GMR Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports ecosystem, is proud to announce a landmark 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for rugby, to launch the Rugby Premier League. Set to debut in 2025, the RPL will be one of the world’s first franchise-based rugby leagues, featuring six city-based teams and showcasing elite talent from top rugby nations globally. This partnership signifies a bold step forward for GMR Sports as it extends its legacy of innovation and excellence into the realm of Rugby 7s, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sports in the world. Speaking on this transformative collaboration, Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, said: “At GMR Sports, we believe in driving the future of sports in India by creating platforms that inspire athletes and fans alike. The Rugby Premier League is not just a league—it is a movement to bring world-class rugby to India while fostering grassroots development. Partnering with Rugby India reflects our commitment to creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in every sport we touch. We are excited to be at the forefront of this exciting new chapter in Indian sports.” The Rugby Premier League promises to captivate audiences while building a strong foundation for rugby’s growth in India. By exposing young Indian talent to international players and top-tier coaching, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, emphasized the league’s transformative potential, saying: “The Rugby Premier League is a game-changer for rugby in India. With World Rugby’s support and GMR Sports’ expertise, we are set to deliver a league that showcases the finest talent and professionalism. Fans can expect nothing …

The event brought together more than 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries, including Russia, Brazil, India and China, as well as countries of the Global South. The congress became the largest Russian event for an international audience in this particular sphere. Moscow recently hosted, the second edition of Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition, which brought together over 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries — including Russia, Brazil, India, and China — as well as nations from the Global South. This congress marked the largest Russian event catering to an international audience in the MICE sector. Now in its second year, the congress saw its participation and expert presence double, firmly establishing Moscow as a pivotal hub for fostering interaction, building connections, and creating new business opportunities among representatives from 17 BRICS and Global South countries. The core theme of this year’s business program was “Global Challenges and Trends of the MICE Industry: Towards Sustainable Development through the Prism of Experience and Knowledge of BRICS Countries and the Global South”.  Participants explored the major transformations shaping the global MICE market and discussed strategies for ensuring sustainable development within the industry. The program included sessions addressing key issues relevant to both public and private sectors. Topics ranged from developing congress and exhibition infrastructure to leveraging new technological solutions like big data and artificial intelligence. With 13 business sessions featuring over 50 Russian and international experts, the congress saw high-profile contributions from figures such as Dmitry Vakhrukov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee; Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, Immediate Past Vice Chairman of the …

 India’s global travel hotspot with a Blend of History, Wildlife, and Culture  Madhya Pradesh is a Tiger State with UNESCO Heritage Gems  Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh highlighted in WSJ Showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s Allure Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025”. This accolade highlights the state’s rich heritage, unparalleled wildlife, and exceptional natural beauty. The Heart of Incredible India beckons travel enthusiasts to dive into the state, where every celebration is a thrilling escapade! Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla expressed delight saying, this global recognition solidifies Madhya Pradesh’s status as a world-class travel destination. With 14 (3 permanent and 11 tentative) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 9 Tiger Reserves, and vibrant cultural experiences, our state offers unique experiences for every traveller. WSJ’s recognition specifically highlights renowned UNESCO World Heritage site Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, celebrated for their cultural significance, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breath-taking landscapes. These destinations showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is actively promoting the state on global platforms to attract international travellers.

As 2024 draws to a close, we at MRG Group reflect on what has been an extraordinary year of growth, innovation, and success. This year, our flagship ventures—Sanadige Restaurants and Goldfinch Hotels—have continued to uphold their reputation for excellence, delighting guests with unparalleled hospitality and culinary experiences. From introducing new menu innovations at Sanadige to elevating our service standards across Goldfinch Hotels, we have strived to exceed expectations and create memorable moments for our patrons. The Indian hospitality industry, marked by record-breaking occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR), signalling strong recovery and growth. Domestic travel, corporate events, and India’s global presence through events like the G20 and the Cricket World Cup played pivotal roles in this resurgence. We at MRG Group have seen a huge growth in our HOSPITALITY as well as REAL ESTATE business. At MRG Group, we witnessed this positive momentum first-hand. The launch of our new property in Navi Mumbai is a testament to our commitment to expanding in high-potential markets. This year has reinforced the industry’s adaptability and the increasing demand for experiential travel. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the continued growth of leisure, MICE, and corporate travel, while remaining mindful of challenges like rising operational costs. MRG Group remains dedicated to delivering excellence in hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.” This renewed momentum has not only driven business growth but has also reaffirmed the timeless value of genuine hospitality. Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism for 2025. The new year promises to be a transformative one for MRG Group as we actively explore new avenues for expansion. With plans for strategic acquisitions and partnerships with international brands, we aim to …

