A vibrant three-day cultural festival celebrating Madhya Pradesh’s heritage and the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya. Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President, marked their presence on the inaugural day. Bhopal, 12 April 2025: The majestic Red Fort in New Delhi came alive on Saturday evening with the grand inauguration of the three-day cultural celebration “Vikramotsav 2025.” The festival, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, aims to honor the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya while showcasing the rich heritage, tourism potential, arts, and crafts of Madhya Pradesh on a national and global platform. The event will run until 14 April 2025. The inaugural day witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, shared that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Vikramotsav 2025 is showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s vibrant traditions and tourism potential on a national platform. This initiative not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Emperor Vikramaditya but also brings global recognition to Madhya Pradesh’s arts, …

Antalya, the breathtaking resort city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea along the Turkish Riviera, stands unmatched with its golden sands, azure skies and deep blue waters. Located in the southwest of the country, the city also enjoys a consistently pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine, creating an ideal setting year-round for visitors seeking summer bliss. However, this world-famous coastal gem isn’t only a magnet for seaside and sun aficionados but also a proud custodian of some of the world’s cleanest beaches. Antalya holds the world record for having the highest number of Blue Flag-certified beaches at 233. These untouched and pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see offer the summer holidays of your dreams. Sun-Kissed Sands Meet Crystal Waters As summer vacations draw closer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s cleanest beaches. You can pick among Antalya’s beaches, which have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag distinction thanks to their quality and safety. Antalya’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures ensures that each beach is maintained to the highest sustainability standards. Crystal-clear waters, clean stretches of sand and a well-protected natural environment, all bathed in radiant sunshine… You’ll have no shortage of choices regarding Antalya’s idyllic beaches. Discover the serene beauty of Alanya, Side, Manavgat, Finike, Kemer, Kalkan, Kaş and many other towns, each boasting Blue Flag beaches that offer unmatched tranquillity and calmness. Patara, Kleopatra, Kaputaş, Lara and Konyaltı Beaches are definite standouts. Imagine hearing the soothing sounds of the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea washing up the shores, sinking your feet into the soft and warm sands and sipping a refreshing cocktail while sunbathing. These beaches are also ideal spots for various adrenaline-filled …

Looking for a scenic getaway this Good Friday long weekend? Leave the city bustle behind and head towards Kathgodam, your gateway to the tranquil hills of Uttarakhand. Skip the overdone itineraries and dive into these lesser-known gems that promise peace, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Hidden Gems to Discover Around Kathgodam Bhimtal: A Quieter Cousin of Nainital Just 22 km from Kathgodam, Bhimtal is perfect if you love serene lakes minus the crowds. Boating in Bhimtal Lake with its quaint island aquarium is a must-do. The lush green surroundings and calm vibe make it an ideal stop for nature lovers. Sattal: Where Seven Lakes Meet A little further from Bhimtal, Sattal is an untouched paradise of interconnected lakes surrounded by dense oak and pine forests. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream and a haven for kayaking, camping, and angling. Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal: Seek Blessings with a Twist Located near Bhowali, this unique temple is known for devotees offering bells along with their prayers. The temple is surrounded by sweeping valley views, perfect for a quick spiritual stop. Lansdowne: Untouched Colonial Charm Around 180 km from Kathgodam, Lansdowne is a serene cantonment town with old churches, pine forests, and quiet trails. Visit the War Memorial, Tip-in-Top viewpoint, and St. John’s Church for a laid-back exploration. Mukteshwar: Adventure and Spirituality Rolled into One About 70 km from Kathgodam, Mukteshwar is an offbeat hill town perfect for those seeking adventure and calm. Rappel down cliffs, trek through fruit orchards, or visit the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Temple perched atop a hill. Pangot: A Hidden Birdwatcher’s Paradise Just 15 km from Nainital and about an hour from Kathgodam, Pangot is a tiny village known for its rich birdlife. …

