The Bird Education Society for Travel & Tourism (Bird Academy), a leader in career oriented aviation training, skilling and placements since over 27 years, has been accredited as an Aviation Security Training Institute by the Directorate General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. This prestigious accreditation authorizes Bird Academy to conduct BCAS-endorsed Aviation Security training programs, including: AvSec Induction Training (5 Days) AvSec Basic Training (14 Days) AvSec Basic Refresher Training (3 Days) Conducted as per the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme, these programs are designed to prepare aviation security personnel with critical skills, ensuring the highest industry standards. Mr. R.N. Choubey, IAS congratulated Team Bird Academy through a video message and said, “The launch of ASTI marks a significant milestone, not just for Bird Group but for the entire aviation security ecosystem in India. Known for their unmatched standards in the aviation sector, the Bird Group is now poised to set new benchmarks in training and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Radha Bhatia and her dedicated team, I am confident that ASTI, Bird Academy will not only stand out as a center of excellence but will soon rise to be the premier aviation security training institute in the country, serving as a model for others to emulate. This initiative will undoubtedly strengthen our nation’s aviation security framework and inspire a new era of professional excellence.” Mr. M.T. Baig, Senior Advisor, Aviation Security, Bird Group inspired the batch of students present there with his experiences and shared that nowadays private security agencies are being deployed at the airports to perform non-core aviation security functions and access control duties at the entry …

Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity are excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Uday Bhatnagar as the new Director of Revenue Management. With an expansive career in hospitality revenue optimization and a proven track record of success across various regions, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. Uday joins the Pullman and Novotel family from his previous role as Director of Revenue Management at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, Novotel Goa Candolim & Novotel Goa Panjim. His expertise in strategic pricing, yield management, and demand forecasting has been instrumental in maximizing revenue and profit at several Accor properties. Mr Bhatnagar has been known for his innovative approach to disrupting industry norms and introducing data-driven solutions that drive operational success. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing the revenue strategies for both Pullman and Novotel properties at Aerocity, optimizing room inventory, pricing, and function space management. He will also spearhead the execution of strategic plans for established and new hotels, ensuring seamless integration across all hotel functions. Uday’s professional journey in the hospitality sector spans over a decade, with key leadership roles in revenue management, where he has consistently delivered exceptional results. His accomplishments include being honored as the “Accor RM Person of the Year 2018” for India and South Asia, and publishing a research paper on the impact of TripAdvisor on hotel reservation intentions. He holds an MBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Laureate University in Bangkok and a BBA from GGSIP University, New Delhi. “We are thrilled to welcome Uday to our team,” said Sunaina Manerkar, Resident Manager of Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. “His dynamic approach to revenue …

Moscow is all set to captivate audiences at the OTM International Tourism Exhibition in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, 2025. Over three days, the Russian capital will present the best it can offer in cultural, leisure, and business tourism. The Moscow stand will host over 500 key business meetings and negotiations during the event, connecting Moscow’s tourism sector representatives with their Indian counterparts. Experts from Moscow will present the city’s flagship projects, including the Moscow Tea Time Project that introduces visitors to Moscow tea traditions which are being restored nowadays, the Moscow Estates Festival, an iconic cultural event that attracts more than 100,000 tourists and citizens annually, the Moscow Gastronomy Project, the City of Discoveries educational project and RUSSPASS travel planning service. Joint projects include the Moscow+ Project, which fosters collaborative tourism across Russian regions — notably the Tyumen region with its Visit Tyumen Project. Moreover, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, and the Department of Culture, the Moscow exposition will showcase the city’s export potential, alongside Discover Russia and Made in Moscow brands. Additionally, the stand will showcase key attractions like the VDNH Complex, blending Soviet-era architectural wonders with modern interactive museums, and Moskino Cinema Park that is already gaining attention from the Indian film industry for its potential as a filming destination. Moscow will also feature six leading tour operators, including Headed Goose, Tari Tour, Volshebny Tour, FUN & SUN, INTOURIST, Academservice, and three hotels: the Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy, VEGA Hotel & Convention Center and Izmailovo Hotel Complex. They will cooperatively highlight the diverse range of services available to Indian travelers, from luxurious stays to …

