In a significant development, Bird Travels has announced that it has been appointed as GSA for Armenia Airways in India. As GSA, Bird Travels will now oversee the promotional and marketing activities to boost the sales of Armenia Airways. Additionally, to expand its services and facilitate trips, Armenia Airways is all set to commence new direct services from Delhi to Yerevan starting from 15 July, 2024. The flights will operate three days a week.

Adnan Kazim, CCO, Emirates, said, “There is a great opportunity for IndiGo and other carriers to tap the ultra-long-haul market. Today, India is sitting on 70-80 million traffic that is going on international routes. It is not enough with a population size of 1.4 billion. I think there is enough room for all of them, including us, to be expanding.”

IndiGo will host the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Delhi, India, on 8-10 June, 2025. Expressing his views on the IATA AGM’s return to India, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo is proud to be the host airline for the event and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025. India’s rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable.”

European Union is all set to introduce its ‘Entry and Exit System’ from October 6, 2024. The move aims to monitor non-EU nationals’ movements in the Schengen zone, enhancing security and migration regulation. It complements the ETIAS digital visa system and prevents identity theft and fraud, contributing to efficient border control and migration management.

Commenting on the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Coolcation’ campaign, challenging the notion of India being too hot for summer travel. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said that the issue lacks publicity abroad. It (publicity) needs to be increased (abroad) to highlight the places in India where people can visit during this period,” he said.

Sarova Hotels is a brand woven into the very fabric of the nation’s tourism industry and Kenya’s vibrant heart beats anew in celebration, as this beacon of homegrown hospitality commemorated its 50th anniversary in April 2024. More than just a milestone, this golden jubilee is a testament to a rich legacy of service and deep values that have shaped the journey. The vision for this indigenous hotel brand was born in 1974 when its founding patriarchs, G.S. Vohra, Mohinder Singh Vohra and John Ngata Kariuki demonstrated their love for family in an interesting yet befitting act. The name SAROVA was coined, an acronym derived from their wives’ first names; SA- Swaran Vohra (Mohinder’s wife) RO- Rose Kariuki (John’s wife) VA- Varsha Vohra (G.S’s wife) Soon after, their first venture in the hotel industry took place with the acquisition of the Ambassadeur Hotel on Moi Avenue, owned by the family until 1998. Leisurely Delights, Each Location an Experience Over the years through bold and spontaneous moves, Sarova has expanded its footprint across Kenya with a portfolio of 9 properties, each proof of a firm commitment to quality and innovation. These properties include Sarova Stanley & Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Nakuru, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu, Sarova Mara Game Camp in Masai Mara, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu and Sarova Maiyan in Nanyuki. This evolution has continued with the launch of the first standalone speciality restaurant, Thai Chi by Sarova launched in 2023 in Nairobi, an extension of Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley. Each hotel is a microcosm of Kenyan …

Domestic airfares in India have surged up to 40% in key routes due to higher traffic and capacity constraints in the last six quarters. The fares on top 20 domestic routes had not moved significantly during the last two decades, says CAPA India. India is now one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, with an average of 4.5 lakh passengers daily, it stated. 

Supported by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and continued recovery of Asian markets, International tourism rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels, with over 285 million travellers making foreign trips between January and March. This marked a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, stated UN Report.

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.