Sara Sodhi Juneja, Founder & CEO, Sara Consulting Services announced, “Over the years I have supported Finnish tourism brands in the region, organising a number of Fam Trips, Workshops, Marketing & PR Collaborations. I am thrilled to share that my cooperation with them will continue & I am representing some fantastic Finnish Tourism brands. “While heading Visit Finland in India & Gulf for seven years, my greatest achievement was driving the highest number of overnight stays from India to Finland to date. Another highlight was growing the number of Indian overnights to Finland by 35 per cent in 2024.” Embassy of Finland in India I am happy to continue my work on country branding projects with Team Finland India, collaborating with Embassy of Finland in New Delhi & Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai. Visit Rovaniemi – Tourism Board for The Official Hometown of Santa Claus! Indian overnights to Rovaniemi grew by 90 per cent in 2024 marking the highest overnights from India to Rovaniemi to date. Going forward, my efforts will be aligned to strategically position Rovaniemi as a year-round destination for Indian travellers, offering unique arctic summer & autumn experiences along with the traditional winter attractions. Strawberry and Nordic Hotels & Resorts in Finland—Most Iconic Hotels in Helsinki! With a portfolio of 19 stunning hotels in Helsinki including the iconic properties of Hotel Kämp, Hotel St. George, Hotel Haven, and Hotel Lilla Roberts, as well as Clarion Hotels, Strawberry is committed to draw in more guests from the India market. I will support the organisation in maintaining their leading brand position in India and help them deliver exceptional hospitality experiences tailored for Indian guests. Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi—The premier …

Flightworth.com, a travel services provider, recently organised RTTCL cricket league in association with TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India). Eight teams participated on 1 March, 2025, with winners and top performers receiving cash prizes and accolades from industry giants like SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Indigo, Egyptair and Nirwana Hometel. An IPL style auction for players was held on 28 February 2025. This pioneer event for the travel trade was a mix of excitement and newness. The initiative was led by Manoj Sogani Jain, Chairman, BCS Tours & Travels and was well acclaimed, marking a notable achievement.  

Goa has been honoured with two prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade fairs, reaffirming its position as India’s premier tourism destination. The award for Tourism Minister of the Year – India was conferred upon Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and governance in advancing Goa’s tourism sector. Goa was also awarded as the Destination of the Year – India, recognising the state’s diverse tourism offerings, sustainability initiatives, and global appeal. The awards were received by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, on behalf of the Minister at the ceremony held at ITB Berlin. Expressing his gratitude, Khaunte said, “This recognition on a global platform is a testament to our commitment to responsible and innovative tourism. Goa continues to evolve as a world-class destination, offering sustainable, high-value tourism experiences while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.” These awards further strengthen Goa’s international positioning and reinforce its appeal as a preferred travel destination for global travellers.  

This 25th and 26th April, La Mamounia, Marrakech—celebrated for its unparalleled blend of Moroccan tradition and modern luxury—invites guests to an extraordinary weekend where the worlds of Burgundy’s finest wines, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and classical music converge in an unparalleled celebration of art de vivre. Nestled within the historic city walls and surrounded by 20 acres of lush gardens, La Mamounia offers a serene oasis just moments away from Marrakech’s vibrant medina. With elegantly designed accommodations that reflect the rich Moroccan heritage, this exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse in the elegance, heritage, and artistry of both French and Moroccan traditions. As La Mamounia’s storied gardens awaken in the golden light of spring, guests will embark on a journey of indulgence featuring exceptional wine tastings, intimate cocktail evenings, and exquisite dining experiences. At the heart of this celebration is a spectacular Gala Dinner, where the legendary Grands Crus de Bourgogne will be paired with masterfully crafted dishes by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Leading this culinary masterpiece is Marc Haeberlin, a Michelin-starred icon from Alsace’s famed Auberge de l’Ill, alongside Stéphanie Le Quellec, the visionary force behind the two-Michelin-starred La Scène in Paris. Complementing their artistry, renowned Master Cheesemaker Bernard Antony will curate an extraordinary selection of cheeses, ensuring every course is a testament to tradition and innovation. Beyond the pleasures of the table, an enchanting classical concert will bring the weekend to its crescendo. A stellar ensemble of world-class musicians will perform a carefully curated repertoire, weaving together the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, and Gershwin in a mesmerising evening of symphonic brilliance. Set within La Mamounia’s opulent surroundings, this performance promises to transport guests into the realm of musical mastery, where every note resonates with the grandeur of this iconic palace. …

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, emphasised the need for public-private partnerships to drive destination marketing at state and national levels. “States can support the industry by incentivising international films and collaborations to showcase destinations globally,” he said.

