Travel MICE and Corporate Show, held in Lucknow from 11-12 January, saw 23 exhibitors and 50 buyers in attendance. The exclusive closed-door B2B event recorded over 1,000 meetings over two days. Rajdev Bhattacharya of Wipro gave the keynote address at the event.  

To make quality travel accessible to middle- and lower-middle-class families, MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka launched the Mysore Sales International Limited domestic and international travel packages, making it a preferred choice for Indian families. Redefining affordable travel while upholding high service standards, it offers an 18-day tour package of North India at a cost of ₹20,000.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 marks a transformative step in unlocking the state’s tourism potential. By aligning infrastructure development, private investment, and workforce training with sustainability and community welfare, the policy aims to position AP as a leading player in India’s tourism industry while benefiting local communities and the hospitality sector.”

“India and Oman continue to work together in the tourism sector, facilitating easier movement and exchanges between the two nations,” said Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage & Tourism, Oman. Noting that Indians are number two in terms of tourism influx to Oman, he sought further improvement in tourism ties between the two countries.

India’s aviation traffic is expected to clock 11-12% CAGR over the medium term, driven by faster growth in the international segment, Jefferies said. In hotels, the industry revenue per available room is expected to clock 7-8% CAGR going ahead after double-digit growth seen in the past two to three years, it said while suggesting a structural demand upturn in the travel sector.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its latest property, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness at Mopa, Goa. This high-end luxury resort, featuring 150 exquisitely designed villa rooms, is set to redefine high-end travel by combining opulence, sustainability and cultural immersion. Targeted at the upscale market, the brand Anamore is an extension of the hospitality chain’s diversified approach, strengthening its presence beyond the mid segment Indian hospitality market. “Our vision for Anamore is bold and forward-looking. We aim to redefine the future of luxury travel in India. Having successfully established 10-12 hotels in the mid-segment market annually across the country in the past, we are confident in replicating this success in the upscale market with Anamore too. There are five more Anamore properties in the pipeline in destinations including Karjat, Murud, Khalapur (Maharashtra), Srinagar (Uttarakhand) and Pushkar (Rajasthan),” shared Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. The company has tied with real estate major firm Yugen Infra for its maiden project under the brand portfolio of Anamore. Yugen Infra is the result of a collaboration between two real estate powerhouses, Timespro Consulting and V K Developers. It is spearheading several prestigious projects, including Goa’s first-ever Golf Course township, alongside other landmark initiatives. The resort’s prime location, just a 15-minute drive from the Mopa Airport and directly accessible via the Goa-Mumbai Highway, ensures seamless connectivity. Nestled amidst Goa’s largest golf course township and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness promises an immersive experience of serenity and luxury. Apart from its luxurious villas, the amenities at Anamore Select Resort & Wellness include an all-day …

In a recent development, the IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) Executive Committee has appointed Gurinder Singh as the Chairman of the IATO Punjab Chapter with immediate effect from 6 January 2025. Singh, the Managing Director of Discover Punjab Tours & Travels will lead the association’s efforts in fostering ties with the local tourism industry and government bodies. As a seasoned tourism professional, his deep industry knowledge and strong bonds with the Punjab government are likely to play a significant role in achieving the association’s goals and targets. With this appointment, IATO is eyeing to expand its membership base in the state while creating more tourism opportunities.

With the start of the new year, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) announced the launch of an e-visa system specifically designed for Indian travellers from 1 January. This marks a new era in Israel-India tourism relations, making the visa application process more efficient and user-friendly than ever before. It represents Israel’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourist experience and streamline entry procedures for international visitors.

According to HVS Anarock’s latest report, the Adani Group plans to spend US$2 billion to build Mumbai’s largest international convention centre (ICC), around 1 million square feet near the international airport. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has also agreed to its design, but approval for the full blueprint is expected soon.

After a detailed process, the much-awaited de-merger of ITC Hotels finally took place on 6 January. ITC would retain a 40 per cent stake in the hotel business, while the remaining 60% would be distributed to shareholders through rights entitlements. Shareholders will receive one ITC Hotels share for every 10 ITC shares held.