Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) has announced the result of its unopposed election for the post of Office Bearers for the term 2024-2026 in New Delhi. Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, has been re-elected as Chairman, Ajeet Bajaj, ATOAI and Ajay Prakash, TAFI are the new Vice Chairmen. In contrast, Rajiv Mehra, IATO and Kanwarjeet Singh Sawhney have been declared the General Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. FAITH is the Policy Federation of 10 National Associations in India representing the entire Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the country which includes ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) and Cause Partner – AIRDA.

The tourism sector in Fiji continues to surpass expectations, with the country on track for another record-breaking year, marking a 6.5% increase over 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and further cementing Fiji’s reputation as a must-visit destination in the South Pacific. This success is fueled by the impact of Tourism Fiji’s global brand platform, Where Happiness Comes Naturally, and a surge in demand for immersive, culturally rich travel experiences. The momentum continues into 2024, with Fiji on track for another record-breaking year. To accommodate growing demand, several new hotel and resort openings are underway, including The Crowne Plaza Nadi, Sofitel Vatu Talei Denarau, Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, and more. These developments will further enhance Fiji’s appeal as a leading travel destination. In addition, Fiji Airways continues to win global awards and grow capacity, including the new Dallas – Nadi non-stop route opening December 2024. Tourism Fiji recently launched Chapter 2 of its brand platform, Where Happiness Comes Naturally. In Chapter 1, it celebrated the genuine happiness rooted in authentic Fijian culture and shared it with the world. Now, in Chapter 2, it is going further—inviting global audiences not just to witness but to experience the joy that defines Fiji through the new campaign, Happy Passports. The campaign takes a light-hearted approach to the universal frustration of passport photos. It features two engaging characters: Ana, a customs officer at Fiji’s international airport, and Viliame, a local passport photographer. Both have observed a curious phenomenon: it’s nearly impossible to keep a serious face in a place as vibrant and full of joy as Fiji. Through their playful interactions with locals and visitors alike, the campaign shows just how hard …

Red Carpet Tours won the ‘Best Business Tour Operator’ award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, Narayan Kabra, Director Business Development, Red Carpet Tours, exclaimed, “The award inspires us to continue our excellent work.” Red Carpet Tours specialises in MICE and FIT travel. The company offers tailored solutions for international trade fairs and corporate incentives, primarily in Europe and China.

Highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in India and globally as a driving force for tourism growth, MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, urged the government to frame suitable structures for effective PPP. He said HAI’s two main demands—providing industry benefits and allowing infrastructure status—would bring in more revenue to the government, create millions of direct and indirect jobs, and promote inclusive growth.

KR Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, Govt of India, after passing of Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 in Rajya Sabha, said, “To strengthen airfare regulations, the govt has introduced new airfare regulations, requiring airlines to notify the DGCA about their ticket prices a month before implementation. The measures aim to curb pricing irregularities and promote affordability in air travel.”

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, the global tourism sector is poised for a full recovery by the end of 2024. In the first 9 months of the year, 1.1 billion international tourists travelled globally, marking a 98% return to pre-pandemic levels. Many regions have already exceeded 2019 arrival numbers, with international tourism receipts showing double-digit growth.

The TAAI Northern Region team celebrated its 73rd year of establishment in Delhi, marking a significant milestone for the travel industry. Gracing the occasion were RK Suman, Regional Director North, Ministry of Tourism, and Neeraj Malhotra, Chairman, TAAI-Northern Region. The event brought together TAAI members, travel agents, and key industry stakeholders, fostering dialogue on pressing issues and collaborative opportunities. Members leveraged the event to discuss the challenges being faced by them in diverse areas and activities to be conducted in the future. A presentation on how to use the NIDHI portal has also been held to guide members on registering as travel agents. NIDHI ID (NID) is a unique national identifier for relevant stakeholders in the tourism, which improves delivery of services. One can avail of the benefits and incentives through it. Apart from this, registered entities can apply for relevant Certification/Classification/Recognition on this portal. Emphasising his commitment to educate members and provide support to them, Neeraj Malhotra, said, “My priority is to empower our members through knowledge-sharing events like these. I am dedicated to resolving their issues, be it with IATA, VFS, hotels, or airlines”. Aligning with TAAI’s national leadership vision of ‘members first,’ he informed us he is taking multiple initiatives to resolve members’ concerns including staff insurance policies and regular feedback forums. He also revealed that the launch of the association’s new logo will be held in January, 2025. Looking ahead, Malhotra expressed excitement about future milestones. “January 2025 will see the launch of TAAI’s new logo, to be unveiled in Delhi and Mumbai, as we gear up for TAAI’s 75th year in 2026—our golden jubilee,” he shared. Highlighting a major concern, he called out the inefficiencies …

Celebrating its 30 years of diplomatic relations with India, South African Tourism held a Press Meet in New Delhi. During the address, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, announced the launch of a new digital Entry Travel Agreement (ETA) system to boost tourism ties with India. The move will replace the existing e-visa programme to simplify and expedite the visa application process. She said they have cut down extra documentation required for the visa application to three international documents across South African missions. She further revealed that mass visa processing for group travellers will now be made possible via a recently gazetted Trusted Tourist Tour Operator System Scheme that is primarily targeted at the Chinese and Indian markets. So far, 23 Indian tour operators have applied for this program in its first phase, demonstrating the positive response it has already received. The system will take effect on 20 January 2025. Highlighting that air connectivity remains a challenge for Indian tourists, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, said, “We will be meeting Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to explore possibilities of direct flight between India and South Africa as we currently lack any direct route.” The session was focused on economic growth and strategic collaboration, delving into the future travel outlook, India-focused initiatives, and key insights to shape and strengthen outbound Indian travel to South Africa.

To provide a glimpse into the spiritual essence of Prayagraj, the host city for the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025, Uttar Pradesh Tourism has organised a ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ in New Delhi. Scheduled to be held from 14 January to 26 February 2025 in Prayagraj, the event is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees from across the globe. The event was graced by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh and dignitaries from various ministries, ambassadors, and high commissioners from several countries, along with senior officials from the central and state governments. Addressing the event, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Govt of India, said, “We see the Mahakumbh as an opportunity for cultural exchange.” He invited global tourists to experience the world’s largest spiritual gathering by saying “If you wish to explore India, come to Mahakumbh.” Highlighting the festival’s inclusivity and diverse offerings, Jaiveer Singh, Tourism Minister, Uttar Pradesh, said, “We aim to offer something for everyone at Mahakumbh 2025, whether it’s heritage walks, water sports, or helicopter rides.” The event’s primary objective was to highlight the cultural, spiritual, and infrastructural preparations underway for this iconic gathering.

South Star Rail won the ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator- Private Trains’ award at the India Travel Awards. Its Chariman, Jose Charles Martin received the award. Registered service provider under the ‘Bharat Gaurav Scheme’, South Star Rail is India’s first private train service provider where users can book and share their tickets through its mobile app.