Come explore Qatar, a vibrant desert peninsula, surrounded by a spectacular coastline, that offers plenty of adventure sports, family fun, culture and more. Attend the ‘Curated in Qatar’ exclusive webinar organised by Visit Qatar hosted exclusively for the travel trade on Wednesday, Nov 23, 2022 at 3pm IST and come one step closer to becoming a Qatar Specialist. Write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register. From traditional souqs to high-street shopping, natural wonders, and thrilling adventure sports – discover all that this Peninsular Gulf country has to offer.

On a FAM trip to Oman from 31 October to 8 November 2022, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, hosted eight important Indian travel trade partners, a representative from MBR India, and an employee of Oman-Air India. They were given responsibility for overseeing hotel inspections, travel experiences, local cultural outings, culinary tours and had amazing experiences in Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa, Desert Rose Camp, Turtle Beach Resort, Salalah excursions to Daymaniyat Islands, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nizwa Souq, Wahiba Sands, and Wadi Bani Khalid. The key travel trade in India was pleased with the international flights from India to Oman. They enjoyed travelling in luxury on business class in Oman Air on this stretch. The Indian travel industry recognized that Oman is only 2 to 3-hour flight away from several Indian cities at reasonable air rates. Most Indian cities have flights operated by Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. All the hotels were well-liked by the attendees, but the Mysk Al Mouj, DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebal Akhdar, Desert Rose Camp, W Hotel & Resorts, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, and Kempinski Hotel stood out. For the participants, the hotels suggested elegance and charm. The hospitality was compared to the highest possible international standards. Everything was wonderful, from the services to the staff’s kindness to cleanliness, hygienic conditions, and meals. For FIT and leisure activities from India, Oman offers a variety of hotels and venues to select from for various events. The local and Indian cuisine was enjoyed by all. The participants were delighted to eat real Indian food in Oman. As Indian luxury travelers place a high value on food, so …

Proceedings under the registration of the tourist trade act has been initiated against cricketer Yuvaraj Singh for failure to register his villa with the tourism department.  The department issued a notice to the cricketer, which reads “It has come to the notice of the undersigned that your residential premises located at Varchawada, Morjim, Pernem, Goa is allegedly functioning as a homestay and is being marketed on online platforms like “Airbnb”. Every person intending to operate a Hotel/Guest House before operating it, must apply for registration to the Prescribed Authority in the Prescribed manner. And whereas, a surprise inspection was held by the Officials of this Department on 11/11/2022 at your Bungalow. Therefore, notice is hereby given to you as to why penal action should not be initiated against you for default in registration under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982. Further, you are directed to appear before the undersigned on 08.12.2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the chamber of the Prescribed Authority for personal hearing, to defend your interest. If no reply is received within the said date mentioned in this Notice, it will be assumed that the grounds mentioned in this notice are correct and on such assumption under Section 22 or in violation of any of the provisions of this Act you shall be punishable with a fine which may extend upto Rs 1.00 lakh.”   

In conjunction with PITE 2022, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) signed a memorandum of understanding with Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), in order to boost the business ties between Penang and India. “PCEB is regularly taking the initiatives to attract business event groups to visit Penang. Connecting with the Indian market is one of the efforts that are being done, especially with India being the key market for business tourism and events in Penang. In addition to the incentive group from India, we are making strenuous efforts to organise association meetings as well in Penang” quoted Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Spree Hospitality is known for its luxurious and elegant hotel chain to live and relax in; spaces that are comfortable and enjoyable in equal measure, now strengthened its footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of the new hotel in Waluj, Aurangabad. Spree Hospitality, part of EaseMyTrip, the portfolio has 30 plus properties across India in the business of Hotels, Clubs and Guest houses with more than 7 hotels in the pipeline. This 4 – star property is located near Waluj Industrial area, 16 km from the airport and 8.7 km from the railway station. Expressing happiness on the latest addition in the portfolio, Vice President of Spree Hospitality Mr. Sagar Khurana said “Spree Hospitality is proud to announce its presence in the vibrant city of Aurangabad which expands our footprints in Maharashtra. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Sandesh Zambad. Aurangabad is a popular tourist hub with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Apart from its cultural and historic significance, Aurangabad is one of the fastest developing cities for business and industry. Waluj Industrial Area was having a huge gap in providing premium Mid-Market Segment Hotel and so with the addition of Spree hotel this gap will get filled. We have already started receiving great response from the close by companies.” Offering guests a comfortable stay and pleasant experience, the hotel feature multi-cuisine restaurant, state -of – the art Banquet Hall for conferencing and social gathering and fitness centre. Spree Hotel Aurangabad soon to open lounge, rooftop banquet hall, board room and rooftop lounge. The hotel boasts aesthetically designed 32 room’s ideal for business and leisure travellers alike categorises namely Executive Room and Deluxe Room …

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “Sports tourism is an integral part of tourism. It is one of the verticals that greatly benefits the host country, as it attracts tourists from all over the world. We have noticed that Indian travellers are now quite keen to travel for sports events.” 

The civil aviation ministry in its latest order, announced that the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of coronavirus cases. Till now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was mandatory.

“We expect the hotel investment climate to remain buoyant in 2023 as hotel performances continue to strengthen. Hotels across major business and leisure destinations are performing either at par or at a higher level than the pre-covid RevPAR (revenue per available room) levels. This recovery has renewed confidence in the sector resulting in more development and investments. We believe this momentum will continue through the year-end,” said Jaideep Dang, managing director, hotels and hospitality group, India, JLL. 

Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said that by December, India will have inaugurated six new airports in a span of 12 months. “Two new airports – one in Itanagar and one in Goa will be inaugurated in coming weeks,” he said. 

Black Turtle has recently announced their partnership with Fiyavalhu Maldives – located in South Ari Atoll blessed with whale shark and manta ray sightings almost guaranteed and great diving spots as well. Fiyavalhu which also means “Footprints” is a concept of the “first resort on a local island” that creates a unique experience for guests on the island. The resort is ideal for wellness retreats, detox vacations, corporate getaways, and also just a relaxing leisure holiday with family and friends. It has tremendous potential to provide the authenticity of an all-island experience with comfort and nature.” adds Karishma Kazi Founder – Black Turtle