Leading by example and doing away with the conventional member meetings, Coffee & Connect by Tourism India Alliance (TIA) was recently launched in Jaipur for its Members and special invitees. Whereas the convention during such association meetings till now has been that the team on one side of the Dais speaks and the members on the other side of the Dais just listen. TIA Jaipur members made such meetings more engaging where everyone got the opportunity to talk, network, exchange ideas and gain insights. In its inaugural monthly meeting “Coffee & Connect” by TIA, members from Jaipur gathered to engage in meaningful discussions over some superb coffee, delving into a range of pertinent industry topics and sharing unique personal experiences from the past three months of the summer season. Trending industry relevant topics like Multigenerational Travel, Holidays to Long Haul destinations, Experiential MICE, High-End Luxury Travel, Market Research and positive migration to Service Charge regime were discussed. The Coffee & Connect by TIA series aims to become a regular monthly event from now onwards, scheduled for every third Saturday of the month at all the cities where it has more than 10 members (Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Mumbai, Raipur, Delhi to name a few), fostering continuous engagement and knowledge sharing among TIA members. “Subject Experts will also be invited during these meetings for sharing their knowledge with the members. This initiative is set to strengthen the community and keep everyone updated on the latest industry trends and best practices.” – Prashant Kothari, Vice President – Tourism India Alliance (TIA)

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, reported that Musandam Governorate’s castles, forts, and historical sites had attracted 25,009 visitors in 2023 as against 23,535 visitors in April 2024. Key landmarks such as Khasab Fort, Al-Kamazra Fort, Bukha Fort, and Dibba Fort were highlighted for their appeal to Arab and foreign tourits by Maryam bint Ahmed Al Shehiya, Head, Craft Heritage Section. She emphasised the investment opportunities at these sites for individuals and the private sector, aligned with Oman’s 10th five-year plan to boost sustainable tourism and the national economy. This objective of the initiative is to develop heritage, culture & arts, and offer diverse tourism experiences through public-private partnerships, she added. Efforts are also on to support private museums by constructing modern buildings or restoring archaeological sites to showcase rare artifacts. The construction of the Dibba Archaeological Visitor Centre began this year, funded by OQ Company and the Musandam Governor’s Office. Discovered in 2012, the site dates to the first millennium BC and includes early Iron Age tombs, skeletons, and artifacts, Bassam bin Muhammad bin Abdullah al Kamzari, Head, Department of Antiquities and Museums, revealed. Efforts are ongoing to support private museums by constructing modern buildings or restoring archaeological sites to showcase rare artifacts. Specialists regularly visit these museums to ensure quality services and provide necessary support, he added.

Tourism Malaysia is delighted to announce the appointment of Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali as the Director of Tourism Malaysia’s office in New Delhi, effective from today. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali brings with him over 34 years of invaluable experience in tourism promotion and international relations. His illustrious career within Tourism Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, has been marked by outstanding achievements and dedication to promoting Malaysia as an exceptional tourist destination, showcasing its unique wonders, attractions, and cultures. Throughout his tenure with Tourism Malaysia, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali has received prestigious awards and recognition for his exemplary service, including the Silver Medal Award by the Right Honourable Governor of Sarawak in September 2012, the Long Service Award by Tourism Malaysia in April 2011, and the Bintang KhidmatTerpuji (BKT) Award by the Right Honourable Governor of Melaka in October 2007. In addition to his accolades, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali has held several senior leadership positions within Tourism Malaysia, including: • Senior Deputy Director, Package Development Division (January 2021 – present): Supervising the Niche Tourism Product Team and leading the Intelligent Unit to ensure positive industry development. • Senior Deputy Director, Human Resources Division (January 2019 – January 2021): Meticulously planning human capital needs, succession plans, and staff movements, while implementing job rotations to establish leadership at all levels. • Senior Deputy Director, International Promotion Division (July 2017 – January 2019): Demonstrating strategic leadership in promoting Malaysia to international markets. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali’s significant skills in public speaking, event management, marketing, and sales have been instrumental in his various leadership roles within the organization. Educationally, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali holds a Master of Business Administration …

Sanjay Kumar, President & CEO, InterGlobe Technology Quotient said, “Indian aviation for the next 5-10 years is poised to grow significantly. We anticipate a growth rate of 10-12% in the domestic market and 13-15% in the international market. Over the next 5-10 years, our fleet size is projected to increase to 2,000 planes, up from the current 700”. 

