As Central Vietnam continues to emerge as a dynamic hub for business events and leisure travel, Four Points by Sheraton Danang has distinguished itself as a preferred choice for global travellers and MICE planners. At the forefront of this success is Ms. Lai Fong, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, whose leadership has strengthened the hotel’s reputation for personalized service, cultural sensitivity, and operational excellence. In this interview, Ms. Lai Fong shares insights into how the hotel seamlessly balances diverse guest segments, the strategic upgrades enhancing its event capabilities, and the unique offerings tailored for the rapidly expanding Indian MICE market. From authentic Indian cuisine to oceanfront venues and Marriott’s trusted service standards, she highlights what truly sets Four Points by Sheraton Danang apart as a reliable and rewarding destination for both corporate and leisure travellers. How do you balance business travellers, MICE groups, and leisure guests? We balance all segments by tailoring offerings to their needs while maintaining an equally welcoming atmosphere. Weekdays focus on business and MICE guests with seamless meetings, efficient service, and convenient dining. Weekends shift toward leisure travellers—couples, families, and friends—who enjoy walking to My Khe Beach and relaxing through themed buffets and curated recreational activities. Across all segments, we deliver consistent, personalized, and genuinely warm service. What recent investments have been made to enhance meeting and event facilities?  Our meeting venues undergo continuous upgrades to ensure top performance. Recent enhancements include improved AV systems for hybrid meetings and specialized cultural sensitivity training for our events team to support diverse groups. We personalize every detail—from returning guest preferences to customized setups, lighting, ambience, and menu presentation. Our culinary offerings now include vegan, gluten-free, halal, and …

Indian travelers are showing an impressive affinity for Central Florida, according to new research from the Experience Kissimmee team. The study sheds light on who these visitors are, what inspires their trips, and why Kissimmee continues to capture the imagination of travelers from one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound markets. The findings reveal that the average Indian visitor to the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford area in 2024 was between 35 and 39 years old, often travelling solo (70%) or with family and friends (18.6%). Middle-aged travelers with young children account for 32% of the market, planning their trips 89 days in advance and booking flights 41 days before departure. Shopping (82%), sightseeing (93%), and theme park visits (56%) top the list of favourite activities, while 23% of visitors also include Miami in their Florida itineraries. Digital influence significantly shapes travel plans. Travelers frequently turn to YouTube (95%), Instagram (92%), and Facebook (89%) as their most popular platforms. They often find inspiration in posts shared by friends and family. On average, Indian visitors stay for 31 nights, spending $4,339 per trip, and $5,838 per travel party. Key spending areas include accommodations (66.9%), food and beverage (12.5%), and recreation (1.6%). When it comes to accommodation, 85% of travelers choose hotels or motels for about six nights, while 8% opt for vacation homes, staying approximately 9 nights. Other key findings from the Experience Kissimmee research include: 60% rent a car during their stay, while 28% take domestic flights within the U.S.56% rely on airlines for vacation information, 49% on personal recommendations, and 9% on OTAs. Florida ranks third among the most desired U.S. states for Indian travelers, with peak interest in January and May. Indian visitors …

The Ramada Plaza at NH-1A, Jammu Pathankot National Highway, near Radha Swami Satsang Beas, Vijaypur, J&K, today announced that Ashutosh Jayee has been named General Manager for the hotel, effective October 1, 2025. In his new role, Mr. Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, sales, marketing, and ensuring seamless guest satisfaction across all departments.   Proven experience in hospitality Previously, Jayee served as Head of Sales & Marketing for Radisson Blu Jammu, part of the Radisson Hotel Group based in Jammu, J&K. During his tenure, he was responsible for maintaining brand standards, following SOPs, generating revenue, and fostering strong client relationships to ensure repeat business. Vision for continued excellence “Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza, Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Vijaypur, Jammu community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza, Vijaypur, Jammu. Academic background and roots Jayee is a native of Jammu, J&K and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he earned his B.A (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Tourism Management in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

Moscow welcomed 40,8 thousands tourists from India during the first half of the 2025, which is a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. India has become the second-largest country among non-CIS countries by tourist arrivals. Overall, more than half a million travelers from outside CIS countries visited Moscow between January and June 2025 — a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024.The Moscow City Tourism Committee notes that this growth reflects both the rising interest from Asian markets and Moscow’s expanding appeal as a global destination. This upward trend is also seen in hotel statistics. According to Rosstat, the number of foreign guests staying at Moscow hotels increased by 14% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Based on data from the online booking platform Ostrovok, 94% of all summer bookings for 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels were made by travelers from non-CIS countries – up from 85% last year – with Indian tourists being among the most active guests in Moscow’s premium accommodation segment. Travelling to Moscow for Indian tourists is driven by a couple of reasons. Moscow became more accessible with e-visa opportunities, which allows travelers to obtain an entry visa fully online in just four days, with no invitations or hotel confirmations required. Furthermore, a diverse events calendar, featuring everything from major festivals to business conferences, plays a grand role in attracting more visitors from India. For example, during the major urban project “Summer in Moscow”, the Russian capital hosted two large-scale events celebrating Indian culture – International Day of Yoga and Bharat Utsav (The Festival of India in Moscow). Such events represent Moscow’s welcoming …

