Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Liberty International Tourism Group, a leading global destination management company, is proud to announce its expansion into Saudi Arabia. With a commitment to providing unparalleled services in MICE and Premium Leisure travel, Liberty Saudi Arabia will deliver world-class solutions in one of the Middle East’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. At the helm of Liberty Saudi Arabia is Shady Maurice, an industry veteran with extensive experience in managing destination services across the region. Under his leadership, Liberty Saudi Arabia aims to meet the growing demand for premium travel experiences and business events in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a global transformation in tourism and business events,” said Shady Maurice, Head of Office for Liberty Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has paved the way for incredible opportunities, and I am thrilled to lead Liberty’s expansion here. Our team is ready to craft memorable experiences and deliver exceptional service that reflects both the region’s unique heritage and Liberty’s global standards.” The addition of Saudi Arabia to Liberty’s network marks another milestone in its mission to be the most comprehensive and innovative destination management company in the world. Liberty now offers its services in over 110 countries, consistently delivering excellence through its experienced teams. Mario Enzesberger, Founder & CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group, shared his excitement about this new venture: “Saudi Arabia is a dynamic market with vast potential. This expansion strengthens our global footprint, and I am confident that Liberty Saudi Arabia will thrive under Shady’s leadership.” For more information, visit Liberty Saudi Arabia DMC.

According to Booking.com’s annual travel predictions 2025, unique and unexplored destinations are set to capture Indian travellers’ attention this year. It reveals that Gudauri & Tbilisi in Georgia, Gabala in Azerbaijan, and Tromsø in Norway are among the top trending international destinations for Indian travellers in 2025.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing the government’s target. India has contributed as the top 3 source markets in this tourist influx after China and Malaysia. Consequently, Thailand generated more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46 billion) from tourist spending in 2024, according to Sorawong Thienthong, Tourism Minister, Thailand.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh has announced ₹2415 crore for strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the state. He said that wellness centres would be developed at Nadaun in Hamirpur district, Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra district, Kullu and Manali in Kullu district with a total cost of ₹280.39 crore.

ICRA expects Indian hospitality industry’s revenue to grow by 7-9 per cent YoY in FY2025 and 6-8 per cent YoY in FY2026. It estimates pan-India premium hotel occupancy to improve to 72-74 per cent in FY2026 from 70-72 per cent in FY2025. The ARRs for premium hotels may rise to ₹7,800-8,000 for FY2025 (up 8 per cent YoY) and to ₹8,000-8,400 in FY2026.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its latest property, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness at Mopa, Goa. This high-end luxury resort, featuring 150 exquisitely designed villa rooms, is set to redefine high-end travel by combining opulence, sustainability and cultural immersion. Targeted at the upscale market, the brand Anamore is an extension of the hospitality chain’s diversified approach, strengthening its presence beyond the mid segment Indian hospitality market. “Our vision for Anamore is bold and forward-looking. We aim to redefine the future of luxury travel in India. Having successfully established 10-12 hotels in the mid-segment market annually across the country in the past, we are confident in replicating this success in the upscale market with Anamore too. There are five more Anamore properties in the pipeline in destinations including Karjat, Murud, Khalapur (Maharashtra), Srinagar (Uttarakhand) and Pushkar (Rajasthan),” shared Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. The company has tied with real estate major firm Yugen Infra for its maiden project under the brand portfolio of Anamore. Yugen Infra is the result of a collaboration between two real estate powerhouses, Timespro Consulting and V K Developers. It is spearheading several prestigious projects, including Goa’s first-ever Golf Course township, alongside other landmark initiatives. The resort’s prime location, just a 15-minute drive from the Mopa Airport and directly accessible via the Goa-Mumbai Highway, ensures seamless connectivity. Nestled amidst Goa’s largest golf course township and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness promises an immersive experience of serenity and luxury. Apart from its luxurious villas, the amenities at Anamore Select Resort & Wellness include an all-day …

