The Thai government’s target of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue this year, with the aim of earning even more in the coming years, will be achieved through five strategies. The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, stated that these strategies align with the government’s policy to transform Thailand into a global aviation hub, capable of handling more than 150 million air travellers annually by 2030. 

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President, EMEA & APAC – GBTA, said, “Business travel spends coming from India is around USD 33 billion per year. This is set to grow by 12% in 2024. We see a rise in blended travel with 79% of business travellers from India extending their work trips for leisure. This figure is much higher than that for APAC, but they are similar to global figures.” 

Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO said, “Last-minute cancellations are causing problems for the clients. Around 20-25% passengers are facing issues with last-minute flight cancellations and increased airfares of alternative flights due to last-minute bookings. Although Vistara is refunding or offering adjustments to other flights, the itineraries of our passengers are being disrupted. Vistara should inform passengers at least 10 days in advance of flight cancellations. We are not currently recommending Vistara for booking to any of our passengers.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is set to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract over 39 million visitors by 2030 and contribute AED 90 billion to the UAE GDP. This comprehensive strategy will also create 178,000 new jobs, increase hotel room supply to 52,000, and boost international overnight visitors to over 7 million. 

Today ITA Airways opened its new Chicago O’Hare – Rome Fiumicino nonstop connection. The inaugural flight, which departed at 3:00 p.m. (local time) from the American city, was operated with the new Airbus A330neo, the cutting edge of ITA Airways’ fleet and the ultimate reference in technology, digitalization, innovation, efficiency and “Made in Italy” design. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today at the departure gate of Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the presence of Emiliana Limosani, ITA Airways Chief Commercial Officer and CEO Volare, Thomas Botzios, Consul General of Italy in Chicago, and Amber Ritter, Managing Deputy Commissioner and Chief Commercial Officer for the Chicago Department of Aviation. “We are proud to be here today and launch the new nonstop flight between Chicago and Rome.” said Emiliana Limosani Chief Commercial Officer ITA Airways and CEO Volare “This new destination, the seventh in North America, further enriches the intercontinental network of ITA Airways and consolidates our expansion towards the United States, which is the first international market for our Company. The multiple services from Rome Fiumicino connecting to New York, Boston, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the newly opened Chicago enhance our efforts to be the reference carrier from the United States to Italy and via Rome to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community, the international business communities in North America as well as the major communities in the Mediterranean region”. “As Consul General of Italy in Chicago, I am very happy and grateful to ITA Airways for this new ChicagoRome connection, which contributes to bringing Italy even closer to the heart of the United States, ensuring an …

Dusit Hotels and Resorts kicks off its India Showcase 2024 with a three-city roadshow in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, aimed at presenting its offerings to the Indian travel trade. Nine hotels are participating in the roadshow, focusing on attracting more Indians, especially from the MICE and wedding segments.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL stated, “With the pace of growth increasing year on year, FY 2024 set new benchmarks with 52 signings, one contract a week. Of this, our recent strategic alliance with Tree of Life resorts contributed 14 new hotels to the portfolio.”

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on the hub of adventure – Interlaken, Chaplin’s World – a journey into the life and work of Charlie Chaplin, and Geneva – the home of watchmaking, on April 5 at 3 pm. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

According to the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Sector Council (THSC)’s report, it is estimated that 5.7 million youths could be trained to meet an expected incremental labor demand of 3 million workers between 2025 and 2028 in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, challenges such as low wages and long working hours deter youth from continuing in the industry. 

Tanadewa was established in 2013 in Nusa Dua, known as TanadewaVillas & Spa Nusa Dua, the concept is a combination of Balinese hospitality, magnificent interior infused with culture and spirituality, and spectacular views. The name “Tanadewa” is derived from the words “Tanah”, meaning “Land”, and “Dewa”, meaning “Gods”. Bali is rightly known as the island of the Gods, and Tanadewa is the perfect place to enjoy what it has to offer. In 2019, Tanadewa extended its business by launching Tanadewa Resort & Spa, Ubud. Built in the thick of the UbudJungle, with commanding views of lush rice paddies and a winding river. In 2022, Tanadewa joined Cross Hotels & Resorts to become Tanadewa Villas & Resort Bali by Cross Collection. Tanadewa Villas & Spa, Nusa Dua by Cross Collection As soon as you step foot in the lobby and lounge of the villa, you will immediately feel the warmth and serenity. Featuring contemporary Balinese architecture and style, the villa features distinct Balinese touches that blend seamlessly with the mystic charm of its natural surroundings. The property consists of 17 villas, including 16 units of one-bedroom private pool villa and 1 unit of a two-bedroom private pool villa. Here, you can luxuriate in pampering Spa treatments at the award-wining Tanaspa, dine with our stunning hill top Tanalounge Restaurant and dive into private plunge pool and submerge yourself in total relaxation. Located 15 minutes away from Bali’s International Airport and just a minute away from private beaches of Nusa Dua, this is the ultimate romantic getaway with your love once to relax and rejuvenate. Only in Tanadewa Villas & Spa, Nusa Dua will you be satisfied with the beauty of Bali, the …