In a strategic move to capture the rapidly growing Indian outbound travel market, Sabah Tourism Board partners with BlinkBrand Solutions to capture the outbound potential of India. The partnership aims to position Sabah, Malaysia’s hidden gem, as an ideal destination for Indian travellers seeking pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultural experiences offering exotic beach getaways. Situated in the heart of Malaysian Borneo, Sabah offers an idyllic combination of sun, sand, and sea, alongside a wealth of additional attractions. Renowned for its pristine beaches, spectacular marine life, iconic landmarks such as Mount Kinabalu, and rich biodiversity within its rainforests, the destination is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, wildlife explorers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Sabah benefits from excellent connectivity to major Indian markets, providing convenient flight options to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur through several reputable airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air. Consequently, Sabah presents itself as an attractive short-haul destination for Indian travelers. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “India is one of the most dynamic outbound travel markets in the world, and we are excited to tap into its potential with BlinkBrand Solutions. Sabah offers a truly unique ‘mountain high to ocean deep’ experience, from the majestic heights of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 meters, a UNESCO Global Geopark rich in biodiversity, to Sipadan, one of the world’s top dive destinations with unparalleled marine life. In between, visitors can explore pristine beaches, vibrant rainforests, exotic wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and community-driven conservation tourism. This partnership opens up new opportunities to enhance Sabah’s presence in India and invite more visitors to discover the wonders of our beautiful …

Etrav Tech Ltd. recently organised a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative following the Ganesh Pooja celebrations. In collaboration with the BBC – Biker Brotherhood Club, their team organized a beach clean-up drive to address the litter left after the immersion festivities and to honour the true spirit of the festival. The Ganesh Puja transcends mere dance, food, and rhythmic festivities; it also serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the importance of preserving our environment. Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, symbolizes harmony with nature. As a company committed to sustainability and community well-being, Etrav believes that its responsibilities extend beyond the festivities. The beach clean-up event, held on 22nd September, 2024, brought together members of the BBC, employees of Etrav, and local volunteers who worked tirelessly to collect waste and restore the beach’s natural beauty. With over 100 participants, they removed significant amounts of litter, fostering a sense of community and environmental awareness among all involved. Mr. Heniel Rupaarelia, Managing Director of Etrav Tech Ltd said, “We wanted to send a strong message that the celebration of Ganesh Pooja should not be just limited to celebrations but also include a commitment to protecting our environment,”  “Partnering with the BBC allowed us to amplify our impact and inspire even more people to respect and care for our natural surroundings.” As a Leading player in the B2B travel sector in India, Etrav Tech Ltd. is committed to implementing initiatives that promote sustainability and community welfare.

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’ s  global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is inviting travelers to embrace a glamorous summer mindset no matter where they are, with its signature program, Au Soleil by Le Méridien. Ask any summer-loving travelers and they will say that summer is a state of mind. With Au Soleil in full swing, let Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa be your secret sun-soaked escape and your golden ticket to endless summer days and unforgettable nights. Ready to immerse yourself in a world of sun-kissed moments, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to intrigue, satisfy, and excite? Drawing inspiration from Le Méridien’s storied heritage, particularly the enchanting spirit of chasing endless summers and creating lasting memories, Au Soleil invites guests to savour the simple joys and golden hour moments, boasting a curated collection of experiences designed to tantalize one’s senses. Discover a world of Au Soleil essentials that will elevate your definition of the perfect summer escape: Sip, Savour, and Stay at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa From sun-kissed days with a glass of rosé to golden hour barbeques on the beach, global jet setters visiting Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa will be able to capture the spirit of Au Soleil in a variety of ways: ● Guests can indulge in the best-selling All-Inclusive package that includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with exclusive access to the weekly Au Soleil Beach Barbecue. Guests can savour a sumptuous array of succulent seafood, tender meats, and tantalising Maldivian delicacies, all complemented by vibrant salads and greens freshly harvested from the resort’s abundant hydroponic Greenhouse. ● Embodying the idea that the …

