The Indian hotel industry anticipates a robust fiscal year in 2024, with double-digit revenue growth, according to ICRA. The growth will be attributed to a combination of domestic and international factors, especially in the latter half of the fiscal year. Premium hotels in India are forecasted to achieve occupancy rates of around 70–72%, marking a significant recovery. Average room rates for these hotels are projected to be in the range of Rs. 6,000–6,200, maintaining a 20–25% discount relative to the FY2008 peak. Despite healthy occupancy, slight margin dips are anticipated in FY2024 due to extensive renovation and maintenance activities undertaken by hotels, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Safari shares key insights on 2024 hospitality trends., He believes the key metro cities will again lead to an increase in tourism due to MICE, business travellers, etc. The majority of the revenue in the tourism sector will flow from domestic travellers, but international travel will also pick up. At the same time, experiential travel and tier-2 cities will also witness a tourist surge due to infrastructural development. Technology will play a bigger role, and even boutique hotels will strengthen their IT infrastructure, to generate more footfalls. He further adds, “Tourists are becoming more aware of their preferences and choices, adventure tourism will witness a surge. The existing national parks infrastructure will be improved and a few new parks might open up. Wildlife tourism will attract more domestic and international tourists. With the opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, spiritual tourism will see a boost.  Also, sustainability will no longer remain a PR activity. The way climate concerns are being raised, and sustainable efforts are taken by the …

‘United Weaves of Bharat’ Christmas tree glows at Sheraton, New Delhi narrating the story of twelve artisanal heritage textiles from the soil – the ties that bind magnificent artistry of our local craftsmen with the glorious history & traditions of India. The 13 feet multi-tiered visual spectacle has been wrapped with the hand spun yarns and adorned with weaving techniques namely Chanderi, Benarasi, Chikankari, Bhagalpur silk, Ikat, Bandhani, Phulkari, Khadi, Ajrak, Muga silk, Kutch embroidery and Kalamkari. Sourced locally from artisans across different states, the tree has been crafted using recycled materials, echoing our commitment towards sustainability and Responsible Luxury. The tree celebrates the heroes of Indian textile industry- the weavers, spinners and dyers and pays an ode to their indigenous workmanship that keep the art form alive .With weaves dating back to Vedic and Mughal eras , every textile reflects a unique socio-cultural narrative around  a rich legacy of the past that continues to thread its way in the modern tapestry, uniting all generations.

The popular touring exhibition celebrates Harry Potter and the entire Wizarding World Magic is in the air with the Asia Pacific premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Londoner® Macao today. The all-new, behind-the-scenes, interactive touring exhibition is the most comprehensive exhibition ever presented on Harry Potter and the entire Wizarding World. Spanning more than 30,000 sq. ft., with over twenty celebratory galleries, the exhibit is a perfect complement for The Londoner Macao. To mark this momentous occasion, a launch ceremony took place yesterday at The Londoner Macao, with guests enjoying an exclusive VIP tour. The event was attended by: Bai Bing, Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Cheang Kai Meng, Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR Government; Sean McCreery, Executive Vice President of Operations of Sands China Ltd.; Virginia Lam, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Sands China Ltd.; Julian Moon, Head of EMEA and APAC Consumer Products of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences; and Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd. said, “We are absolutely delighted that The Londoner Macao is the first touring destination in Asia Pacific for Harry Potter: The Exhibition. One of our goals is to offer a diverse range of world-class entertainment that is family-friendly. This touring exhibition is truly spectacular and will appeal to a broad audience of all ages. We look forward to welcoming long-time Harry Potter fans as well as those just starting to experience the …

