Liberty International Tourism Group, a leading global destination management company, is proud to announce its expansion into Saudi Arabia. With a commitment to providing unparalleled services in MICE and Premium Leisure travel, Liberty Saudi Arabia will deliver world-class solutions in one of the Middle East’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. At the helm of Liberty Saudi Arabia is Shady Maurice, an industry veteran with extensive experience in managing destination services across the region. Under his leadership, Liberty Saudi Arabia aims to meet the growing demand for premium travel experiences and business events in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a global transformation in tourism and business events,” said Shady Maurice, Head of Office for Liberty Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has paved the way for incredible opportunities, and I am thrilled to lead Liberty’s expansion here. Our team is ready to craft memorable experiences and deliver exceptional service that reflects both the region’s unique heritage and Liberty’s global standards.” The addition of Saudi Arabia to Liberty’s network marks another milestone in its mission to be the most comprehensive and innovative destination management company in the world. Liberty now offers its services in over 110 countries, consistently delivering excellence through its experienced teams. Mario Enzesberger, Founder & CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group, shared his excitement about this new venture: “Saudi Arabia is a dynamic market with vast potential. This expansion strengthens our global footprint, and I am confident that Liberty Saudi Arabia will thrive under Shady’s leadership.” For more information, visit Liberty Saudi Arabia DMC.

ISKCON Dwarka on Tuesday announced a series of service initiatives for the Kumbh Mela 2025, with support from the Adani Group. The collaboration aims to provide facilities and support for crores of pilgrims attending the event. One of the key initiatives is the provision of 2 lakh meals daily on Amrit Snan days, when pilgrims take the dip in the Ganga. This feeding program, sponsored by Adani, will operate for three days around each Amrit Snan. ISKCON will also distribute 60,000 meals daily throughout the Mela, including 18,000 meals for sanitation workers who maintain cleanliness and safety at the event. To address transportation needs at the Mela grounds, Adani Group is sponsoring golf cart services for elderly pilgrims, differently abled individuals, and mothers with children. The Adani Group is also providing meals for the drivers and conductors of electric buses, which transport over 1 lakh pilgrims daily. For spiritual programs, the ISKCON Kumbh Team, under the guidance of Sanaka Sanatana Prabhu, has arranged accommodations for 3,000 devotees. These facilities will host kirtans, devotional dances, and discourses for attendees. ISKCON’s participation includes the Bullock Cart Sankirtan, a daily procession of devotees chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and playing traditional instruments. The procession moves through the Kumbh grounds, involving pilgrims in the chanting and dancing. Shri Gaur Prabhu, Vice President of ISKCON Dwarka, said: “Serving pilgrims during the Amrit Snan days reflects ISKCON’s mission of compassion and devotion. With Adani’s support and the ISKCON Kumbh Team, we aim to ensure a spiritually uplifting experience for attendees.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is delighted to unveil the new-look Centara Karon Resort Phuket, which has started welcoming the world’s travellers back to paradise following a remarkable renovation that has transformed every aspect of the guest experience and successfully positioned this flagship resort for a bright and exciting future. Just moments from the soft sands of Karon Beach and the Andaman Sea, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a haven of tranquility and adventure. Following its dramatic revitalisation, the resort now invites all visitors to unwind in three distinct zones – The Terrace, The Lagoon, and The Tropicale – creating options for couples, families and friends alike. With a contemporary design that harmoniously blends a soothing colour palette with geometric patterns and natural elements, the resort’s newly refreshed accommodation is tailored to the needs of every guest. Highlights include The Terrace’s spacious rooms, which feature balconies with views of the city or sea. Set to be unveiled by the end of 2025, the one-, two- and three-bedroom Pool Villas will be spectacular sanctuaries with outdoor pools and a dedicated check-in area – ideal for romantic getaways or grand celebrations with up to eight guests. A newly-revitalised Deluxe Pool View room at Centara Karon Resort Phuket An eclectic mix of activities and experiences makes this the ultimate tropical oasis for all ages. Immersive adventures unfold at the resort’s 3,000-square metre pool zone, with three separate pools for adults and kids, plus thrilling water slides and fountains. Children and teens can find inspiration at the Chang Dee Kids’ Club or E-Zone, with a full schedule of activities and games. Parents can also enjoy personal moments, including therapies at the …