Tourism is a truly remarkable field, having always been more than just a type of leisure or merely a source of revenue for individual regions or cities. Tourism is primarily a way to get immersed in new cultures and experience history. Tourism actually expands your horizons, as you get to see new natural landscapes and meet new people, which in turn allows for a deeper understanding of the world and mankind. When you learn of the achievements and values of other cultures, you cannot help but become a more accepting, understanding and tolerant person. The Moscow City Tourism Committee does everything in its power to bring these ideas to life through the development and implementation of its programs. The effectiveness of these efforts can be measured by statistical data and the feedback from people who have visited Moscow. We have recently conducted a large-scale survey among foreign tourists. We found out that the landmarks that left international travelers with the most vivid impressions were the Red Square and Kremlin, VDNKh, Arbat, Gorky Park and the Bolshoi Theater. Notably, the Red Square was particularly memorable for tourists from non-CIS countries (67%), while residents of neighboring countries (13%) were most impressed by VDNKh. But Moscow attracts foreign guests not only with its popular landmarks, but also with recreational activities unusual for a metropolis. The plan for Moscow tourism development until 2030 emphasizes the importance of cultural tourism and ways to expand it. Currently half of the guests of the capital visit a museum, an exhibition or an art space. Theaters and sports events are popular among tourists as well. Moscow is also rightfully considered to be a gastronomic capital: every seventh tourist …

Turkiye took center stage at the recently concluded International Convention of Wedding Fraternity 2024, held from September 20-22 in Jaipur. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ICWF remains India’s premier wedding industry conference, drawing over 1,000 professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in destination weddings. As a key participant, the Türkiye Tourism Development and Promotion Agency, alongside 18 Turkish hotels and Destination Management Companies , presented Turkiye as a premier destination for Indian weddings. The Turkiye delegation, led by Ms. Çağla Yöntem, MICE Director of the Turkiye Tourism Development and Promotion Agency, aimed to strengthen Türkiye’s positioning in the Indian wedding market. The delegation showcased the country’s high standards in hospitality, creativity, and luxury accommodations, all designed to cater to the growing demand for destination weddings. During the conference, a special session dedicated to Turkiye featured promotional films highlighting the country’s scenic wedding venues and expert services. Participating Turkish hoteliers and DMCs had the opportunity to engage in meaningful networking sessions with India’s top wedding professionals, further solidifying Turkiye’s role as a sought-after destination. With its growing popularity among Indian couples, Turkiye continues to build strong ties with the Indian wedding industry, offering unique experiences tailored to the cultural and luxury preferences of this dynamic market.

M.P. Tourism Board has started a cafe in Pranpur village of Chanderi. An important step towards women empowerment and creating a safe tourist destination. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken a significant step towards women empowerment and creating a safe tourism destination by launching State’s first craft-based cafe- ‘Handloom Cafe’ in Pranpur, a village located 4 kilometers from the renowned tourist destination of Chanderi in Ashoknagar district. This cafe is entirely operated by women making it a pioneering initiative in the Madhya Pradesh. Additional Managing Director Tourism Board Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee visited Pranpur to inspect the cafe and boost the morale of the women staff. Additional managing director Ms. Mukherjee said “Handloom cafe is a crucial step towards empowering women and fostering a safe tourism environment. The cafe will be entirely run by women, from security guards and welcome staff to chefs, receptionists, cashiers, and even front office managers. To ensure smooth operations, all women have undergone specialized training at the Institute of Hotel Management Bhopal. A women’s group has been registered as ‘Sakhi Saheli Lok Kalyan Sangh’ to manage the cafe.” Additional managing director Ms. Mukherjee also said this project will not only provide employment opportunities to these women but also equip them with the necessary skills, confidence, and financial independence to improve their quality of life. Additionally, this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission to promote a safe and inclusive environment for women travellers.  This women-run cafe will offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s rich culture and progressive outlook

The Indian travel industry is set to experience a groundbreaking event, as leading professionals come together for the first time on an equal platform to discuss the most pressing challenges confronting the sector. Titled a Revolutionary Travel Industry Meet, this event will focus on critical issues like Tax Collected at Source (TCS), Goods and Services Tax (GST), the need for a Simplified Tax Structure, and Unethical Trade Practices—topics that have long been neglected or entangled in power plays. More than 100+ travel agents and media fraternities attended the session offline and online. The organizers of the event were prominent travel trade members like Shailendra Kumar Shrivastava from Krishana Holidays, Hemant Passi from DuniyaOnline, Pradeep Shishodia from Liana Tourism, Rohit Kumar from Holidays Worldwide and Naveen Nahar, Citadelii Travelz Factory LLP and many others. Apart from travel trade, the session was also attended by Mr. Arjun Akruwala from ASA GST Advisory Services, Mr. Vibhor Gupta from Gupta Vibhor & Associates and Pranaw Kumar Mishra from Pranaw Mishra & Associates. The event is jointly organizing by the group of travel agents where everyone is a President and secretary and a fellow member. This pivotal meeting promises to be a game-changer, offering equal rights and authority to every participant and this meeting ensures that all voices will be heard, and decisions will be made collectively by the travel fraternity. A panel of tax experts and lawyers will be available during the meeting to offer insights and guide participants through potential strategies to overcome these challenges. To make this discussion accessible to the entire travel fraternity, those who were unable to attend in person participated online. This provided them access to live discussions and debates, allowing …

