Travstarz Global Group, A Trip.com Invested Company concluded its Multicity Road Shows with its last show in Indore last month. The shows started with Travstarz Egypt DMC Showcase in Delhi which was presented by Mr. Ali ElSamman, Director – Operations, Travstarz Egypt DMC who was in India. It was followed up by Travstarz Networking Events in Amritsar, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ludhiana and finally concluding at Indore over the last few months of 2024. The well attended events saw over 40 to 50 agents in each city even for Lunch Events on working days. Pankaj Nagpal, Managing Director, Travstarz Global Group added “We restarted our operations late in 2022 post Covid and as a part of our revised strategy to focus on our Core Business of DMC and Hotel Consolidations, Visas and Marketing, we took this initiative to reconnect with all our Travel Agent Partners across India who have been supporting us for the past over 15 years now to showcase our latest offerings in terms of our Destinations and services. We have discontinued selling few destinations and have added newer and more interesting destinations like Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan and Vietnam to our Portfolio and have a strong on ground presence in these countries. With our Partner Head Quarters in Los Angeles, USA, we now have unique and unmatched offering for USA and Canada both with over 600 short and long-haul itineraries for these countries alone. Also, as a part of our new strategy, we now have pre-purchased inventory of hotels and flights at various destinations with excellent rates and service delivery and we wanted to share the same further and network and reconnect with all our partners …

Hahnair, a charter airline and premier distribution partner for airlines worldwide, proudly announces a partnership with renowned Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg. This collaboration will see Nico Hülkenberg prominently displaying the Hahnair logo on his helmet throughout the 2024 racing season. Nico Hülkenberg will benefit from Hahnair’s unparalleled commitment to safety, service, and comfort, traveling to his races with the airline’s top-tier aircraft and crew. This strategic alliance underscores the similarities between the precision and innovation of Formula 1 racing and the advanced, efficient airline distribution services provided by Hahnair. Daniel Rudas, General Manager and COO of Hahnair said, “Hahnair is delighted to partner with Nico Hülkenberg, an exceptional athlete who embodies speed, commitment to success, and the skills to master powerful technology” “Hahnair ensures that airlines achieve accelerated success in the highly competitive airline distribution market, mirroring the relentless drive and cutting-edge performance seen in Formula 1.” Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Nico Hülkenberg commented, “Traveling with Hahnair, I can count on their first-class Connoisseur Service as well as reliably arriving at my races in time.” Nico Hülkenberg drives for the Haas F1 Team in Formula One. He won the GP2 Series Championship in 2009 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, and he is a previous champion of both the Formula 3 Euro Series and A1 Grand Prix, as part of A1 Team Germany. Hahnair is a scheduled and charter airline providing first-class service to passengers. The airline is also renowned for its distribution solutions for airlines as well as ticketing services for travel agents worldwide. The company currently partners with 350 airlines and more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. For more information on Hahnair, visit www.hahnair.com.

Marriott India is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Project Buniyaad by Honda India Foundation, enhancing its commitment to community development by integrating initiatives with Skill India and promoting women empowerment across the nation. Project Buniyaad – Athmanirbharta Ka Aadhar, launched by Honda India Foundation, focuses on equipping individuals with essential skills through education, vocational training and promoting environmental stewardship in North-East region of India & Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Marriott India, renowned for its excellence in hospitality and dedication to enhancing community well-being, is honored to align with this impactful initiative. Marriott India’s initiative to invest in training youth in hospitality demonstrates a commendable commitment to both social responsibility and industry development. By allocating resources to equip these individuals with valuable skills and knowledge, Marriott not only empowers them to build sustainable careers but also enriches the hospitality sector with a diverse talent pool. Offering paid internships following their training, further underscores Marriott’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. This initiative not only transforms lives but also contributes positively to the broader economy by ensuring more equitable access to professional pathways within the hospitality industry. Under this initiative, unemployed youth will receive 3 months training from ­Visan Foundation post which a certification will be provided from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council. Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia – Marriott International said, “We are excited to join hands with Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhar by Honda India Foundation” “Together, we aim to contribute to the socio-economic development of communities through education, skills training and promoting sustainable practices.” We believe that empowering individuals with skills and knowledge is key to sustainable …