A vibrant three-day cultural festival celebrating Madhya Pradesh’s heritage and the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya. Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President, marked their presence on the inaugural day. Delhi : The majestic Red Fort in New Delhi came alive on Saturday evening with the grand inauguration of the three-day cultural celebration “Vikramotsav 2025.” The festival, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, aims to honor the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya while showcasing the rich heritage, tourism potential, arts, and crafts of Madhya Pradesh on a national and global platform. The event will run until 14 April 2025. The inaugural day witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, shared that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Vikramotsav 2025 is showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s vibrant traditions and tourism potential on a national platform. This initiative not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Emperor Vikramaditya but also brings global recognition to Madhya Pradesh’s arts, crafts, and …

The Global Rep, a pioneer in travel management and distribution, proudly announces the launch of ZOTRAV (www.zotrav.com), an innovative B2B platform designed to transform the way travel agents access and book curated global tour packages. With the global travel industry projected to surpass $9.5 trillion by 2028, the demand for seamless and efficient booking solutions has never been higher. ZOTRAV provides a one-stop marketplace where travel professionals can browse, compare, and secure exclusive deals across 20+ sought-after destinations. By integrating technology-driven solutions, the platform enhances operational efficiency, simplifies business processes, and maximizes revenue potential for travel partners. “ZOTRAV is not just another booking platform—it’s a transformative step forward for the travel industry,” said Sandeep Khetarpal, Founder of The Global Rep. “Our vision is to empower travel professionals with a seamless, cost-efficient solution that enhances their service capabilities while delivering extraordinary experiences to their clients. By connecting travel agents with a world of curated tour products, ZOTRAV simplifies access and booking like never before. The global online travel booking market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by rising digital adoption and demand for personalized travel solutions. ZOTRAV aligns with this trend by offering a user-friendly, intuitive platform that ensures seamless access to high-quality tour packages, enabling travel agents to meet evolving consumer expectations. Key Features of ZOTRAV: – Curated Global Tour Packages – Access handpicked tours from reputable suppliers across multiple destinations. – Exclusive B2B Pricing – Secure competitive rates and exclusive deals designed for travel agents. – Seamless Booking Process – Simplify reservations with an easy-to-use digital interface. – Tailored Solutions – Customize packages to match client preferences and special requirements. – …

GRT Hotels & Resorts has been awarded the “Best Emerging Hotel Chain – India” at the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2025 held at ITB Berlin. This recognition highlights the brand’s exceptional growth, innovative offerings, and unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence across South India. In addition to this esteemed accolade, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, was honored with the “Best Professional Hospitality Growth – India” award. This award acknowledges his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the Indian hospitality industry, which have significantly propelled the brand’s expansion and success. Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “It is truly an honor to receive these awards on a global platform like ITB Berlin. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at GRT Hotels & Resorts. We remain committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that reflect our brand’s promise of Excellence, Innovation and ‘The Promise of More’.” Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts said, “Our journey to ITB Berlin was driven by a vision—to showcase the essence of GRT Hotels & Resorts on a global platform. As we stepped into this prestigious event, we carried with us a legacy of blending tradition with innovation, sustainability with luxury, and hospitality with heart. Amidst the world’s most influential voices in travel and tourism, it was a moment of pride and inspiration to be recognized on this platform. This achievement is not just ours alone—it belongs to every member of the GRT family, every guest who has trusted us, and every partner who has supported our journey.” With a diverse portfolio of 22 properties …

The Singapore Airlines Group will commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a series of SG60-themed initiatives from April to December 2025, as part of its Celebrating with Singapore campaign. Customers can enjoy special SG60 fare deals for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, bonus miles accrual on Scoot flights, and additional discounts during KrisFlyer’s upcoming Spontaneous Escapes promotions. There will also be SG60 exclusives on Kris+, KrisShop, and Pelago. KrisWorld, SIA’s in-flight entertainment system, will feature content highlighting Singapore’s history, arts, and culture in its Celebrating Singapore category. The Airline will also showcase the country’s famous cuisine on selected flights and SilverKris lounges. The SIA Group also aims to raise $1.3 million in a SG60 fundraising campaign by rallying partners and staff to do good together. The Group will match the amount raised dollar-for-dollar, donating a total of $2.6 million to AWWA and Rainbow Centre, two Singapore-based agencies that support children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs. In addition, SIA will also host a special two-day edition of its SIA Cares Open House in July, welcoming more than 600 beneficiaries, including individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, youth at risk, and the differently abled, from various Singapore-based social service agencies for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of SIA’s training centre. Details of the community initiatives and promotions can be found in Annexe A. Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “As we celebrate Singapore’s 60-year nation-building journey, the SIA Group is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our customers and the Singapore public. Our story is intertwined with Singapore’s growth and progress as a country, and the Celebrating with Singapore campaign is our way of expressing gratitude, giving back to the community, and marking SG60 …

