–  International Museum Day on 18th May – The first City Museum of the state will be built in the left wing of Moti Mahal in Bhopal, while the right-wing will house the Mahapratapi Raja Bhoj Sangrahalaya – New cultural experience to be gained at Tribal Museum with 7 additional houses of 7 major tribes of the state In a historic move, the Government of India has approved the establishment of the first-ever City Museum in Bhopal. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is setting up the Bhopal City Museum at the left wing of Moti Mahal is a one-of-its-kind project of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to bring forth a Tourist Interpretation Centre / Citizen Engagement Centre for the heritage and culture lovers. Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said that Moti Mahal is an important heritage site in the city and with the high significance of the building, the proposed museum with 11 galleries will focus on the rich history of Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh covering the Historical and Geographical context of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal district and the formation of the city of Bhopal in particular. This highly anticipated museum will showcase the rich tapestry of the region’s history and culture. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by a collection of prehistoric rock paintings, stone tools, archaeological finds, stamps, attire of king and queens from Bhopal and surrounding areas, ancient sculptures, temple remains, and exquisite art from the Bhopal Nawab period. Modern technology will be utilised to create an engaging and informative experience for all age groups. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh is …

Leading the visionary path of the new wave in cruising is Avalon Waterways. Avalon Waterways has redefined river cruising by blending luxury, customization, and attention to detail to create unparalleled travel experiences. With their innovative Suite Ships, featuring the only Open-Air Balconies, and delivering immersive local experiences, Avalon invites travelers to see the world from the unique perspective of the legendary European rivers. In the mission to ensure their travel partners receive a sample of what the experience offers, Avalon Waterways, in partnership with Ottila International hosted a memorable river cruise familiarization on the Danube River, sailing from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary. The select partners sailed on “Danube Dreams” which is a favorite program with many discerning cruisers. They were hosted aboard “Avalon Envision” from amongst the youngest fleet of ships on Europe’s waterways – and witnessed some of Europe’s most spectacular picture postcards views. Mr. Varesh Chopra, Managing Director – Avalon Waterways, South Asia & Middle East said, “Along with Ottila International, we got the privilege of introducing our esteemed partners to the magic of Avalon Waterways cruises and also enriching the knowledge of those already familiar with the brand. The feedback from the advisors has been truly overwhelming!” This demonstrates our dedication to providing unforgettable travel experiences and fostering lasting relationships within the travel agent community. It also underscores the growing interest in river cruising, with Avalon Waterways leading the charge of Mission River Cruising in India. Adding more excitement to this entire effort are the unbeatable deals being offered aboard Avalon waterways in 2024 – so, if your savvy travelers have been looking to explore Europe in a whole new way – There is no comparison …

Roseate Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Paris-based hospitality AI SuperApp, Quicktext to benefit from cutting-edge AI technology for their hotels based in the UK. The brand proffers a collection of seven luxury hotels across India and the United Kingdom, characterised by their unique charm, immaculate hospitality, highest standards of service and attention to the finest detail. Each of the hotels is strategically located and offers its guests a bespoke experience that has been well recognized and featured by key travel and hospitality media across the world. Following an engaging and meticulous process of research, this strategic partnership began with the introduction of Rose, the virtual assistant modelled specifically to reflect the benchmark service standards the brand is synonymous with: optimize guests’ interactions, enrich communication at every touchpoint, boost guest satisfaction, streamline operations and, last but not least, immaculate service. Best of all, the continuous analysis of big data (via (Q-Data & Q-Channel) is delivering actionable insights to Roseate Hotels & Resorts for new high value services, revenue management and personalized marketing campaigns. Quicktext also provides services to optimize sales and content (Q-Sales, Q-SEO, Q-Dynamic). Quicktext, the hospitality AI SuperApp is deeply impacting the world of hospitality marketing and operation with its outstanding, innovative solutions based on Q-Brain+, the hybridisation of classic conversational AI and generative AI. Ravi Birdy, Executive Director, Roseate Hotels & Resorts said, “We encourage and thrive on a culture of immaculate service, evolution, dynamism and growth! As part of our brand vision, we are on a constant quest to improve our products and services in order to offer an enriched, bespoke experience to our guests. The promising avenues that AI has opened today in the world …

