Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

IRIS Reps announces its newest partnership with Barceló Hotels & Resorts, adding yet another prestigious name to its growing global portfolio. This exciting collaboration will place special focus on promoting Barceló’s stunning resorts in the Maldives and Thailand to the Indian travel trade. With a legacy of excellence, Barceló Hotels & Resorts is known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across its premium resort destinations. The group’s properties in Maldives and Thailand stand out for their blend of contemporary comfort, unmatched locations, and thoughtful service – ideal for Indian FITs, small groups, MICE, and celebratory travel. Alefiya Singh, Founder of IRIS Reps, shared her enthusiasm about the new partnership: “Barceló is a remarkable brand that perfectly aligns with our vision to bring high-quality international hospitality experiences to Indian travelers. We are particularly excited to promote their properties in the Maldives and Thailand – destinations that continue to be in high demand across various Indian segments. With our strong B2B network and local insights, we aim to create meaningful traction for Barceló in the Indian market.” Thibaut Biguet, Commercial Director at Barceló Hotels & Resorts, added: “India is a key growth market for us, and partnering with IRIS Reps gives us the right platform to reach and engage with the Indian travel trade. With their in-depth market knowledge and strong distribution channels, we are confident this collaboration will elevate Barceló’s presence in India – especially for our resort offerings in the Maldives and Thailand.” This partnership marks a strategic move for both organizations as they work together to enhance brand awareness, drive bookings, and create tailored experiences for the evolving Indian traveler.

M/s N V Hospitality, a respected hospitality firm based in Bhuj, proudly announces its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties, to develop a new hotel under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand in the heart of Gujarat’s Kutch region. The upcoming Ramada Encore by Wyndham Bhuj will be a greenfield development featuring 50 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, meeting facilities, spa, swimming pool, and a range of modern amenities tailored to today’s leisure and business travelers. The project is currently in the planning phase and is expected to open in 2028. Bhuj, a culturally rich and historic city in Gujarat’s Kutch district, is renowned for its vibrant handicrafts, desert landscapes, and architectural heritage. As the gateway to the Rann of Kutch, Bhuj attracts a growing number of tourists, particularly during the celebrated Rann Utsav festival. The city is well-connected by air, with direct flights to Mumbai and Delhi, and is easily accessible by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Gandhidham. Niraj Prakash Vazirani, Partner, M/s N V Hospitality, said: “Bringing the Ramada Encore brand to Bhuj is a meaningful step in our journey to enhance the hospitality offerings of the region. This partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts enables us to combine international standards with local culture, and we’re proud to contribute to Bhuj’s continued growth as a tourism and commercial destination.” Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, added: “Bhuj represents a significant addition to our network of emerging destinations across Eurasia. It’s a city that blends tradition, art, and resilience—and we’re excited to contribute to its evolution with a hotel that offers both contemporary comfort and …

India’s rising influence in global tourism was spotlighted at the 54th Skal Asia Congress, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka recently, as Padmashri Dr. Mukesh Batra, President of Skal International South Mumbai, was honoured with two prestigious Asian Awards. The recognition celebrates the chapter’s outstanding contributions to tourism leadership, sustainability, and collaborative growth, reinforcing India’s expanding footprint on the world tourism map. Themed around “Unity, Leadership, and Transformational Tourism,” the Congress brought together over 275 delegates from 19 countries, including dignitaries such as Skål International President Denise Scrafton, Skål Asia President – Keethi Jayaweera, Skål Colombo President -Ahintha Amarasinghe, Congress Chairperson – Sharmili Vaz, and Skål India National President – Sanjeev Mehra. Skål International Mumbai South received: • 1st Runner-Up for Highest Growth in Numbers • 2nd Runner-Up for Highest Percentage Growth These awards honour the Mumbai chapter’s dynamic expansion and increasing member engagement over the past year. Receiving the award, Dr. Batra said, “It was an honour to accept two Asian Awards on behalf of the Skal Club. This recognition comes at a critical time when tourism is evolving toward sustainability, community engagement, and ethical growth. This is a collective recogniton, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our members who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.” He also took the opportunity to invite delegates from across the globe to visit Mumbai at the Skål India National Congress 2025 in Mumbai to be hosted by Skal Mumbai South. India had a strong presence at the Congress with over 120 delegates representing 13 clubs, demonstrating Skal India’s growing influence. Other Indian clubs were also recognised at the Congress, but Skål Mumbai South received two awards, underscoring its performance and …