Lily Beach Resort & Spa invites you to experience an unforgettable Festive Season in tropical luxury from December 22nd, 2024, to January 5th, 2025. This year’s celebration features captivating performances by renowned painter Elvira Carrasco, magician Adrian Chong, and the dazzling fire dancer Igor, all set to create magical moments throughout the festivities. The extensive program is designed for both adults and children, ensuring a truly memorable holiday for everyone. Festivities begin on December 23rd with early morning yoga and meditation, followed by exciting snorkelling excursions. In the evening, the enchanting Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place, accompanied by traditional carols—a must-see for guests of all ages. On December 24th, the day will start with sunrise yoga at Tamara Spa, followed by an island and snorkelling excursion. The evening will feature a sumptuous Christmas Gala Dinner, which Lily Beach is known for. As the award-winning All-Inclusive resort, Lily Beach most recently won the Wine Spectators Award for Excellence 2024 for the exquisite selection of more than 80 premium wines available at the resort. The dinner will be followed by a lively Bingo game, and performances from a live band and DJ, creating a fun-filled evening to dance the night away. Christmas Day, December 25th, brings an artistic touch with a live painting session by Elvira Carrasco, who will captivate guests with her distinctive style. Guests can participate in her art sessions, have their portraits painted, or simply marvel at her talent. Elvira will be on the island through January 1st, concluding with an art exhibition. The day’s festivities will continue with snorkelling, a lagoon-side Champagne toast, and an Asian Street Food dinner, followed by live music and karaoke to …

The Education Promotion Society for India successfully hosted a comprehensive Round Table Discussion and Felicitation Program on December 16, 2024, in New Delhi. The gathering brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and educational entrepreneurs to discuss the transformative role of the private sector in higher education in India. The programme commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Prof. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, setting the stage for thoughtful dialogues on the “Role of the Private Sector in Transforming Higher Education in India.” The round table discussion, moderated by Mr. Gurucharan Gollerkeri, Director of M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, featured eminent speakers such as Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Pro-Chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research; Dr. Amit Banerjee, Chancellor of Siksha O Anusandhan; Prof. Victor Gambhir, President of JECRC University, Jaipur; Prof. N J Pawar, Vice Chancellor of Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth; and Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of Goa Institute of Management. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to enhancing accessibility and bridging the skills gap in higher education. Private institutions bring in significant innovation, investment, and expertise, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, introducing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering industry-academia collaborations. Following the discussion, a session on Leadership and Excellence in Education was held, with Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education, delivering the chief guest address, emphasising the necessity for private sector involvement in education. Dr. MR Jayaram, President, EPSI Chancellor, Ramaiah University said, “The participation of the private sector is vital for creating a more inclusive and accessible education system that can cater to diverse populations and drive socio-economic development. It …

Clarks Resort announced the appointment of Sarvesh Kumar Singh as General Manager. With over 20 years of extensive background in hospitality, he has served in all the departments. His skillsets includes managing finances, promoting and marketing the business, grievance handling, ensuring the smooth running of the property, in his new role he aims to maximize revenue and optimize operational costs. Throughout his career, Mr. Singh has made significant contributions to renowned Domestic brands such as The Great Kabab Factory, Le Meridien, Brij Gajkesari Bikaner and many more. In his new capacity, he will be responsible for the development of strategies and asset management within Clarks Resort portfolio. His proficiency in enhancing business processes is expected to improve commercial effectiveness across all projects under the brand. His appointment is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and reaffirms its position as India’s fastest-growing hotel brand. Mr. Prakash Bedi, VP, Clarks Safari, Resort & Collection shares,” Clarks brand is growing at a fast pace, with new property signing, and entering domestic market, Sarvesh would be perfect for the role. His extensive experience in managing properties, entering virgin markets, will help in increasing the revenue and the market share.” Sarvesh Kumar Singh shared “It’s a privilege to join Clarks Resort the Archis Castle, especially in the current time, when the brand has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. I am enthusiastic about playing a crucial role and contributing to the ongoing success of our new ventures throughout India. Together with my team, we can explore new opportunities and put the brand on the domestic map.”

