In 2016, Thailand welcomed 1.19 million Indian travellers, as per the recent numbers released by Department of Tourism, Thailand, and for 2017, the target is 14 per cent increase in revenue and eight per cent increase in footfalls expected from India alone. This was revealed by Soraya Homchuen, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai. “The focus destinations this year will be mainly the local communities along with Chiang Mai, Krabi, Trat and Bangkok. While Thailand is a thriving modern nation that offers luxury and comfort of the 21st century, it’s the unique Thai traditions and attractions that are often most memorable for visitors. In 2017, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to offer ‘Value for Experiences’ to travellers coming to the Kingdom by focusing on ‘Unique Thai Local Experiences’. On a global scale, India is ranked sixth in terms of tourist arrivals in Thailand,” she revealed. TAT has announced the theme for 2017 – ‘Discover Unique Local Experiences’. The objective behind this campaign is to promote Thailand as a wealth of cultural heritage with a competitive edge in the travel and tourism sector. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific) and brand ambassador Anusha Dandekar attended the event. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific) said, “India has always been one of the significant markets for us as each year we see an increase in the footfalls. This year too we are expecting a phenomenal growth of 8 per cent. When you visit Thailand, you always discover something new and unique which makes you want to visit the kingdom time and again. This year, with Discover Unique Local …

Asia Pacific region’s highly anticipated hotel exhibition, the AccorHotels Showcase 2017 will take place in India on March 22 at Sofitel Mumbai BKC and March 24 at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity. Joined by AccorHotels’ executives from across 95 countries representing more than 4,100 hotels and resorts worldwide, the event will offer attendees an insight into the group’s new developments, products and services. Entering its 14th year touring the region, AccorHotels Showcase is designed to provide travel agents, wholesalers, corporate clients, tourism partners and MICE organisers an exclusive opportunity to discover AccorHotels accommodation trends, news and stunning hotels & resorts from around the world. In 2016, over 1,200 AccorHotels delegates representing nearly 4,100 hotels and resorts worldwide attended the showcase with more than 7,000 clients in attendance. The event in 2016 capped a milestone year for AccorHotels in which the Group acquired the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands; invested in the private rental space through One Fine Stay, Oasis Collections and Squarebreak; and announced innovative new lifestyle brands including Jo&Joe, John Paul and 25Hours Hotels. This year, AccorHotels commences its 12-destination series as it moves through vibrant and cultural cities, visiting landmark AccorHotels across Asia Pacific. In India, exhibitors from globally sought after destinations such as France, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE and Singapore will be present at the event, representing celebrated hotels like Fairmont Ajman, SO Sofitel Singapore & Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa, Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, Novotel Madrid Center and more. Over 400 guests comprising top corporates from India, Travel Management Companies, Travel Agents and Tour Operators, PCOs and Wedding Planner are set to attend the event in each city. “The AccorHotels Showcase is …

Royal Orchid Hotels Limited has approved an interim dividend of 10 per cent. The dividend will result in payout of Rs 3.19 crore (including dividend distribution tax). The record date for dividend payment is March 1, 2017. Commenting on the dividend results Chander Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director said, “After a gap of six years, the company has decided to declare a dividend to its shareholders. The dividend payout shows improved financial performance in the current financial year and we are optimistic of improved financial performance in the last quarter and the next financial year.” The company had reported net profit of Rs 4.23 crore for the third quarter ended December 2016 compared to net profit of Rs 2.01 crore in December 2015. In the first nine months of the current financial year, Royal Orchid Hotels has reported net profit of Rs 6.47 crore.

Cathay Pacific Group has partnered with HDFC Bank India for a limited period discount offer. Cathay Pacific customers making flight bookings through the Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon website can also enjoy up to five per cent discount on transactions made through all HDFC credit or debit cards. This discount is applicable on select Business and Economy classes. This offer is applicable exclusively for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon flights to Hong Kong as per the booking period Feb 16 to March 15, 2017 and travel period of March 1 – August 31, 2017. Rajesh Menon, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager – South Asia at Cathay Pacific Airways, said, “HDFC being the largest credit card issuer India, this partnership brings to us the opportunity to reach out to our shared pool of high net worth individuals. Our synergies meet at the junction of our quality and premium customer service, thereby amplifying the level of ease experienced in making transactions. With upcoming holidays and events lined up, Hong Kong is a great choice for a getaway.”

In keeping with Kerala’s new ‘Land of Biennale’ branding, its District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has launched the ‘Biennale Deluxe’ initiative, which will provide free, customised tours of the ongoing third edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The first of a number of such buses planned over the Biennale’s run pulled in from Thiruvananthapuram, bringing 17 visitors across age groups for a weekend trip to India’s only Biennale. The group took in a tour of primary venue Aspinwall House and other sites. K. Suresh Kumar, assistant manager, DTPC – Thiruvanthapuram, said, “The Biennale has become a major unique selling point to promote Kerala and this prompted us to roll out this attractive and unique tourism initiative. The Biennale Deluxehas been conceptualised and executed by the DTPC. The DTPC organises customised tours from the state capital to various tourist destinations in the state. We already have a well chalked-out itinerary, which engages the guests with both the host city and the Biennale. The one-day trip to the KMB is totally free of cost.” The initiative is supported by a leading tour operator. The Council is planning to associate with other tourism stakeholders across the state to bring in more people to the Biennale, especially from southern Kerala, and organise similar trips.

