RARE India, which completes 20 years of operations this year, noted as the largest community of boutique owner run hotels and experiences, with a singular focus on promoting community inclusive, planet sensitive travel in the Indian subcontinent, will host BRIDGES 2024 from 4th to 6th April at The Roseate, New Delhi. The event is promoted as a change makers’ collective and is a powerful showcase of individual hoteliers, small indigenous hospitality groups, destinations and experiences from the subcontinent that are an example of tourism as a ‘force for good.’ BRIDGES aims to intensify the inevitable switch towards responsible tourism, to rethink itineraries, build destination stories and promote community-focused and planet-sensitive tourism. RARE India’s Founder Shoba Rudra said, “Through BRIDGES we aim to be that singular experiential event that can inspire global collaborators to understand Responsible Tourism from the perspective of the sub-continent through a curated list of storytellers, owner-run hotels, and experiences.” Close to 45 owner-run, small hotels from the RARE Community as well as 6 hotels as Friends of RARE will represent this ideology at the event and share their incredible stories with delegates – stories woven around the destination, its people, heritage, and culture. The event will also feature a series of Catalyst Talks, workshops and conversation circles by RARE partners like Belinda Wright, Gopinath Parayil and Antara Phookan. In a bid to reach out to a global audience of change makers, some of the conversations can be accessed online as well. The second edition of the RARE Conscious Travel Awards will also be held on 5th April as part of BRIDGES. These awards celebrate the RARE hotels and experiences and felicitate small, boutique and owner run hotels who have put all their efforts to establish a destination on …

Reiterating its commitment to uphold gender equality, Air India group announced a slew of activities celebrating International Women’s Day. A total of 15 all-women crew flights were operated in the domestic and international sectors today. Over 15% of the cockpit crew of Air India are women – making it an airline with one of the largest number of women pilots. Women employees constitute as much as 51% of Air India’s workforce. In the last two years since the homecoming of Air India to the Tata group, there has been a sharp rise in the number of women employees in every sphere of the airline’s activities. At Air India Express, over 13% of pilots are women and close to 50% of the workforce comprises women employees. Air India group organised week-long programmes to inspire women employees across the network through webinars and live sessions with experts in various fields and role models for wider awareness and inspiration. As a special gesture to customers, Air India Express offered free seat selection and priority boarding services to all women passengers on women’s day through its mobile app and website. Air India Loyalty Programme Flying Returns is offering its women members a fast-track limited-time opportunity to skip the queue and upgrade to Silver Edge Club, which will offer them exclusive benefits like 15% more reward points, complimentary upgrades, and priority check-in services. This year’s Women’s Day theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ reiterates the importance of achieving gender equality and well-being of women in all aspects of life, which resonates with the Tata group and Air India’s ethos of offering equal opportunities to all employees acknowledging that diversity and inclusion results in driving innovation …

Air India, India’s leading global airline, unveiled a signature track defining its sonic identity, ‘India Takes Flight’, reflecting the sound of a bold, vibrant, and confident India. Air India’s new sonic identity is a jugalbandi (musical collaboration) featuring recent Grammy awardee and acclaimed musician Shankar Mahadevan, renowned percussionist and composer Taufiq Qureshi, celebrated lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi, and London’s revered Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The track embodies Raga Yaman, a timeless Indian classical raga known to effortlessly captivate the hearts and minds of audiences. Air India also onboarded Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with a vision to create a global symphony that resonated across cultures as a warm invitation to India, while acting as a homeward melody welcoming Indians from around the world. “We wanted to create a melody that embodied the Indian spirit. We also wanted to capture a universality that brings people together. This musical odyssey accomplishes it expertly, and as the country’s flag-bearer, we are proud to carry this to the world,” Sunil Suresh, Head, Marketing, Air India, said. Air India will progressively roll out adaptations of the sonic brand identity across the guest’s journeys, starting from digital touchpoints and marketing campaigns to airport lounges and inflight boarding music. Last week, Air India launched its Safety Video where it teamed up with Bharatbala, Prasoon Joshi, and Shankar Mahadevan to create a cinematographic audio-visual for in-flight safety. The music in the safety video is a part of a signature brand sonic. Additionally, Air India has started the rollout of its new global brand identity across guest touchpoints, launched a new consumer-facing website and mobile app, unveiled a new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by Indian celebrity …

