Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is thrilled to embark on a series of roadshows in India, showcasing the diverse and enchanting country. The roadshow will cover six major cities in South and West India, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between Nepal and its neighbouring country. NTB has appointed Buzz Travel Marketing to organize these roadshows across India. The South India Sales Mission kicked off the roadshow in Kochi on 7th June 2023, followed by Coimbatore on 9th June 2023, and concluded in Madurai on 12th June 2023. These events were attended by NTB officials and accompanied by Destination Management Companies (DMCs) from Nepal. The roadshows in the South Zone will provide an opportunity for travel industry professionals, including tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives, to explore the vast tourism offerings of Nepal. Following the success of the South India Sales Mission, the West India Sales Mission will commence, beginning in Ahmedabad on 14th June 2023, followed by Vadodara on 16th June 2023, and concluding in Surat on 19th June 2023. NTB officials will be present at each event, alongside an impressive group of 15 private companies from Nepal. The roadshows in the West Zone aim to foster fruitful collaborations between Indian and Nepalese travel professionals while promoting the cultural, natural, and adventure treasures of Nepal. The Nepal Tourism Board Roadshows in India offer a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, establish valuable connections, and gain first-hand insights into the diverse tourism experiences that Nepal has to offer. Attendees can expect interactive presentations, networking opportunities, and discussions on the latest trends and developments in the Nepalese tourism industry. The roadshows will highlight Nepal’s breath-taking landscapes, ancient heritage sites, vibrant …

IndiGo, India’s most preferred airline, is further defining its long-term future, well into the next decade, by placing a firm order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. This will provide IndiGo a further steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035. This 500 aircraft order is not only IndiGo’s largest order, but also the largest-ever single aircraft purchase by any airline with Airbus. The engine selection for this order will be done in due course and so will be the exact mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. Today IndiGo operates over 300 aircraft and has previous orders totaling 480 aircraft which are yet to be delivered between today and the end of this decade. With this additional firm order of 500 aircraft for 2030-2035, IndiGo’s order-book has almost 1.000 aircraft yet to be delivered well into the next decade. This IndiGo order-book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The evaluation of the offers was shared and discussed with IndiGo’s Board, and consequently endorsed. This new order will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented depth and breadth. With this new order, since its inception in 2006, IndiGo has ordered a massive total of 1.330 aircraft with Airbus. The fuel-efficient A320NEO Family aircraft will allow IndiGo to maintain its strong focus on lowering operating costs and delivering fuel efficiency with high standards of reliability. The young and fuel- efficient fleet will help IndiGo realize its sustainability ambitions, building on the already realized CO2 reduction of 21% between FY16 and FY23. This year IndiGo expects to welcome 100 million customers on board and as such literally giving wings to the nation. IndiGo is amongst the …

In recognition of their extraordinary journey and efforts to address the sustainability solution challenge, The Sarai at Toria near Khajuraho and Panna in Madhya Pradesh as well as The Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal were conferred with ‘A Hero’s Journey’ Award at the first edition of the RARE India Conscious Travel Awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Claridges New Delhi as part of The RARE Showcase 2023, the flagship annual event of RARE India. Chanoud Garh in Pali district of Rajasthan was awarded the ‘Best RARE Hotel 2023’. Mr Bhupendra Singh, owner of Premkunj in Udaipur, was voted as the ‘Best RARE Hotelier 2023’ while The Lodge at Wah in Palampur received the award for the ‘Best RARE Destination Story 2023’ due to their efforts of putting the Kangra region in Himachal Pradesh on the tourist map. The awardees for these three categories were selected based on voting by some of the best travel agents and travel designers across India. The RARE Conscious Travel Awards have been instituted to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of hotels and experiences in new locations that embody sustainability, authenticity and responsible travel, and serve as inspirations for the future of travel. These awards celebrate trailblazers who go above and beyond, weaving together unforgettable experiences with a deep commitment to preserving cultures, supporting local communities and protecting the environment. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about being gentle and leaving a positive footprint in the places we visit. Regarding the newly instituted RARE Conscious Travel Awards, Shoba Rudra, Founder, RARE India, said, “RARE India is a community of hoteliers and experience curators who choose to be a part of the ‘solution’ to …