Passengers carried by Indian domestic airlines during January 2017 were 95.79 lakh as against 76.55 lakh during the corresponding period of 2016 thereby registering a growth of 25.13 per cent, informs the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to the data released by DGCA, domestic air passenger traffic had increased by 23.91 per cent during December to 95.52 lakh from 77.09 lakh during the corresponding month last year. SpiceJet recorded the highest passenger load factor (PLF) during January 2017 at 93.6 per cent followed by GoAir at 90.8 per cent and IndiGo at 90 per cent. SpiceJet also recorded the highest punctuality rate at 71.6 per cent at four major airports of Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai followed by IndiGo (71.2), GoAir (60.6), Jet Airways and JetLite (59.4), Air India (56.8) and Vistara (53). “SpiceJet has excelled on all operational parameters yet again and emerged as the country’s most punctual airline for the fourth successive month. We have had the best on-time performance in tough weather conditions and will continuously strive to better ourselves,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. IndiGo recorded the highest market share of 39.8 per cent followed by Jet Airways (15.5), Air India (14.1), SpiceJet (12.8) and GoAir (8.2), Vistara (3.2), AirAsia India (3), JetLite (2.5), Air Costa (0.5), TruJet (0.3) and Air Carnival (0.1).

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc. announced the highly-anticipated opening of The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa in Rajasthan. India’s seventh Westin property, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli Hills and spread across 11 acres. The property, Pushkar’s first internationally-branded hotel, offers 98 contemporary guestrooms, of which 44 feature private pools. Owned by Paradise Properties, the newly-built resort aims to bring the Westin brand’s innovative wellness initiatives to the renowned spiritual destination. “With more travellers looking to maintain their wellness routines while on the road, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is thrilled to offer guests the brand’s signature amenities and programs, designed to evoke renewal and well-being,” said Jagdeep Nambiar, General Manager, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa. The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa will offer over 19,000 square feet of versatile function space, including a ballroom and meeting rooms, as well as a beautiful garden for corporate events and weddings.

India’s first heliport, built by state-owned Pawan Hans, is set to become functional next week. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will inaugurate the new facility on February 28, which has come up at an investment of Rs 100 crore, Pawan Hans Ltd Chairman and Managing Director B.P. Sharma reportedly said. The heliport, set up at Rohini area of North Delhi, consists of a terminal building having capacity of 150 passengers, four hangars with parking capacity of 16 helicopters and nine parking bays. Besides, it has a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility also for the upkeep of Pawan Hans fleet as well as for third-party maintenance work. “Rohini facility is India’s first integrated facility for rotor wing aircraft including their landing and takeoff. It has a terminal building that can cater to 150 passengers per day besides separate air traffic control (ATC), fire and fuelling services,” Sharma said. Pawan Hans had successfully carried out trial sorties from the heliport in February last year and had planned to go for full scale chopper operations from May. The commencement of services from here is also expected to reduce congestion at the Delhi Airport, which currently handles about 40-50 helicopter arrivals and departures on an average per day besides the large-scale fixed-wing operations, Sharma said. Source: PTI

Scoot and Tigerair have announced the #YaadeinBanao campaign for travellers across their India network with attractive all-in one way fares starting from as low as Rs. 5,099. The offer period begins from February 20, 2017, and lasts until March 02, 2017. The applicable travel period for this offer is from March 01, 2017 to October 28, 2017. Passengers from all 8 destinations from India namely Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) can enjoy exclusive fares on Scoot and Tigerair’s network such as Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bali, Manila, Cebu and many more. Speaking on the roll-out of this offer, Leslie Thng, Chief Commercial Officer for Scoot and Tigerair said, “Summer is the most preferred holiday period for Indians to plan their annual family getaways. It is an apt opportunity to bond with loved ones and make memories that will last for a life time. We are confident that this specifically curated value for money offering will provide Indian families enough time to plan comfortably by choosing from our wide network of international destinations.” Tickets can be booked through Scoot and Tigerair’s official websites – www.tigerair.com and www.flyscoot.com or from Scoot and Tigerair’s mobile app for supported devices. Scoot and Tigerair together operate a total of 50 weekly flights to Singapore from eight Indian destinations – Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow and Tiruchirappalli.

AirAsia’s first flight to Srinagar was received with great enthusiasm at Srinagar Airport by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, flanked by state’s Secretary of Tourism and Floriculture Farooq A Shah, Director Tourism Kashmir Mehmood A Shah, and the top management of Air Asia India operations. The tourism secretary termed it one of the big leaps in connecting Kashmir through this affordable budgeted international airline and hoped that this will increase seat capacity as well as the flying options to for the potential visitors to the valley and should result in the reduced airfare. He further added that Tourism Department is aggressively promoting Jammu Kashmir and doing everything possible to make it a round the year destination.