Immigration authorities in the UAE have intensified inspection and screening at the country’s airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa to seek employment. Now, all passengers arriving on visit or tourist visas will undergo strict profiling, including verification of funds and other information. Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodations, return tickets, and available funds.

KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, said, “To beat the heat, residents of the Northern region seek refuge in the hills. Industry insiders estimate a 30 to 40% rise in summer travel compared to last year.” While Goa remains the top beach destination of choice, mountain destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling are gaining traction for June trips, signalling a shift in traveller preferences towards serene mountain environments.

Breaking Boundaries, Indian travellers have reached a new peak in overseas spending. According to data from India’s central bank, Indians spent $31.7 billion overseas under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, in fiscal 2024. More than half of that- 54% was on international travel $17 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Based on a survey on Indian travellers, FINN’s Future of Travel report revealed that 65% of young Indian travellers manage their finances carefully by balancing travel with other financial responsibilities indicating a market for value-for-money travel options that do not compromise on quality while 31% are willing to stretch their budget for travel.

Bengaluru Airport City unveils investment plans for a 2 million sq. ft. business park and a 775 keys hotel. Rao Munukkutla, CEO, BACL, said, “This investment will propel our vision of transforming the airport city into a bustling hub for businesses, knowledge-intensive zones, R&D centres and Global Capability Centres.”

The Network of Indian MICE Agents completing its landmark 10th anniversary on 25 May, plans to go global to expand its membership. “Over the last decade, NIMA has achieved umpteen accolades and significant milestones and is a true representative of Indian M!CE operators,” said, Gajesh Girdhar, Founder, NIMA.

Atlantis Dubai will join forces with acclaimed luxury hospitality brand Major Food Group, to bring the legendary restaurant CARBONE to Atlantis The Royal in Q1, 2025. Described as ‘the most celebrity-studded restaurant on earth’ by Vanity Fair, the global phenomenon will introduce its world-class, New York-style Italian cuisine to the city of Dubai for the first time in its illustrious history. When the original location of CARBONE debuted just over a decade ago in downtown Manhattan, it was hailed as an instant classic that brought a much-needed jolt of energy and soul to the highest echelons of dining. The New Yorker called the restaurant’s food “absolutely perfect”, and the New York Times described the concept as “a fancy red-sauce joint as directed by Quentin Tarantino, possessing a technical prowess that can make you giddy and an instinct for sheer entertainment that makes a lot of other restaurants seem like earnest, unimaginative drones.” In short order, the brand would expand around the world along a meteoric rise which has cemented its reputation as one of the most influential contemporary restaurants in the entire globe. The cuisine at CARBONE pays homage to the storied legacy of the mid-century, New York-style Italian restaurant, but draws on the highest calibre of technique to elevate classic dishes such as Caesar Salad, Linguini Vongole, Chicken Scarpariello, and Veal Parmesan to unprecedented heights. These famed signatures – including the sensational Spicy Rigatoni – will all feature on the Dubai menu. They will be served by tuxedo-clad service captains in a sprawling dining room that will transport guests to 1950s New York. The stunning space will feature velvety jewel-tone nooks, damask-upholstered walls accented with Venetian glass mirrors, a …

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier. Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor saw him lead the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team, driving Accor’s growth in the region. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several General Manager roles. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins Minor Hotels in July. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.” In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its …

Jetwing Hotels, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry for over five decades, remains dedicated to fostering positive change for people and the planet. In line with this commitment, Jetwing Hotels has invested over one million USD to expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 1.6 megawatts (MW) by the end of July 2024. Installation work commenced in December 2023 and has made significant progress, currently standing at 65% completion. Jetwing Hotels has been at the forefront of integrating renewable energy into its hotel operations since 2010, when a 20-kilowatt (kW) system was installed specifically for guest room lighting at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. In the past 14 years, Jetwing Hotels has strategically implemented solar PV systems amounting to 925kW across its various properties along with the corporate office (Jetwing House) in Colombo which features its own solar PV system with a capacity of 40kW. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated 1,069-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar energy across its properties; equivalent to providing power for 13,490 households and mitigating the release of 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The forthcoming solar PV system installations will enhance the current capacity up to 2.6 MW, achieved by incorporating new installations and expanding existing systems. Jetwing Hotels currently meets 8% of their electricity requirement through solar PV installations. The new expansion will triple that contribution, resulting in 24% of their total electricity usage being covered through solar power. While most systems are roof-mounted, certain properties of Jetwing are embracing innovative approaches to PV installations. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, situated amidst the serene countryside of Wellawaya, solar PV systems …

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group announced the launch of Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar, a shining new addition set to offer unmatched comfort and hospitality close to Gujarat’s latest attraction, alongside the scenic views of river Narmada. Just minutes away from the Ekta Nagar railway station, this 144-room all vegetarian hotel, promises an extraordinary journey into the world of fine hospitality. With comforting interiors that open into tranquil river vistas from most rooms, Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar also has lush green lawns and ample open spaces to soak in the spirit of the place. The hotel offers an array of features to enhance the guest experience be it the wide range of premium room amenities, 24-hour room service option to satiate your midnight food cravings or the high speed complimentary wi-fi that lets you stream your favourite web-series whilst your stay with us. Additionally, guests can indulge in a vegetarian food soiree at the Rainbow Restaurant, where vegetarian cuisines from seven inspired culinary mores await you such that every meal becomes a treasure trove of flavours and memories. Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar will also become an address to reckon with for intimate gatherings to corporate events. The hotel will soon provide versatile banquet facilities ideal for hosting weddings, birthdays, meetings, presentations, and brainstorming sessions. Fortune’s dedicated team will ensure that every event is executed seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on guests and attendees alike. Strategically located close to the many attractions in the SOU area, like the Narmada Maha Arti ghat, the Valley of Flowers (Bharat Van), the Cactus Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Glow Park and many more the hotel is …