VisitBritain recently hosted a networking dinner in Mumbai for select travel agents to promote the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which will be held in England and Wales. The actual trophy of the ICC Cricket world cup was also put on display for attendees at the event. Speaking at the event, Matt Hancock MP Secretary of State for digital, culture, media and sport said, “ We look forward for the competition next year in England. We want more Indians to come and watch the world cup in England and travel in England too. It is a great tourist opportunity and good reason to travel to England.” Tricia Warwick, Director-Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Visit Britain commented, “We are excited to promote the cricket tournament to the India market and it is an unbeatable combination between England and India. We have had a good last year in India with 30 per cent growth with statistics till September 2017, while we await the final numbers. Our forecast for this year which we have been running from 1st of April is up by 20 per cent. Indians on average have been spending 24 nights in Britain.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that Thailand has been named as the host country for the 19th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA Awards), which is scheduled to be held in Bangkok from 22-24 June, 2018. This makes the second time the Thai capital plays host to the biggest celebration of Indian cinema, having hosted the 9th IIFA Awards on 8 June, 2008. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “India is one of Thailand’s important sources of visitor markets. Being named as the host country for the glitzy and glamorous IIFA Awards for the second time reiterates Thailand’s positioning as the preferred destination among Indian travellers.” Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA, made the official announcement at a press conference held in New Delhi on 17 May, 2018. Making the appearances to confirm Bangkok as the host city for this June’s star-studded weekend included Bollywood bigwigs Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Dia Mirza, Shahid Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan.

Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January-April 2018 were 453.03 lakhs as against 364.13 lakhs during the corresponding period of previous year, thereby registering a growth of 24.41 per cent, according to a latest report by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Passengers flown by domestic airlines in January-April stood at 453.03 lakhs over 364.13 lakhs in the corresponding period in 2017. The passenger traffic month-on-month has risen by 26%—from 91.34 lakh in March 2018 to 115.13 lakhs in April 2018.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) will host its 18th edition of its regional convention from June 27-30, 2018. Themed ‘Surfing The Wave Of Global Tourism’, the convention will focus on international tourism trends and best trade practices. Centered around hospitality, the event will integrate related business sessions and business networking opportunities for participating professionals. For recreation, post the convention HRAWI shall organise tours for delegates in Colombo and Kandy. “Annual conventions offer an excellent opportunity to network with fraternity members, professionals, consultants, vendors and many others from the industry,” says Dilip Datwani, President, HRAWI. “The registrations have been pouring in and the response has been fantastic,” he adds.

India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has announced the dates for its 11th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) 2018. The convention will be held at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, from August 29-31, 2018. Some 300 participants are expected to attend the Conclave including 150 domestic and 40 international potential buyers. The sole focus of the event will be on India’s potential as a MiCE destination, through interactive sessions, exhibition, and B2B meetings.

The Government of India has set a target of 20 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) by 2020 and double the foreign exchange earnings as well, according to a latest report by Ministry of Tourism. The number of FTAs in March 2018 were 1.03 million as compared to FTAs of 905,000 in March 2017, showing an year-on-year growth of 13.4 per cent. In CY 2017, foreign tourist arrival in India stood at 10.177 million and reached 3.13 million in January-March 2018. Growth in tourist arrivals has been due to flexible government policies, developed rail and road infrastructure, ease in availability of e-visas to foreign tourists. The Government of India is working to achieve 1 per cent share in world’s international tourist arrivals by 2020 and 2 per cent share by 2025.

India ranked eighth in the world in 2017 in terms of absolute direct contribution of travel and tourism sector’s to its GDP, according to World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC’s) Economic Impact 2018 report. It is the third largest foreign exchange earner for the country. The tourism and hospitality sector’s direct contribution to GDP in 2017 was Rs 5.94 trillion (US$ 91.27 billion). This is expected to reach Rs 12.68 trillion (US$ 194.69 billion) in 2028, implying a CAGR of 7.23 per cent during 2012-28.

United Kingdom Visas & Immigration, (UKVI), a division of the UK Home Office, responsible for deciding who can visit and stay within the UK, has awarded Sopra Steria a new contract to enable visa renewals for those individuals who are already in the UK. BLS International Services will be supporting Sopra Steria and UKVI by establishing and delivering some of the key value-added services under the contract. BLS International Services currently handles approximately 12 million visa applications annually across its global network. It will now assist in the processing applications for permission to remain in the UK on behalf of the Home Office. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International, comments, “We are privileged to be part of this new partnership in the United Kingdom. It reinforces our company’s position within the UK and significantly enhances our stature as a leading service partner to client Governments worldwide. We will deploy our world class solution to provide an innovative and convenient service to the UK Home Office and its applicants.”

Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi Office has launched its India website www.visitkorea.in as part of its marketing plan for the year 2018. The website mainly caters to the travel industry and individuals seeking tourism related information specific to the Indian outbound travelling requirements. The website was launched to provide a quick access of everything an Indian traveller would like to see and do in South Korea. Regular updates on offers and announcements will keep the visitors apprised of what’s happening. The KTO India website features highlight the mandatory travel information for India market such as visa information, currently available South Korea packages, incentive programme details, Indian food available in South Korea, main destination and attractions for Indians to enjoy, etc. According to Jong Sool Kwon, Director, Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi, “The usual practice of prospective tourists and travel agents was to find a local travel agent partner, get information from brochures or wait for the tourism board to organise training sessions for updates about South Korea from Indian traveller’s perspective. This website will be a one-stop solution for both the trade partners and travellers to gather updated information. Although the global website was available for all to access information about South Korea, however, it has been so difficult for tourists to find India-centric information about the destination.”  

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the rebranding of Hyatt Bangalore MG Road to the Hyatt Centric brand, marking the brand’s first hotel in India and 23rd worldwide. The Hyatt Centric brand targets millennial-minded travellers who want to be in the middle of the action. “We are delighted to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to our guests in India with the opening of Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore,” said Sunjae Sharma, Vice President – Operations, India, Hyatt. “Based in the hustle and bustle of Bangalore’s city centre, we are confident that Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore will serve as a platform for guests to easily explore and share all that is vibrant, and exciting, about the garden city. The launch of a Hyatt Centric hotel in India strengthens Hyatt’s portfolio in the country and highlights our commitment to offering the authentic experiences guests want.” Designed by Studio HBA, the hotel boasts a contemporary feel with eclectic touches that capture the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. Its 143 contemporary and playful guestrooms, including four suites with terrace gardens overlooking the aquamarine blue pool, have been stylishly redecorated and infused with local flare. With features like complimentary Wi-Fi and a 48-inch flat-screen TV, each guestroom offers the perfect setting to relax after the day’s adventures.