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Sachin Jadhaf as the new Assistant Director of Human Resources. Sachin, who has been an integral part of the Le Meridien Maldives team since its pre-opening phase in September 2021, will now take on a pivotal role in steering the HR department towards continued excellence and innovation. Sachin’s journey with Le Meridien Maldives has been marked by his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a profound commitment to Marriott International’s core values of ‘putting people first’ and ‘acting with integrity’. His contributions have been instrumental in fostering a workplace culture that emphasises respect, collaboration, and personal growth. In his new role, Sachin will continue to prioritise the well-being and development of our associates. His people-centric approach aligns perfectly with Marriott’s belief that taking care of our employees ensures they take care of our guests. Sachin has consistently demonstrated his ability to inspire and nurture talent, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Integrity is at the heart of Sachin’s leadership style. He has shown unwavering commitment to ethical practices and transparent communication, earning the trust and respect of both colleagues and partners. Under his guidance, the HR department will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that our policies and practices reflect our dedication to fairness and honesty. Sachin’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the unique dynamics of Le Meridien Maldives make him the ideal candidate for this role. As we look to the future, his leadership will be instrumental in driving our mission to provide exceptional service and memorable experiences for our guests, while also creating a …

I am thrilled to announce that Radisson Blu Hotels and Suites GRT, Chennai embarks on 25 years of presence in the heart of Chennai. We celebrate this exciting time with the first-of-its-kind launch, an exclusive all-suite wing for the local communities and discerning travelers. We invite you to indulge in this urban oasis and discover our new all-suite wing, which transports you into a built-in design and compelling architecture taking you to a relaxed state of mind. Introducing the Biophilia suites is a unique concept where you become one with nature. The lush indoor terrariums welcome you into the corridors, creating a verdant pathway that breathes life into this space. This all-new suite wing is designed around cutting-edge technology, enticing nature-filled architecture that transports your mind to a relaxed state, wellness is incorporated in every aspect, and state-of-the-art decor keeping in mind everything a guest needs during their stay. Located in the heart of the city’s business district close to major IT parks like Guindy Industrial Hub, Olympia Tech Park, Tamarai Tech Park, MEPZ, Shriram Gateway IT Park, Chennai Trade Centre, DLF IT Park and easily accessible to the industrial hubs of Mahindra World City, Oragadam, 200 ft Radial Road and Sriperumbudur. The hotel is also located near all major hospitals in Chennai and closer to the airport. Needless to say, our signature award-winning restaurants, which I am sure most of you have already enjoyed and talked about. We value each of your differential experiences through this culinary journey and have so many more to share with our festivities, promotions, and events keeping up with the vibrant city of Chennai.

“Hemant Mediratta, CEO, One Rep Global, a prominent firm specializing in luxury hospitality and tourism representation, highlights the increasing trend of sports and entertainment-focused outbound tourism. “As India’s outbound tourism continues to flourish, more travellers are seeking immersive experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. There’s a noticeable surge in demand for travel experiences centered around sports and entertainment with 33% Indians travellers are keen to travel to attend music festivals and 23% of them consider sporting events like Olympics and Formula1 while choosing travel destination . We observed this trend last year as well during Mini football World Cup 2023 organised in Ras Al Khaimah. There was a significant increase in the travellers to the destination specifically for the event.” He also elaborates on the expanding scope of this trend, pointing to the growing interest in international sporting events beyond Cricket, “Events such as the Olympics and UEFA European Championships are attracting travellers to destinations like Paris and Berlin and music enthusiasts are traveling overseas to attend concerts by global icons like Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and festivals like Tomorrowland in Belgium. Travellers are amalgamating their usual itinerary with travel for sports and entertainment. For instance, visitors to Paris during the Olympics can shop at the iconic locales like Galeries Lafayette Hausmann Paris, enriching their experience beyond the sport. Similarly, fans visiting Amsterdam for a Taylor Swift concert or Tomorrowland, can enhance their stay at luxurious accommodations such as De L’Europe, Amsterdam and Botanic Sanctuary, respectively.”

