South Africa Tourism highlights its rich culture and natural beauty, educating the Indian travel trade on lesser-known regions of the country South African Tourism concluded the third leg of its 10th edition of the ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop in Kochi, following successful events in Chandigarh and Nagpur. This initiative aimed to engage key travel trade partners across India, particularly focusing on the growing interest from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Over 100 travel trade partners from Kochi participated in the event, offering beyond its well-known destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg and helping them to gain insights into South Africa’s hidden gems such as Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal India remains one of the largest source markets for South Africa, with increasing interest from smaller cities like Kochi. Indian travellers are on the lookout for diverse experiences that range from thrilling adventures to rich cultural explorations. In response to this demand, the workshop equipped travel partners with the necessary knowledge and tools to create customised itineraries tailored for travellers in India. The objective of South African Tourism is to position the Rainbow Nation as a premier choice for leisure and MICE travel. Commenting on the event in Kochi, Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager, Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East, South African Tourism, said, “We have witnessed notable trends among Kochi travellers, such as a growing preference for experiential travel, wellness tourism, and adventure activities. Further, travellers from this region are rapidly emerging as a significant market for South African tourism, we have seen a notable increase in inquiries from local travellers seeking unique and offbeat experiences in H1 2024. Our collaboration with local trade partners has been exceptionally positive, reinforcing …

The Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP) officially launched in Delhi, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the events and hospitality industry. This milestone event underscores GAEHP’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and education as key pillars for professional growth and industry advancement. What sets GAEHP apart is its emphasis on tourism education. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” At GAEHP, we believe that empowering professionals with knowledge and skills is the foundation for driving excellence and innovation in the events and hospitality industry. While many associations prioritise networking as their core focus, GAEHP goes a step further by offering practical training, mentorship opportunities, and expert-led workshops. By equipping professionals with essential skills and knowledge, the association aims to empower them to adapt to a rapidly evolving global market. The launch event features engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and presentations that highlight GAEHP’s vision of creating a global platform dedicated to professional development and industry-wide collaboration. GAEHP warmly invites professionals across all sectors of events and hospitality to join this dynamic initiative and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.

Hoi, an innovative travel-tech platform revolutionising airport experiences for modern travellers, announced significant enhancements to its comprehensive airport services suite, setting new benchmarks in travel experience. The platform’s sophisticated integration with airport infrastructure systems enables unprecedented accuracy in real-time flight information delivery, transforming traditional airport processes into seamless digital experiences. Hoi has transformed the airport experience across major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and New Goa (GOX) through its comprehensive platform. At the heart of Hoi’s innovation is its flagship ‘Time to Gate’ feature, which leverages advanced data analytics to guide travellers through optimal routes and shortest queues. Through direct integration with Airport Flight Status Display Systems and AODB, the platform delivers instant updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and scheduling modifications, ensuring travellers remain informed at every step of their journey. The platform’s 24/7 AI-powered Info Desk serves as a digital concierge, providing instant assistance for all airport-related queries, from baggage claims to facility updates. Hoi’s premium services suite includes VIP meet and greet assistance, priority check-in, porter services, and comprehensive lounge access across terminals, catering to diverse traveller preferences from business executives to families requiring specialised assistance. Commenting on the platform, Harshvardhan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Hoi said, “The post-pandemic era has fundamentally transformed travel preferences, with passengers now demanding seamless digital experiences at airports. As India’s airports witness record passenger volumes and a growing preference for premium services, Hoi has evolved beyond flight information to become an integrated airport solution. Our platform unifies critical stakeholders – from airlines to retail partners – while delivering personalised services that modern travellers expect, from real-time navigation to premium concierge assistance. Through continuous innovation, we’re setting new benchmarks in how travellers experience airports, …

Marks over five decades of shaping goa’s tourism landscape Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, marks a momentous milestone as it completes 50 years of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa. IHCL, with a 16-hotel portfolio, two air catering units and 40+ homestays, continues its pioneering leadership in Goa’s tourism landscape. Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “Goa holds a special place in IHCL’s legacy. Beginning in 1974 with the launch of India’s first beach resort Taj Fort Aguada, this historic moment marked the dawn of luxury hospitality in Goa. Over the past 50 years, IHCL has been an integral part of Goa’s transformation into one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. With the introduction of brands like Vivanta, SeleQtions, Ginger, and the homestay bungalows under amã Stays & Trails, IHCL offers experiences tailored to diverse traveller preferences.” He added, “Today, as Goa continues to develop its infrastructure, IHCL stays committed to realising the state’s tourism potential. This includes our continued investment be it the recently launched TajSATS air catering unit and the upcoming 300-key Ginger hotel at MOPA airport as well as the development of Aguada Plateau as a world-class tourism destination showcasing the state’s rich cultural legacy.” The journey began in 1974 with the opening of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, India’s first luxury beach resort, transforming Goa into a global tourism hotspot. Since then, IHCL has continued to unveil iconic properties like Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, the historic Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage designed by renowned architect Charles Correa and Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon at Dauna …