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, today, welcomed its 50th Airbus A320neo to its young, modern fleet. With this latest addition, Vistara now has a total of 66 aircraft, including 50 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321, and six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. In line with the focus to expand its domestic and international footprint, Vistara is on course to have 70 aircraft by the end of FY2024, thereby providing better connectivity and a wider network to its customers. Vistara currently operates over 300 daily flights, connecting 32 domestic and 18 international destinations. Vistara’s fleet is not just one of the youngest in the industry but has also been recognized for its overall inflight experience which is at par with some of the biggest and best airlines in the world. The airline has always focussed on investment in modern aircraft with cutting edge technology and fuel-efficient engines. Vistara has also been recognized with ch-aviation Asia’s 3rd Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2023, for the second consecutive year, which is a testament to its efforts in this area. Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally while also being recognized as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third …

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, inaugurated direct 4x weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha. The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara’s A321neo aircraft, commenced from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 18:45 Hours (IST) on 15 December 2023 and arrived at Hamad International Airport, Doha, at 20:30 Hours. With a consistent surge in demand for travel between India and the Middle East, Vistara has been focussing on expanding its presence in the region. The airline already provide direct connectivity to five destinations in the region, namely Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “Based on the remarkable response to Vistara’s Middle Eastern routes, we are confident that the launch of operations to Doha will further strengthen our footprint in the region. Doha – an essential commercial hub and home to a large Indian diaspora – is Vistara’s 50th destination and the sixth in the middle east. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and Southern Asia to Doha with direct connectivity from Mumbai. We firmly believe that Vistara’s widely appreciated product and globally awarded service make for just the right combination to cater to the market requirements and customers’ demand.” Ms. Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President, Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport said: “We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Vistara, linking Doha to Mumbai—a strategic collaboration that reinforces Hamad International Airport’s commitment to expanding connectivity and offering passengers unparalleled travel experiences. As Doha becomes Vistara’s 50th destination, this collaboration signifies a shared commitment to excellence and marks a milestone of its own for Hamad International …

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has launched a new membership club for regular flyers – Jazeera Savers. The pioneering airline becomes the first Middle East based carrier to roll out such a membership program for its passengers. With Jazeera Savers, the more you fly with Jazeera Airways, the more you will save, accessing a range of discounts and benefits provided to members. Members will be entitled to: 10% discount on the base fare of tickets Free Preferred seat selection Free early check-in and baggage drop Exclusive members check-in desk in Kuwait 50% off 10 kg extra baggage rates 20% off pre-flight online Onboard Shop & J Café (excluding Duty Free) The membership is offered in four categories, making it suitable for all types of flyers: Single – for solo travelers Duo – for two people traveling together Family – for up to 5 people in a family group Family Plus – for up to 8 people in family group The Family category works well for smaller families while the Family Plus category, especially caters to extended families and domestic workers travelling together. Families travelling together will save the most with Jazeera Savers. Annual membership rates are KD 35 for Single memberships, KD 55 for Duo memberships, KD 99 for a family of 5 and KD 129 for a family of up to 8. These are special introductory rates. By signing up for a membership, passengers will benefit from significant cost savings on each trip. For example, a couple travelling to Dubai in December during the peak holiday season, would normally pay around KD 256 for return tickets, preferred seat selection, early check-in, 10 kg excess baggage and a pre-ordered …

There’s something magical about destination weddings, especially when they involve an island resort and white sandy beaches in the heart of the Indian Ocean a shade of blue yet to be formalised! The Amari Raaya Maldives, part of the brand ‘Amari’ which is the centre-piece of ONYX Hospitality Group’s portfolio of brands established under one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates – the Italthai Group, provide all this and much more to make your wedding dreams come true! The Amari Raaya Maldives is hidden gem on a secluded, pristine island in the heart of the Indian Ocean that provide a unique experience for its guests. The five-star property provide 187 contemporary Beach and Ocean Villas, each with a private pool, and a myriad of indoor of outdoor spaces that can be magically transformed into beautiful venues for different wedding functions. The property reflects the warmth and energy of an evolving modern Asia offering unique textures and flavors that showcase architecture, design, art, cuisine and service with a touch of contemporary Thai-ness. Be it an intimate beach wedding, a full-on celebration at a modern Maldives resort, watch tower matrimonies with sweeping views, a traditional or contemporary ceremony, the wedding planners and the on-island caterers of the Amari Raaya Maldives are well-equipped to make all dreams come true for the couple. From room management to transport, concept, food, music and flowers, everything is taken care of allowing the couple and their families to fully immerse themselves in enjoying the fairytale wedding celebrations. Either before or after the wedding ceremonies, the couple and their families can embark on a traditional Dhoni boat adventure or head out to the Village – the island’s town centre to …