Home to one of South East Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s Sabah region is keen to accelerate its India growth story. With the latest arrival figure available now, Sabah has shown robust growth from the Indian market. Sabah has received 7,249 Indian tourists during the January – September 2024 period posting a significant jump in arrivals from last year’s nearly 6,000 Indian visitors for the whole year. The first three quarter growth over the corresponding period last year is over 60 percent. With the Indian visitor arrival target set at over 10,000 for 2024, Sabah Tourism Board is also eyeing an ambitious over 60% growth for the current year that it looks well set to meet. The region’s pre-pandemic 2019 Indian visitor arrivals was also around 6,000 that it recovered last year. India is projected to grow from 2023’s already strong 27.2 million outbound market size, to a staggering 50 million outbound travel market by 2030. Sabah is keen to corner a greater slice of this market. To further strengthen its presence in India, STB has partnered with Blink Brand Solutions, in a joint marketing campaign. This collaboration aims to drive targeted campaigns and increase destination awareness. Speaking about the partnership, STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit expressed optimism about the potential of the Indian market. “The growth numbers are very encouraging, but we are only beginning to tap into the enormous potential of the Indian outbound travel segment,” he said. Furthermore, citing a McKinsey report, Jimit said, “By the end of this decade India will be a US$ 143.5 billion outbound travel market and that’s staggering. The same report also says that 70 percent of Indian outbound travellers chose …

Get ready for the vibrant Brahmaputra Carnival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brahmaputra River. This unique three-month extravaganza will take place from December 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025. The 90-day carnival will be held along the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat in Assam. Prepare for a dynamic fusion of tranquility and adventure, with the mighty river serving as the heart of the celebration. It promises an immersive experience that blends rich cultural traditions with thrilling adventures and luxurious accommodations. This grand carnival features a range of exciting activities, such as glamping, water sports, live concerts, and showcases of culinary heritage and handicrafts. Thrill-seekers can enjoy exhilarating activities like speedboat rides, kayaking on serene waters, tackling challenging terrains on ATVs, river rafting, water rollers, archery, bungee jumping, jet skiing, and many more fun-filled experiences. The event also offers a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents through traditional music and dance, enriching the cultural experience. For those seeking relaxation, the festival provides a luxurious glamping experience with three categories of tents: Royal Tents, Premium Tents, and Deluxe Tents. Each option offers a comfortable and stylish retreat, complete with modern amenities and breathtaking river views. Beyond the carnival grounds, explore the captivating tourist attractions of Guwahati. Visit the revered Kamakhya Temple, encounter diverse wildlife at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, or find serenity at the Umananda Temple. For convenience, Guwahati Airport is located just 22.5 km from Lachit Ghat, with taxis and prepaid auto-rickshaws readily available. Additionally, Guwahati Railway Station is only 2.4 km away from the carnival site, providing easy access via various transport options. Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government …

Taiwan Tourism Administration, the destination marketing organisation responsible for the promotion of Taiwan as a premier travel destination, has announced the appointment of Paul Shih as the Director of TTA, Singapore Office. Shih brings a wealth of knowledge, significant experience and proven leadership roles from across sectors in key positions. In his new role, Shih is responsible for India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Middle East tourism markets. He will oversee all TTA’s operations in these markets to prepare Taiwan Tourism for its next phase of growth. He replaces Joseph Cheng who held this role earlier and was instrumental in relaunching Taiwan’s post-Covid tourism interests in several key markets, including emerging tourism markets like India. Shih’s overall responsibility encompasses developing the markets he is responsible for to enhance Taiwan’s visibility and destination awareness and boost visitation. Shih will also be responsible to unfold Taiwan latest destination marketing and publicity campaign ‘Taiwan – Waves of Wonder’ in order to grow leisure and business travel from across India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Middle East markets. “I am incredibly honoured and excited to lead Taiwan in some of the most dynamic international tourism source markets like India, Middle East amongst others. Taiwan is one of the world’s premier travel destinations and packs tremendous destination punch within its small geography that has never ceased to delight and entertain international visitors. It would be my utmost endeavor to take brand Taiwan, the marketing and promotion of the diverse destination,  its offerings and experiences to newer heights and help create destination demand across sectors like business, leisure and MICE tourism in these markets,” Shih said while commenting on his appointment. Shih will also …