National Tourism Day ‘25 is an opportunity to celebrate India’s incredible journey in travel and tourism while welcoming the future with renewed aspirations. As Indian travellers increasingly venture beyond borders and explore global destinations, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Redhat Communications and Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council , highlights how the World Travel & Tourism Festival 2025 will set the stage for a more empowered and inclusive tourism industry. Scheduled from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, India Gate, the festival represents a landmark collaboration between TV9 Network and Redhat Communications. This one-of-its-kind event aims to bring the entire travel and tourism ecosystem together, from industry leaders to grassroots entrepreneurs, while creating immersive and memorable experiences for attendees. Spanning over 45,000 sq. ft., the festival offers an unparalleled immersive experience with personalized travel consultations, expert-led talks, and extensive networking opportunities with industry leaders. The event features a top music concert, cultural performances, a food zone, travel tech showcase, competitions, and more. Reflecting on the significance of this year’s National Tourism Day, Mrs. Mayal remarked, “Tourism is not confined to discovering new places. It is also about connecting hearts, instilling understanding, and driving economic growth. With India’s tourism sector on the cusp of a new era, the World Travel & Tourism Festival 2025 will provide an unparalleled platform to celebrate, collaborate, and innovate.” The festival is set to redefine how travel is experienced and celebrated. From cultural performances that showcase India’s heritage and global traditions to travel technology exhibits that highlight the role of innovation in transforming the travel experience, the event will explore every facet of the industry. Attendees will also …

In the national capital New Delhi, Bharat Parv 2025 is set to take place from January 26 to 31 in the historic Red Fort premises. Madhya Pradesh’s impressive pavilion is poised to be a major highlight of this six-day cultural extravaganza, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said “Bharat Parv is a grand celebration of India’s cultural diversity, and Madhya Pradesh is proud to be a key participant. Through our pavilion, we aim to offer a deep and authentic experience of our state’s heritage, culture, and tourism potential.” The Madhya Pradesh pavilion will be a harmonious reflection of the state’s deep-rooted spirituality, cultural essence, and artisanal brilliance. A dedicated information center will highlight the state’s iconic spiritual destinations, including the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Omkareshwar Temple, and the tranquil Sanchi Stupa, offering a journey into its profound spiritual heritage. The pavilion will also showcase GI-tagged products and One District One Product specialties, providing visitors a glimpse into the craftsmanship that embodies the spiritual and cultural ethos of Madhya Pradesh. Adding to the charm, the pavilion will host live cultural performances by the renowned Janki Band, which will bring the state’s folk traditions to life. A food court featuring Madhya Pradesh’s authentic local delicacies, such as poha-jalebi, Gwalior ki Bedai Poori, Morena kiGhaz, Indori Kees Kachori and many more, will not only be open for sale but will also include live kitchen demonstrations showcasing the preparation of the iconic dishes such as Garadu Chaat and Khopra Patties on the 30th. Additionally, a handicraft and handloom stall …

Indulging in exceptional culinary experiences is an integral part of any memorable stay, and Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport offers a diverse array of dining options to satisfy every palate. Nestled in the heart of the historic ‘City of Gates’, the property promises an exciting line-up of culinary adventures and spirited celebrations that make it the ideal destination for leisure or business. From exquisite local flavours that celebrate the region’s rich heritage to international cuisines crafted by renowned chefs, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. Here are some of the key highlights for the month that celebrate the art of gastronomy across all the eateries – ‘ZING’ – World of Flavors, all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, ‘Zing Bar’ and ‘The Market’: ZING – World of Flavors: Republic Day Specials: Celebrate India’s spirit of unity with a grand Republic Brunch on 26th January, priced at ₹1699/-+. Follow it up with a delectable Republic Day Dinner at ₹1299/-+. Both offerings feature a vibrant spread that pays homage to the nation’s rich culinary diversity. Dumpling Extravaganza: From 27th January to 9th February, immerse yourself in a delightful Dumpling Promotion, showcasing an irresistible assortment of momos and dim sums. Relish these handcrafted bites that bring together a world of flavours in every fold. Zing Bar: Zing at Hyatt Place Aurangabad unveils a flavourful Dumpling Fiesta: A limited time culinary celebration Starting 27th January through 9th February, explore an exciting range of Zodiac Cocktails, crafted to align with the Chinese calendar. These unique concoctions promise a journey through the stars, one sip at a time. Month-Long Cheers: All through January, enjoy a Buy 2, Get 1 Free offer on selected premium brands. This exclusive …

With over 15 years of distinguished experience in leading marketing and communications for some of the most prestigious brands. Sandhya is a passionate and dynamic leader known for her strategic vision and execution. Throughout her illustrious career, Sandhya has excelled in various roles beyond the hospitality industry, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to her new position. Notably, she has held challenging and impactful roles at Apeejay Surendra Park Hotels as AM – Public Relations, The Lalit Suri Hospitality group as Marketing & Communications & PR Manager, ISKCON and Akshayapatra as the Regional Head of Communications, as well as serving as Senior Consultant, PR at PRHUB Integrated Marketing Pvt. Ltd and worked with Radisson Blu Outer Ring Road and Sarovar Portico Outer Ring Road, Marathalli as Associate Director, Marketing & Communications. In her last assignment as Corporate Head – Marketing and Communications at Inventree Hotels & Resorts, Sandhya demonstrated her ability to drive marketing strategies that delivered exceptional results. Sandhya’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of skills essential for her new role, including strong communication abilities, media planning, budget management, corporate communication, brand building, website management and people management. Her outstanding rapport with print, electronic, and online media will continue to be an asset to strengthen brand presence and market reach. “My aim is to create a difference in everything I do. Having something new and experimenting something new has an incredible intrinsic value. Marketing is to know and understand the customer well along with the brand’s vision and that can be achieved with the stories you tell”. At MRG Group as Deputy General Manager – Marketing & Communications

