Hyatt has signed an agreement to acquire Dream Hotel Group’s lifestyle hotel brand and management platform including the Dream Hotels, The Chatwal Hotels and Unscripted Hotels brands, with properties in some of the world’s most prominent hotel markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

RateGain Travel Technologies has said that as of last week, it had processed bookings for 8,300 room nights in December in Goa in the organized hotel industry. At the same time, with business travel and weddings restarting, Delhi’s total bookings for December are higher at over 16,100 nights.

Ministry of Tourism has written to all the travel, tourism and hospitality associations, urging them to use both the logo and the theme of the G-20 extensively by all Stakeholders of Travel Trade & Hospitality sector. “These will be used both to familiarise audience about the relevance of the G20 as well as to disseminate messaging and outcomes from the G20 as widely as possible,” stated the letter.

The sustainable trends of green airlines, eco hospitality, sustainable attractions, locally sourced produce and forward-thinking government initiatives will represent key focuses at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May next year. In line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, the 30th edition of ATM will see public and private sector experts from around the world gather in the UAE to explore the decarbonised future of global travel. The upcoming edition of the event will capitalise on the Middle East’s status as a world leader in green innovation, providing a forum in which travel, tourism and hospitality professionals can showcase sustainable advancements while sharing knowledge and examples of best practice from across the sector. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The 30th edition of ATM will not only drive home the importance of working towards net zero within the Middle East’s tourism sector, but also showcase the practical steps that are being taken across our industry to achieve regional and global sustainability goals. “ATM has officially commenced its journey to net zero and its upcoming edition will shine a spotlight on challenges and opportunities connected with responsible tourism across our region and beyond,” Curtis added. “From aviation and attractions to resorts and dining, we look forward to exploring the role that the Middle East is playing – and will continue to play – in shaping a decarbonised global travel sector.” According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for approximately 8% of worldwide carbon emissions. In preparation for ATM 2023, the event’s organisers have highlighted five sustainable trends that have already gained significant momentum in …

Deccan Odyssey, which was launched to promote Maharashtra tourism will start ferrying tourists again next year. The luxury train, was halted for around 2.5 years because of the pandemic. MTDC is reviving the train service and has appointed Ebix Travel to operate the train.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has shared that they are looking at over ₹1000 crore to be given to the board for implementing the marketing and promotional campaigns. “It will cover different channels and the focus will be on country specific strategies and on digital platform,” he added.

Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, has said that they have started eco-tourism on a big scale. “We are moving into the hinterlands, trying to gather local communities, which will touch upon the homestay segment. Also, we are looking at wellness, adventure, as well as spiritual tourism,” he added.

Farshid Rahimkhani, CEO& Co-Founder, Turpal, has said that Turpal is a B2B2C system, and big travel agencies dealing with their clients can get the app can branded and customised. “This means that you can have Turpal with your own brand. In fact, clients request us to have their own app in app store. The structure has been designed in such a way that you will be able to serve clients with their own brand,” he added.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, at the ITM in Aizawl, Mizoram, shared that sustainability has been a priority for the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector for some time, but it has become even more prominent due to the pandemic. “The Government of India is now focused on promoting the move towards green tourism. Green tourism has the potential to catalyse local economies, while also minimising the environmental and social impacts,” he added.

Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary Tourism and Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, said that the Government of Uttar Pradesh, is ready to lease forts on a very nominal fee for them to be converted into heritage hotels. The state is also open for hosting weddings at these forts to promote the destination and leverage the potential of the state.