According to Naveen Kundu, Managing Director of Ebixcash Travel Services, the allocation of a mere Rs 3 crores for overseas promotion raises concerns. He questions, “Are we doing justice to tourism by only allocating 3 crores for overseas promotion, especially at a time when we are urging every Indian to encourage five tourists to visit India? If we aim to promote cultural, spiritual, and heritage tourism, the budget should be at least in the range of 5 to 7 million dollars. A mediocre tour operator offering tourism products to foreign operators often spends more than this.” 

Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI said, “The room rates in India right now are not the problem, it is the high GST levied. This price will not be available anywhere else given the quality of service and amenities India offers. We need reforms in the GST regime to make it affordable. The 18% bracket must be done away and bring everybody into 12%.”   

Aligning with the strategic roadmap for the Indian market, South African Tourism is delighted to announce the 2024 edition of its annual India roadshow. Serving as an essential tool in promoting travel and tourism for the Rainbow Nation, the roadshow for the first time ever will enter the pink city of Jaipur. Scheduled from 12th – 16th February 2024, the event will further move to other significant Indian cities, namely – Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai in the respective order. The 20th annual roadshow schedule marks a vital milestone in South African Tourism’s efforts in the Indian market. It will witness the unveiling of the tourism board’s year-long plan to engage with Indian consumers. The novel insights leading to redefined approach will enable the trade partners to tap into India’s growing outbound travel market. Commencing in Jaipur the inaugural roadshow will be complemented by a panel discussion on 11th February 2024 and a gala for more than 150 key delegates and trade partners bringing on ground the sights, sounds, culture, and cuisine of South Africa. India is currently one of the top three focus markets for South African Tourism across the globe and holds a position of strategic importance. Led by Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the roadshow remains an integral tool in attracting ‘more & more’ consumers to the Rainbow Nation. For years, India has been one of the largest source markets to many destinations across the globe. Owing to the recent uptick in its appetite for outbound tourism, the country is impossible to overlook for any tourism board. Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – …

Representatives from 42 nations gathered at the expansive 27-acre construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, following an invitation from the Indian Embassy in the UAE. The visit aimed to foster intercultural understanding. The BAPS Hindu Temple is the second largest in the world and it is expected to attract over 3 million visitors in the first year to the UAE, positioning itself as the next significant wedding and MICE destination in Abu Dhabi.   

One of the fastest-growing segments in the tourism sector is the cruise industry, gaining immense popularity among travellers. During FITUR 2024, experts and leaders in the cruise sector discussed the industry’s prospects. Projections for 2024 suggest a promising year, with forecasts indicating that over 36 million people will opt for cruise travel. 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, seize the opportunity to whisk your loved one away to enchanting destinations that paint the perfect backdrop for some quality time. The Philippines, with its diverse landscapes and intimate settings, offers an array of charming and delightful escapes. Here’s a curated selection of dreamy destinations that promise unforgettable moments. Pink Sand Beaches Add a blush of unique allure of pink sand beachesmade possible by the countless particles of crushed red organ-pipe coral, visible in every handful of sand. Explore the pink sands of Santa Cruz Island and Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City, where the shores blush beneath the sun’s warm embrace. For a more secluded escape, discover the blush-toned sands of Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon, or the hidden gem of Silaqui Island in Northern Samar. Tagaytay Nestled amidst rolling hills and about 90 minutes away from the country’s major entry point– Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Tagaytay stands as a haven for couples seeking tranquility. Share a quiet moment overlooking Taal Volcano, take a romantic boat ride on Taal Lake, and indulge in the cozy charm of Tagaytay’s bed-and-breakfasts. The cool climate and scenic vistas create an idyllic setting for love to flourish. Bohol Bohol, with its lush landscapes and natural wonders, offers a romantic escape for nature-loving visitors. Hop on a cruise along the Loboc River, explore the iconic Chocolate Hills with its verdant slopes that transform into a dreamy hue during this time, and visit the tarsier sanctuary. Additionally, February provides excellent conditions for underwater adventures. Take a dip and dive into the vibrant underwater world with your loved one by snorkeling or diving in Balicasag Island, a marine sanctuary teeming with …

VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of securing a rating of 4.01 on a scale of 5 for 2023 on Glassdoor, a leading platform for employee feedback and company reviews. This significant achievement reflects VFS Global’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of its people management and human capital development. With an employee value proposition of developing a ‘fellowship of winners’, VFS Global is deeply committed to best-in-class HR practices and to developing every team member to her/his full potential.  The company has continuously invested in training and development and in building an organisation where people come first, and in creating meaningful work opportunities and building successful careers, in a diverse and inclusive workplace. The six parameters on which Glassdoor assesses companies is based on Excelling in Culture & Values, Work/Life Balance, Senior Management, Compensation & Benefits, Career Opportunities, and Diversity & Inclusion. VFS Global has elevated its standing on all of them. VFS Global has set a benchmark in creating an exemplary work culture that resonates with employee satisfaction and empowerment. This recognition not only celebrates the company’s achievements but also solidifies its reputation as an employer of choice in the global marketplace. This rating is even more satisfying as this reaffirms the company’s employee centric policies and its sharp focus on nurturing the potential of its employees as it has always focussed on Learning and Development programmes which is highly appreciated by its workforce. Over the years, the company has also won recognition by winning the Golden Peacock National Training Award four times since 2017 in recognition for its exemplary learning and development …

Rwanda Renaissance has announced plans to promote religious and MICE tourism into Rwanda to mark its 15th Anniversary on 7 April, 2024. Clarence Fernandes, Chairman, Rwanda Renaissance remarked ” Over the last fifteen years,  we have taken very many religious tourists and MICE groups to  Visit Rwanda . Our single largest group consisted of 57 delegates out of which as many as 46 delegates were traveling exclusively to the Holy Land of Kibeho, which is the only Vatican approved Apparition site in the whole of Africa “ ” We work closely with RwandAir, which provides the fastest and the most efficient way to travel to Kigali. It is noteworthy that Rwanda Renaissance was the only organization to book a group of passengers on RwandAir’s inaugural flight from Mumbai to Kigali in April 2017 ” Fernandes added. Fernandes concluded by saying that  “Rwanda is an extremely visitor friendly country and with the offer of Visa on Arrival , it makes travel to the spotlessly clean capital city of Kigali and beyond, a great pleasure.”

Asia-Pacific’s foremost hospitality management group, Cross Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its array of stylish properties spanning boutique retreats to opulent resorts, proudly announces the signing of a momentous double agreement with PT Sunset Studio One, a subsidiary of PT Bhuwanatala Indah Permai Tbk (BIP Group), to launch the chic Cross Vibe brand in Indonesia. Set to redefine current hospitality standards, Cross Hotels & Resorts secures its footing in Indonesia with the launch of the vibrant and trendy Cross Vibe brand. The highly anticipated debut of Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences across diverse travel segments. The 175-key Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta is an exquisite contemporary hotel located on Jalan Raya Kuta and just a brief 10-minute drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. Within walking distance of the iconic Kuta beach, guests can relax on pristine beaches, explore bustling shopping hubs and captivating local attractions by day and then enjoy the vibrant nightlife and an array of dining experiences that define the dynamic essence of Kuta. Accommodation options at Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta include Superior, Superior Pool View, Duplex, Junior Suite, Deluxe Pool, and Deluxe Pool Suites with each guest room featuring modern furnishings and the latest amenities. The low-rise property also features an extensive range of facilities such all-day international dining, a stunning tropical swimming pool, a day spa, and a modern gym. “Cross Hotels & Resorts takes great pride in commemorating this notable milestone by introducing the Cross Vibe brand to Indonesia. This occasion signifies our second partnership with PT Sunset Studio One, following our triumphant Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak …

Shraddha Joshi Sharma, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), said, “MTDC has resorts in various locations of Maharashtra which showcases the strength of the state. This is being promoted with the help of local stakeholders like tour operators and travel agents from across India. MTDC will also be launching a convention centre in Nashik soon to be called Grape Park Resort Convention centre.”