Carlos Díez de la Lastra’s work has significantly contributed to the professionalization of the tourism sector, the promotion of specialized education, and the development of talent. Consultancy firm Sergestur based its selection of the “150+” on criteria such as professional trajectory, achievements, sector influence, and innovation capacity. In 2024, under his leadership, Les Roches forged strategic partnerships with Silversea and Jetex, achieved Swiss accreditation recognizing it as a University of Applied Sciences, and launched the Spark X Foundation to advance research and improvement in the hospitality industry. Les Roches expanded its global footprint with the opening of the Les Roches Abu Dhabi Academy in September 2024, reinforcing its mission to provide world-class hospitality education and innovation on a global scale. For the sixth consecutive year, Sergestur has published its list of the 150 most influential professionals in the Spanish tourism sector. Once again, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, is highlighted among these notable leaders. Les Roches is one of the world’s top five institutions specializing in hospitality management education, founded in Switzerland in 1954. Since 1995, it has had a campus in Marbella, located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, where hundreds of students from nearly 100 nationalities enroll each semester. The institution is dedicated to providing a transformative education designed to shape the future leaders of the tourism industry. Les Roches boasts a network of more than 16,000 alumni, 33% of whom have gone on to start their own businesses. Born in Madrid in 1970, Carlos Díez de la Lastra has nearly three decades of experience in higher education. His professional journey includes roles as Chief Operating Officer and Sales Director of Universidad …

India Assist, a leader in tech-enabled travel assistance, has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Government to upscale the travel experience for millions of visitors during Mahakumbh 2025 and beyond. This ongoing collaboration sees India Assist actively operating Tourist Information Centres within the Mahakumbh area in Prayagraj, along with additional TICs located at the city’s railway station and airport. As Mahakumbh 2025 unfolds, drawing over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, India Assist’s dedicated TICs are proving to be pivotal in enhancing the travel experience. These centers are offering real-time assistance to visitors, providing guidance on navigation, local attractions, and crucial emergency support, such as medical aid and theft resolution. The initiative continues to showcase how technology and human-driven support come together to ensure travelers can confidently navigate the Mahakumbh, one of the largest human gatherings in the world. Mr. Harish Khatri, Founder of India Assist, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “India is a country of diverse experiences and cultural treasures, and Mahakumbh stands as an incredible amalgamation of spiritual and cultural unity. Through this ongoing partnership, we are privileged to help millions of visitors celebrate this extraordinary event with ease and confidence. By blending innovative technology with on-ground human support, we ensure that every visitor feels guided and cared for throughout their journey.” As the event continues, the TICs are not only offering immediate travel assistance but are also introducing visitors to the benefits of tech-enabled services, encouraging the use of digital tools for ongoing travel support. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise, India Assist is enhancing the Mahakumbh experience and setting new standards for tourism across Uttar Pradesh. Beyond Mahakumbh, India …

In a significant move to bolster safety protocols and security measures, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC has appointed Govind Dhanu Naik as the Director of Security. With over 14 years of dedicated experience in the hospitality industry, Govind specializes in managing security teams and implementing comprehensive security strategies for large properties. His expertise lies in addressing potential security risks and enforcing proactive measures to ensure the safety of employees and guests alike, particularly in high-traffic environments. Govind has a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with senior management to analyze market trends and detect suspicious behaviours. With an impressive career journey from the automobile sector to security management, Govind brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership to ensure safety and excellence at one of Asia’s largest MICE destinations. His extensive experience includes managing security operations in upscale properties, enabling him to effectively oversee all aspects of safety and security. He has successfully navigated the complexities of maintaining security during large-scale events and has implemented key initiatives to enhance safety standards across various hotel operations. Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, shares, “Govind Dhanu Naik’s wealth of experience and his commitment to excellence in safety and security are essential as we continue to enhance the guest experience at our venue. His leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our security operations and uphold our commitment to providing a safe environment for our guests and staff.” Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Govind remarked, “I am thrilled to join Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC and lead the safety and security team. My focus will be on implementing …