Category Archives: Associations

Federation of Associations in Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) is set to hold its National Tourism Conclave ‘Tourism 2030 – India on Mission Mode.’ Bringing together industry and government to define the roadmap for the sector to become a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, contributing 10 per cent to India’s GDP. Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, FAITH, said “India will continue to be among the fastest growing major economies on its path to becoming the world’s third largest global economy. This coupled with limited supply addition in the country’s top ten lodging markets, foreign tourist arrivals set to exceed pre-covid levels, and the permanent shift in consumer behaviour with travel becoming a non-discretionary spend will continue the demand buoyancy in the tourism sector.” He added, “The National Tourism Conclave will focus on enabling a transformation in the policy framework and facilitate the creation of a favourable investment environment to unlock India’s tourism potential. This roadmap to 2030 will serve as the building block for USD 3 trillion tourism economy in 2047, aligned to the vision of Viksit Bharat, as envisaged by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.” The conclave will feature a series of panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on enhancing India’s global positioning by deliberating on issues such as Development of a Holistic Travel Eco-Systems, World Class Infrastructure & Connectivity, Sustainability & Inclusivity in Tourism, Preserving Culture & Heritage, Promotion of Destinations and Leveraging India’s Demographic Dividend – Building the Talent Pool. According to Ajeet Bajaj, Vice Chairman, FAITH, “The conclave will witness participation of senior leaders from both the Government and the Travel & Tourism industry.  The recommendations emerging from the conclave will be presented to the …

As per IATA’s global passenger demand report of March 2025, international demand rose to 4.9 per cent compared to March 2024. Additionally, capacity was up by 7 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was recorded 79.9 per cent. Domestic passenger demand rose 0.9 per cent compared to March 2024.

To enhance bilateral cooperation in promoting tourism between India and the Maldives, IATO and The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. It marks a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between the two countries. The MOU provides for joint promotional activities facilitating closer collaboration between the travel industries of both the nations. The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MMPRC and IATO to boost visitor exchanges, improve travel connectivity, and create new opportunities for sustainable tourism development in the region. According to Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO “There is a huge scope for boosting tourism flow between India and Maldives. Such pacts I believe would significantly help us improve tourism ties thus contributing to employment generation and boosting local economies.”  

In its continued efforts to position Rajasthan as a premier global destination, the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), is making an exclusive and vibrant appearance at the prestigious “Colors of the World Fair” being held from 18 April to 20 April, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. The Rajasthan Pavilion is an immersive celebration of the State’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and warm hospitality. On day one, the Pavilion witnessed a grand opening ceremony and quickly became a hub of activity and attraction. Visitors were welcomed by senior officials from the Department of Tourism, along with the Presidents of FHTR and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), and prominent members of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO). The delegation also includes renowned hoteliers, travel agents, destination management companies, event professionals, folk artists, and culinary experts. It is to be noted that Rajasthan’s presence stood out with vibrant traditional attire, including saris and turbans, soulful folk music, live culinary experiences, and engaging cultural activities and giveaways. The Pavilion received an overwhelming response from international guests, who were particularly enchanted by the live music performances and the unique opportunity to sample Rajasthani culture firsthand. President of FHTR, Kuldeep Singh Chandela delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for Rajasthan’s participation. He, along with Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Punita Singh, also joined an insightful panel discussion on the future of global tourism, engaging with high-ranking tourism officials from across the world. The fair has also highlighted the tremendous tourism potential between Turkiye and Rajasthan, with cultural similarities and …

Ved Khanna, President, ADTOI, expresses confidence in Kashmir’s resilience as a destination. Acknowledging the immediate fallout with a spike in cancellations, he says, “My members in Kashmir have informed me their original bookings stand with people still showing interest in travelling to Kashmir, especially for the Amarnath Yatra in July. We have seen such situations before and Kashmir has always bounced back.”

HVS ANAROCK Hotel General Managers Survey captures industry leaders’ perspectives on key trends and opportunities in 2025. This year, ADR remains the top priority for them, especially for business hotels where 70% plan to focus on ADR growth. In contrast, leisure hotels show a more balanced approach, with 58% prioritising occupancy. While business hotels remain anchored in corporate bookings and MICE, and leisure hotels prioritise FITs, weddings and social events are emerging as a significant revenue driver across both segments.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM) and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosted Harit Yoga – A Signature Event as part of the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations. The event took place at the FHRAI-IHM campus in Greater Noida. Bringing together students, hospitality professionals, and wellness advocates, the event celebrated yoga as a powerful tool for harmony, peace, and environmental consciousness. The session was led by expert trainers from Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, Noida, including Yogacharya Mukta Sharma and Yogacharya Divya Sharma, with support from Yogi Vaibhav, Yogi Rahul, Yogini Nikki, and Yogini Kavita. As part of the celebration, saplings were distributed to participants by Shri S C Suneja and Dr Narendra Kumar, symbolising a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. This act of tree planting underscored the event’s theme and served as a tangible reminder of the connection between personal well-being and ecological health. The gathering commenced with the Common Yoga Protocol and was followed by a series of curated yoga practices, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. Each session aimed to highlight yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a holistic way of life that cultivates mindfulness, balance, and a deeper connection with nature. This year’s theme, “Harit Yoga: Embrace Nature, Embrace Peace,” placed a special emphasis on sustainable living and the role of yoga in nurturing both personal and planetary well-being. Conversations on green practices and lifestyle choices were woven into the programme, encouraging participants to make conscious decisions that align with wellness and ecological balance. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI said, “Yoga is not just about postures or routines. …

SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications, made history by becoming the first Indian recipient of the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A member since 1999, he has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He played a pivotal role in bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023.

PATA in its new report, ‘The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC’ emphasised a critical need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80% of arrivals come from neighboring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”