LOT Polish Airlines to lease three new E195-E2s from Azorra. All deliveries to take place between end July and Q3 2024. LOT Polish Airlines was the launch customer for Embraer’s first E-jet in March 2004. LOT Polish Airlines will add the Embraer E195-E2 to their fleet to enhance operational flexibility and accommodate network expansion. LOT will lease three new E195-E2 from Azorra, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable growth with the addition of the 25% more efficient E2 to their fleet. The first jet will arrive by the end of July this year, with all aircraft deliveries completed in Q3 2024. LOT requires a flexible solution for its capacity needs as the airline’s network grows. The E2 allows a seamless transition over just a few days for LOT’s existing E1 flight crews, and offers a spacious and comfortable cabin experience for passengers, delivering an unmatched travel experience with no middle seats. The new E2s also add flexibility, complementing LOTs larger narrow body aircraft at similar seat costs. Michał Fijoł, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines said, “Embracing the future with a nod to our pioneering past, we are pleased to announce the lease of three state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 jets from Azorra. This enhancement to our fleet not only marks our continued commitment to sustainable aviation but also celebrates our partnership with Embraer since the introduction of the first E-jet in 2004. With the E195-E2’s efficiency and passenger comfort, we are set to enhance our network, introducing additional frequencies to selected destinations.” Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “LOT is a pioneer airline, the global launch customer for the E-jets, and though 90 airlines have since operated the aircraft – …

Bird Academy, the esteemed educational arm of Bird Group, a prominent conglomerate, has received a ground-breaking invitation from the Odisha Government’s Skill Development & Technical Education Department. This collaboration aims to pioneer skill development and technical education among the youth in Odisha under the innovative scheme named Nutana Unnata Abhilasha , Odisha. In response to this invitation, Bird Academy is committed to meticulously designing specialized education and training programs tailored for the youth in Odisha. The primary focus is on providing them with the skills necessary to secure sustainable employment opportunities in the rapidly expanding fields of Aviation and Hospitality, where currently no such facilities exist in the state. The overarching objective is to cultivate a multi-skilled, competent, and efficient workforce that bridges the considerable skill gap prevalent in these sectors. According to the skill gap report from the Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council, there is a potential for over 1.5 lakh jobs in the ground handling segment alone. In the hospitality sector, as per the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, there is a shortage of about 3.5 lakhs skilled individuals. Bird Academy, drawing from its expertise, will offer specialized training in airport ground handling at its facility in Kochi, Kerala, and pilot training in housekeeping, food & beverage, and front office management at Roseate Hotels & Resorts in New Delhi. The initial phase will witness pilot batches undergoing training, with the first batch of 17 students already joining the institute in Cochin on December 14, 2023. Subsequently, a batch of 60 students will undergo training in Delhi for various roles in hospitality, including Room Boy, Steward/Waiter, and Kitchen – Commi. Radha Bhatia, Chairperson of Bird Group, expressed her …

JW Marriott New Delhi is delighted to declare the appointment of Neha Kapoor as its new Director of Rooms. Ms. Kapoor brings a wealth of experience to this role, boasting over 14 years of success in the hospitality industry. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to driving guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational excellence. Having received prestigious accolades such as the BW Hotelier – Director of Rooms award (East) for 2023 and the Hotelier India – Best Front Office Manager award for 2021, Neha brings a proven ability to drive results. Her career spans across renowned hospitality brands, where she consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and achieved remarkable milestones. In her most recent position as Director of Rooms at the JW Marriott Kolkata, Ms. Kapoor spearheaded all aspects of the rooms division. This included overseeing room inventory management, guest experience, and maintenance. A seasoned leader with a passion for hospitality, Ms. Kapoor is highly respected within the industry for her exceptional skills across various areas. Her comprehensive understanding of both rooms and engineering operations allows her to ensure seamless guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of quality and comfort. A champion of guest satisfaction, she boasts a proven track record of exceeding expectations. Ms. Kapoor is also a strategic thinker with a keen focus on maximizing revenue and profitability, while her natural leadership abilities inspire and motivate her team members to achieve their full potential. In her own words, Neha Kapoor shares, “My vision is to curate an unparalleled guest experience defined by impeccable service, exquisite comfort, and unwavering attention to detail. With a dedication to innovation and personalized hospitality, we strive to exceed every expectation, creating …

Enhances permissible weight of pet carriage to 10kgs in cabin Achieves milestone of carrying more than 3,200 pets since the launch of Pets on Akasa service Akasa Air, India’s most dependable airline, recently declare key enhancements to its pet-travel service – Pets on Akasa. Moreover, the airline has also crossed the milestone of carrying 3,200+ pets since the service launched in November 2022. As part of the enhancements, Akasa Air now allows customers to travel with pets weighing up to 10 kgs in the cabin – an increase from the previous limit of 7 kgs. This change has been introduced keeping customer feedback in mind, reflecting the airline’s commitment to continuously enhance its services to meet the evolving travel needs of its customers. In addition, Akasa Air is implementing an enhanced travel certificate policy to provide greater flexibility for customers. Travel certificates issued for pets will now remain valid for up to 15 days instead of three days, adding convenience for customers booked on return for short-term travel. Customers travelling for longer than 15 days will be required to obtain a new travel certificate. Customers booked with their pets on Akasa Air, also enjoy a host of complimentary value-added services such as a pre-booked window seat, priority baggage delivery and priority boarding that elevates their flying experience. Akasa Air has invested in extensive research and training across its customer care centre, airports, and in-flight teams, underscoring the airline’s dedication towards maintaining the highest standards of care, safety, and comfort throughout the journey. Furthermore, Akasa Air has also partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation to implement best practices by collaborating across processes and policies to continuously enhance pet comfort and safety. …

The Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2024, served as a pivotal platform for Goa Tourism which was held from May 5th-7th, 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This prestigious event gathered travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, and other influential stakeholders from all around the world, to not only highlight but also explore the diverse and rich tapestry of India’s tourism offerings. At GITB, Goa Tourism’s presentation emerged as a focal point, captivating attendees and sparking their imaginations with the promise of unforgettable experiences. With its pristine coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant entertainment scene, Goa enraptured travelers from around the globe. Led by dedicated delegates such as Mr. Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa Mr. Dhiraj Vagle, Deputy Director Tourism, Government of Goa, and Mr. Akshay Govekar, Manager Marketing, GTDC, the delegation showcased the essence of the state through captivating display, leaving an indelible impression on all those present. Their efforts not only drew attention to Goa’s unique offerings but also reaffirmed its status as a premier travel destination within India. At GITB 2024, Goa Tourism’s pavilion stood as a beacon of immersive experiences, showcasing not only the state’s picturesque beaches and vibrant culture but also its commitment to Regenerative Tourism. Leveraging cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality and interactive screens, visitors could experience the serene landscapes and cultural gems of Goa. The pavilion didn’t just highlight the typical tourist attractions; it delved deeper into the essence of Regenerative Tourism, showcasing Goa’s sustainable initiatives and community-driven projects. From eco-conscious accommodations to organic farming experiences, Goa Tourism emphasized its dedication to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. As visitors immersed themselves in the interactive displays, they delved into Goa’s multifaceted allure, discovering …

Today, Jumeirah unveils its new brand identity marking a key milestone in its growth strategy to double the size of the portfolio by 2030. The new visual identity is the first stage in a journey of brand evolution designed to inspire a new perspective of luxury for discerning travellers. Building on its origins and reputation for generous hospitality, the move will see Jumeirah reaffirm its position as an industry pioneer, with curated experiences that shape perceptions and trends. As part of its accelerated growth strategy, Jumeirah has recently announced new properties including Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Jumeirah’s renewed vision and investment strategy will also see a focus on boutique style properties featuring up to 150 keys, prioritising suite category rooms and villas and residences. The luxury hospitality brand is actively targeting owner and operator opportunities in gateway cities and resort destinations in Europe, The Americas, Africa, and Asia. Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Jumeirah said: “Twenty-five years ago, we opened the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab with ambitions to redefine luxury hospitality and over the years we have built an exceptional portfolio of properties across three continents. Today we look to the future of our brand and business with the same pioneering spirit and a robust strategy that will enable the next stage of sustainable growth for Jumeirah. Refining our visual identity and enhancing our guest experience is the first step on a journey of regional and international expansion, that will captivate the most discerning of traveller. We have strong foundations to build from and an exceptionally …

Fourteen members of the Travel Agents Federation of India, Karnataka Chapter recently flew from Bengaluru to Sindhudurg’s Chipi airport with India’s youngest airline, FLY91, to explore the tourism and trade opportunities in south Maharashtra’s emerging travel destination. The three-day FAM trip to Sindhudurg was facilitated by FLY91. During the trip the agents toured various beaches surrounding Sindhudurg, like Chivala, Tarkarli and Devbag and explored water sports and cultural offerings in Maharashtra’s southernmost district. The TAFI-Karnataka delegation comprised of Shanthi Sony, managing partner of Sonys Travel Lines and secretary of TAFI-Karnataka, Sitesh Parekh, managing partner of Active Skylink Travels and treasurer of TAFI-Karnataka, Shekar G. Kandur, founder and managing partner at Flight Shop Holidays, among several others. According to Ashutosh Chitnis, Chief Revenue Officer, FLY91, “The delegation of travel agents registered with TAFI’s Karnataka chapter who were flown onboard FLY91 from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Chipi airport in Sindhudurg, was also given a tour of a popular cashew processing factory and introduced to local businessmen linked to the travel and tourism industries to explore exciting tourism offerings and experiential opportunities in Sindhudurg.” Competing with the tourism prowess of Goa, the neighbouring Maharashtra district is aspiring to be a popular beach tourism destination as well as a hub for the production of the popular Alphonso mangoes and a traditional food processing industry. With FLY91, India’s pure play airline, enhancing air connectivity to and from Sindhudurg’s Chipi airport to destinations like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc. The travel sector is keen to explore Maharashtra’s tourism-oriented district for touristic and trade-related opportunities.