Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce their latest triumph! They have recently signed an exciting hotel management agreement with PT. Grha Swahita (BIP Group) that will see Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak become part of our exclusive portfolio on 1st January 2024. This amazing gem of a property boasts an enviable location at the heart of Seminyak and offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Guests can bask in beachside bliss by day and immerse themselves in an electrifying nightlife scene after sunset.

Rio de Janeiro/Rome, October 30th, 2023 – Today ITA Airways launched its nonstop service between Rio de Janeiro and Rome. The inaugural flight, AZ 673, connecting the two cities departed at 3.45 p.m. from Rio de Janeiro-Galeão airport and was operated with the Company’s Airbus A330neo, a benchmark in terms of technology, digitization, innovation, efficiency, design, and ultimate expression of Made in Italy. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route connecting Brazil and Italy, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate in Rio de Janeiro, in the presence of Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer ITA Airways and CEO Volare, Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Massimo Allegri, Regional Manager Americas ITA Airways, Andrea Taddei, Country Manager Brazil ITA Airways, Alexandre Monteiro, Chief Executive Officer Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport, Alessandro Cortese, Ambassador of Italy to Brazil, and Massimiliano Iacchini, Consul General of Italy in Rio de Janeiro. ITA Airways’ expansion on long-haul is one of the main pillars of the Company’s strategy, as it not only generates profitability but also increases short haul connections, helping to expand the capacity of the intercontinental network. “I am very happy to be here today to inaugurate our new nonstop flight from Rio De Janeiro to Rome. This is the third long haul destination we are opening in 2023, a year that marks ITA Airways’ greatest growth in the intercontinental market after the opening of Washington and San Francisco in the summer season. – said Emiliana Limosani Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO Volare – Our goal is to become the carrier of reference for the mobility of Italians. Our network’s development has a strong focus on those markets …

In September 2023, country-wide occupancy rate fell short of the levels recorded during the same period in 2022 and 2019. This was one of the key highlights of HVS ANAROCK Hotels & Hospitality Overview, October 2023 report.

Thailand will waive off visa requirements for Indians starting from 10 November to 10 May 2024. This is done to lure tourists during the winter season. Spokesperson for Thai Tourism, Chai Wacharonke, said, “Indians can remain in Thailand for 30 days”.

After releasing a report ‘Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024’, Skyscanner stated that films and entertainment have an impact on Indians. As per the report, 94 per cent of them inclined to take a trip to a destination after watching a film.

Experience Kissimmee is organizing an exclusive virtual tour of  Florida for the travel trade on 1 November 2023 at 11am. Through this webinar, the agents will understand to make their clients’ trip memorable. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

As the world prepares for the yuletide season, the Philippines takes its unique place in the spotlight with its heartwarming traditions and festive events. Here are some of the most wonderful things to do during the holiday season in this tropical paradise.  Join Simbang Gabi – Kickstart your Filipino Christmas experience by participating in Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning from 16th to 24th December. Families and communities gather before sunrise to attend these special Masses, often held in beautifully decorated churches and chapels, to honor the Virgin Mary and prepare for the birth of Jesus.     Take a stroll through bustling Night Markets – As the cool December evenings arrive, these markets come alive with colorful stalls, twinkling lights, and the tantalizing aroma of Filipino street food. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can shop for unique gifts. Plan ahead, stay tuned for updates on these markets and get ready to experience value for money with your Christmas shopping:    Greenhills Night Market  Night bazaars of Metro Manila  along the famous stretch of Harrison Road in Baguio City  Davao’s Pasko de Fiesta  Cebu’s Christmas Night Market in Fuente Osmeña Circle  Paskwa sa Kapitolyo in Bacolod City  Christmas Night Market in San Fernando, La Union  Subic Bay’s Christmas Market at Harbor Point    Hear the sounds of Christmas – Once the “Ber” months (September to December)  start, be sure to hear a symphony of joyful melodies – from the lively and harmonious voices of children caroling, to enchanting notes of traditional Christmas songs playing in malls and homes. The sweet strains of local carols like “Pasko Na Sinta Ko”, “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” evoke a sense …

Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD, Jagsons Travels, says, “We have invested heavily in the business in order to promote niche products. This way, our partners in tier cities also benefit. We are educating and empowering the travel trade in these cities through our GPS.”  

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, hosted a mega trade Familiarization (FAM) trip, welcoming 14 trade partners from across India. This six-night tour showcased the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Oman, featuring prominent destinations. 

EEMA is collaborating with the MOT to formulate a strategy for wedding tourism. Prerana Agarwal Saxena, Lead, EEMA Wedding Council, SAID, “This strategy comprises a 10-point agenda recommended by EEMA to the ministry and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.”