The much-awaited Holiday Expo – Visakhapatnam opened to an enthusiastic response today, bringing together leading destinations, travel brands, and tourism professionals under one roof. The event aims to connect the travel trade and holiday seekers with a range of exciting travel options from across India and abroad. The expo was inaugurated by Smt. Ekta Kabra of Rajasthan Tourism, who lit the ceremonial lamp. The Inaugural event also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests of honour — Mr. K. Vijaymohan, President of the Tours and Travels Association of Andhra; Mr. Pavan Kartheek, President, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Andhra Pradesh; and Mr. Ravi Kumar, President, Andhra Pradesh Event Management Association. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dilip Biswas, Director of Holiday Expo, said: “Visakhapatnam has emerged as one of India’s most promising tourism markets, with growing interest from both leisure and business travellers. Through Holiday Expo, we aim to provide a dynamic marketplace that inspires new travel ideas, partnerships, and experiences for visitors and the industry alike.” The two-day event showcases a wide spectrum of tourism products including destinations, hotels, travel agencies, airlines, cruises, and travel technology providers. With participation from various state tourism boards and private exhibitors, Holiday Expo offers an excellent opportunity for the public to explore diverse travel options and for the travel trade to network and expand their business. This year’s edition features participation from Rajasthan Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and several leading travel operators and hospitality brands from across India and abroad. Visitors can explore exclusive offers on domestic holidays, international packages, and special deals from airlines, resorts, and cruise companies. The Holiday Expo – Visakhapatnam will be open to visitors …

The opening of the all-new Singapore Airlines (SIA) First Class SilverKris Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 completes the first phase of the Airline’s two-year, S$45 million renewal project for its lounges in the terminal. Located on level 3 near Departure Gate E, the 1,050-square-metre space is 11% larger than the previous First Class SilverKris Lounge in the terminal. It can accommodate around 130 customers, and access is available to SIA’s Suites and First Class customers, Solitaire PPS Club members, and First Class customers travelling on Star Alliance member airlines. As part of SIA’s flagship SilverKris lounges in Singapore, the design language is consistent across Terminals 2 and 3. Design consultancy Ong & Ong has refined the layout and features to give the Terminal 2 lounge its distinct character. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light in, while a newly designed bar and a stunning chandelier centrepiece elevate the ambience. The result is a light-filled, luxurious sanctuary that stands out in its own right. The lounge features distinct zones for dining, work, and relaxation, as well as upgraded restrooms and shower facilities. Signature elements such as SIA’s wingback chairs, productivity pods, and bespoke furniture in familiar hues reinforce the understated elegance that defines the SilverKris Lounge experience. It is also designed for inclusivity, with step-free access throughout, Braille signages, and hearing loop systems. The Entrance and Foyer – A Multi-sensory Welcome  Customers are greeted by a striking batik wall spanning over 20 metres in length and nearly three metres in height as they approach the First Class SilverKris Lounge. This signature installation is an artistic interpretation of the SIA batik motif, crafted from 97 laser-cut plexiglass batik flowers with gold …

Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River has quickly become a preferred choice for business, MICE, and leisure travellers in Central Vietnam.  Stefano Maccagno, GM of Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River highlights the hotel’s key strengths—from its prime riverfront location and standout MICE facilities to rising demand from Indian groups. He also shares insights on Indian culinary support, sustainability practices, and how the property helps position Da Nang as a seamless leisure + MICE destination.   What is your USP and how do you balance business, MICE, and leisure? Any recent investments? We’re Vietnam’s first Courtyard by Marriott, centrally located along the Han River with quick access to the airport, beaches, and attractions. Guests enjoy panoramic views, Da Nang’s highest rooftop pool, and curated experiences like sunrise yoga, Vietnamese coffee and spring roll classes, and cocktail workshops. For MICE, we offer the city center’s highest ballroom ceiling (8.5m), daylight-filled meeting rooms, and seamless access via external escalator. Our four dining venues—from all-day dining to rooftop omakase—round out a balanced business + leisure offering supported by Marriott Bonvoy benefits. Are Indian groups and weddings growing? What strategies do you use? Yes. Da Nang welcomed 222,000 Indian visitors in 2024, with rising incentives and large destination weddings. Our modern venues, ballroom capacity, and strong value proposition position us well to serve this expanding segment. Do you offer Indian F&B support? Yes. With guidance from our Indian chef adviser, we craft authentic regional menus tailored to dietary needs. How do you help position Vietnam as a leisure + MICE hub? Our riverfront location with easy access to Ba Na Hills, Hoi An, and My Khe Beach lets guests blend meetings with memorable experiences, …