Goa-based hospitality chain, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the launch of its latest property, Azalea by Stone Wood, a luxurious retreat set amidst the scenic beauty of Carmona in South Goa. Located just 700 metres from the pristine White Sands of Carmona Beach and within walking distance of Zalor Beach, the resort offers a serene escape for travellers seeking relaxation and tranquillity. The launch of Azalea by Stone Wood strengthens the brand’s presence in Goa, a destination known for its stunning beaches, historic churches, and vibrant local culture. Azalea by Stone Wood offers 52 well-appointed rooms, including deluxe, premium, and suite options, all equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, HD LED televisions, and 24-hour room service. The resort also features a multi-cuisine restaurant, Café d’Azalea, a swimming pool, and a host of guest services including airport transfers and a business centre, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. Guests of Azalea can explore several nearby attractions, including Cabo de Rama Fort, a historic landmark with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, and Big Foot, a recreated Goan village that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The property is also close to the iconic Arch of Coconut Trees, a natural landmark perfect for picturesque moments. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to introduce Azalea by Stone Wood, which perfectly captures the essence of South Goa’s beauty and tranquillity. With its prime location, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, we believe Azalea will provide an unforgettable experience for every guest. We continue to believe in experiential boutique …

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts launches a European-inspired castle- Clarks Resorts the Archi’s Castle in Ajmer. The culturally rich state is already known for its palaces, Havelis, and colonial properties. But most of these are dominated by Mughal or Rajputana architecture, castles with European architecture are rare to find. The property is nestled amidst the majestic Aravali hills, creating an iconic landmark where history, culture, and contemporary luxury seamlessly blend. This heritage palace, once part of the regal legacy of Rajasthan, is adorned with captivating art-deco designs, timeless interiors, and architectural elegance. Every corner of the palace holds a story, creating an atmosphere filled with enchanting moments. Its unique architecture and design make it a standout destination in Ajmer. The hotel is centrally located just 6.1km from the railway station and from various sightseeing sites. In order to meet the needs of travelers, the rooms are fully designed keeping comfort in mind. It has 201 rooms In different categories with a nice view from the room. An array of modern conveniences graces all the rooms, including an LED-screen TV with tea and coffee maker, blackout curtains, high-speed WiFi net access, and well-appointed bathrooms with a complete range of toiletries. It has four of its kind of restaurants, all inspired by traveling. The four restaurants operate under the name- Avion Airlines, The Wind, The 18 Arch, and The Volar Helipad. All the restaurants provide a unique experience to the diners and serve a variety of cuisines. Apart from that the Castle has a huge banquet hall targeted to MICE, Weddings, private parties, On Sites, etc. The Clarks Resorts The Archi’s Castle owner Hemant Jain  shares, “Our effort is to blend the …

STAAH and its partners — Booking.com and WebBeds — brought together over 400 representatives of the hospitality industry at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel to exchange ideas and foster new connections STAAH, the New Zealand-based leading hospitality solutions provider that has transformed the business processes of its partner hotels in India and across the world with its stack of hospi-tech solutions, has successfully concluded yet another edition of ‘The Big Connect’ conference, this time in Mumbai. STAAH partnered with hotel booking platform, Booking.com and WebBeds – the global marketplace for travel trade, to organise the mega hospi-tech networking conference that saw the attendance of over 400 industry experts and innovators converge at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel. The event featured insightful sessions on how technology can be leveraged in different ways to empower owners of hotels to optimize their operations and distribution channels while enhancing guest experiences. Hoteliers were educated on the latest tools and strategies to enhance their online bookings and revenue. The attendees also had the opportunity to share and exchange new ideas, discuss emerging trends and technologies while fostering new connections. Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head – India, STAAH said, “We are delighted to have brought ‘The Big Connect’ to Mumbai and are thankful to our partners for making this event a huge success! This event saw representatives from the hospitality sector gather under one roof and, in intellectually stimulating exchanges, find new ways to drive the growth of the sector forward with the adoption of new hospi-tech technologies and platforms. Look forward to taking ‘The Big Connect’ to more cities”. The event concluded with a live comedy session by Atul Khatri followed by a cocktail and dinner at …