Aloke Singh, MD, Air India Express said, “In terms of capacity, we are going to be adding almost 40% compared to last year’s capacity. We have about 30 aircraft coming in by December alone. Additionally, we already have 20 aircraft that have joined the fleet. Another 30 are on the way, and then next year, we will enter another phase of growth”. 

Recently, two MOUs were signed at UP Tourism Directorate, Lucknow, aiming to boost rural tourism and livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh. The first agreement between UP Tourism and UPSRLM focuses on infrastructure development, community empowerment, and financial services access. The second MOU with Manyawar Kanshiram Institute targets sustainable food enterprises. These partnerships aim to transform Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector, benefiting both tourists and locals by promoting authentic rural experiences. 

As per WeddingWire India report, Indian wedding industry, valued as the second-largest globally. The average cost of hosting a wedding celebration in India surged to Rs 28 Lakhs in 2023, representing a significant increase from Rs 25 Lakhs in 2022. This indicates a substantial 12% growth in wedding expenditures within just one year.   

Moumita Mukherjee Paul, Director of Sales and Marketing for South Asia and GCC, Centara Hotels & Resorts said, Last week, we had 93 hotels globally, with operations underway and upcoming. Today, we have 97, and next week it will be 99. So, within the next two weeks, we will reach 100 hotels that will be operational or about to open within the next year, you could say. Expansion has been our key focus”. 

Air India Express introduces its innovative “Fare Lock” service, designed to help travellers secure the lowest available fare and avoid higher airfares closer to departure, if travel dates are undecided. With this convenient new option, guests can now lock in a fare and secure their itinerary for any future date, holding the reservation at a lower fare for up to seven days by paying a nominal nonrefundable fee of ₹250 for domestic flights and ₹500 for international flights. The Fare Lock service is available for all fare types, excluding codeshare bookings, through the airline’s website, www.airindiaexpress.com. Commenting on the launch, Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said, “The new ‘Fare Lock’ service empowers our guests to make travel plans without the concern of rising fares. As an airline, we are committed to a customer-centric approach, and this service is another step in giving our guests control over their travel experience, allowing them to personalise it to their preferences.” Logged-in loyalty members booking on the airline’s website and mobile app get additional rewards and benefits, including exclusive discounts and special deals and up to 8% NeuCoins. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, dependents, and members of the Indian armed forces can also get special fares and benefits on airindiaexpress.com. Air India Express recently introduced Xpress Lite fares enabling guests who prefer travelling without check-in baggage to make the most of fares which are lower than regular fares

Ramee Group of Hotels, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest hotel in Bhuj, Gujarat. Situated amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of Bhuj, this latest addition to the Ramee Group of Hotel’s portfolio promises to redefine luxury and comfort in the heart of the city. Strategically located in Giriraj Nagar, 5 kilometres from Bhuj Railway Station and Bhuj Airport, and just 3 kilometres from Bhuj Bus Port, this exquisite addition to the Ramee Group promises to redefine luxury and comfort in the heart of the city. Bhuj, is a captivating destination known for its rich history, including iconic landmarks like Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal. It’s also the gateway to the stunning Great Rann of Kutch, offering travellers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Enhancing India’s remarkable tourism landscape, Ramee The Srinivas Palace presents 38 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, each celebrating the vibrant hues of Kutch. These accommodations are meticulously crafted to offer guests a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Within the hotel premises, guests can enjoy culinary delights at “Mirchi,” an exclusive vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant. Offering a 24-hour dining option, along with the city’s largest indoor banqueting facility, this hotel promises an exciting hospitality experience in Bhuj. “We are thrilled to unveil our latest venture in the picturesque city of Bhuj,” said Saurabh Gahoi, Vice President, India of Ramee Group of Hotels. “With its rich cultural heritage and growing tourism appeal, Bhuj presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our commitment to exceptional hospitality. The new hotel serves as a catalyst for both tourism and community development. We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them …