The Global Tourism Travel Agents Association of India (GTTAA) proudly announced its official launch with an exclusive networking get-together held for travel and tourism industry professionals. The event brought together leading travel agents, tour operators, hospitality partners, and tourism stakeholders from across the country to celebrate the beginning of a new collaborative chapter in India’s travel sector. The evening began with a warm welcome to all the guests, followed by insightful discussions on the future of travel, tourism trends, and the role of GTTAA in strengthening industry partnerships. The gathering served as an excellent platform for members to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for mutual growth. The event concluded with a lively cocktail and dinner session, providing the perfect setting for informal networking and camaraderie among industry peers. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Ailawadi, Senior Vice President of GTTAA, expressed his gratitude to all attendees: “We are delighted to launch GTTAA and deeply appreciate the support of our travel industry partners. This event marks just the beginning of our journey to bring the travel community together and work collectively towards a stronger, more unified industry. We look forward to many more such collaborations in the future.” The successful launch event underscored GTTAA’s commitment to fostering connections, promoting professional excellence, and advocating for the growth of the travel and tourism industry in India and beyond.

The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) hosted the third edition of its annual business conclave, IMPACT 2025, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics to explore how empathy and culture influence leadership, performance, and learning in a fast-changing world. Built around the theme Culture 360°, the conclave examined how trust, identity, and human connection shape decision-making, motivation, and collaboration across workplaces. “Culture is empathy in action,” said Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ISH. “It is invisible but lives in every interaction. When empathy fades, culture weakens. True culture begins at the top and must be nurtured across every layer of an organization.” Two flagship panel discussions anchored the day’s dialogue. Culture as Currency: Redefining Organizational Values for a Changing Workforce featured Sanjay Bose, Executive Vice President and Head of HR at ITC Hotels, and Satish Kumar, Senior Director – People and Culture at Accor India and South Asia. The Future Workplace: Culture in the Age of AI, Hybrid Work, and Gen Z featured Yuvaraj Srivastava, Group CHRO at MakeMyTrip, and Amaresh Singh, Head HR – APAC at GE Vernova Power Transmission, with Kunal Vasudeva as moderator. Beyond discussion, IMPACT 2025 reinforces ISH’s purpose of building a living bridge between academia and industry. Insights shared on stage evolve into primary research, faculty studies, and classroom projects that influence how hospitality and service education adapt to new realities. The loop continues when findings return to industry as frameworks, case studies, and leadership practices. The conclave also showcased ISH’s creative energy through its four signature experiences: Frames of Culture: student-produced short films and documentaries on cultural narratives. HRmageddon: a strategy challenge celebrating people leadership. The Cultural Palette: an art-meets-identity showcase through …

Voyage One DMC, a leading global Destination Management Company (DMC) with a strong presence across the UAE, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, has announced its partnership with Linkin Reps as its exclusive representative in the Indian market for Georgia and Azerbaijan. This strategic collaboration is set to strengthen Voyage One’s outreach to India’s fast-growing outbound travel sector and provide Indian travel agents with seamless access to its curated travel experiences and on-ground expertise in both destinations. Expanding Horizons: Voyage One DMC Enters India Market With over 10 years of trusted experience in global tourism and hospitality, Voyage One DMC has become a preferred partner for tailor-made holidays, MICE events, luxury travel, and adventure getaways. Headquartered in Dubai, the company operates full-fledged offices in Georgia and Azerbaijan, offering end-to-end destination management solutions for leisure and corporate travelers alike. From luxury tours and incentive travel to custom itineraries and group packages, Voyage One combines local insight and global service standards to deliver enriching, authentic experiences. With this partnership, Indian travel professionals can now access direct contracting, fast response times, and personalized support from Voyage One’s dedicated teams in Tbilisi and Baku.  Linkin Reps to Drive Market Growth in India Based in New Delhi, Linkin Reps is a leading 360° tourism representation and marketing company known for its strategic approach in promoting global destinations in the Indian market. With over 14 years of experience representing top tourism boards, airlines, and DMCs, Linkin Reps will spearhead Voyage One’s sales, marketing, and public relations initiatives in India. Through targeted B2B engagement, trade trainings, roadshows, and digital outreach, Linkin Reps aims to establish Voyage One DMC as a key player for Georgia and Azerbaijan travel programs among …