CGH Earth, a pioneer in responsible tourism in India for the last four decades, is proud to announce the launch of CGH Earth Saha, an exclusive collection of handpicked escapes across India. Known for creating unique experiences that captivate guests and foster a deep connection with nature, local traditions, and communities, CGH Earth is expanding its portfolio with intimate and private getaways that embody the essence of togetherness and personalised luxury. In Sanskrit, ‘Saha’ means all together. The concept behind CGH Earth Saha is rooted in the idea of togetherness. Nestled in stunning locations across India, CGH Earth Saha features a diverse range of unique holiday options. Depending on the property, guests can reserve an entire villa or bungalow or opt for individual rooms, providing flexibility for larger groups or couples seeking a serene retreat. Commenting on adding CGH Earth Saha to the brand’s selective portfolio, Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth, stated, “The growing trend toward smaller, more personalized spaces for family holidays inspired the creation of CGH Earth Saha. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of providing intimate, meaningful holiday experiences while remaining true to our core values. CGH Earth Saha is a testament to our commitment to delivering authentic experiences intertwined with environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each property embodies the local ethos, offering guests a deeply immersive experience that connects them with the land, its people, and its rich cultural heritage.” He further added, “Every moment at CGH Earth Saha is thoughtfully crafted to create cherished memories with loved ones in settings that honour both local traditions and the natural world. Having long offered Chittoor Kottaram and Beach Gate Bungalows as part of the villas …

SriLankan Airlines has once again been recognized as the Leading International Airline in South Asia under the Visitors’ Choice Awards category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024, marking its second consecutive win in this prestigious category.  This accolade reinforces the airline’s status as a powerhouse in the aviation industry of South Asia, with an unmatched legacy of service and hospitality, and a comprehensive flight schedule serving 85% of the South Asian region. SATA, an annual event, celebrates the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industries and is widely regarded as one of the region’s most eminent travel awards, endorsed by over 18 regional tourism organisations. Winners are determined based on votes from both industry professionals and passengers, making the award a reflection of industry excellence and customer satisfaction. Commenting on the award, Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines, said, “We are honoured to be recognized as a leader in the region by our valued customers. South Asia is integral to our network, and SriLankan Airlines spares no effort in providing seamless connections between the region and the world, while delivering our renowned Sri Lankan hospitality onboard, along with meals and entertainment thoughtfully tailored to suit localised preferences. I would like to dedicate this award to all the teams overseeing South Asia for their unwavering commitment to serve our customers.” SriLankan Airlines’ vision is to provide passengers with an authentically Sri Lankan experience, characterized by the warmth and hospitality that is so distinct to the country. This vision is reflected in every award the airline has scored for service, including the continuous Four-Star Rating in the Major Airline category at the Airline Passenger Experience …

Lisha Krishnan, Travel Trade, Tourism Office, Spain won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Cultural Tourism’ award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, she said, “The NTO’s collaborations aim to create a bridge between Spain and India ultimately allowing the Indian travellers to truly explore and experience the Spanish culture.”

Two-day Mélange 2024, organised by Team MTF, concluded successfully in Mumbai. Thanking participants, Pradeep Saboo, Co-organiser, Mélange, said, “Your faith and confidence in Mélange have been the key to our achievements.” Mélange 2025 will be held on 20 to 21 September, he said.

Outward remittances by Indians rose to their highest level in 10 months to nearly $2.8 billion in July 2024, stated an RBI report. The increase is the result of a spike in overseas travel spending, the share of which also jumped to 60% from 51% a year ago. Indians spent $1.6 billion in overseas travel in July as against $1.3 billion in June and an average of $1.2 billion in the first quarter, it added.

H.E. Issa Saleh Al Shaibani, Oman’s Ambassador to India, announced that Oman has officially launched its latest tourism initiative, the ‘Journey into the Heart of Oman’ campaign, scheduled to commence in January 2025. The campaign will attract participation from various business organisations from India and other countries, aiming to showcase Oman’s rich tourism potential and diverse offerings.

Ananta Udaipur won the ‘Best Destination Wedding Resort’ award at the India Travel Awards. “We have onboarded eight properties, each operating under a different model and are committed to maintaining standards across diverse locations,” said Ashutosh Goyal, Director, Ananta Hotels & Resorts, upon receiving the award.

P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Tourism & PWD Minister, Kerala, said, “The tourism department will organise a ‘tribal cultural festival’ this year to promote tourism in Wayanad by highlighting the cultural and ethnic heritage of the place, adding that Wayanad had a special place on the tourism map owing to its immense possibilities for adventure tourism and balmy weather.”

The number of operational airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with plans to expand this number to 350-400 by 2047. Meanwhile, the domestic air passengers have more than doubled, making India the third-largest domestic aviation market. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) launched in 2016 has significantly contributed to this growth.

Three-day Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is scheduled to kick off at the IDA Scudder Auditorium in Madurai from today. The event aims to boost the state’s tourism profile and attract a larger number of visitors both from within India and neighbouring countries to the state.