Nok Air, Thailand’s premium budget airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight DD 938 from Bangkok in Mumbai at 1:05 AM. This marks Nok Air’s second Indian destination, following Hyderabad, which was introduced in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bangkok departed Mumbai on 28 October, at 2:05 AM. Nok Air will operate a daily schedule of eight nonstop flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, utilising the Boeing 737-800, accommodating 189 passengers. Nok Air’s senior officials, including Chief Commercial Officer, Ranon Viputsiri, were on board the inaugural Bangkok to Mumbai flight, where passengers and crew were warmly welcomed with traditional vermillion and flowers. A special celebration at the boarding gate included goodie bags for passengers, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and a cake-cutting event, highlighting the significance of this new route. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that our services and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction will make this route a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this historic milestone and experience the comfort and convenience of our flights” stated Ranon Viputsiri. “Two vibrant cities that have long been cultural and economic hubs in their respective regions. This new route not only strengthens our commitment to connecting people but also underscores our belief in the immense potential for growth and collaboration between Thailand and India.” Nok Air is committed to delivering a quality flying experience at affordable prices, reflected in their motto, “We Fly Smiles.” Travelers can choose from two ticket options: Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max. Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked …

In a significant development for India’s entertainment and event management industry, Rajeev Jain, Founder, Director, Rashi Entertainment, has been appointed as Chair of the Entertainment Committee at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the 2024-25 term. This prestigious role underscores Jain’s reputation as an industry leader and his dedication to advancing the entertainment and events sectors in India. As Chair, Jain will serve as a vital link between industry stakeholders and government representatives, focusing on bridging gaps, addressing challenges, and pursuing new opportunities. His leadership is anticipated to drive forward initiatives aimed at strengthening industry resilience and promoting growth in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. “I am truly excited to work alongside visionary leaders and professionals to encourage innovation, build meaningful partnerships, and promote growth in the industry,” Jain said. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jain added, “My experience will be instrumental in helping us collectively achieve our shared goals for the sector. I am looking forward to leveraging this platform to drive positive change and unlock the full potential of the entertainment and events industry.” With Jain’s appointment, the industry anticipates a phase of dynamic growth, driven by strategic advocacy, innovation, and meaningful collaborations under his leadership.  

Preserving the past is an art that Oman radiates in its masterfully preserved ancient forts and heritage sites. These grand structures showcase Omani craftsmanship and history, welcoming visitors nationwide. Notable forts include Nizwa in the Interior, Al Jalali and Al Mirani in Old Muscat, and Nakhal and Al Rustaq in South Al Batinah. Oman proudly boasts its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each a treasure trove of history. Bahla Fort, a masterfully restored mud-brick fortress, stands as a testament to Omani heritage. The archaeological wonders of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Wadi Al-Ain form the world’s most complete necropolis and settlement collection. In Dhofar, the Land of Frankincense flourishes, featuring Wadi Dawkah’s ancient trees and remnants of trading hubs like Ubar, Khawr Ruri, and Al Baleed—echoing Oman’s vital role in the frankincense trade. Meanwhile, Qalhat, an ancient port in Sur, once linked Oman to great civilizations, renowned for its Arabian horse trade with India. With all these treasures, for travellers drawn to history and culture, Oman is a must-visit destination.

Travesla is challenging the status quo in the GSA landscape. Led by aviation veteran Salil Nath, it is pioneering a value-driven transformation in aviation, travel, and hospitality. India’s aviation market is poised for extraordinary growth. By 2037, India is expected to handle over 500 million domestic passengers annually, making it the third-largest aviation market globally. Travesla aims to transform the GSA landscape by creating a mini version of the airline or travel brand’s commercial team in India or the respective geography, delivering local expertise with a global vision. Travesla sets new standards for how GSAs can bring tangible value to airlines and all travel and hospitality stakeholders by focusing on partnership, innovation, and holistic solutions. As Travesla officially launches, the company is positioned to lead the representation of global aviation and hospitality businesses in India and beyond, transforming the landscape with its value-driven approach. The mission is clear—adopt a 360-degree approach to commercial success by offering tailored teams, focusing on quality revenue through unparalleled corporate sales penetration, complementary marketing & PR services, and expert aero-political, regulatory, legal, and government liaison services. This approach is helmed by professional leadership with decades of experience in leading airlines globally. Whether you are an airline looking to expand into new markets or a hospitality provider aiming to improve your commercial performance, Travesla’s cutting-edge services are designed to exceed expectations and deliver real, measurable results. Despite the immense potential, the Indian aviation industry grapples with inefficiencies and evolving consumer demands. Traditional GSA models often need to do more to bridge these gaps, focusing on transactional engagements rather than offering the transformative solutions needed to drive meaningful growth and innovation. Airlines and hospitality businesses require partners …

