Category Archives: Agents

Sopa Lodges, in partnership with Leo Sky Africa, is proud to introduce Astro Tourism – a visionary product that invites travellers to experience the night sky in a way that is immersive, educational and deeply rooted in cultural and environmental preservation. Set against Samburu’s pristine, unpolluted dark skies, this initiative goes far beyond stargazing. It celebrates nature’s forgotten wonders, honours indigenous celestial knowledge, and creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – Astro Tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, Chief Operating Officer, Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is a game changer in the region, combining Samburu’s naturally dark skies with rich community narratives and cultural beliefs surrounding celestial events. We have invested time in research and staff training to ensure the experience is not only authentic but also expertly delivered to our guests. Samburu is already renowned for the iconic ‘Samburu special five – the reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, grevy’s zebra, and the Somali ostrich. With the introduction of Astro Tourism, Sopa Lodges now proudly offers a ‘special six’ – adding the stars to our unique wildlife and cultural encounters.” This launch marks a bold step towards diversifying Kenya’s tourism beyond traditional safaris, while empowering the Samburu community through cultural exchange, education, and sustainable economic development. It also aims to elevate the visibility of responsible tourism initiatives across Africa and beyond. “We are excited to unveil our latest offering – Astro Tourism here at the stunning Samburu Sopa Lodge, where the beauty of nature meets the wonder of the night sky,” said Rosemary Kuria, Director of Sales at Sopa Lodges. “This unique, immersive experience invites …

The Department of Tourism has launched its Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte; Hon’ble MLA Bicholim and Chairman of Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd., Shri Chandrakant Shetye; Hon’ble MLA Mayem, Shri Premendra Shet; Secretary Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; and Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar at the PAC Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim. The launch aimed at promoting community-driven tourism, rural livelihoods, and experiential travel in Goa. The initiative is part of the state’s larger vision to diversify its tourism offerings beyond beaches and strengthen Goa’s positioning as a model for Regenerative Tourism in India. What was earlier conceptualized as a policy has now been reframed and strengthened as a scheme. The revised scheme offers a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, simplified registration processes, and quality classifications, making it easier and more rewarding for local residents to operate homestays in rural areas of the state, paving the way for boosting Rural and Hinterland Tourism in Goa. This scheme also holds the power to foster women and youth entrepreneurship, encouraging self-reliance while preserving our unique Goan heritage. Under the scheme, eligible establishments located in the talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem will receive a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000, along with access to marketing support, training, listing on Goa Tourism platforms, and subsidized participation in domestic trade fairs. The scheme will remain valid for five years and may be extended further by the Department. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated “The Homestay Scheme has been launched with a renewed focus on promoting the …

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has announced the signing of their latest property at Bhopal, at the heart of Madhya Pradesh as its expansion in the Northern region. The strategic expansion aligns with the brand’s strategy of expanding in the less discovered and growing regions of India to boost tourism and hospitality in these smaller undiscovered destinations. Developed in association with Regenta Hotel Bhopal Airport, the 70-key resort will be operated under a management agreement. The property reflects ROHL’s asset-light model and its focus on offering guests an amazing stay. The new 70 key business hotel, including four spacious suites, is strategically situated on Airport Road, just 1 km from Raja Bhoj International Airport. With a built-up area of 56,000 sq ft, the brownfield property is designed to serve the evolving needs of modern business travellers and MICE clientele. It features three fully equipped conference rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant, and wellness amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, and gym – creating a perfect balance of business efficiency and leisure comfort. Commenting on the signing, Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, ” As we continue to grow our presence across India, cities like Bhopal play an important role in our journey, It’s a city on the rise, with a growing business landscape and a strong demand for quality hospitality. This new hotel is designed with today’s business traveller in mind, practical, comfortable, and well-connected. We’re proud to bring the Regenta experience to Bhopal in partnership with Sarla Builders & Developers and we eagerly await visitors looking for connectivity, comfort, and genuine hospitality” Bhopal – the capital city of Madhya Pradesh – is a vibrant administrative and …

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed steps to connect government tourism institutes with hotel chains for mentorship, curriculum redesign and personal guidance. “We’ve signed MOUs with hotel chains. The mentor-mentee program will drive career growth and institutional strengthening,” he said, urging industry leaders to institutionalise the model for sustained youth engagement in tourism.

Anil Chadha, MD, ITC Hotels, stressed on the urgent need for hotel expansion. “India has 0.3 rooms per thousand population, compared to 2.2 globally. Meeting future demand requires speedier clearances, incentives and infrastructure status,” he said, warning that delays could lead to a missed growth opportunity.

Announcing the ₹5,600 crore SPREAD project, Omar Abdullah, CM, J&K at the FAITH Conclave said, “We will develop nine new greenfield destinations.” With World Bank support, the plan includes modern facilities, connectivity and sustainable resorts, aiming to reshape the tourist map in Jammu and Kashmir and attract investment in diversified tourism offerings.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG, Tourism, said, “The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme is going to come back. It is part of the plan for the next cycle. We want to make it purposeful, so that it can make some impact.  It will come with some changes.”  

For Indian travel agents seeking itineraries that promise unforgettable journeys at sea, Cunard stands as the ultimate name in enchanting cruise experiences. For 185 years, Cunard has epitomised the art of luxury ocean travel, with its fleet of four legendary Queens — Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the newest, Queen Anne. Offering voyages from transatlantic crossings to Mediterranean escapes, Alaskan adventures, and world cruises, Cunard blends heritage, elegance, and ‘playful luxury’. With India–UK travel on the rise, Cunard is engaging the Indian travel fraternity to explore opportunities in luxury cruising. From grand ballrooms and Michelin-inspired dining to ocean-inspired wellness and exclusive suite experiences, Cunard promises journeys that are as extraordinary as the destinations themselves.

Cunard invites Indian travel fraternity to a special webinar today at 3 PM IST to explore the glamorous, comfortable, cultured ocean journeys curated by the brand. Attend to learn new aspects of luxury cruising and interact with an experienced panel during the webinar. For further info, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532

Cunard invites Indian travel fraternity to a special webinar on 13 August at 3 PM IST to explore the glamorous, comfortable, cultured ocean journeys curated by the brand. Register to learn new aspects of luxury cruising and interact with an experienced panel during the webinar. For further info, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532