MOT launches G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard in collaboration with UNWTO. The dashboard has been developed to showcase key takeaways from Goa roadmap, the outcome document of TWG meeting and to promote sustainable development goals through tourism.

Bhavik Sheth, CEO, Evoke Experiences, during roadshow announced, “The company is planning on launching 10 more properties across the country in the next financial year to further attract and entice people to their destinations.

Ahead of G20, DMRC has launched ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ at selected metro stations across its network, from 4th – 13th September to enhance the experience of int’l delegates by offering unlimited metro rides. Cards will be accessible in one-day & three-day validity.

In collaboration with UNWTO, MOT to launch SDG Dashboard on 5th Sept at 5pm, with an aim to explore best avenues and insights from G20 countries as they work towards fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism.  

Emphasizing on the theme for this year’s 38th IATO Convention, Rajnish Kaistha, Sr. Vice President, IATO and convention chairman shared, “Sustainability plays an important role in tourism. We plan to discuss these aspects in detail during the convention.”

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced the appointment of Lim Kean Bon as Area Director, India, South Asia, and Africa on September 1. He will succeed Raymond Lim as the India market lead based in New Delhi, leading STB’s promotion, and travel trade engagement activities in Northern and Eastern India to sustain and grow affinity for Singapore from leisure travelers. In addition, Kean Bon will be responsible for business development efforts to secure visitorship across India to Singapore in the Cruise and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) segments. He will also lead his team in engaging consumers in other regional markets like Bangladesh and South Africa. Speaking on this appointment for Singapore Tourism Board (STB), GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa (IMESA), said, “We extend a hearty welcome to Kean Bon as he joins our dynamic team. I believe Kean Bon’s leadership in driving experience development for a leisure precinct and his past tenure in the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB) places him in good stead to take on this role in STB New Delhi, particularly in this pivotal moment of anchoring Singapore as the premier lifestyle and business destination for Indian travellers.” Kean Bon started his career in the Singapore public service as an urban planner in Singapore’s city planning authority. He joined the STB infrastructure planning and management division in 2015 to drive the planning of MICE infrastructure, and subsequently moved on to the SECB team in 2017, where he managed destination bids and account servicing activities for large-scale business meetings and conventions organised by global associations. Prior to taking on the STB New Delhi leadership role, Kean Bon led STB’s …

In a remarkable initiative, the Tourist Transporter Association of Assam (TTAA) orchestrated a transformative training program for over 150 dedicated drivers on September 3rd, 2023, at the prestigious New Art Players Auditorium in Guwahati. This event not only brought drivers together but also enriched them with valuable insights to enhance the tourist experience in Assam. The training program featured four highly accomplished resource persons who left an indelible mark on the attendees. Arijit Purkayastha, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) Northeast, graced the stage with a captivating PowerPoint presentation. His session illuminated innovative ways to showcase Assam’s lesser-known tourism gems to visitors, setting the tone for an inspiring day. Nirmalya Choudhury, Chairman – Northeast Chapter, IATO, took the floor to motivate drivers on handling foreign tourists in the Northeast. He delved into the challenges they might face and delineated their duties and responsibilities, offering practical solutions to enhance their professionalism. Kundal Roy, the General Secretary of the Tour Operator Association of Assam (TOAA), shared motivational, experience-based stories. His anecdotes resonated deeply with the drivers, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their roles. MVI Jaysing Rongphar brought a crucial aspect to the forefront by providing a comprehensive road safety training session. He emphasized the critical message of not drinking and driving, urging drivers to adhere to the “pancha sutra” to prevent accidents. His words left a lasting impact, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among the attendees. The training program featured four highly accomplished resource persons who left an indelible mark on the attendees. Arijit Purkayastha, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) Northeast, graced the stage with …

Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce its first-year anniversary of the codeshare agreement with IndiGo, marking a significant milestone in the partnership. The collaboration has not only facilitated seamless travel experiences but has also opened new horizons for frequent flyers seeking enhanced connectivity and travel options.  The partnership will help customers to connect between Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo’s networks with a single ticket. The partnership has grown from strength to strength, initially launched with 8 destinations in September 2022, growing to 34 destinations across the country now. In one year more than 30,000 customers have connected between Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo’s network, with the most popular destinations being Goa, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Amritsar.   Alex McEwan, Country Manager, South Asia, Virgin Atlantic, commented, “We are thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of our codeshare partnership with IndiGo, which is offering more choice for our customers across India. Our performance in India continues to go from strength to strength and we are excited to launch flights to Bengaluru from London Heathrow in March 2024 which will offer more connecting options for customers in the South of India.”    

IATA, in its quarterly air transport chartbook for 2nd Quarter 2023, reported that the global airline industry is expected to generate a net profit of USD9.8 billion in 2023, with a modest 1.2% net profit margin. This translates to an expected profit of USD2.25 per passenger. 

Manoj Singh, Country Head India Norwegian Cruise Line shared, “Indian cruise traveller has moved away from single-island vacations towards more diverse, multi-destination experiences. There is a growing demand, and more people now want meaningful holidays.”