a destination, growing 7% year-on-year and 22% compared to 2019. 

Karma Lakelands, a pioneer in eco-conscious hospitality and sustainability, proudly hosted its much-anticipated Karma Karnival Golf Tournament on December 7, 2024. This exclusive  event brought together passionate golfers, industry leaders, and sustainability enthusiasts for a day of sport, luxury, and environmental awareness. Set amidst the pristine, award-winning 9-hole course at Karma Lakelands, the tournament offered participants an unparalleled golfing experience. Crafted by renowned golf architect Phil Ryan, the course transforms into a full 18-hole challenge, providing both excitement and a connection to nature. Renowned as India’s Eco-Friendly Golf Course, the venue exemplifies the seamless blend of sustainability and luxury that Karma Lakelands champions. Aryadev Khurana, Vice President, Karma Lakelands, shared his gratitude, stating: “We were delighted to host the Karma Karnival Golf Tournament once again. This event is more than just a celebration of golf; it’s a testament to our commitment to sustainability and creating a luxurious eco-conscious experience. We thank all participants and partners for making this event a success.” The day was filled with camaraderie, competitive spirit, and unforgettable experiences. Participants were treated to curated goodie bags, professional caddie support, gourmet food and beverages, and exciting prize opportunities. The tournament’s blend of inclusivity and exclusivity attracted members, guests, and walk-ins, further reinforcing Karma Lakelands’ commitment to fostering community while maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The tournament, played in the Double Peoria Stroke Play format, witnessed outstanding performances from all participants and saw Dipjyoti Banerjee emerge as the winner, followed by Dr. Vinay Gaikwad as the runner-up. Valmik Iyer claimed the titles for Best Gross and Longest Drive, while Satish Chand secured the Closest to the Pin award. Paramvir Kaushik’s accurate drive earned him the Straightest Drive title. …

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group, is pleased to announce the launch of Fortune Beachfront Puri, its second hotel in Odisha. Situated on the serene coastline of the temple town, the hotel offers a seamless blend of beachside tranquillity, spiritual experiences, and Fortune’s signature warm hospitality.   Located just a few kilometres from the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple, one of the pious and coveted Char Dham destinations in India, Fortune Beachfront Puri is designed to extend a unique combination of cultural exploration and seaside bliss, converting into a warm haven for the unhurried leisure traveller looking to soak in the beauty of the stunning Bay of Bengal coastline.   Celebrating the launch, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels, said, “Fortune Beachfront Puri marks another milestone in our journey of creating exceptional experiences for our guests. As a brand committed to delivering warm, efficient service and thoughtfully curated stays, we are excited to offer a destination that beautifully combines Puri’s cultural heritage with modern hospitality. We are confident that this property will become a preferred choice for travellers seeking a serene beachside escape coupled with enriching cultural explorations.”   A premier sea-facing property, Fortune Beachfront Puri, features well-appointed guest rooms and suites, offering panoramic sea views from most rooms. Stylishly tailored for relaxation and a soothing stay the rooms are an inviting retreat for travellers seeking chic elegance and serenity. Together with thoughtfully curated amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restful spa, and a well-equipped gym, the hotel is perfectly suited for both spiritual sojourns and relaxing getaways.   Fortune Beachfront Puri is set to be a food lovers delight, with a plethora of dining options available in …

The Matsya Utsav 2024, scheduled from  25-27 November 2024, promises to be an extraordinary three-day celebration in Alwar, Rajasthan. This grand cultural festival seeks to highlight the region’s rich history, artistic traditions, and diverse culture while positioning Alwar as a prominent tourism hub in Rajasthan. A Glimpse into the Festivities The Matsya Utsav is designed to offer a holistic cultural experience, combining traditional performances, artistic exhibitions, adventure activities, and culinary delights. Visitors can look forward to a variety of events that showcase the essence of Rajasthan: Traditional Performances: Local folk dances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia, alongside vibrant music, will immerse attendees in the heart of Rajasthani culture. Art Exhibitions: Regional artists will display their paintings, sculptures, and intricate handicrafts, offering a unique insight into the artistic heritage of the region. Live Craft Demonstrations: Visitors will witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and jewelry making, directly from the artisans. Adventure Activities: The event will also feature guided cycling and trekking tours through the picturesque Aravalli Hills, as well as water sports at Siliserh Lake. Rajasthani Food Stalls: A feast for the senses, the festival will offer authentic local delicacies like Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, Kadhi Kachori, and the famous Alwar ka Mawa. Heritage Tours: Visitors will explore the historical landmarks of Alwar, such as Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) and the City Palace. Live Music Concerts and Photography Contests: A blend of traditional and contemporary performances, along with contests capturing Alwar’s natural beauty, will add to the festival’s charm. The Purpose of the Matsya Utsav The Matsya Utsav serves multiple purposes that extend beyond just being a celebration of culture. The festival aims to: Boost Local Tourism: By showcasing …

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has officially announced the dates for its upcoming convention, scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 January 2025 in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. The event aims to bring together industry leaders, travel professionals, and key stakeholders for insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Registrations for the convention will open on 25 November 2024, with a special early bird offer available from 25 to 29 November 2024.

Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, revealed a surge in travel during the wedding season. “Indian travellers are on the move this wedding season, with around 35 lakh weddings expected across India between 23 November and 15 December 2024. Flight bookings to major metro hubs and top leisure destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Jaipur, and Goa are seeing a strong 70-80% YoY increase,” he said. 

VisitBritain is hosting ‘Destination Britain Middle East and Asia’ trade mission for the first time in India from 20-22 November in Bengaluru. The event brings together UK tourism suppliers and over 70 buyers from India, the GCC, Japan, and South Korea. The mission aims to drive visitor spending across the UK by showcasing Britain’s tourism products and regional offerings.