Clarks Collection, a premium brand, falls under the Clarks aegis, Plans to increase pan By the end of this fiscal year, India will have added 10 new properties. They already have four properties located in Baroda, Ahmedabad, Somnath, and Bhavnagar. The brand is extensively present in Gujarat and now wants to open properties in the rest of India, majorly focusing on Ajmer, Udaipur, Kumbalgarh, etc. Clarks Collection will cater to business travelers, upscale tourists, and experiential-seeking travelers. As a part of a strategic move, the group will open properties with a minimum of 300 rooms, along with a conference hall, restaurant, and other key facilities needed by business travelers. The hospitality chain works on the principle of “Value for money”, where guests are provide convenient facilities and amenities, at affordable prices. The properties have big lawns, and state-of-the-art conference halls to conduct offsite training, corporate get-togethers, workshops, dealers meet, etc. The Cube under Clarks Collection, Ahmedabad, is the signature property with a hundred keys. It is spread over an area of 350 acres, with a man-made lake inside the property. The property has a theatre with a seating capacity of 50 Pax. It is good for those who want to spend their whole day, in a luxury setup while enjoying different activities on the resort. Along with the restaurant, the place will have different options like live music, Zorba ball, snooker parlor, pool party, drum circle, and many more. Clarks Collection Somnath is targeting business and spiritual travelers. The property has 50 rooms spread across three categories. They have an in-house banquet hall spread over 5000 sqft, a vegetarian restaurant providing Satvik food, a gym, and a spa on the …

As travelers take to the skies once again, digital travel platform Agoda offers the most popular domestic and international flight destinations so far in 2023.  In India, the most popular international destination is Dubai, followed by Bangkok, Bali, Singapore and Hanoi. The ranking shows a clear preference for Southeast Asia, with four of the destinations falling in that category. Domestically, Indians are taking off for New Delhi and NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune, rounding out the top five. Based on Agoda’s booking data, four of the five most popular international flight destinations are nestled in Southeast Asia, with Bangkok in first place. Singapore in second, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in fourth, and Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur in fifth also represent Southeast Asia. Seoul, South Korea splits the top five, coming in as third most popular international flight destination. “Many factors contribute to the popularity of Southeast Asian cities”, said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply, Agoda. “These cities represent five bustling metropolises, with rich culture and history, an exquisite culinary scene, and unique nightlife. Even with airlines expanding their routes and fleets, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll see these amazing destinations ranking high for years to come.” Agoda has built a global reputation as an online platform for booking hotels and holiday homes, but has seen an increase in flight bookings since the platform launched in 2019. Currently, more than 1,30,000 flight routes can be booked on Agoda.  

Germany is increasingly perceived internationally as a sustainable destination: In the SDG Index, which shows the progress made by 193 nations in meeting the UN climate goals, Germany rises from sixth to fourth place in 2023. According to analyses by IPK, potential guests ranked Germany third out of 27 countries in terms of climate protection and sustainability. The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is making the most of this favourable attention by launching its international “Simply FEEL GOOD” campaign, which offers a variety of eco-friendly vacation suggestions. Commenting on the campaign launch, Petra Hedorfer, CEO, German National Tourist Board (GNTB) says: “With the award-winning ‘Feel good’ campaign, we have already been successfully promoting the variety of certified sustainable products and services on the international markets since 2021. The 2023 campaign shows how a trip to Germany can combine sustainability, enjoyment and a variety of experiences can be combined on a trip to Germany. The travel ideas selected for the campaign reflect how more and more tourist regions, hotels, tour operators, and mobility service providers are aligning themselves sustainably. The strategic orientation and implementation of the campaign pay very specific attention to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thus underpin our claim to make German incoming tourism more sustainable.” Simply FEEL GOOD 2023 The central element of the GNTB campaign is a landing page at www.germany.travel. This hub of inspiration and information presents almost 140 sustainable tourism travel ideas that were selected in a call for proposals. The four clusters “Discover,” “Enjoy,” “Stay” and “On Tour” make it easier to find your way around. In addition, maps of Germany link to further sustainable travel options to the thematic websites …

