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.

Natalie Kidd, Managing Director, Asia, Intrepid Travel shared, “This year when India has reopened, and we are back to operating at more or less at normal circumstances. India has been slow to recover than much of Asia and visas has been part of the reason.”

KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group shared that Radisson Group is setting its sights on growth and have a remarkable number of properties in the pipeline. “Our goal is to build a hotel every four hours both from north to south and from west to east,” he said.

Switzerland Tourism invites the travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar highlighting the Interlaken Holiday Region on August 17 at 3pm. Nestled between the lakes Thun and Brienz, and surrounded by the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, this popular holiday destination is a starting point for numerous excursions and adventure activities. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2024! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Cross Hotels & Resorts, a leading name in the hospitality industry, is delighted to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best International Luxury Boutique Hotel Chain’ award at the India Travel Awards 2023. This recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to excellence and its relentless pursuit of providing unparalleled luxury experiences to its discerning guests. The India Travel Awards, known for acknowledging outstanding contributions in the travel and tourism sector, attracted prominent players from the industry. The event served as a holistic platform to celebrate the best in the business and acknowledge the efforts of those who have consistently raised the bar for excellence in hospitality. Cross Hotels & Resorts’ success at the India Travel Awards 2023 can be attributed to its dedication to delivering exceptional services, creating unique and unforgettable guest experiences, and maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction across its portfolio of luxury boutique hotels worldwide. “We’ve set the pace, ignited an unstoppable energy, and focused intensely on India. We’re poised for boundless growth in a market that never rests. With our exceptional team, we’re honored to be crowned ‘Best International Luxury Boutique Hotel Chain’ at the India Travel Awards 2023. Cross Hotels & Resorts, where excellence meets excitement!” – Paul Wilson, EVP, Cross Hotels & Resorts Cross Hotels & Resorts has consistently stood out in the fiercely competitive hospitality landscape due to its signature approach, which combines contemporary elegance with a strong sense of local culture and personalized service. The brand’s dedication to creating tailor-made experiences for each guest, coupled with its stunning properties in exotic destinations, has made it a preferred choice for travellers seeking luxury and authenticity. As Cross Hotels & Resorts …