Riya Group announces its strategic alliance with Air India Express. The collaboration integrates Riya’s comprehensive visa services on the airline’s website, enabling customers to promptly access and apply for visas to any destination worldwide. This progressive step is conceived to ease the visa application process and enhance a traveller’s holistic booking journey on the Air India Express website.

Sales of global sports tourism packages are forecast to increase by 15% this year. This was released by Google in its list of key travel trends for 2024. It predicts that travel demand will reach record levels this year with Europe set to see a real influx of tourists due to many sporting events such as the Olympic, Paralympic Games and Euro 2024.

Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook (India), said the travel industry is expected to continue growing at a steady pace for the next four to five years. The increasing purchasing power of people who can afford holidays, regardless of the cost, will continue to drive the growth trend, he said, adding that Covid-19 has taught companies the importance of productivity.

Indian tourism consultancy firm Auxilia Networks announces their latest client acquisition – Jet Ski Safaris, Gold Coast, Queensland (Australia). Jet Ski Safaris is Australia’s premier provider of water-based soft adventure activities and owns Australia’s largest jet ski fleet. Voted No.1 of 209 things to do on the Gold Coast by TripAdvisor, they also offer a wide range of watersports activities along with jet skiing, like jet-boating and parasailing. A statement released by Jet Ski Safaris said, “We are excited to announce a significant partnership with Auxilia Networks, India. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for us as we aim to expand our reach and enhance our offerings for visitors from India. The Indian market is of immense importance to us. With a growing number of Indian travellers seeking unique and adventurous experiences, our thrilling jet ski tours on the Gold Coast offer an unparalleled way to explore this beautiful region’s stunning coastline and pristine waterways, providing an unforgettable experience for our guests. Our decision to partner with Auxilia Networks was driven by their deep understanding of the Indian market and their exceptional ability to connect international brands with Indian consumers. Their expertise in this field will enable us to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with Indian travellers, ensuring they are aware of and excited about our unique adventures.” “This partnership underscores our commitment to diversifying our customer base and tailoring our services to meet the specific needs and preferences of Indian visitors. We are confident that, with Auxilia’s support, we will be able to create memorable experiences for Indian tourists and strengthen our presence in this dynamic market. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from India and providing …

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, has directed tenders for all projects approved by the Department for 2023-24 must be issued by June 30. Stressing the vital role of tourism in the state’s economy, he highlighted the potential for significant employment opportunities and income generation through tourism.

The newly appointed Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, said, “We want to make airfare affordable and want to make airways the new railways of India. Our agenda is clear.” He also announced that they will create a 100-day action plan to lead to a long-term vision for the sector aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ plan.

Abhay Kumar Singh, Secretary Tourism, Government of Bihar, said, “We introduced the policy three to four months ago and have finalised the norms. For any investors, we offer a 25 to 30 per cent capital subsidy and GST reimbursement of up to 80 per cent. On a cost of ₹100, we are giving back ₹110. These are the incentives we are providing.”

After taking over as Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is committed to enhancing India’s tourism potential. He said, ‘As PM Modi has stressed our tourism potential, we will work towards enhancing the same, highlighting our various natural and cultural heritage sites from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.’

Leading online travel service provider Trip.com has released its 2024 Trip.Best Global and Asia 100 list, where Cross Chiang Mai Riverside has become a top choice for Instagrammers in Chiang Mai in the category of 100 Instagrammable Hotels due to its stunning design and visually appealing aesthetics. The desire to capture beautiful images for Instagram has led everyone to constantly search for picturesque backgrounds at the hotel. The hotel provides roomy suites with a blend of classic and mid-modern styles. Each room features expansive balconies with picturesque river views. Guests can enjoy panoramic riverside scenes from the rooftop pool and gym. The tastefully decorated interiors and unique furnishings are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

To underscore its commitment to the distribution landscape of the future and to strengthen and expand its product portfolio, Hahnair appoints Rachel Pascall as Vice President New Distribution. In this capacity, she spearheads an international team of developers, IT specialists and account managers. Her responsibilities encompass steering the development of Hahnair’s new distribution channels, from both a commercial and technical perspective, and fostering seamless collaboration between the Hahnair teams and the connected partners. In addition, she supports the acquisition of new partners and oversees their implementation. “Moving forward, New Distribution will be a crucial pillar of Hahnair’s future strategy, next to the GDS distribution”, comments Hahnair’s CEO Kirsten Rehmann. “Rachel Pascall brings extensive experience in strategic programme management as well as travel retail and a broad network of relevant relationships in various fields of distribution technologies and in travel management. With her in-depth expertise in API-based technologies and NDC solutions and her proven track record from similar roles at Travelport and British Airways, we are confident that she will drive the development of new distribution technologies and successfully onboard new solutions and all related processes.” Rachel Pascall comments: “Hahnair has been a leading player within the travel industry over the past 25 years and had a pivotal role in transforming and shaping airline distribution. I look forward to working with my team to build upon the company’s success, add to their distribution capabilities and increase the revenue potential for all partners.” With its New Distribution products, Hahnair will give partner airlines access to additional distribution channels as well as the world of NDC without having to develop their own solutions. At the same time, travel agents benefit from access to …