Due to its enormous natural diversity, the Sultanate of Oman is considered as an attractive tourism destination throughout the year. In contrast, there are many cool places to visit in the Sultanate in the summer. Oman with its location near to the Arabian Sea boasts a spectacular green landscape. The summer in Oman is likely to witness a rise in travellers. These destinations include the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, including Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams, and Governorates of Dhofar, Ash Sharqiyah South, and Al Wusta. Raia bint Salem Al Maskeriyah, Assistant Director, Tourism Promotion and Marketing, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The summer tourism destinations are receiving attention from the ministry by promoting investments to encourage tourists’ to stay here for as long as possible.” There are many activities visitors can do during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities.   In Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the temperature is 15°C cooler, compared to all major cities in Gulf as it is situated 2,000 meters above sea level. AlilaJabal Al Akhdar Resort officials stated, “It is the perfect destination to beat the heat and we aim not to deprive guests from the ‘Summer Fun’. The peaks of Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah beaches and the well-equipped tourist facilities welcome the summer with expectations of an increase in the number of travellers. The upcoming Khareef season and related events in Dhofar will bring more tourists to the governorate. There are many places to go to in Dhofar. Tourists can visit the shops …

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India launches K-incentive scheme to boost sales of Korea travel packages in 2023. Aimed at travel agents in India, the scheme celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Korea. 

Asserting that India deserves to have international non-stop connectivity to more destinations, Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India has said the country has in some respect not been able to control its own destiny as a consequence of not having a healthy domestic airline industry.

DCT Abu Dhabi is organizing exclusive webinar with theme Summer in Abu Dhabi for the travel trade today at 3pm. It will educate agents about fun-filled new attractions, adventures and traditional Emirati hospitality. Contact jaspeet.kaur@ddppl.com, +919650196532.

Sachin Jadhav, Director Tourism, Odisha, said the Odisha government aims to double international tourist arrivals in the state to 2.5 lakh by 2025 from 1.2 lakh in 2019, with the launch of direct flights connecting Bhubaneswar to Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore under the Viability Gap Funding scheme.  

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) partnership with the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) has deepened ties between Saudi and India, helping to harness the extraordinary potential of sport and tourism to bring people together and enrich lives. Saudi is set to welcome two million visitors from India this year and India is expected to become its largest tourism source market by 2030.  Saudi support for India’s sports sector is a strong example of market collaboration delivering results. Cricket is the most popular sport in India and the IPL has an immense global audience, third to only the English Premier League and the National Football League. STA is tapping into this fanbase to boost awareness of Saudi as an exciting new year-round destination for Indian travelers, especially young people. The strategic partnership is broadening how India and Saudi are engaging with similarly overwhelmingly young demographics – with more than half of both populations below the age of 30.  Alongside the IPL partnership, Saudi is easing access for millions of visitors across India, inspiring Indian travelers to explore the authentic home of Arabia. Saudi has opened nine VFS Tasheel offices in different locations across India such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore providing practical support to Indian travelers interested in a trip to Saudi. Indian visitors are eligible for the new Stopover Visa, introduced earlier this year, which will allow passengers traveling to a final destination on SAUDIA or Flynas to visit Saudi for up to 96 hours, which includes a complimentary hotel night for Saudia passengers.  These developments follow the rapid advancements in air connectivity between India and the Kingdom with seven direct carriers in operation – SAUDIA, Flynas, Air …

The Global Tourism Film Festival concluded four days of worldwide destination discovery through enigmatic cinema screenings and in-depth seminars, facilitating destination film appreciation, in–depth tourism insight and professional development. GTFF 2023 hosted by the city of North Bay, Ontario had been produced to engage proactive filmgoers, travel consumers, and travel and film industry professionals. GTFF 2023 held this year in Canada, shone a spotlight on the country with‘Cinema Canada’; a segment of Canadian produced film promoting the destination’s heritage. Highlights of GTFF 2023 included presentations from domestic and international Tourism Boards, professional development workshops, film production by Film Boards, and special event programming on indigenous culture, including an indigenous medicine bag workshop. The event was enhanced with unique elements including an opening gala featuring gastronomy of countries presented at the festival. Professionals attending received firsthand introductions to North Bay touristic landmarks such as the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company, featured in numerous films; the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace, showcasing Canada’s air defense history from the First World War to modern day operations, and the Dionne Quints Museum that tells the story of the famous quintuplets that brought global attention to Canada and Ontario in the 1930’s. Included in the program was a tour of the North Bay Museum which allows for the discovery of the people and places of the city that is regarded as the Gateway to the North.The program also included tours of the Canadore College’s postproductionfacilities, local film studio visits, and a North Bay animation production seminar, that touts the city as an emerging film production hub of Canada.   GTFF saw the world premiere of ‘Closer to Heaven’ by director Zara Janjua, attending with cast members, that went …