Polaris Tourism has joined hands with RedFox Event Company, a leading destination management company in Southeast Asia with its head office in Thailand and offices at Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. RedFox offers is a member of TICA (Thailand Incentive and Conference Association) & TCEB (Thailand Conference and Exhibition Bureau), empowering travel partners to grow and distribute the products and services via online and offline channels for FIT, groups & MICE. REDFOX, with its own online booking platform XConnect aims to provide real-time availability, multicurrency options, packages, standalone products like hotels, sightseeing, and transport. This partnership aligns with a commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering the best experiences to our customers. This alliance further adds to Polaris’s portfolio, which already includes CHR Travel (UK & Europe), Take Me 2 The World (New Zealand & Latin America) and Turtle Down Under (Australia).    

Expanding its portfolio beyond gifting, weddings, and premium hospitality, India’s leading experiential brand Ferns N Petals (FNP), announces the launch of Soulebration, an exclusive holistic wellness centre located at Chattarpur, New Delhi. With an emphasis on comprehensive well-being, Soulebration is set to become a revitalisation haven for those seeking wellness without venturing far from the city. Located near CDR Chowk, Plot No 4 the holistic wellness centre, spans eight acres of lush green landscape, alive with over 100 species of flora and fauna, and a pristine water body that exude serenity. Patrons will step into a realm where nature’s pure beauty seamlessly merges with the soul-enriching practices of yoga, meditation, and mindful rejuvenation awaiting at every turn. The emphasis is on creating an integrative experience that harmonises body, mind, and soul. Speaking on the launch, Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder & Managing Director, Ferns N Petals (FNP) shared, “With Soulebration, we are extending our brand’s dedication to creating meaningful and memorable experiences into the wellness domain. Positioned conveniently within the heart of the city, the centre will provide an immersive escape where clients can embrace a holistic approach to well-being without the usual travel constraints that such healing and restoration centres often entail. We have thoughtfully crafted an environment that supports physical health and mental clarity while fostering soulful connection. Our approach integrates high-quality, personalised service into every wellness practice, building on the excellence that defines Ferns N Petals across all our verticals.” Soulebration features three distinct categories of offerings. Core services include Yoga, Meditation and Mat Pilates, designed to foster inner balance and physical rejuvenation. It will host a range of unique, engaging workshops focusing on creative expression, such as sound …

The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) announced the election of its new office bearers for the 2024-26 term. The new leadership team was appointed unopposed at the Annual General Meeting held on 29 October, 2024, in New Delhi, marking a significant step toward advancing India’s standing as a world-class destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). The new office bearers include Chander Mansharamani as Vice-Chairperson, Sudeep Sarcar as Honorary Secretary, and Amit Saroj continues as Honorary Treasurer. With their combined industry expertise, the team is poised to drive the ICPB’s mission to position India at the forefront of the global MICE market, amplifying its unique advantages and extensive infrastructure to attract large-scale international conventions. Chander Mansharamani, Vice-Chairperson, ICPB, shared his vision for restructuring the bureau’s operations to align more closely with international standards. He highlighted that in many countries, similar bureaus receive substantial government support for both operational expenses and financial backing for conference organisers, particularly when bidding for international conferences. He emphasised the need for a more aggressive strategy to promote India as a top MICE destination. This involves close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to enhance ICPB’s presence at international trade fairs, secure financial support for roadshows within India and abroad, and allocate a separate advertising budget focused specifically on the MICE sector. “Our goal is to transform ICPB into a truly pan-India organisation that reaches every region of the country, engaging more regional players in the MICE industry,” he stated. “By expanding our membership base nationwide, we are paving the way for a stronger, unified approach. This strategy will ensure that ICPB’s initiatives are inclusive and reflect the diversity and energy of …

