– 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 …

Aircraft purchase is part of ongoing transformation and ensuring resilience for strategic growth as industry sees supply chain issues affecting deliveries Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, today announced plans to purchase six Airbus A320 CEO aircraft, as part of its ongoing transformation and strategic growth. These aircraft are currently leased and operated by Jazeera as part of its fleet. The transition from leased to owned aircraft is aimed at reducing unit costs and mitigating supply chain challenges that have impacted the aviation industry, including delays in aircraft deliveries. This move will further enhance Jazeera’s operational resilience and cost-efficiency, especially as the airline prepares to mark 20  years of flying in 2025. As part of its transformation, Jazeera Airways plans to expand its network of routes, introduce enhanced in-flight services, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to elevate the overall passenger experience. The airline is also committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and continuing to adapt to evolving market demands in the coming years. Commenting on the development, Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways, said: “Our decision to invest in six Airbus A320 aircraft reflects our forward-thinking approach to fleet management and transformation. By building a balance between leased and owned aircraft, we are reinforcing our operational resilience while ensuring we maintain one of the most cost-efficient models in the region. This acquisition also highlights our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our reach as we transform into a more sustainable and innovative airline. As we evolve, we will continue to stay focused on delivering value to both our customers and our shareholders.” The airline is expecting deliveries from its current order book of 26 Airbus A320 …

Hoi, an innovative travel-tech platform revolutionising airport experiences for modern travellers, announces a partnership with BluSmart, South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing service. This collaboration introduces an integration that allows riders to discover and access Hoi’s comprehensive airport services including pre-ordering airport meals while En route to their terminals in BluSmart cars. Exclusive offers for BluSmart users will be available both through in-cab promotions and directly on Hoi’s platform. Users can access these special discounts when booking airport-bound rides across Delhi-NCR through BluSmart, enhancing their journey with premium airport services at preferential rates. A key highlight of this partnership is the convenience for riders to pre-order airport meals during their BluSmart ride, allowing them to skip food counter queues and proceed directly to their gates. This seamless experience is powered by Hoi’s advanced integration with Airport Flight Status Display Systems and the Airport Operations Database (AODB), ensuring real-time flight updates and gate information. The campaign encourages passengers to download the app and explore the Hoi platform through in-cab displays. or directly through the BluSmart app. With this integration, we aim to reach over 2.5 lakh rides during the one-month campaign. Speaking on the partnership, Harshvardhan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Hoi said, “At Hoi, we’re constantly innovating to make airport experiences more efficient and enjoyable for travellers. Our partnership with BluSmart represents a natural synergy between sustainable transportation and smart airport services. By enabling travellers to organise their airport experience during their ride to the terminal, we’re effectively extending the airport’s convenience to the car journey itself.” Hoi has transformed the airport experience across major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and New Goa  through its comprehensive platform. Beyond flight monitoring, Hoi provides pre-ordering of F&B …

The Hello Meghalaya Conclave took place in Shillong, serving as a vibrant gathering for the cultural community. As Meghalaya’s indigenous OTT platform, Hello Meghalaya offers invaluable opportunities to filmmakers, artists, and content creators. The event was organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. Since the launch of Hello Meghalaya in 11th July 2024, the app had seen an overwhelming response with over 3.14 lakhs total app downloads and 2 lakh registrations in just a span of 5 months, 281K total number of views, 7.33K total content downloads, and 5.05K total content shared. The top-performing content includes Ka Daw, Thong Iong Nga, Ehrang, Ka Chithi, and Papa, with Thadlaskein, Laskein, and Mawlai being among the top regions for views. Hello Meghalaya also boasts a strong social media presence, with nine thousand YouTube subscribers, five thousand Instagram followers, and over four thousand Facebook followers, all achieved within six months. Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, expressed his pride in the success of Hello Meghalaya as an OTT platform launched by a state government. He shared an experience from his visit to Nongnah, a village in Southwest Khasi Hills located over three hours from Shillong. During his interaction with farmers and youth in the village, the youth showcased the Hello Meghalaya app, highlighting its impressive reach even in remote areas. The conclave showcased the video presentation of the journey of Hello Meghalaya over the span of 5 months. Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister launched the Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, to encourage film production and to promote the use of local language a corpus fund has been created by the Government of Meghalaya to provide financial assistance to filmmakers. The …

On Saturday, 14th December 2024 the world’s steepest cable car starts operating. The new direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren was officially opened the day before as part of a VIP opening ceremony. At the same time, the first section of the cable car between Mürren and Birg will go into operation. It marks the completion of the first major construction phase of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project: the opening of the new direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren. It is the steepest cable car in the world with a gradient of 159.4 per cent. The classic aerial cableway connects the valley floor with the car-free mountain village in just four minutes via the vertical walls of the Mürrenfluh. It covers a height of 775 metres on a journey of almost 1194 metres. The two cable cars from Carvatech in Oberwies, Austria, have space for 85 people or 6.8 tonnes of cargo. 800 people per hour can be transported at full capacity. A striking feature is the very long suspension arm of 11 metres, which was essential due to the extreme gradient. The AURO system (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) aerial cableway with constant monitoring by cameras and sensors enables autonomous operation without personnel inside the cable cars and stations. A fully automated loading robot takes care of freight logistics. Transportation of luggage and cargo are synchronised with the passengers in a container attached underneath the cable car. Grand opening On Friday, 13th December 2024, the cable car was officially opened in the presence of over 600 guests. The lively celebration, hosted by Monika Erb, took place in the new Stechelberg valley station. In addition to the official opening ceremony and rides on the new cable …

NueGo, India’s largest electric intercity bus service from GreenCell Mobility, has  partnered with CheckMyBus, world’s leading bus travel metasearch platform, to revolutionize intercity bus travel for both international and domestic guests in India. This collaboration aims to provide an eco-friendly and sustainable travel experience, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. With a network connecting over 100 cities across India, NueGo’s electric buses offer a safe, cleaner & comfortable alternative to traditional bus services, promoting a future of pollution-free travel with focus on guest experience. This partnership will make NueGo’s extensive network easily accessible on the CheckMyBus platform, enabling global travelers to discover and explore India’s diverse destinations in an environmentally conscious manner. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO – GreenCell Mobility, shared, “Partnering with CheckMyBus allows NueGo to connect with global travelers from over 100 countries, offering them a premium intercity bus experience in India that prioritizes sustainability. Together, we are redefining travel by embracing greener alternatives and contributing to a better future. By combining zero-emission mobility with India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, NueGo electric buses are making eco-friendly tourism a reality.” Marc Hofmann, CEO of CheckMyBus, stated, “We are excited to partner with NueGo to bring a climate-friendly bus travel experience to our global travelers in India. As the world shifts towards greener alternatives, the NueGo and CheckMyBus partnership aligns perfectly with our mission make it simple for travelers to find sustainable mobility. This collaboration not only enhances the travel experience but also contributes to a cleaner and greener planet.” Nuego’s fleet of electric buses is designed to offer comfort, safety, and convenience while minimizing the environmental impact. By choosing Nuego, travelers …