The Ministry of Tourism is launching a national competition on ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ to identify best practices and case studies aligned with the five priorities of the G20 Goa roadmap, which have successfully been implemented by states, destinations and industry stakeholders, and can be replicated and scaled up across the country. The competition will be launched on World Tourism Day on September 27. 

Manisha Saxena, DG, Tourism, has said that India just hosted the G20 summit, and offered a plethora of experiences to foreign delegates and ministers. “It is the right time to make use of that infrastructure and experiences, to attract tourists and organise MICE conferences in many cities of the country,” she added. 

More than 315,000 Indian travellers visited the Sultanate of Oman from January till June 2023. The Indian tourists were the second highest travellers to visit Oman. Apart from India, the top four nationalities, which visited the Sultanate of Oman during the period included 698,000 from the GCC countries, 91,000 from Germany, 66,000 from China and 52,000 from Yemen. The total number of travellers arriving in the Sultanate numbered 1.9 million, while more than four million travellers departed the Sultanate until the end of June. While the percentage of increase of Omani visitors from the total number of outbound visitors was over 66 per cent till June 2023, more than 126,000 Omanis departed the Sultanate till the same month as compared to the same month last year. Oman’s domestic tourists departed for various destinations after staying put at one place following the pandemic. Inbound visitors from the GCC countries numbered 147,819 till June 2023, while they were 153,422 in the corresponding month of last year. Other Arabs numbered 32,276 till June 2023, while they were less in number due to COVID restrictions at 21,858 in June 2022. Until the end of June 2023, 3-5-star hotels earned a revenue of 11 million Omani Rials from as many as 943,000 hotel guests.

Housed in a modern glass and steel structure, Oxygen Dining Room at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside is flanked on one side by several towering 120-year-old tamarind trees and by the Ping river on the other. The award-winning restaurant provides an elegant escape for discerning diners who crave Thai fusion cuisine with a twist of French technic style. Here we catch up with Executive Chef Wathit “Khem” Rungrojwattana to find out more about his cooking philosophy, inspirations and thoughts on experimental dining experiences. Chef Khem’s first understanding of how a kitchen works goes back to his childhood when, as an 8-year-old, he would assist his father in the family’s small Chinese restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima. “You could say I didn’t decide to be a chef because I was actually raised as one. I basically grew up in the kitchen helping my father. While other kids had text books in their backpacks, a hot wok, knives and a cutting board were my school supplies. I am grateful for my upbringing as I love what I am doing and I am what I am today thanks to my first teacher – my dad.” Having navigated his way through school and university, finishing with a Bachelor’s Degree of Management from Rajabhat University, Chef Khem trained at the One-Michelin Star Het Gabar Restaurant, Antwerp, Belgium with one of his inspirations, Chef Roger Van Damme. He then went on to increasingly challenging roles as Commis Chef and Demi Chef at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, then as Sous Chef at Anantara Chiang Mai followed by Sous Chef at U Nimman Chiangmai before taking over the kitchen at Cross Hotels & Resorts’ Cross Chiang Mai Riverside. …

According to consumer travel spend priorities research by Outpayce, travellers expect to spend significantly more on international travel during the coming year with average expected spend of US$3,422, an increase of US$753 per consumer, or 28%, compared to last year.   

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) will hold its national AGM as well as elections for the new term on September 2, 2023 in Mumbai. This will take place after all regional and chapter elections are over and new teams have been appointed. 

Kazin DMC announce its 3rd destination, Belarus, along with its inaugural luxury Fam trip to Minsk for key agents from September 23-27, 2023. The national airline, Belavia, and Hilton/Marriott hotels are proud partners. Belarus offers exceptional opportunities for family groups and high-end MICE events, providing an abundance of unique experiences and activities. With two weekly flights from Delhi, Belarus is more accessible than ever before. 

V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism said that the vibrant villages hold immense potential for adventure tourism. The Ministry of Tourism will soon arrange a meeting with the defence authorities to engage the youth from these vibrant villages in training them as adventure tourist guides. She also informed that the expenses associated with this training be fully covered by the ministry. 

Sumi Yashshree Hotels announced the appointment of Shikha Khanna as the new Global Head of PR, Sales & Marketing. With an extensive background in the industry, Khanna is poised to lead the company’s strategic efforts and elevate its brand presence on a global scale. Bringing a wealth of experience to her role, Khanna will oversee PR campaigns, spearhead innovative sales strategies, and drive impactful marketing initiatives. Her vision and leadership are expected to reinforce Sumi Yashshree Hotels’ position as a leader in the hospitality sector. Starting her journey with Sumi Yashshree Hotels, Khanna’s dedication and strategic thinking are set to reshape the company’s growth trajectory. As the Global Head of PR, Sales & Marketing, she will play a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s reach and influence.

According to Statista India market insights, the largest segment in Travel & Tourism is package holidays with a projected market volume of US$8bn in 2023. The revenue in this market segment is projected to reach US$19bn in 2023.