TAFI convention delegates will be able to immerse themselves in a full-on Sarawak authentic experience with a tribal-inspired theme showcasing the best of its culture and gastronomical offerings. To be held for the first time in Kuching, Sarawak from 20-23 September, the TAFI convention will highlight Sarawak’s diverse ethnicities which comprise 28 ethnic tribes, all with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music, food and handmade crafts. TAFI delegates will get to learn about Sarawak as an attractive multifaceted destination for the Indian market. Ajay Prakash, TAFI President, said, “Sarawak is a relatively unexplored destination for the Indian traveller. We anticipate that after the convention, our members will be inspired to promote tourism to this beautiful province since it can be a great venue for destination weddings, family travel and corporate events. We appreciate the support given by Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia and our Official Carrier, Malaysia Airlines.”

According to the latest UK Immigration Statistics, Indian nationals accounted for the highest proportion (28%) of Visitor visas granted. More than 258,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in the year ending June 2022 – a 630% increase compared to the previous year.

Rupinder Brar, former ADG, Tourism said, “Tourism is truly a game changer for India, both in terms of showcasing to the world the cultural and the varied heritage that we have, thereby also creating tremendous job opportunities, and entrepreneurial opportunities that exist.” 

Spree Hospitality, the premium all – inclusive hospitality brand announced its newest addition to its portfolio of hotels in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. With the tag of greenest capital city in Asia, with more than 50% of its total area covered in trees, Gandhinagar is the administrative capital of Gujarat. This spacious city houses many places to visit for sightseeing like Akshardham Temple, Sarita Udyan, Adalaj Stepwell, Indroda Dinosaur, Fossil Park and Trimandir Adalaj Spree Hospitality currently operates more than 20 properties across India and now expanding its flagship brand in Gujarat, India. With the opening of hotel in Gandhinagar, Spree Hospitality will offer close to 65 guest rooms along with inbuilt multi – cuisine restaurant. For corporate and social events, adaptable spaces with state-of-the-art facilities will allow for various sizes of meetings. This property is strategically located 14 minutes away from GIFT city Gandhinagar, 10 minutes away from Mahatma Gandhi Mandir and half an hour from the airport. Spree Hospitality is always known for its unique design, satisfied million customers with its properties focusing on modern decor, a full-service, cutting-edge technology, and a deep respect for the environment. Spree Hospitality is targeting to commence operations of this hotel from December 2022, in order to take advantage of the winter season.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, recently met with key decision makers from the Indian travel trade in New Delhi. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the roadshow in Delhi. Oman Tourism officials met with eight high-profile CEOs from India’s leading travel agencies to not just understand the ever-evolving Indian traveller but to better experience Oman as a tourist destination. Marketing strategies were discussed to better position Oman as a preferred holiday destination among Indian travellers. What would be the right target segments was a matter of contention followed by a better understanding of market realities. The changing needs of the Indian travellers were also discussed, considering social platforms, digitalisation and the right promotional platforms. In a bid to stand out as a preferred tourist destination, discussions touched upon current competition and pertinent strategies to target the right audience. It was also a gesture by Oman Tourism to show its Indian partners their importance and to build the right camaraderie. Commenting on this exclusive meeting, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman said: “Our meeting with the key executives from the Indian travel trade in Delhi was fruitful. We must understand our partners and vice versa. Our objective is to position Oman as a preferred destination of choice for Indian travellers. With the FIFA World Cup round the corner, this is an added advantage to showcase the best of Oman to the world.” The event was attended by eight leading CEOs in New Delhi, including Guldeep Sahni from Weldon Tours & Travels, Ashutosh Dwivedi from UTAZZO, Nihaluddin from Trail Blazer Tours, Aaliyah Saeed Dang, Senior Manager-Tourism …

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts opens its property Clarks Inn Suites in Goa. The brand strengthens its footprints down west and aims for the growing Goa business and leisure travel market. The brand is aiming optimum occupancy level by the end of the calendar year 2022.  India’s rising middle class and increasing disposable income have supported the growth of domestic and outbound tourism. As per one report by 2028, Indian tourism and hospitality are expected to earn US$ 50.9 billion as visitor exports compared with US$ 28.9 billion in 2018. The travel market in India is projected to reach US$ 125 billion by FY27 from an estimated US$ 75 billion in FY20. Goa will see a massive inflow of both domestic and international tourists. The state is heavily dependent on tourism with 40% of its population directly or indirectly involved in it. In order to push tourism the state has recently framed a new tourism policy to offer a unique Goan experience to visitors by presenting an interesting mix of historic, natural, ethnic, and cultural locations and attractions. Apart from tourism, the state is also boosting its startup ecosystem along with expanding its presence in Aviation, R&D, Technology, and Light Engineering. In order to ride on the booming tourism industry, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts open Clarks Inn and Suites, a luxurious hotel with 55 modern rooms catering to different travel needs. The rooms are divided into three categories- Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms, and Club Rooms. The property enjoys close proximity to Madgaon railway station and Colaba & Benaulim beach. The property is designed keeping the tourists and corporate in mind.  Considering the business traveler’s needs, all the rooms have high-speed …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, recently concluded its first city in the five-city India roadshow in Delhi. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade. The roadshow commenced with Delhi on 22 August 2022, followed by the cities of Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore until 29 August 2022. The roadshow garnered interest from over 125 travel trade agents. In attendance at the roadshow were 10 private players from Oman, including Eihab Travels LLC, Discover Oman, Golden Oryx Tours, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Zahara Tours, Visit Oman, Khimji’s House of Travel, and Bahwan Tourism. The two airlines, Oman Air, the national carrier, and Salam Air, the first low-cost carrier in the region, also had key representatives present, including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s MICE and wedding tourism representatives. The well-attended event had the Indian travel trade conduct successful business interactions with Oman Tourism officials. Post a presentation on the destination showcasing the varied tourist attractions in the country. Agents were confident in promoting Oman as a tourist, especially for its nature, culture, and adventure activities. Commenting on the roadshow, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said, “We are extremely happy with the reception Oman Tourism received during its recent roadshow in Delhi. Interactions with agents suggested a renewed focus and commitment to promoting Oman among their clients. India has always been close to Oman, not just for tourism but as a country with similar values. We are proud of the fact that India continues to maintain its second position in tourist arrivals and look forward to the country touching an apex point.” Recent statistics from …

A total of 73 deals comprising mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during July 2022, which is a decline of 39.2% over 120 deals that were announced in June 2022, according to GlobalData 

There were around 200 million air passengers, including domestic and international travellers, pre-pandemic and the number is expected to double to 400 million over the next 7 to 10 years, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. 

From traditional souqs to high-street shopping, natural wonders, and thrilling adventure sports – discover all that this Peninsular Gulf country has to offer during the ‘Curated in Qatar’ webinar hosted exclusively for the travel trade today at 3pm IST. Write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register.