Ethiopian Airlines Group announced a groundbreaking milestone with the upcoming arrival of the very first Airbus A350-1000, the first of its kind in Africa, proudly named “Ethiopia Land of Origins”. This state-of-the-art aircraft represents not only their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation but also the hard work and dedication of the entire Ethiopian family. The A350-1000 will significantly enhance their fleet, enabling Ethiopia to expand routes, improve fuel efficiency, and offer passengers an exceptional flying experience. It also contributes to the global effort for a more sustainable aviation industry, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental footprint. With its advanced technology, the A350-1000 will allow them to serve customers better, ensuring their comfort and safety on every flight. This new addition strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ market presence, opens up new destinations, and creates more opportunities for everyone within the company. Ethiopian Airlines Group is eagerly preparing for the official delivery and operation of the A350-1000.    

SriLankan Airlines is scheduled to launch a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo starting 31 October 2024, bringing the total weekly operations between the two cities to 10 flights. The new flight timings are ideal for both Indian holidaymakers and business event attendees travelling to Sri Lanka for short weekend escapes. Flight UL 1174 will depart from Bangalore to Colombo at 09:40 AM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Colombo at 11:10 AM. The return flight, UL 1173, will leave Colombo at 07:20 AM and reach Bangalore at 08:40 AM every Thursday through Saturday. The schedule of the new service is designed to offer a more flexible travel experience for Bengalureans jetting out to Sri Lanka, whether for a vacation or a workation. It provides more daytime hours on the island while being conveniently scheduled closer to the weekend. This allows travellers to pack more into their itinerary, make the most of their visit, and return home in time for the start of a new week, making it the most convenient flight option for weekend travel to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s popularity as a holiday and MICE destination in the Indian outbound travel market continues to rise, thanks in part to the geographic and cultural proximity of the two countries. Most Indians are likely to find the comforting familiarity of home in Sri Lanka that is not found in other parts of the world. Additionally, the island’s compactness, coupled with the new flight schedule, enables Indians to enjoy a range of diverse experiences in just a few days, from the stunning southern shores and the historical kovils of the north to the cool climes of the central province, …

The five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth officially unveils its extensive $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November. Ushering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the rebirth of this Sydney icon coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years. The five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveils its extensive $70 million (AUD) refurbishment with final completion set for November. Created by Qantas in the 1960s, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history, spanning over half a century. Central to the hotel’s refurbishment vision was reigniting the ’60s jet-set glamour that characterised its original charm when it opened as Australia’s premier international 5-star hotel, attracting royals, movie stars, and dignitaries. The aim was to modernise this golden era for the 21st century. The refurbishment encompassed 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, health and wellness centre (with exciting updates to come), public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces. Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality. They have created an exceptional multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the luxury hotel, with two restaurants – tilda and Delta Rue, two bars – bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, and one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace bars. With much of the refurbishment led by architecture and interior design firm FK, the hotel embodies the essence of ‘Modern Heritage.’ The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening in 1966 with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere. Enabling the building to reflect the spirit of its time, the design seeks to capture …

Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have agreed to significantly expand their codeshare agreement, adding 11 Indian cities and another 40 international destinations to their network. This marks the first extensive expansion of codeshare arrangements between the airlines since 2010, offering customers enhanced travel options between Singapore and India, as well as beyond. From 27 October 2024, Air India and SIA will codeshare on each other’s flights between Singapore and the Indian cities of Bengaluru and Chennai, increasing their total weekly scheduled codeshare services between the countries to 56 from 14. SIA will codeshare on Air India’s domestic flights between Delhi and Amritsar, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Lucknow, and Varanasi, between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Thiruvananthapuram, as well as between Kolkata and Guwahati. Air India customers will be able to access 29 destinations across SIA’s network. These are Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney (Australia), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia), Denpasar, Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya (Indonesia), Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo-Haneda, and Tokyo-Narita (Japan), Busan and Seoul (South Korea), Kuala Lumpur and Penang (Malaysia), Auckland (New Zealand), Cebu and Manila (the Philippines), as well as Danang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). This includes existing codeshare arrangements to Kuala Lumpur. SIA customers will also be able to connect to Air India’s international services from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai to 12 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These are Copenhagen (Denmark), Paris (France), Frankfurt (Germany), Milan (Italy), Nairobi (Kenya), Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Colombo (Sri Lanka), as well as Birmingham, London-Gatwick, and London-Heathrow (the United Kingdom). Both airlines plan to progressively include other …

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre – Managed by Accor, announced key appointments to its leadership team. Manik Vishnoi has been appointed as the new Director of Operations, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, having worked with brands like Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Throughout his career, he has managed diverse teams across various cities. His journey includes positions at Hyatt Regency New Delhi, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity & Marriott Jaipur Convention Centre. Manik’s experience spans key locations such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata, allowing him to cultivate a deep understanding of regional tastes and service styles. Most recently, he served as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, West Bengal. His expertise includes managing topline budgeting, revenue strategy, F&B promotions, along with cost control, pricing, guest satisfaction, and team development, making him a valuable asset to the company. Neha Choudhary joins as the Marketing & Communications Manager, bringing over 14 years of experience, including 10 years in journalism with leading publications like The Times of India Jaipur, Daily News and Analysis, and Rajasthan Patrika. After transitioning into corporate communications at AU Small Finance Bank, Neha moved into the hospitality sector, taking on marketing and communications at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer. Her shift into hospitality has brought a fresh perspective, blending her expertise in content writing, public relations, marketing, and brand-building. Neha’s strategic leadership will be pivotal in driving the marketing efforts of this massive hotel complex and enhancing the brand image. Abhishek Sharma has been appointed as the …

Planning a visit to one of Australia’s wine regions? Get cosy with these Ultimate Winery Experiences, Australia overnight escapes, from luxury studios in Orange to charming cottages in the King Valley. Go glamping at Sirromet near Brisbane Just 40 minutes from Brisbane, Sanctuary by Sirromet offers a tranquil escape with a touch of luxury. Nestled amongst the native paperbark and giant scribbly gum trees, the luxurious tented glamping pavilion offers elegance, comfort and style, allowing guests to escape the everyday, reconnect with nature and experience everything Sirromet has to offer. Stays include breakfast each morning. TIP: Enjoy a mid-week stay when Sirromet is quieter, and take the time to explore the winery with a behind-the scenes tour and tutored wine tasting, followed by an onsite picnic in the beautiful surroundings. Kick back at Mandoon in the Swan Valley Located onsite at Mandoon Estate, Maya Maya is a luxurious gateway to the enchanting Swan Valley near Western Australia’s capital city of Perth. Nestled within this exclusive enclave are 32 elegantly appointed rooms looking out over the historic verdelho vines planted in 1895, and the serene banks of the Swan River. Meaning ‘camp’ in local Indigenous language, Maya Maya pays homage to the ancestral legacy of the Whadjuk Noongar people. TIP: Taste traditional bush foods and learn about local Indigenous culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook with Mandoon’s Bush Tucker Tasting and Talk Experience. Pamper yourself near Printhie in Orange A 3.5-hour drive from Sydney in Orange, Printhie Wines has partnered with local luxury accommodation Basalt to offer an exclusive dine and stay package. The stay includes two nights at the architecturally designed luxury studios, set amongst a beautiful cherry orchard, each …