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.

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.”