Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, won the DDP Game Changer award for playing an instrumental role in propelling Akasa Air to new heights. “This award is a testament to the power of hard work of our company in achieving remarkable milestones and becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines”, he said after receiving the award.

Bintan Resorts in Indonesia has partnered with VFS Global to promote its exciting offerings in the Indian market. The collaboration aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of Bintan Island, positioning it as a top choice for Indian travellers while making it a 2-3 night destination along with Singapore.

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Annual Convention is set to kick off in Bhopal today. With over 1,000 participants expected, the convention aims to generate significant takeaways for IATO’s membership, advance inbound tourism for Madhya Pradesh, and enhance the marketing of the state’s destinations in alignment with state government policies.

Mamaka by Ovolo invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar to explore unique and exciting opportunities at the property. Attendees will get a chance to e-meet the hotel’s General Manager, Director of Sales and Assistant Sales Manager. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddpal.com or 9650196532.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman successfully concluded its four-city India Roadshow in Bengaluru recently, reinforcing Oman’s position as a top-tier destination for Indian travellers seeking luxury, culture, and adventure. The roadshow commenced with a strategic press conference in New Delhi, followed by a grand promotional tour across key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This vibrant event showcased Oman’s unparalleled offerings, featuring 18 prominent players from the private sector, including leading luxury hotels and airlines, all eager to introduce their finest offerings to the discerning Indian market. The atmosphere was charged with energy as Indian travel trade professionals engaged in meaningful dialogues with Oman Tourism officials. The message was clear: Oman is not just a destination; it is a luxurious haven of natural beauty, rich heritage, and extraordinary experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression. Luxury stays in Oman: Where elegance meets tradition At the heart of Oman’s appeal is its array of world-class luxury accommodations. From the opulent palaces of Muscat to serene beachfront resorts and boutique desert camps, Oman offers Indian travellers an exquisite range of lodging options. The newly opened St. Regis Muscat adds a touch of modern elegance to this portfolio, offering unparalleled service and amenities that blend luxury with local charm. Some properties are known for their regal splendour, while others showcase a minimalist design influenced by traditional Omani architecture—highlighted as must-visit sanctuaries for those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and elegance. Oman: A vital market for Indian travellers His Excellency (H.E.) Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, underscored the importance of the Indian market, noting that India ranks …

Emphasising the need for travel insurance and why it is a must for every journey, CA Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Unimoni Financial Services said, “Travel insurance is the best companion to take along when you embark on a journey inside the country or abroad. It will protect you from unexpected troubles and pitfalls like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, luggage loss, and several other unpleasant events. Policies are available for all kinds of travellers and age-groups such as solo travellers, group travellers, explorers, adventurers, senior citizens, and children.” International Travel Unlike domestic travel, international voyage makes it mandatory to buy travel insurance as you are exploring a foreign land which is generally an unfamiliar territory. It bails you out from all kinds of emergency situations and troubles which can’t be predicted or avoided in normal circumstances. Domestic Travel Insurers cover domestic travel, too, which makes the journey safe, secure and enjoyable. It helps you to overcome unpleasant incidents and circumstances such as emergency hospitalization, loss of luggage, theft, loss of personal belongings/ valuables, and trip cancellations that emerge unexpectedly. Travel insurance policies are of different types: 1) Single Trip Insurance If you go for a single trip, the travel insurance will provide you protection for a certain period of time – normally, from the starting date to the return date. It protects you from things that could go wrong during the trip. These include illness, accidents, blockades, flight cancellation, trip cancellation, baggage loss and more. 2) Multi-Trip Insurance If you are a frequent flyer, especially for business purpose, then multi-trip travel insurance comes handy for you. It helps you save a lot of time, energy and money by combining all …

Skyscanner in its latest survey revealed a strong desire for destination weddings among Indians, with 85% of them either planning or have already had a destination wedding. Gen Z, in particular, is leading the charge, with 49% considering tying the knot at a stunning wedding destination, compared to 33% of Millennials. Goa tops the list of spots for Indian couples seeking a sun-soaked wedding celebration, followed by Dubai.

Speaking at the inauguration of Swosti Premium Beach Resorts Puri, JK Mohanty, CMD, Swosti Resorts, said, “It is the first five-star property in Puri and will change the hospitality landscape of the town, which receives thousands of visitors from across the country as well as outside.”

KPMG and PHDCCI in its report titled ‘Sacred Journeys: Unfolding the Evolution and Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism in India’ said that pilgrimage and spiritual tourism are rapidly expanding within the global tourism sector, reflecting a growing interest in cultural, spiritual, and faith-based travel. With over 450,000 religious and cultural heritage sites, India offers a wealth of pilgrimage and spiritual landmarks, highlighting its growth, economic impact, and future opportunities.

VFS Global which manages visa applications for 52 countries from India, said that the volumes recorded in H1 2024, surpassed the same period in 2019 by 2%. It also witnessed an 11% YoY growth in application counts over H1 2023, said Yummi Talwar, COO – South Asia, VFS Global, adding that India has been witnessing an extended travel season over the past two years and we are confident the momentum would last till the year-end.