According to Reserve Bank of India data, Indians are spending more on overseas travel. They took out (outward foreign exchange remittances) almost $1.42 billion (₹12,500 crore) a month on an average in 2023-2024 compared with just $400 million (about ₹3,300 crore) a month on an average five years ago in 2028-2019.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is coming up with another exciting project named ‘Cinnamon Life‘ in Colombo. Sharing more details, Radhey S Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, said, “The entertainment complex comprises 687 rooms and includes a shopping mall. In addition to two office towers and two apartment complexes, there will also be a gaming complex opening next year, managed by an international gaming operator.” Cinnamon Life is set to transform the landscape of Colombo and attract new tourists to Sri Lanka. As India remains one of the top markets for the island nation, hopes are high that this new property by Cinnamon will further attract more tourists from India, especially youth.  

The 3rd edition of the NRAI summit held at the LaLit Ashok on 26 Jun, was a huge success, with over a 1000 participants from all over the country being part of the biggest food industry event. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar, inaugurated the summit by the traditional lighting of the lamp. He threw some light on how the hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic and fast paced businesses. He also said that his government is open to offer support to the industry in any way it can. The Cloud Kitchen & Food Delivery Summit, hosted annually, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the food delivery ecosystem to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. The event provides a platform for thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and networking opportunities. This year’s theme was the intersection of technology and sustainability in food delivery- From cutting-edge tech solutions to eco-friendly packaging, the focus was on innovation, sustainability, and environmental consciousness to shape the future of food delivery. The keynote address was delivered by Sriharsha Majety, group CEO and founder of Swiggy. During the course of the summit, various restaurant owners participated in various panel discussions to share their knowledge and exchange ideas and learning’s from their day to day experience. Some of the topics of discussion included branding and packaging, introduction of ONDC, trends in food delivery cuisines, the battle for order acquisition, how AI is going to disrupt the food business and how prepared the industry is etc. The final session also witnessed “The Food Fight” about fund raising for cloud kitchens. The event ended with a music performance by Lagori.

Dimitris Manikis, President, EMEA, Wyndham Resorts and Hotels, said, “India wants to be one of the fastest-growing hospitality countries in the world. Its growth in infrastructure means that it will need brands like Wyndham. Thus, we plan to have 150 properties by the end of 2025 as India is the market with the biggest potential for us.”

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.