India is on the brink of a transformative tourism revolution, fuelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary focus on leveraging technology and data to elevate experiential travel. Leading this charge is Thrillophilia, a company that has long championed the integration of tech-driven travel experiences. CEO Chitra Gurnani Daga recently joined PM Modi to discuss how the fusion of innovation, artificial intelligence, and localised tourism can reshape India’s travel ecosystem, creating a more inclusive, personalised, and sustainable experience for travellers worldwide. India’s tourism industry is poised for a revolutionary transformation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a future where technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) play central roles in shaping the country’s travel landscape. By empowering local communities, unlocking India’s hidden gems, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, PM Modi’s focus on tech-driven travel aligns perfectly with the mission of Thrillophilia, a leader in experiential travel. PM Modi’s Vision: A Digitalised Travel Ecosystem In his recent address, PM Modi emphasised the importance of harnessing technology to unlock the true potential of India’s tourism sector. His forward-thinking vision not only advocates for the use of AI and data to enhance personalised travel experiences but also highlights the need to promote India’s cultural heritage, rural tourism, and the vibrant traditions of its tribal communities. For Thrillophilia, these ideas resonate deeply with its mission to democratise travel, offering immersive, offbeat experiences that help showcase India’s rich, diverse cultural tapestry. Chitra Gurnani Daga, the CEO and co-founder of Thrillophilia, had the honour of discussing these priorities with PM Modi, emphasising how technology can enable a more streamlined, customised, and localised travel experience for both domestic and international tourists. One of the key points of discussion was …

Guests can now book 3-night and 4-night voyages via the Disney Cruise Line website, contact centre, or preferred travel agents The much-awaited Disney Adventure is now open for guests across India and the world to book. Sailing from Singapore in 2025, the one-of-a-kind Disney Adventure will offer families throughout the region the ultimate holiday at sea. The first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia will be a “destination” itself where guests will be taken on a journey filled with immersive storytelling and captivating entertainment which draws on over 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Marvel and Pixar. On the Disney Adventure, the magic will come alive through seven uniquely themed areas: Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef, and Marvel Landing. Here’s How to Book: Guests can book directly from the Disney Cruise Line website; contact centre; or through preferred travel agents. Sailing Dates and Duration Maiden Voyage: 15 December, 2025 Sail Dates: Dates available through March 2026 Cruise Length Options: ○ 3-night cruises (Mon-Thu) ○ 4-night cruises (Thu-Mon) Departure and Return: All cruises will depart from and return to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore. Stateroom Options Choose from a variety of staterooms, including Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge options, designed to cater to every budget and preference. The cruise fare covers accommodation, world-class dining, incredible entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and more. The Disney Adventure will also go on to introduce numerous “firsts” in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, along with experiences thoughtfully designed to delight guests in Asia, including: Enthralling Entertainment Disney Cruise Line’s unique approach to ship design—where every space and venue brings stories to life—sets the …

The Leading Hotels of the World, (LHW) recently held its exclusive 2024 Leading Experience India event at LHW member hotel, Villa & Palazzo Aminta Beauty & SPA (Stresa, Italy), from 9 – 12 November. This exceptional gathering, hosted by Craig Adamson, Managing Director, Asia Pacific (excl. China) and Deepak Arora, Director, India, brought together top-tier travel advisors from India and a selection of LHW member hotels to celebrate excellence and foster connections. The event honoured outstanding revenue producers and LAN users within the India travel trade, while insightful discussions and inspiring speeches set the stage for future growth. Attendees savoured memorable moments, from celebrating achievements to sharing a final toast over a spectacular dinner, embodying the perfect blend of business and camaraderie.  

Between October and December 2024, Agoda observed a 4 per cent rise in inbound searches and a 10 per cent increase in domestic searches for popular spiritual destinations across India. As per the report, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Varanasi lead the charge for domestic and international visitors.

Arunachal Pradesh, which has captured the imagination of adventurers for thrilling and off-beat experiences, tops the adventure travel destinations list for 2025. The list was released by Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President, ATOAI and Founder, Aquaterra Adventures India, after a survey of over 1,000 passionate adventure travellers.

Raja Vaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir revealed that Union Ministry of Tourism is in dialogue with Ministry of Home Affairs on allowing satellite phones for trekkers in no-network zones in the Kashmir valley. Farooq said trekking is an important part of the valley’s tourism and the department has identified 75 new tracks.