The Indian School of Hospitality brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and future professionals for Blueprint Conclave 2025. The conclave was designed to spark conversations that would shape the next decade of India’s travel and tourism industry. Delving into the theme “Travel & Tourism 2035: Building India’s Next Decade,” the conclave focused on how the industry must evolve in response to changing consumer behavior, sustainability priorities, and digital transformation. Some of the distinguished industry stalwarts who graced the event with their esteemed presence included Mr. Sharad Vats, Founder, Director, Nature Safari India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Santosh Kumar, Country Head, Indian sub-continent & Indonesia, Booking.com, Mr. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Thomas Cook India, Mr. Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, India and beyond, Mr. Aviral Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer & HR Head, Zostel, and Ms. Dipti Mohan, Associate Vice President, Research HVS. Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director of the Indian School of Hospitality, highlighted the purpose of Blueprint Conclave 2025, stating, “At ISH, we are built by the industry, for the industry. Our role is to create meaningful discussions that lead to action. Blueprint Conclave 2025 is a structured platform where industry leaders, policymakers, and academia come together to deliberate on what’s next. The conversations that happened here will be captured, analyzed, and recirculated back to the industry. They will reach decision-makers, shape perspectives, and contribute to the evolving landscape of travel and tourism. Our purpose is clear, we are the bridge between knowledge and impact, bringing together the voices that matter to influence the future of this sector.” Echoing his views, Dean Smeetha Guha, Indian School of Hospitality, emphasized the role of academia in shaping future industry …

Oman, a land of striking contrasts, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant capital of Muscat to the lush landscapes of Salalah and the cool mountain air of Jebel Akhdar, this diverse country promises a wealth of experiences for families, adventure seekers, honeymooners, and food lovers alike. Muscat: Where Tradition Meets Modernity Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a perfect mix of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. Families can enjoy a visit to the Royal Opera House, where world-class performances take place, or explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of architecture. For an educational and fun outing, the Oman Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits for kids. For adventure enthusiasts, Muscat is a gateway to several thrilling activities. The nearby Wadi Shab, a stunning canyon, offers a picturesque hike with hidden waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Alternatively, a boat trip to the Dolphin Watching Area gives you the chance to spot playful dolphins and enjoy Oman’s breathtaking coastline. Muscat is also a haven for honeymooners. A romantic sunset dhow cruise along the coastline, where you can soak in the views of the dramatic cliffs and the gentle waves, is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, a stay at one of Muscat’s luxurious resorts, like Al Bustan Palace, provides the perfect setting for relaxation and intimate moments. Salalah: A Tropical Paradise Salalah, located in the Dhofar region, is often referred to as the ‘Garden City’ of Oman. Known for its unique monsoon season, Salalah offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the rest of the country. Families will enjoy exploring the lush greenery of Al Mughsail Beach and the cascading Wadi Darbat, where …

Deeping its commitment to India, Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced plans to expand its presence in the country by launching its luxury and upper midscale brands in key emerging markets. With rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity reshaping India’s hospitality landscape, Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide. In addition to exploring opportunities in India’s Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit’s recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December 2024, and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (set to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts. With a diverse brand portfolio spanning the ultra-luxury Devarana – Dusit Retreats to upper midscale and midscale brands such as Dusit Princess and ASAI Hotels, Dusit plans to tap underserved locations where it can leverage its expertise in delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to meet the needs of today’s business and leisure travellers. Prioritising quality over quantity, the company is thoughtfully selecting locations that align with its ethos of premium, experience-driven hospitality – offering a distinctive blend of holistic wellness, contemporary design, and exceptional service. As part of this vision, Dusit is preparing to launch six additional hotels across the country. The upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand will debut in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 …