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Belson will lead Akasa Air’s crucial operational functions as the airline continues its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade. In his new role, Belson will be responsible for Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, Operational Excellence while also spearheading Akasa Air Learning Academy. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson has delivered multiple industry-first initiatives in Indian aviation, underpinned by his strong operational, strategic and leadership skills. Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson’s multifaceted role over the years had him successfully collaborate with cross-functional teams across airline operations, developing a good understanding of the functioning of operational departments. His passion for brand building, service excellence, training, technology, processes, employee centricity and sharp focus on cost leadership equips him to bring tremendous value to his new role as our COO. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to enhance our operational efficiency, deliver on our values of service excellence, and make significant strides toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class airline.” Belson has been a part of Akasa Air’s executive committee since the airline’s inception in 2022. Prior to assuming the role of Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Belson held the position of Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at Akasa Air where he was instrumental in shaping the brand’s vision, …

Emirates Airlines first Airbus A350-900 takes flight with the next-generation version of ice inflight entertainment (IFE) system powered by Thales’s AVANT Up, the first in a fleet of 65 new aircraft. The system features the best picture quality on any aircraft with stunning 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens for seamless navigation, along with 60W USB-C fast charging for customer devices, and the ability to simultaneously pair two Bluetooth connections. The Emirates A350 will introduce a next-generation version of the ‘ice’ IFE system with a suite of groundbreaking features enabled by Thales technologies designed to enhance the customer experience. Together, Thales and Emirates celebrate the entry into service of the Airline’s first A350-900 aircraft with a flight from Dubai to Edinburgh (Scotland) on January 3, 2025. The aircraft is equipped with Thales’s state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment system. Ushering in a new era of inflight entertainment, Emirates has introduced on the A350 the next-generation of the ‘ice’ IFE system with a suite of groundbreaking innovations enabled by Thales technologies designed to enhance the flying experience. The system features over 30 new features with many more to come over the coming months. Thales’ 4K QLED HDR displays offer a cinematic experience, with the best picture quality on any aircraft and ultra-responsive touchscreens for seamless navigation across ‘ice’ vast catalog of entertainment. The display features two Bluetooth connections for passengers to pair multiple devices and built-in Wi-Fi. The system is equipped with Thales’ award-winning power management solution that supports up to 60W of in-screen charging capacity, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination fully charged. Unique passenger experiences at every seat AVANT Up provides a wide range of digital services and applications enabling Emirates to uniquely configure and continually elevate services onboard …

– Bhojpur will host the closing ceremony on January 11th. – The group of 28 bikers includes two women. The third edition of ‘Riders in the Wild – 2025’ was flagged off on 5th January from the MPT ‘Wind and Waves’. The biking event aims to showcase the state’s adventure tourism potential including its rich wildlife, stunning natural sites, and vibrant art and cultural heritage. The event organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in collaboration with the Mostech was flagged off by Joint Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Santosh Shrivastava, Executive Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Corporation Shri Arun Paliwal and senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The 7- day Itinerary of Bikers across Heartland of India Joint Director Shri Santosh Shrivastava told the ‘Riders in the Wild 3.0’ biking expedition will embark on a 7-day journey across the heartland of India, covering a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences. The itinerary promises a thrilling adventure for the bikers, showcasing the diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. The bikers will traverse through Bhopal to Gandhisagar Forest Retreat via Rajgarh and Jhalawar, with an overnight stay in a year-round luxurious tent city. Thereafter, riders will reach Chanderi via Guna and Ashoknagar, exploring the rich heritage of Chanderi and experiencing the unique charm of Pranpur, the first Craft Tourism Village and stay overnight at Chanderi eco-retreat tent city. After this, riders will move to UNESCO World Heritage site Khajuraho via Tikamgarh, immersing themselves in the heritage walk and the vibrant culture of Bundelkhand.  And finally from Khajuraho, via Panna, the bikers will reach MPT Parsili resort via Satna, Rewa, and Sidhi, enjoying activities …

Stonewood Premier is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Subhro Mukhopadhyay as the General Manager of Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier, Morjim, North Goa. With over 22 years of diverse experience across the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, Mr. Mukhopadhyay brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. Mr. Mukhopadhyay’ s illustrious career spans leading roles with some of the most recognized names in the industry including Hyatt, Sahara Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, Zuri Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels and Fern Hotels. Prior to joining Aralea Beach Resort, he served at Sarovar Hotels. Mr. Mukhopadhyay’s appointment is expected to further strengthen Aralea Beach Resort’s position as a leading hospitality destination in Goa known for its stunning beachside views, luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities. His proven track record is expected to elevate the resort’s guest experiences and industry standing. Commenting on his new role, Mr. Mukhopadhyay said, “I am delighted to join Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier. Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations and I look forward to working with our team here to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.” With his deep-rooted passion for hospitality and focus on delivering excellence, Mr. Mukhopadhyay’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier.