To discover all that Summer in Abu Dhabi has to offer, join an exclusive webinar today, 8 March at 3 pm (IST). This webinar promises an insider’s look into the exciting offerings of the season. For more information, please contact: +91 9650196532, jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, announces the signing of a partnership agreement with MakeMyTrip, one of the leading online travel companies in India, during the prestigious ITB Berlin event. As the host country for ITB Berlin this year, Oman is spearheading efforts to foster tourism partnerships and enhance visitor experiences. With an unwavering commitment to promoting Oman as a premier travel destination, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has been actively engaged in various campaigns targeting the Indian market. Building upon previous successful initiatives, Oman has witnessed a significant influx of travellers from India, surpassing the milestone of half a million visitors in 2023. Commenting over the collaboration, Mr. Haitham Al Ghassani, General Director of Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, stated, “We are delighted to embark on this journey with MakeMyTrip, together, we are confident in our ability to showcase Oman’s diverse attractions and provide Indian travellers with unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.” He added, “This partnership signifies a milestone in our efforts to strengthen ties with the Indian market and showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unparalleled hospitality that Oman has to offer.” The partnership encompasses a comprehensive array of activities aimed at raising awareness, driving engagement, and facilitating seamless travel experiences for Indian tourists exploring Oman. From targeted marketing campaigns to curated travel packages, both parties are committed to providing unparalleled value and unforgettable experiences for travellers. Oman’s allure as a leisure destination is unparalleled, boasting accessibility, unparalleled hospitality, and exquisite cuisine that caters to diverse preferences. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, embarking on thrilling desert adventures, or indulging in a tranquil beach getaway, …

To discover all that Summer in Abu Dhabi has to offer, join an exclusive webinar on Friday, March 8th, 2024, from 3 pm onwards (IST). This webinar promises an insider’s look into the exciting offerings of the season. For more information, please contact: +91 9650196532, jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

Manoharan Periasamy, who previously held the position of India Director at Tourism Malaysia, has assumed the role of Director General at the tourism promotion agency, commencing today. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Senior Director for International Promotion (Asia & Africa) at Tourism Malaysia. Notably, he is the first individual of Malaysian-Indian descent to be appointed as the Director General for Tourism Malaysia. With a distinguished career, he has completed three consecutive terms as the Director of Tourism Malaysia for India. His contributions include pioneering the establishment of the inaugural NTO office in Mumbai back in 2001.

One Rep Global, India’s leading company in sales, marketing, and PR representation for luxury and ultra-luxury hotels and tourism boards in India, ecstatically announces its strategic partnership with Courchevel Tourisme, a renowned French ski destination nestled in the heart of the French Alps. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering an extraordinary experience for the discerning Indian traveller, as Courchevel stands synonymous with an extended ski season and impeccable snow-covered winter wonderland throughout the French Alps. Spread across three valleys and six picturesque villages, each nestled at altitudes ranging from 1100m to 1850m, every village exudes its unique atmosphere and ambience. This winter wonderland boasts an impressive array, including 47 hotels, over 100 restaurants (six of which have earned Michelin stars), 102 ski slopes spanning 150 kilometers, a snow park, seven piou-piou & easy skiing areas, a freeride zone, and a host of additional attractions. Mr. Hemant Mediratta, Founder & CEO of One Rep Global, conveyed, “We’re exhilarated to unveil our alliance with the Courchevel Tourism Board. This partnership encapsulates the dynamic shifts in preferences among Indian travelers, promising an experience that is both distinctive and bespoke. Witnessing a remarkable transformation in the tourism sector, Indians have become a sought-after audience, craving diverse and unique encounters. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, reshaping the landscape of luxury to meet the refined tastes of our esteemed clientele.” Mr. Sanjay Arya, Advisory Board, One Rep Global and Managing Director, K.F.T. Holidays said, “Courchevel, a symphony of pristine slopes and cultural richness, invites travellers to embrace an exclusive alpine odyssey. Partnering with One Rep Global, K.F.T. Holidays unveils an extraordinary sojourn where the thrill of adventure harmonizes with the lap of luxury. …

Stephanie Tanpure, Vice President Sales, Sands Resorts Macao said, “There is a rising preference for sustainable travel options within the Indian traveller community, yet the opportunity for growth is something to watch. We see cost as a deterring factor, as eco-friendly and community driven components may come with higher operational expenses. Perceptions are changing though and a wider choice of sustainable options are entering the market. This alone will increase accessibility and we will start to see more and more traction towards sustainable travel choices.”  

Prateek Hira, Chairman – IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter shared, “90% of the bookings we are receiving are Ayodhya-centric. We have never experienced such an influx of queries before. The hype surrounding the Temple has attracted both domestic and international travellers who are keen to visit the city.”