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a key player in India’s hospitality sector under the Ministry of Tourism, observed ‘Vigilance Awareness Week,’ themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” from October 28th to 3rd November, 2024. The campaign emphasised the importance of integrity in our society. During this week, hotel units and divisions of ITDC organised various activities to raise awareness about corruption and how various stakeholders can work together to combat it. The organisation’s Director Finance and Chief Vigilance Officer led the integrity pledge, taken at ITDC Headquarters in Delhi. ITDC also hosted an important session on ‘Cyber Hygiene & Security’ at the Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (AIHTM) at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi. This session brought together AIHTM students and ITDC employees to highlight the importance of staying safe online. Additionally, ITDC organised a “POSH Session” for its officials to promote awareness and adherence to the organisation’s rules and regulations. A training session on “Preventive Vigilance” was also held at ITDC Headquarters, aimed at educating employees about integrity in their work. A highlight of the week was a walkathon involving AIHTM students and ITDC employees. The students also performed a powerful street play “Say No to Corruption.” Lokesh Kumar Aggarwal, Director Finance and CFO, ITDC, said, “Promoting a culture of integrity is vital for both our organisation and the nation. By raising awareness about corruption and its impact, we empower people to contribute to a more transparent society.” To engage AIHTM students, ITDC held fun activities such as poster making, slogan writing, essay contests, and debates, all focused on the theme of fighting corruption. The week concluded with a ‘Vendors Interaction Meet,’ where ITDC officials, including …

Regal Hotels International has launched its ‘Green Meetings’ initiative globally on 29 October, introducing sustainable meeting solutions to minimise environmental impact. Powered by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, Regal Hotels provides clients with detailed carbon accounting reports to measure event emissions, following their carbon accounting methodology. Clients also have the opportunity to manage their environmental impact through carbon credits, each representing the removal or avoidance of one ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in greenhouse gases. Represented by IRIS Reps in India, Regal Hotels offers eco-friendly practices such as sustainable catering, waste management, and low-carbon options, benefiting companies seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, enhanced brand reputation, and community engagement. The campaign is specifically targeted at Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and corporate clients in India, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable event practices.

CA Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Unimoni Financial Services, said that the award meant a lot to the company. He said, “Our dedicated staff includes destination specialists certified by global tourism boards. Our user-friendly travel portal facilitates easy bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday packages.”

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting global travellers from many countries. As per media release, new charter flights have been introduced from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to support visitors.

UP government is providing skilled smart service providers to navigate tourists during Maha Kumbh 2025. Aparajit Singh, Regional Tourism Officer, Prayagraj, mentioned that a training campaign has been launched for all service providers. This includes training for boatmen, tour guides, street vendors, and others.

As per Mabrian’s, ‘India Market Insights: Outbound & Inbound’ report, launched during WTM 2024, several destinations are rising in Europe for Indian arrivals. Spain saw a 3.8% surge in demand, alongside Austria (+9.8%) and Greece (+18.3%), which witnessed highest growth in the past 12 months.

15th & 16th November at Far & East are set to be nothing short of magical as the award-winning all-day modern kitchen-style dining room at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru transforms into a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s beloved Loy Krathong festival. With Chef Wimon Pahuja at the helm, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic Thai feast that promises to be a journey through the flavours, traditions, and spirit of Thailand. For two days, Far & East will be a dazzling blend of Thai lanterns, fragrant aromas, and the warm glow of the season’s most cherished festival. Loy Krathong, known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ symbolises gratitude, new beginnings, and a chance to let go of the past, making it the perfect backdrop for Chef Wimon’s culinary showcase. With 18 years of experience across Thailand, India, and Nepal, Chef Wimon brings to the table not just the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine but also its soul, culture, and history. Guests will be treated to a meticulously curated à la carte menu, transcending the usual Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. Chef Wimon, a seasoned expert in Thai cuisine, will present a selection of lesser-known delicacies and refined versions of classic favourites, each dish carrying the authenticity and finesse of traditional Thai flavours. Think bold, aromatic spices, tender cuts of meat, and the freshest seafood cooked to perfection—every plate a testament to her culinary mastery. Boasting a bold and modern space with a tropical-rainforest leitmotif reflected in its brightly patterned upholstery and curtains, the traditional Asian art and warm lighting at Far & East create an inviting mood for this intimate and relaxed meal. Impeccable Four Seasons service will …