Keeping with the Indian tourism industry’s objective of positioning India as a global tourism brand, Mugdha Sinha, DG, Tourism, GoI, urged the tourism stakeholders to work together with the government while inviting them to come up with a draft of code of best practices and ethics by 27 September which is ‘World Tourism Day’ so that the MOT will try to adopt it and advertise and popularise it.”

Spain Tourism’s India office invites the travel trade to attend an exciting webinar on Ibiza, its biodiversity and culture as it celebrates 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The top scorer of the Ibiza quiz will win a self-drive trip in Ibiza, sponsored by the Ibiza Tourism Board. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

SriLankan Airlines turns 45, celebrating a trailblazing journey that took off on September 1, 1979, with just two Boeing 707 aircraft. A pioneer in the region, the airline has always remained resilient in the face of turbulence and has consistently championed true Sri Lankan hospitality globally. Over the years, SriLankan Airlines has proven its versatility in an ever-evolving and testing environment. Today, SriLankan continues to be one of the major international airlines from South Asia, having achieved numerous milestones and accolades along the way. Key Milestones and Achievements: 1979 – Launch of Air Lanka with two Boeing 707 aircraft (1st September) 1979 – Maiden flight to Bangkok on 1st September 1979 – Services are launched to Bahrain, Frankfurt, London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Paris, Zurich, Madras and Male 1980 – Launch of Air Lanka Catering Ltd 1980 – First Lockheed L1011 Tristar acquired 1984 – Boeing 747-200 acquired 1990 – Air Lanka becomes a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association) 1990 – Three Ilyushin IL-86’s leased to operate mercy flights for Sri Lankans fleeing Gulf War 1991 – First international airline to obtain IATA accreditation for its Centre for Training 1992 – Launched frequent flyer programme “The Serendib Club” 1993 – First Airbus A320-200 acquired 1994 – First Airbus A340 acquired, becoming the first in South Asia to operate Airbus A340 1998 – Enters into a strategic partnership with Emirates 1999 – Air Lanka rebranded as SriLankan Airlines 1999 – First Airbus A330-200 acquired 2000 – Phased out Lockheed Tristars for an all-Airbus fleet 2000 – The cargo arm rebranded as ‘SriLankan Cargo’ and as a separate entity 2000 – SriLankan Cargo launches dedicated freighter service using Antonov AN12F …

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, won the DDP Game Changer award for playing an instrumental role in propelling Akasa Air to new heights. “This award is a testament to the power of hard work of our company in achieving remarkable milestones and becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines”, he said after receiving the award.

Bintan Resorts in Indonesia has partnered with VFS Global to promote its exciting offerings in the Indian market. The collaboration aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of Bintan Island, positioning it as a top choice for Indian travellers while making it a 2-3 night destination along with Singapore.

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Annual Convention is set to kick off in Bhopal today. With over 1,000 participants expected, the convention aims to generate significant takeaways for IATO’s membership, advance inbound tourism for Madhya Pradesh, and enhance the marketing of the state’s destinations in alignment with state government policies.

Mamaka by Ovolo invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar to explore unique and exciting opportunities at the property. Attendees will get a chance to e-meet the hotel’s General Manager, Director of Sales and Assistant Sales Manager. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddpal.com or 9650196532.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman successfully concluded its four-city India Roadshow in Bengaluru recently, reinforcing Oman’s position as a top-tier destination for Indian travellers seeking luxury, culture, and adventure. The roadshow commenced with a strategic press conference in New Delhi, followed by a grand promotional tour across key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This vibrant event showcased Oman’s unparalleled offerings, featuring 18 prominent players from the private sector, including leading luxury hotels and airlines, all eager to introduce their finest offerings to the discerning Indian market. The atmosphere was charged with energy as Indian travel trade professionals engaged in meaningful dialogues with Oman Tourism officials. The message was clear: Oman is not just a destination; it is a luxurious haven of natural beauty, rich heritage, and extraordinary experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression. Luxury stays in Oman: Where elegance meets tradition At the heart of Oman’s appeal is its array of world-class luxury accommodations. From the opulent palaces of Muscat to serene beachfront resorts and boutique desert camps, Oman offers Indian travellers an exquisite range of lodging options. The newly opened St. Regis Muscat adds a touch of modern elegance to this portfolio, offering unparalleled service and amenities that blend luxury with local charm. Some properties are known for their regal splendour, while others showcase a minimalist design influenced by traditional Omani architecture—highlighted as must-visit sanctuaries for those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and elegance. Oman: A vital market for Indian travellers His Excellency (H.E.) Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, underscored the importance of the Indian market, noting that India ranks …

Emphasising the need for travel insurance and why it is a must for every journey, CA Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Unimoni Financial Services said, “Travel insurance is the best companion to take along when you embark on a journey inside the country or abroad. It will protect you from unexpected troubles and pitfalls like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, luggage loss, and several other unpleasant events. Policies are available for all kinds of travellers and age-groups such as solo travellers, group travellers, explorers, adventurers, senior citizens, and children.” International Travel Unlike domestic travel, international voyage makes it mandatory to buy travel insurance as you are exploring a foreign land which is generally an unfamiliar territory. It bails you out from all kinds of emergency situations and troubles which can’t be predicted or avoided in normal circumstances. Domestic Travel Insurers cover domestic travel, too, which makes the journey safe, secure and enjoyable. It helps you to overcome unpleasant incidents and circumstances such as emergency hospitalization, loss of luggage, theft, loss of personal belongings/ valuables, and trip cancellations that emerge unexpectedly. Travel insurance policies are of different types: 1) Single Trip Insurance If you go for a single trip, the travel insurance will provide you protection for a certain period of time – normally, from the starting date to the return date. It protects you from things that could go wrong during the trip. These include illness, accidents, blockades, flight cancellation, trip cancellation, baggage loss and more. 2) Multi-Trip Insurance If you are a frequent flyer, especially for business purpose, then multi-trip travel insurance comes handy for you. It helps you save a lot of time, energy and money by combining all …

Skyscanner in its latest survey revealed a strong desire for destination weddings among Indians, with 85% of them either planning or have already had a destination wedding. Gen Z, in particular, is leading the charge, with 49% considering tying the knot at a stunning wedding destination, compared to 33% of Millennials. Goa tops the list of spots for Indian couples seeking a sun-soaked wedding celebration, followed by Dubai.