Mandeep Lamba, President, South Asia, HVS, stressed the need for infrastructure status in the hospitality industry. He said “Infrastructure status is the first requirement for hospitality, as it enables access to long-term financing. Hotels are a highly capital-intensive business.” This move would drive investment and sectoral growth.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said, “One of the targets we could perhaps place for ourselves is how to double tourism’s GDP contribution from 5% to 10% in the next ten years and probably add 25 million jobs in the next five years.” He emphasised the need for strategic efforts to achieve this growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I urge stakeholders to invest in promoting health tourism and take advantage of the opportunities. We must also fully tap into the potential of yoga and wellness tourism. There is immense scope in education tourism and I hope for in-depth discussions and the development of a strong roadmap.”

SriLankan Airlines will be introducing wireless in-flight entertainment on select narrow-body A320 aircraft, enabling passengers to seamlessly stream content on their own devices. The new technology means that passengers on certain short-haul flights can now experience a greater degree of personalisation and convenience, while enjoying their favourite movies, music and more onboard. Maria Sathasivam, Manager, Product Development, SriLankan Airlines, commented on this latest product enhancement, stating, “We are excited to make our award-winning onboard entertainment content even more accessible to our loyal customers. Wireless entertainment is emerging as a game-changer in the industry, offering multiple advantages for both customers and airlines. As an airline that embraces innovation, with passenger experience at the heart of everything we do, it is a natural step for SriLankan Airlines to join the ranks of global carriers offering wireless in-flight entertainment.” Passengers can use their smartphones, tablets or laptops to access and stream on-demand content onboard via the airline’s Wi-Fi network, SkyPlus, without the need for seatback screens. Powered by the wireless streaming solution, Everhub, passengers are instantly connected to SriLankan’s in-flight entertainment system, featuring an expertly curated library with something for everyone. From the latest Hollywood blockbusters to regional favourites, the library contains hours of movies and TV shows in a variety of languages and genres, including action, comedy, drama, adventure, kids, musical and sports. Passengers can also enjoy over 100 handpicked audio albums, featuring music for every listener, from international hits to local classics. Winner of the prestigious 2025 APEX Best Entertainment Award in Central/Southern Asia based on certified passenger feedback, SriLankan Airlines’ in-flight entertainment is also about to become more environmentally friendly by going wireless. Wireless entertainment systems are lightweight, contributing to …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with content creator Prajakta Koli to launch an exclusive, influencer-curated itinerary designed to offer Indian travellers an overview of the emirate’s award-winning attractions and inspiring experiences. Unveiled at an event in Mumbai attended by the media and trade partners, the collaboration seeks to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi’s diverse offering – including new experiences such as teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Surf Abu Dhabi – empowering travel professionals to optimise their packages. Prajakta Koli is one of India’s most influential content creators, celebrated for her relatable and humorous storytelling that resonates with over 17 million followers across platforms. Known by her online persona ‘MostlySane’, she has gained widespread acclaim for creating engaging content spanning comedy, lifestyle and travel. Koli’s itineraries highlight Abu Dhabi’s versatility as a destination for short breaks, luxurious retreats, family vacations, and culturally immersive holidays alike. By putting the spotlight on the emirate’s appeal as both a standalone holiday destination and an ideal stopover, supported by Koli’s unique perspective as a content creator, the campaign targets various traveller segments such as families, couples, luxury seekers, millennial adventurers, and culture enthusiasts. During the event, travel agents were introduced to Abu Dhabi’s latest offerings, providing fresh opportunities to craft updated itineraries spanning three to five nights. The engagement also served as a platform for knowledge sharing, enabling industry stakeholders to deepen their understanding of Abu Dhabi as a destination for culture, heritage, entertainment, adventure, nature and more. India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s key source markets, and the latest initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to maintaining close ties with the valued Indian travel trade. …