Around 3,000 meetings took place during GITM 2024 in Goa, where over 500 buyers and 300 sellers engaged in fruitful discussions and negotiations. Discussions were held on how Goa can contribute as a high-yield destination. From leveraging its natural beauty to capitalizing on emerging travel trends, the session provided valuable insights into positioning Goa as a top choice for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.  

World Travel & Tourism Council is projecting a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. According to the global tourism body’s 2024 Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism will contribute an additional $770 billion over its previous record, stamping its authority as a global economic powerhouse, generating one in every 10 dollars worldwide with an increase of more than 13.6 million jobs expected in the sector.

Scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, Accor’s Novotel brand will see its footprint expand to three key cities with the openings of Novotel Goa Panjim, Novotel New Delhi City Centre, and Novotel Bhubaneshwar. This year, the company plans to further diversify its portfolio with six new hotels in three segments.

1) What is VFS Global’s role in the visa process? VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. This allows diplomatic missions (embassies/consulates) to effectively manage their time and resources and focus on the critical task of assessing visa applications and decision making. VFS Global plays no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. 2) What is VFS Global’s role in providing visa appointments and visa decisions? VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. Visa appointments are available online on first-come first-serve basis as per the directives of the client governments we serve. Decisions on visa applications, including the availability of appointment slots and the timelines to process them, are at the sole discretion of the respective client governments and may vary from one mission to another. 3) How early before my travel dates should I apply for my visa? When planning your travels, you always book flights and hotels in advance. Do the same for visas. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 02 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. VFS Global forwards applications to respective embassy/consulate as per the agreed service level agreements with them. 4) What is the typical turnaround timelines for visas? Each country …

Elysian has been appointed as the PR and sales representative for Grecotel Hotels & Resorts to promote its collection of luxury accommodations in Greece to the Indian market. Grecotel is the leading Greek hospitality group, presenting a unique collection of luxury hotels and resorts across Greece, in iconic locations, intertwined with Greece’s history and heritage: its portfolio contains a spectrum of products, from luxurious beachfront and luxury all-inclusive resorts to high-end city hotels. The Grecotel brand is synonymous with Summer in Greece. It carries an almost five-decade legacy as the industry leader in Greece, with its luxury properties in the best locations of the top Greek destinations, personalized service, authentic Greek hospitality, environmental responsibility, and amazing experiences deeply connected with the local culture. The Group portfolio prides itself to include Iconic Hotels & Resorts in landmark locations recognized worldwide, such as THE DOLLI Acropolis in Athens with the most stunning view of the ancient world, the revamped Cape Sounio in the Athens Riviera surrounded by archaeological ruins overlooking the Temple of Poseidon, the cosmopolitan Mykonos Blu on Psarou beach, the idyllic Mandola Rosa and Riviera Olympia complex in Western Peloponnese, next to the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the splendid Corfu Imperial nestled in a private Peninsula, and the majestic Amirandes in Crete, resembling a Minoan water Palace. Each has a distinct character and aesthetic, but all share the same level of exquisite hospitality. The Grecotel extensive portfolio of 40 luxury Hotels and Resorts is spread in 15 destinations across Greece, in the center of Athens and Athens Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Western Peloponnese, Larissa, Kalamata and Alexandroupolis. The Group celebrates a wide range with different offerings depending …

The 4th edition of Goa International Travel Mart is all set to commence from 3-4 April at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. It will also be held virtually from 3-9 April. Suneel Anchipaka, Director Tourism, Goa said, “GITM 2024 aims to redefine Goa’s tourism landscape by focusing on regenerative, spiritual, and hinterland tourism, setting new standards for sustainability and inclusivity. Over 250 national and int’l buyers are expected to participate in the event.”

In a significant development, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India has initiated legal action to seek appropriate remedies for hotel members affected by adverse provisions from the Delhi HC for the hospitality sector from the DGFT. “The hospitality sector must receive fair treatment under the Foreign Trade Policy,” said Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI.

To mark the reopening of Notre Dame after 5 years, a 3-day reopening ceremony is planned from 7-9 Dec 2024. “There will be a worldwide telecast of the reopening ceremony. Individual visitors can visit the church from 17 December onwards and it will be open to groups only by June 2025,” Olivier Josse, Secretaire General, Notre Dame. 

CareEdge Ratings in its report highlighted a 12-14% revenue per available room growth for the hospitality industry in FY2024, followed by a 9-11% growth in FY2025. This will make it the third straight year of an upcycle. Pan-India, ARRs are expected to be around Rs 7,200 to Rs 7,400 in the current fiscal, which is likely to rise further to Rs 7,700 to Rs 7,900 in the next fiscal.

ITA Airways is expanding operations in the UK market in the summer season by launching a new nonstop flight between Rome–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and London City Airport (LCY) starting March 31st, 2024. The route will be served by the Airbus A220-100 with 12 weekly frequencies. LCY is London’s most central airport and known internationally for punctuality, speed of service and smooth customer experience. Passengers will benefit from the proximity of both hubs by flying to-and-from London’s and Rome’s most centrally located airports. In addition, travelers can enjoy seamless connecting flights from ITA Airways’ main hub of Rome Fiumicino to the domestic and intercontinental network, including Mediterranean destinations (in Italy, Spain and Greece) and those in South America including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer ITA Airways and CEO Volare, said: “We are proud to launch this new direct service between Rome Fiumicino and London City, which is an airport of reference for business traffic but also very interesting for leisure flows. The UK is confirmed as an increasingly strategic market for ITA Airways, offering travelers 100 weekly flights between the UK and Italy in the current summer season.” The new connection follows ITA Airways introducing a four-daily service between Milan Linate and London City earlier this year. The airline will soon add an extra daily service in April 2024, bringing the total number of weekly frequencies to 31 in the peak of the summer season. This rotation will also be operated with an Airbus A220-100. As a further confirmation of the strategic importance of the UK, starting June, operations to the British market from Rome Fiumicino will be completed with an additional connection …