What recent courses or programs has Les Roches introduced in response to shifts in the hospitality and luxury industries? For example, we’ve introduced two exciting programs recently to meet the growing demands of specific sectors within hospitality. The first is our Master of Science in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism, which addresses the increasing overlap between hospitality and luxury tourism. This program trains students to manage high-end tourism experiences, focusing on luxury branding, marketing strategies, and the specific needs of ultra-high-net-worth clients. The second is the Master of Science in Sport Management and Events, which responds to the rise of sport tourism and large-scale event management. With this program, students gain specialized skills in managing international sporting events, hospitality services for athletes, and the logistics behind complex global events. Both of these programs are designed to give students a competitive edge in these rapidly expanding fields. How does the curriculum at Les Roches align with the latest trends in hospitality management and emerging sectors? Our curriculum is closely aligned with current industry trends, constantly evolving to reflect the latest developments. A key trend in hospitality today is the integration of technology, which is why we’ve developed initiatives like the Spark Innovation Sphere. This research and innovation hub allows students to engage with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain, providing hands-on experience with tools that are transforming the industry. Additionally, trends like wellness tourism and experience-driven travel are reflected in our courses, where students learn how to craft personalized guest experiences and integrate wellness into their service offerings. We’re also preparing students for emerging sectors, such as short-term rentals and the blending of luxury services with hospitality, …

İstanbul, a city where East meets West, is not only a cultural hub but also one of the world’s premier shopping destinations. Renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant modernity, the city offers a unique retail landscape that reflects its cosmopolitan spirit. From bustling bazaars steeped in history to sleek malls housing global brands, and from charming antique shops to luxury boutiques, İstanbul provides a shopping experience like no other. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s unparalleled blend of tradition and innovation while indulging in its distinctive shopping culture. Traditional Shopping in Historical Bazaars Among the most authentic city experiences that İstanbul offers is discovering its historical bazaars. The most popular of them, the Grand and the Spice Bazaars, seamlessly blend unforgettable sights with sounds and colours you cannot see elsewhere. Resembling a giant labyrinth, Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest shopping centres. Wondering the bazaar’s streets, you’ll appreciate the strong artisan tradition, find high-quality goods, including Anatolian carpets, leather products, handmade lamps, and silk garments, and even sip Turkish tea from tulip-shaped glasses while talking to shopkeepers. Then, you can explore decades-old Turkish traditional restaurants, named “esnaf lokantası”, in the back alleys of the bazaar to savour authentic flavours. On the other hand, Spice Bazaar offers visual feasts and unique smells with colourful products on the stalls, including spices and Turkish delights. Insider’s tip: At Grand Bazaar, you can find many timeless pieces produced by skilled craftsmen. The bazaar has a centuries-old gold smithery tradition, so we suggest you purchase custom-made Jewellery as an excellent souvenir from your trip. All-Day Shopping in İstanbul’s Malls For a more modern shopping experience, you should head to İstanbul’s stylish malls. The city’s malls are …

Encalm is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Susmita Khare as Group Head – HR & Training. With an illustrious career spanning 27 years in Human Resource Leadership and Management across Hospitality, Entertainment, Education, and F&B Retail, Ms. Khare brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for people-centric organizational development. In her new role, Ms. Khare will oversee the strategic management of human resources at Encalm, focusing on employee engagement, culture building, organizational development, and leadership training. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in supporting Encalm’s mission of creating delightful experiences every time, and its vision to be the world’s most admired hospitality organization that creates value for its stakeholders. Ms. Khare joins Encalm Hospitality following a distinguished career with prominent organizations such as the Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts, PVR Limited, SRM University, and Lite Bite Foods Pvt. Limited. She has successfully managed a workforce of over 5,000 employees across multi-locations and cultural contexts. Her strengths lie in people management, employee relations, and implementing change processes that enhance organizational culture and efficiency. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through multiple accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Chief People Officers in India – 2022, receiving the Women in Leadership award, and earning recognition for enriching work culture by the reputed ‘Creating Values’ management firm. Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd said, “We are thrilled to welcome Susmita to the Encalm family. Her extensive experience in HR leadership, coupled with her vision for building dynamic teams and fostering an inclusive work culture, will be instrumental in Encalm’s growth. We are confident she will lead the charge in creating an environment where our employees …