Mamaka by Ovolo is hosting an exclusive webinar for its Indian travel trade to give highlight their key offerings. The webinar is scheduled for October 31, from 3-4 pm (IST). Additionally, Mamaka is introducing special promotional offers for their trade partners. For more details, contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.    

ALC Travels inaugurated its new corporate office in Bhikaji Cama Bhawan on 28th October 2023. With high vision to create ALC most successful and trustworthy company, Prabhat Singh, Managing Director & CEO, ALC Travels, started the company on 1st May 2014. “We cherish the challenge of accomplishing the impossible and we are passionate about shaping the next generation. The company relentlessly works to turn desires to realities,” he said during an exclusive interview at the inaugural event. They also target 50 crore turnover as an agenda for the year 2023-24 & 100 crores till 2025-26. Singh shared how the company has evolved from being niche B2B/B2C/B2E market to now opening doors for MICE, inbound, corporate travel etc. Along the similar lines, Pravin Singh, Director & Mithilesh Ojha, AVP said we are aiming to create brand value by providing unique experiences & fulfilling the promises to clients. Centrally located Bhikaji Cama Bhawan is centrally located in Delhi from Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. It also has close proximity from the airport. We have lots of corporates in this place along with upcoming world trade and Hyatt hotel, said Vineet Nijhon, Director, Arise Leisure & Corporate Travels when asked about why they chose that particular location. This inaugural event was attended by major tourism boards, top officials from ministry of tourism and trade partners.

Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the ‘Lapathon‘ event by ‘Shuffle and Strides’, held on 16-17 September, which aimed to raise crucial funds for mental health initiatives across Indonesia. As a proud sponsor, Cross Hotels & Resorts demonstrated its commitment to supporting mental health activities and making a positive impact within the community.  The ‘Lapathon’ event garnered significant support from participants and community members. It provided a platform to raise awareness about mental health and raise vital funds required to support mental health initiatives throughout Indonesia.  Throughout the event, participants took part in a 24-hour endurance challenge, symbolizing their dedication to supporting mental health. They walked, jogged and ran, collectively covering an impressive distance while showcasing their unwavering commitment to this worthy cause.  “We are thrilled to have been a part of the ‘Lapathon‘ event and to see the tremendous support it received. Mental health is an issue of great importance, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to positive change in this area,” said Evan Burns, Country Manager – Indonesia of Cross Hotels & Resorts. “We would like to express our gratitude to all the participants and partners who made this event a resounding success.” 

Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Punjab Tourism, says that with an aim to lure investors, government is developing tourism spots in Mohali, Pathankot and Sri Mukstar Sahib. She shared, “The Wonderla Group has committed to invest ₹500 cr in Mohali to establish a theme park and water sports facilities.”

Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism, said, “Our  endeavor to innovate and to explore newer avenues of association by expanding such programs like Learn SA to tier-2 and tier-3 cities of the Indian market.”

Peter Semone, Chair, PATA, said, “PATA forecasts international visitor numbers by the end of 2023 are predicted to exceed 516 million, approaching 76% of the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This is expected to further increase to 107% in 2024 and 116% in 2025.”

A World Bank study states that air pollution is having significant impact on the tourism sector. It highlights that air pollution is costing India’s tourism sector $1.7 billion every year. The pollution is being restraining factor for people visiting India, causing tourists to shorten their stay,

The 5th OTOAI Convention 2023 is set to take place from 24-27 November in Nairobi, Kenya. Speaking about the significance of this convention, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised that members will gain experience and valuable opportunities during and after their visit. This will help promote it in an improved way and be able to generate better revenue.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, recently played host to a remarkable 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 such as Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, Salalah, and Muscat. One of the highlights of the FAM trip was a dynamic Business-to-Business (B2B) meeting on the final day of the trip, which provided a platform for meaningful interactions and partnerships. A total of 35 partners from Oman actively participated in this event. Indian participants were given the opportunity to represent their companies and establish valuable links with local businesses, including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, and suppliers. This exchange of information and ideas fostered new collaborations and opportunities, strengthening the relations between the two countries. “The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is dedicated to showcasing the incredible beauty and unique experiences that Oman has to offer,” said Arjun Chaddha, Country Manager, India. “We are confident that the connections forged during this FAM trip will lead to an increased number of travellers from India exploring the marvels of Oman. Our goal is to create unforgettable memories and provide the travellers with a truly authentic Omani experience.” With its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Oman is poised to become a much sought-after destination for Indian tourists, offering a journey of discovery and adventure, he added.

Manoj K Singh, Director, MPTB, said, “We are already developing few villages and converting them into proper homestays for tourists. Two of the non-negotiable components are ensuring safety of tourist and also maintaining hygiene, which is one of the pertaining challenge.”