The new Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 implements new MICE VAT Exemption Scheme that replaces the MICE VAT Refund Scheme from October 1, 2023; to be eligible to apply under the scheme, the business meeting, conference, or wedding organized by planners in Mauritius should be attended by 50 or more visitors from abroad; and visitors must stay for a minimum three nights in a hotel in Mauritius. Mauritius has now become an even more attractive destination for event planners from India to host their business meetings, conferences or weddings! From October 1 onwards this year, Mauritius has exempted event planners from across the world from paying 15% VAT on their hotel room charges through their stay in the country for any of these events. The Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 has introduced the MICE VAT Exemption Scheme, which replaces the MICE VAT Refund Scheme. Under the new scheme, an event organiser may apply with the Economic Development Board for exemption of VAT in respect of accommodation costs incurred during an event held in Mauritius subject to these terms and conditions: the event (business meeting, conference, or wedding) should be attended by 50 or more visitors from abroad. visitors stay for a minimum of 3 nights in a hotel in Mauritius. Mr. Arvind Bundhun Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority’s said, “With the implementation of this scheme, we hope Mauritius becomes the preferred destination for event planners across India to celebrate both their professional and personal milestones against the stunning Mauritian backdrop.” Event organisers are required to register the specific event at least four weeks before the date of the event. Post registration, they should submit the application for VAT exemption to the …

Some things about Christmas are the same everywhere: Enjoying the first snow, experiencing nature on winter walks, or writing a Christmas Wishlist. Indian visitors can explore candid Christmas markets all over Germany. A way to bring winter sports and nature in harmony together in Germany. Germany is committed to promoting sustainability by creating eco-friendly environments throughout its various celebratory activities. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India is excited about the highly anticipated Christmas markets in Germany to Indian travellers this winter. With a focus on sustainability and unique experiences, Germany provide a perfect destination for Indians seeking a memorable holiday season. Christmas markets are an integral part of German culture during the festive season. They provide a magical atmosphere, where visitors can explore beautifully decorated stalls, indulge in traditional food and beverages, and purchase unique handcrafted gifts in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt, among others. This year Germany is quickening its journey towards sustainability and aims to implement sustainable practices as well as to promote locally sourced, organic goods. Visitors can also venture beyond the festive villages to experience a winter wonderland committed to eco-friendly enjoyment, featuring serene snow walks, spirited torchlight hikes, and the warmth of shared Christmas traditions. Romit Theophilus, Director, of the German National Tourist Office in India, highlighted the significance of Christmas markets in Germany and encouraged Indian travellers to visit during the winter season and beyond. He said, “Germany’s Christmas markets are a true representation of German tradition and culture. The festive atmosphere, the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread, and the beautifully lit streets create an unforgettable experience. We invite Indian travellers to explore these markets and immerse themselves in …

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, declare the addition of Doha (Qatar), its 50th destination, to its growing network. The airline will be operating direct, 4x weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha, starting from 15 December 2023 using its A321neo aircraft. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are thrilled to introduce direct flights between Mumbai and Doha – the capital of Qatar and a burgeoning financial hub in the Middle East. Given the city’s growing economic significance, this move not only further solidifies our presence in the Gulf region but also enhances our network offering from our Mumbai hub. We hope that our customers will appreciate having the option of flying with India’s best airline on this route.” Vistara will accept all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings. Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally, while also being recognized as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in …