The German National Tourist Office (GNTO), India, in collaboration with Visit Berlin, hosted an exclusive press event at AER, one of Mumbai’s most stylish and vibrant locations. The evening showcased Germany as a premier travel destination, highlighting Berlin’s cultural and vibrant attractions for Indian travellers. Guests indulged in traditional German cuisine, sampling local flavours. Attended by leading media personalities, influential influencers, social media engagers, and content creators from Mumbai and beyond, the event witnessed remarkable participation. Key representatives from Visit Berlin, Burkhard Kieker, CEO and Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market & Media Relations presented encouraging statistics, revealing a significant growth in Indian visitors with 59.800 overnights until July 2024 with a growth of +25% compared to the year 2023. The evening highlighted Berlin’s upcoming festivals: Festival of Lights 2024 from October 4th to 13th. The 20th anniversary is illuminating the theme ‘Celebrating Freedom. 35 years later, Berlin will commemorate the fall of the Wall, official ceremonies are planned for 9 November 2024. In 2023, Indian travellers undertook 15.25 million outbound trips, with 2.8 million heading to Europe, including 311,000 to Germany which ranked as the 3rd most popular European destination. Tour holidays and city breaks are the top choices for Indian travellers, but Germany’s scenic landscapes also make it a dream destination for Indian honeymoon trips, capturing the magic of Bollywood-inspired love stories. The numbers show 440.577 overnight stays from January to June 2024, a significant improvement from the 6.9% decline in June 2023. This upward trend indicates a strong interest in Germany as a travel destination among Indian tourists, and we are excited to see this growth continue. The successful event sets the stage for GNTO India’s 4-city roadshow in …

Outletcity Metzingen, renowned for its premium shopping experience, has also established itself as a culinary paradise. With 12 diverse restaurants and cafés, including Halal options, the destination caters to all tastes. From sophisticated champagne bars to vibrant eateries offering Asian Fusion at Champa, Alpine specialities at Almresi and a taste of India at Namaste, Outletcity Metzingen promises a gastronomic adventure that complements its world-class retail experience. “At Outletcity Metzingen, our commitment extends beyond enhancing the shopping experience to include a diverse selection of dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences,” says Angela Rieger, Senior International Partnership Manager, Outletcity Metzingen. “The vibrant array of restaurants complements our premium retail offerings, ensuring that every visit is both memorable and satisfying.” A Taste of Luxury at Bollicine & Co. Champagne Bar Nestled within the opulent Schwenkel Areal, Bollicine & Co. Champagne Bar stands out as a sparkling oasis amidst the shopping excitement. This elegant bar offers a refined selection of Italian sparkling wines, providing a sophisticated retreat for champagne enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. With its stylish décor and plush seating, Bollicine & Co. invites guests to unwind and celebrate in a chic atmosphere. BOSS Café and Tommy’s Coffee: Stylish Coffee Retreats at Outlet Flagship Stores Tommy’s Coffee and BOSS Café, located within their respective Tommy Hilfiger and BOSS flagship stores, offer stylish retreats in Outletcity Metzingen. Tommy’s Coffee combines Hilfiger’s heritage with a modern, airy design, while the BOSS Café provides a cozy atmosphere with delicious treats, perfect for a relaxing break during shopping. Namaste: A Taste of India in Historic Metzingen Located in the historic town center near Outletcity Metzingen, Namaste offers an authentic Indian dining experience …

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is all set to hold its elections on 30 September. Initially the candidates who filed nominations for the post of President were Jyoti Mayal, Harmandeep Singh Anand, Sunil Kumar and M. Iqbal Mulla. However, Iqbal Mulla’s nomination was not in order. Meanwhile, the final list of candidates will be declared after the last date of the withdrawal of nomination, i.e. 21 September. The 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TAAI is scheduled to be held on 30 September at 11:30 am at ITC Maratha in Mumbai followed by the elections.

Turtle Down Under won the ‘Best ‘Inbound Tour Operator-Australia’ Award at the India Travel Awards. Its National Sales Manager, Kunal Ramchandani, said, “It feels great when our travel partners support us. We will continue to strive for excellence and provide our travel agents with the best possible services.”