Destination DC has announced the relaunch of its Washington, DC Special Agent Academy, complete with an exciting new incentive for travel professionals in India. This interactive, online training program empowers agents with the knowledge and resources they need to expertly sell Washington, DC as a premier U.S. travel destination. As part of this relaunch, Indian travel professionals who complete the Special Agent Academy by 31st July 2025 will be eligible to win Amazon gift vouchers worth Rs. 3000. Participants must successfully complete the academy’s three engaging ‘Core Missions’ to earn the coveted title of Washington, DC Special Agent: Mission Information: Essential details about Washington, DC. Mission 3M’s: Monuments, Memorials, and Museums—exploring DC’s most iconic attractions. Mission There’s Only 1 DC: Understanding what makes Washington, DC truly unique. Why Enroll?By becoming a certified Washington, DC Special Agent, travel professionals will: Enhance their expertise in the U.S. capital, becoming trusted advisors for clients planning American holidays. Unlock access to exclusive discounts and rewards for themselves and their clients. Stand a chance to win Amazon gift vouchers worth up to Rs. 3000. Travel professionals can register for the Washington, DC Special Agent Academy today by visiting washington.org/traveltrade/special-agent-academy. Complete all three missions by 31st July 2025 to qualify for this limited-time incentive

Agoda has revealed its list of the most budget-friendly summer destinations in Asia for June to August 2025. Surabaya, Indonesia, leads the list with an average room rate of just INR 3037 per night*, making it a top choice for those eager to embrace culture and adventure this summer. Surabaya is followed closely by Tirupati, with average room rates of ₹3211 per night.

Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) South Chapter has announced its newly elected committee for 2025–2026. Chairman and Regional Director is Joyson, Vice Chairperson is Princy K.D, Secretary is Dinesh, and Treasurer is Vimalesh. The new chairman plans to host an event in Bengaluru every alternate month and take ETAA events to tier 2 cities as well.

The next decade promises some significant and exciting developments in airport infrastructure. Plans are underway at various locations around the world to expand passenger facilities, enabling some of the world’s largest airports to handle over 100 million passengers annually.

A bold new ocean experience is surfacing on 23 July! Find out what your next student group can explore at the new Singapore Oceanarium at this webinar on 11 July at 3pm hosted by Resorts World Sentosa. It is slated to open in Q3 2025 and will have immersive exhibits, digital storytelling, and a focus on marine research, redefining how we experience the ocean. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call ‪+91 96501 96532.

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, Marriott International’s exclusive desert resort in India, has appointed Pooja Gauur as its new Director of Marketing—a move that signals the property’s ambitions to redefine wonderful hospitality on the global stage. Set against the dramatic backdrop of medieval forts and sweeping golden dunes, the 5-star resort offers a rare combination of heritage, seclusion, and elevated hospitality. But it’s not just the setting that sets Jaisalmer Marriott Resort apart—it’s the potential. As the only Marriott in India built in the heart of the Thar Desert, it stands poised to become the face of India’s desert tourism, with a narrative that could amplify the region’s top luxury desert escapes. Pooja Gauur is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 12 years of experience across luxury, lifestyle, and hospitality brands. Since joining Marriott International in 2019, she has helmed marketing and pre-opening campaigns across diverse properties—including Jaipur Marriott, Udaipur Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, and Katra Marriott Resort & Spa near Vaishnodevi. Pooja is known for translating campaigns into performance. From leading high-impact digital storytelling to orchestrating influencer strategies and driving press collaborations, her efforts have earned industry accolades and millions of organic impressions. “Jaisalmer Marriott is more than a resort — it’s an opportunity to define what desert luxury means for India,” said Pooja. “Jaisalmer has the power to stand alongside the world’s finest desert destinations—across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond. A certified marketing leader from IIM Bangalore, Pooja continues to pursue executive learning through global platforms while mentoring upcoming talent via her active presence on LinkedIn and Instagram. Her strategic direction at Jaisalmer Marriott Resort will focus on elevating global awareness, …

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to mark a major milestone with the opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives — the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and its second Dusit-branded property in the country, complementing the luxury Dusit Thani Maldives. Set to soft open on 27 July 2025, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is located on a pristine natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé. The resort invites guests to experience a private escape defined by bold design, vibrant energy, and curated experiences, all thoughtfully crafted for modern travellers who value freedom, connection, and discovery in an inspiring setting. Fringed by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort offers exceptional access to vibrant marine life and stunning dive sites — making it an ideal base for underwater exploration and ocean-inspired adventure. Blending beachfront charm with overwater serenity, the upscale resort features 127 spacious villas across seven distinct categories, ranging from 77 to 306 sq m. From tranquil beachfront retreats to expansive overwater sanctuaries, each villa is thoughtfully designed for modern comfort and style, with indoor-outdoor living spaces, private decks, and plunge pools in most categories. dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives also introduces a fresh and modern take on the all-inclusive concept, with à la carte dining across five distinctive venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits for personalised indulgence. Whether guests choose to unwind at Namm Spa, join beachfront yoga sessions, or sip island-inspired cocktails at the rooftop bar, they’ll find countless ways to connect, recharge, and play. From floating breakfasts and live DJ sets to snorkelling adventures and beach …