SRM University Institute of Hotel Management (SRM IHM), a renowned institution in North India today declare a strategic collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hotel industry. The four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the institutions will cover the areas relating to Academia Industry Partnership, including the representation of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on the Board of Studies Committee of SRM IHM as well as internship and placement opportunities for students at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts properties across the region. As part of the Academia Industry Partnership, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will assist SRM IHM in delivering sessions on professional excellence by participating in regular guest lectures and workshops moderated by corporate employees and hotel GMs. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will also facilitate tailored internship and placement opportunities at their hotels in the area, providing SRM IHM students vital hands-on experience in order to prepare them for the hospitality industry upon graduation. Detailing his vision for the partnership, Dr Ravi Pachamothoo, Chancellor of SRM University Stated, stated, “At SRM University we strongly believe in the industry relevant quality education and providing skills to the student which make them ready for the real world. Our strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will help us further our vision and enable students at SRM IHM to connect and talk to industry experts and know about subjects and issues that there relevant in the hospitality industry.” Further underlining the significance of the partnership, Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, stated, “At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, we view our investment in the next generation of students as a commitment to the future of the hospitality industry. By sharing …

IDMC World Celebrates Success in Showcasing B2B Packages for Indian Destinations and MICE, Including Destination Weddings. IDMC World, a leader in providing B2B packages for Indian destinations, MICE, and destination weddings, is delighted to highlight its achievements following a series of successful road shows in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The recent road shows held in Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Patna showcased IDMC World’s commitment to offering exceptional B2B solutions tailored to the unique and vibrant Indian market. These events served as a platform for industry professionals, event planners, and partners to discover the rich array of opportunities provided by IDMC World. As a leading provider in this segment, IDMC World has demonstrated its dedication to facilitating memorable experiences for clients looking to explore India as a destination for business events, incentives, conferences, and the increasingly popular trend of destination weddings. Vikas Gupta, Director of IDMC World commented, “We take pride in our role as facilitators of unforgettable experiences”. “Our B2B packages are designed to make Indian destinations and the concept of MICE, including destination weddings, more accessible and appealing to a global audience. The success of our road shows reflects the growing interest in India as a top choice for various events and celebrations.” During these road shows, attendees had the opportunity to engage with IDMC World’s team of experts, gaining insights into the diverse packages and services available. The company’s comprehensive offerings range from tailored event planning and logistics to exclusive cultural experiences and breathtaking wedding venues. IDMC World expresses its sincere appreciation to all those who attended and contributed to the success of these road shows. The company remains dedicated to nurturing partnerships, creating memorable experiences, and continuing …

Clarks Collection signs a new property in Pune under its umbrella. The brand Clarks Collection Pune will cater to business travelers, upscale tourists, and experiential-seeking travelers. The brand is already making a presence in the western part of India, by opening many properties in different cities of Gujarat. They are now entering Maharashtra by opening the first property in Pune. By the end of the financial year 2024, the brand will add 10 more properties to the current portfolio. They are looking for geographical expansion in Ajmer, Udaipur, Kumbalgarh, Ahmedabad, etc. The newly signed property is centrally located and enjoys good connectivity. It is spread over an area of 22000 sqft. The property will have 87 rooms inventory spread across categories, each room will be furnished with all the amenities, needed by the travelers to make their stay comfortable. The resort is equipped with all the facilities, for a family picnic, couple celebration, corporate gathering, or for a memorable outing. They will also have banquet space spread in an area of 2000 sqft, along with a small lawn for conducting functions, corporate meets, or any other event. Various experientials will be curated targeting different sets of audiences. The in-house restaurant will serve multiple cuisines, chiefly North Indian, continental, and also Maharashtrian food. Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President, of Clarks Collection shares, “We are planning to expand pan India and targeting 65% occupancy in the coming financial year. We believe experience plays an important role in the hospitality industry, and we are designing personalized itineraries for our guests. We plan to showcase our newly signed property as a major hub for mice and family outings. But all this luxury will not …

Café Akasa, the onboard meal service of Akasa Air, introduced a special Onam meal for travellers to savour the authentic flavours of this southern Indian festival and enjoy traditions from across India even while flying. As an ode to this custom, the meal comprises of regional favourites such as spicy kadala curry wrap in malabari paratha which is a black Bengal gram curry in a griddled fried layered Paratha. This is served with traditional delicacies – Neiappam and Ada Pradhaman along with a choice of beverage. The special festive meal is available from 1st August to 31st August, 2023 across the Akasa Air network and can be pre-booked on Akasa Air’s website or mobile app as well as with select online travel agents (OTAs). Like the traditional onam meal, this specialty has had an emphasis on nutrition and richness nutritional values and the highest standards of hygiene and quality. As a part of Café Akasa’s refreshed menu, customers can now expect an expansive choice of over 60 meal options including healthy, fusion, festive and gourmet meals that cater to a wide array of diets and palettes. Since beginning operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has introduced specially curated meal options that are motivated by regional specialties connected with celebrations during popular festivals and special occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Makar Sankranti, Valentine’s Day, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Mother’s Day, International Yoga Day, and Monsoon. The airline also provide a pre-selection of cakes on its regular menu for flyers who want to celebrate the birthdays of their loved ones in the skies.

