Arjun Sharma, Chairman, Select Group, has joined the Gallery of Legends at the India Travel Awards 2025. Speaking the event, Sharma said, “This is amongst the finest recognition of perseverance and decades of contribution.” Calling the honour close to his heart, he stressed, “India must now pivot strongly towards inbound tourism.”

The Travel MICE and Corporate Show, organised by DDP, marked a proud milestone for the industry by successfully hosting its first fully certified Green Meeting. Held from 2–3 August 2025 at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, the event was delivered in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and GRT Hotels & Resorts. The certification, endorsed by Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, and Subhashish Gupta, Senior General Manager at Radisson Blu, highlights the commitment of the organisers to sustainability in business events. For DDP and the Travel MICE and Corporate Show, this achievement sets a new benchmark and reinforces the growing momentum towards greener, more responsible tourism gatherings in India.

Design Dreams Digitally with this exclusive webinar on how to customise and sell Washington DC holiday packages on Red Planner’s smart B2B booking platform on 17 September 2025 at 3pm. Participate in the ‘Innovative Washington DC Itinerary Making’ contest and win prize vouchers up to `5,000 and get an e-certification of attendance. For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Manchester United, one of the world’s most iconic football clubs with over 1.1 billion global fans and a proud history spanning 147 years, has officially appointed Gainwell Sports as an Official Hospitality Reseller. Through this milestone partnership, Gainwell Sports will deliver official match ticket + hospitality packages for all Manchester United home games at Old Trafford, the legendary “Theatre of Dreams” with a seating capacity of over 74,000 fans. These packages combine guaranteed match tickets with exclusive hospitality, offering fans unforgettable experiences at one of the most celebrated football arenas in the world. Manoj Saraf, Captain – Gainwell Sports, said, “For over three decades, Gainwell has been synonymous with trust, innovation, and unforgettable travel experiences. Partnering with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion and legacy, takes our journey to an extraordinary level.” Maanav Saraf, Vice-Captain – Gainwell Sports, added, “This partnership is not just about football; it’s about creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for millions of United fans and our travel trade partners. We are proud to bring Old Trafford’s magic closer to India and beyond.” With Manchester United’s immense global reach and Gainwell Sports’ expertise in sports travel, MICE groups, and premium hospitality, this collaboration positions Gainwell Sports as a leading force in official sports hospitality across Asia and worldwide. The partnership will help Gainwell Sports connect with corporates, travel companies, and millions of Manchester United fans, providing them secure, official, and world-class access to Premier League matchdays. Looking ahead, Gainwell Sports will soon launch official Manchester United hospitality packages for all home games this season directly on its website. Corporates and travel trade partners seeking to book official Premier League hospitality packages can connect with the Gainwell Sports team …

Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, GoI, announced that the Centre will provide four free pre-feasibility studies for greenfield airport development in the Northeast every year, encouraging states to expand connectivity. He stressed aviation is no longer a luxury but vital for Viksit Bharat @2047, citing UDAN, airport expansion, MRO growth, and skill development.

Tshering Bhutia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation & Industries, Sikkim, highlighted the need for policies that attract investment, simplify business and improve air connectivity in the Northeast. Urging speedy resolution of issues delaying Pakyong Airport’s full operations, he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to work with the Centre to build a stronger aviation network.

The India Travel Awards 2025 unfolds today at Le Meridien, New Delhi, celebrating excellence across tourism and hospitality. Winners receive the prestigious ‘Maya’ trophy during an exclusive black-tie gala, featuring a sit-down dinner and networking, highlighting both established and emerging talent shaping India’s travel industry.

Join Switzerland Tourism’s webinar that will focus on two famous panoramic train journeys — Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and Lake Lugano Groups’ Swissminiatur park and FoxTown Factory Stores. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2026. For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

ICRA projects the Indian aviation industry to post net losses of ₹95–105 billion in FY2026, higher than the estimated ₹55 billion in FY2025. The rise is attributed to slower passenger traffic growth amid increased aircraft deliveries. Losses, however, remain far below FY2022 and FY2023 levels. 

S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Government of India, identified Ayush therapies, yoga and ‘Heal in India’ as expanding tourism draws. “Wellness attractions and the mainstreaming of Ayush have been continuously highlighted,” he said, urging collaboration between tour operators and wellness providers to create health-plus-culture packages for global travellers.