Euro Khmer Voyages – Mr. Kunthea Eng (Cambodia) and Go Smart Tourism – Mr. Jeetendra Wagh (India), with the support of the Ministry of Tourism (Cambodia) and the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), recently organized a FAM Trip for Indian travel agents. This milestone event coincided with the inaugural flight to Cambodia, offering a unique opportunity for participants to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic tourism offerings. The trip aimed to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Cambodia among Indian travel professionals, fostering stronger connections between the two countries’ tourism industries. The participating agents visited key tourist attractions, experienced authentic Cambodian hospitality, and engaged with local tourism stakeholders. This Fam Trip not only provided valuable insights into Cambodia’s tourism potential but also strengthened the collaboration between Indian travel agents and Cambodian tourism partners, paving the way for increased travel and cultural exchange.

First Group Focuses on Yilan, Followed by Taichung and Kaohsiung Inspections in the Second Half of the Year To actively cultivate the international tourist market, the Ministry of Transportation and Communication’s Tourism Administration, Taiwan, in addition to focusing on the main markets of Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, is now also targeting the significant consumer markets of Indonesia and India as important new expansion points. Following the establishment of the “Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Mumbai”, India’s largest economic city, on February 7, 2024, the Administration invited ten travel agencies specializing in incentive travel to Taiwan from June 20 to 25. This marks the first post-pandemic group, aiming to “prioritize the short-term development of the MICE market and target the mass market in the long term” through a phased marketing strategy. To seize the opportunity for Indian businesses to visit Taiwan, the Administration also organized a “Taiwan-India Tourism B2B Networking Session” on the 24th, attracting about 15 businesses from travel agencies, hotels, and the tourism and leisure industry. The atmosphere at the event was very lively, facilitating face-to-face interactions and business connections between Taiwanese and Indian tourism professionals. The Administration highlighted that India is the world’s most populous country, with approximately 40,000 Indian tourists visiting Taiwan annually before the pandemic. With its rapidly growing economic strength and diverse culture, the “new wealthy class” and “business traveller segment” are highly promising and valuable markets. This year’s visitor numbers are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. Through this inspection and exchange meeting, Indian businesses gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan, laying the foundation for strengthened cooperation between Taiwanese and Indian tourism industries. It is also …

Oman’s fastest-growing low-cost carrier, SalamAir is delighted to declare the launch of its newest route, connecting Muscat to the vibrant capital city of India, New Delhi. Starting from 2nd July, SalamAir will operate twice-weekly flights to Delhi, with services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This milestone signifies a new chapter in Salam Air’s commitment to providing exceptional service, unparalleled comfort, and seamless connectivity to passengers traveling between Oman and India and beyond. The introduction of flights to Delhi represents a significant step forward for SalamAir as they continue to expand their network to meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient travel options. This new route will strengthen connections between Oman and India, benefiting the expat community, leisure travelers, and business professionals alike. To further improve the travel experience, SalamAir offers competitive fares and excellent service, making it a popular choice among travelers who want to explore new destinations, thereby enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of travel between India and Oman and beyond.

Strategic expansion strategy, including world-class hotels in Thailand, Japan and the Maldives, propel company to the top of Brand Finance’s “Thailand 50” report Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is thrilled to announce that it has been recognised as the strongest brand in Brand Finance’s prestigious “Thailand 50” report for 2024. This marks the second consecutive year that “Centara Hotels & Resorts” has topped this distinguished list, after its flagship five-star concept, Centara Grand, was named as Thailand’s best brand last year, reaffirming the group’s position at the pinnacle of customer satisfaction and service excellence. Brand Finance’s Thailand 50 report evaluates brands based on a range of criteria, including brand equity, trust, and financial performance. Centara’s achievement (as a corporate brand, rather than its popular Centara upscale hotel concept), reflects the significant strides this proud Thai company has taken towards becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027. The success of Centara Hotels & Resorts in the last 12 months was demonstrated by the realisation of several major projects including the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a spectacular 33-storey urban icon which marked the group’s debut in Japan. This important opening reflects how Centara is continuing to introduce its industry-leading brands to key global destinations. Whilst in Thailand, the launch of Centara Ayutthaya underscored the company’s commitment to bringing world-class hospitality to all parts of the kingdom, and the recent opening of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, marked the international debut of COSI, the innovative and affordable lifestyle brand. Now, Centara will continue to strengthen its domestic and international portfolio with a series of key openings and upgrades in 2024 and beyond. In Thailand, Centara Life …