The Hotel Association of India has launched its Odisha Chapter intending to enhance the state’s tourism. The team of HAI met with Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha and discussed the growth of the tourism sector in the state, and asked to give due recognition to the tourism and hospitality sector for its immense potential to generate jobs and promote inclusive growth.

Appreciating the MICE potential in Karnataka, Mohamed Farouk, Director, MOT, Bengaluru, GoI, said, “Karnataka government is establishing a state-specific Karnataka International Travel Bureau, modelled after the framework of MOT’s ICPB, to boost MICE tourism. To further enhance this initiative, the state government should participate in prominent global MICE events to attract more business.”

Addressing the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) 2024 in Jaipur, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said, “Our Tourism Unit Policy will be out soon. We are planning to organise roadshows overseas to promote Rajasthan and for that, we need your participation and involvement. A lot more is in the pipeline for the future.”

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s wild coastal frontier, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, launches, emerging as a beacon of sustainable luxury. Adjacent to Yala National Park, this exquisite retreat offers an unparalleled experience of coastal luxury set amidst the untamed beauty of nature. Featuring ten private Jungle Dwellings, each residence stands as a sanctuary of serenity, complete with expansive wooden terraces that serve as perfect vantage points for observing diverse wildlife roaming freely around the property. Recent enhancements at the once-safari camp transcend aesthetic upgrades. With the introduction of a stunning rooftop infinity pool providing a tranquil oasis, guests can now bask in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the lush jungle canopy. The lodge’s culinary offerings celebrate Sri Lankan heritage infused with international flavours, presenting a diverse dining palette, from The Thicket restaurant to unique experiences at The Hive rooftop bar and beach dining on the dunes. To further enhance the guest experience, a team of skilled butlers is on hand to provide personalized service and curate exclusive excursions. Jetwing Jungle Lodge’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its strides towards becoming Sri Lanka’s first ‘Net Zero’ resort. A significant 125kW solar photovoltaic system has been installed, aiming to offset the resort’s direct and indirect emissions entirely. Further, the lodge has installed an on-site generated biogas and biomass. For those seeking an escape that harmonizes luxury with ecological consciousness, Jetwing Jungle Lodge offers a guilt-free retreat into the wild, where every moment contributes to a more sustainable future. Jetwing Jungle Lodge is an addition to the brand’s diverse portfolio of luxury hotels and villas. A leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism in Sri Lanka, Jetwing Hotels has established …

SriLankan Airlines bagged a Gold Award in the category of “Marketing-Carrier” at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2024, held in Bangkok on 28 August 2024, reaffirming the global appeal of its marketing communication endeavours. The campaign, “Colours of Jaffna,” is the first marketing campaign by any Sri Lankan entity to exclusively spotlight the island’s vibrant north. The timeliness of the campaign is further reinstated with CNN naming Jaffna as one of Asia’s most underrated places recently. This year, PATA honoured 24 travel and tourism entities out of 100 entries from around the world, as judged by a panel of 23 industry experts. One of the most successful campaigns ever to have been executed in the airline’s history, ‘Colours of Jaffna’ garnered a reach of over 14,000,000 across social media platforms with over 500,000 engagements. SriLankan Airlines, Head of Marketing, Saminda Perera, said, “I take this opportunity to thank the encouragement and support extended to us by the management, our valued partners and my team, without whom this will never be a possibility. Time after time, we have endeavoured to present Sri Lanka in novel perspectives, and it gives us great pleasure to be affirmed that our efforts are recognized by the industry fraternity and the travellers alike.” Staying true to the campaign title ‘Colours of Jaffna,’ the visuals — both the imagery and videography — highlight the plethora of colours that define Jaffna. From its waterfronts, and historic fort to the colourful temple interiors, festivities and cuisine, the visual tonality emphasizes the contrasting yet striking colours, capturing the city’s novelty, excitement and vivacity. The video is enhanced by a rhythmic soundtrack, with tempos reflecting the natural ebb and flow of …

Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-Founder & Global CEO, Viacation Tourism, won the ‘Emerging Leader Travel Startup’ Award at the India Travel Awards. Beeming with pride, he said, “The tourism industry is currently rebuilding in the post-COVID era, and has adapted to the new realities, embracing technology aligning with consumer needs, and creating innovative segments.”