ISKCON Dwarka on Tuesday announced a series of service initiatives for the Kumbh Mela 2025, with support from the Adani Group. The collaboration aims to provide facilities and support for crores of pilgrims attending the event. One of the key initiatives is the provision of 2 lakh meals daily on Amrit Snan days, when pilgrims take the dip in the Ganga. This feeding program, sponsored by Adani, will operate for three days around each Amrit Snan. ISKCON will also distribute 60,000 meals daily throughout the Mela, including 18,000 meals for sanitation workers who maintain cleanliness and safety at the event. To address transportation needs at the Mela grounds, Adani Group is sponsoring golf cart services for elderly pilgrims, differently abled individuals, and mothers with children. The Adani Group is also providing meals for the drivers and conductors of electric buses, which transport over 1 lakh pilgrims daily. For spiritual programs, the ISKCON Kumbh Team, under the guidance of Sanaka Sanatana Prabhu, has arranged accommodations for 3,000 devotees. These facilities will host kirtans, devotional dances, and discourses for attendees. ISKCON’s participation includes the Bullock Cart Sankirtan, a daily procession of devotees chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and playing traditional instruments. The procession moves through the Kumbh grounds, involving pilgrims in the chanting and dancing. Shri Gaur Prabhu, Vice President of ISKCON Dwarka, said: “Serving pilgrims during the Amrit Snan days reflects ISKCON’s mission of compassion and devotion. With Adani’s support and the ISKCON Kumbh Team, we aim to ensure a spiritually uplifting experience for attendees.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is delighted to unveil the new-look Centara Karon Resort Phuket, which has started welcoming the world’s travellers back to paradise following a remarkable renovation that has transformed every aspect of the guest experience and successfully positioned this flagship resort for a bright and exciting future. Just moments from the soft sands of Karon Beach and the Andaman Sea, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a haven of tranquility and adventure. Following its dramatic revitalisation, the resort now invites all visitors to unwind in three distinct zones – The Terrace, The Lagoon, and The Tropicale – creating options for couples, families and friends alike. With a contemporary design that harmoniously blends a soothing colour palette with geometric patterns and natural elements, the resort’s newly refreshed accommodation is tailored to the needs of every guest. Highlights include The Terrace’s spacious rooms, which feature balconies with views of the city or sea. Set to be unveiled by the end of 2025, the one-, two- and three-bedroom Pool Villas will be spectacular sanctuaries with outdoor pools and a dedicated check-in area – ideal for romantic getaways or grand celebrations with up to eight guests. A newly-revitalised Deluxe Pool View room at Centara Karon Resort Phuket An eclectic mix of activities and experiences makes this the ultimate tropical oasis for all ages. Immersive adventures unfold at the resort’s 3,000-square metre pool zone, with three separate pools for adults and kids, plus thrilling water slides and fountains. Children and teens can find inspiration at the Chang Dee Kids’ Club or E-Zone, with a full schedule of activities and games. Parents can also enjoy personal moments, including therapies at the …

In a recent development, the IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) Executive Committee has appointed Gurinder Singh as the Chairman of the IATO Punjab Chapter with immediate effect from 6 January 2025. Singh, the Managing Director of Discover Punjab Tours & Travels will lead the association’s efforts in fostering ties with the local tourism industry and government bodies. As a seasoned tourism professional, his deep industry knowledge and strong bonds with the Punjab government are likely to play a significant role in achieving the association’s goals and targets. With this appointment, IATO is eyeing to expand its membership base in the state while creating more tourism opportunities.

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Belson will lead Akasa Air’s crucial operational functions as the airline continues its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade. In his new role, Belson will be responsible for Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, Operational Excellence while also spearheading Akasa Air Learning Academy. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson has delivered multiple industry-first initiatives in Indian aviation, underpinned by his strong operational, strategic and leadership skills. Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson’s multifaceted role over the years had him successfully collaborate with cross-functional teams across airline operations, developing a good understanding of the functioning of operational departments. His passion for brand building, service excellence, training, technology, processes, employee centricity and sharp focus on cost leadership equips him to bring tremendous value to his new role as our COO. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to enhance our operational efficiency, deliver on our values of service excellence, and make significant strides toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class airline.” Belson has been a part of Akasa Air’s executive committee since the airline’s inception in 2022. Prior to assuming the role of Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Belson held the position of Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at Akasa Air where he was instrumental in shaping the brand’s vision, …