Jazeera Airways today declare financial results for the first half (1H) of 2023 with total revenues up 26.1% to KD97.85 million and operating profits of KD9.35 million. Net profit for the period was KD6.27 million compared to KD 7.38 million for the same period last year. Profits for the last year also included a “one-off” gain of KD1.73 million from the airline’s sale and lease-back of engines. With a strong demand for air travel, Jazeera’s passenger traffic showed a 40.9% increase to 2.1 million for the first half of the year. Load factors also increased by 4.1% to reach 78.1% in H1. Announcing the results, Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways said: “As we share our positive results for the first half of 2023, we remain optimistic and confident of our performance. Demand for travel is high and we are pleased to see that reflected in the increased passenger traffic as well as consistent load factors. We have introduced several new and attractive destinations and look forward to launching others in the next half of the year. While doing so, we continue to focus on maximizing our operational and financial performance through different products, services, and initiatives, in the best interest of all our shareholders, partners and customers.” The Jazeera Airways Board of Directors approved an interim cash dividend of 28 fils per share, a total of KD6.16 million for H1 that reflects the company’s strong cash position. Second Quarter 2023 Review In the second quarter of the year, Jazeera considerably expanded its network by adding direct flights to Moscow, Samarkand, Larnaca, Shiraz, Belgrade, Tirana and Tivat. The airline also became the first GCC carrier to fly direct from Kuwait to …

The Philippines Tourism recently concluded its first city in the four-city India roadshow in New Delhi. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade. The roadshow commenced with New Delhi on 7th August 2023 followed by the cities of Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. In attendance at the roadshow were 14 private players from The Philippines that includes Ark Travel Express, bai hotel Cebu, DOT Central Visayas, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Gi Philippines, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Okada Manila, Philippines Airlines, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Scoot, Shangrila, Shroff International Travel Care, The Farm at San Benito and Uni Orient Travel. The well-attended event had the Indian travel trade conduct successful business interactions with Philippines Tourism officials. The Philippines were confidently marketed as a tourist destination, especially for its natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation, and concurrent Director for Regional office VII, says ‘’India has always been a significant ally for the Philippines, not only in terms of tourism but also due to shared values between the two countries. We take pride in India maintaining its position as a significant contributor of tourist arrivals to the Philippines and eagerly anticipate the country reaching new heights in terms of visitor numbers.’’ During the event, The Philippines Tourism showcased an array of captivating tourist experiences, including thrilling off-road adventures, visits to historic landmarks, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the authentic Philippine village life. Attendees were also treated to the enchanting tale of the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. The presentation further highlighted the breathtaking beauty of the country’s natural …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman recently concluded its four-city India roadshow in Mumbai. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade. The roadshow commenced with Delhi on 24th July 2023 followed by the cities of Jaipur, Kolkata and in Mumbai. In attendance at the roadshow were 12 private players from Oman that include Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bahwan Tourism, Crown Plaza Muscat, DusitD2 Naseem Resort and Jabal Akhdar, Kempinski Hotel, Khimji’s House of Travel, Magic Travels, Sama Travel & Tourism, Tour Oman – Travel Point and Zahara Tours. The two airlines, Oman Air, the national carrier and Salam Air, the first low-cost carrier in the region also had key representatives present including the delegation from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The event, which saw a strong turnout, facilitated successful business interactions between the Indian travel trade and Oman Tourism officials. Agents displayed confidence in promoting Oman as a top-notch tourist destination, particularly for its natural wonders, rich culture, and thrilling adventure activities. Commenting on the roadshow, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman said: “The recent roadshow held in Delhi for Oman Tourism was a tremendous success, leaving us elated with the positive response. Our interactions with agents indicated a strong and enthusiastic dedication to promoting Oman as a top destination for their clients. India has always been a significant ally for Oman, not only in terms of tourism but also due to shared values between the two countries. We take pride in India maintaining its position as the second-highest contributor of tourist arrivals to Oman and eagerly anticipate the country reaching …