Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Patanjali G. Keswani, Chairperson, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “We are all set to capitalise on rising demand in India, focusing on premium pricing. We plan to list our subsidiary, Fleur Hotels, within the next 24 months, and eyeing alliances with international hotel chains for co- branding or shared loyalty programmes in the next five years.”

Air India on Monday (9 December) confirmed that it has placed an order to purchase 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 family aircraft, including A321neo. These 100 new aircraft are in addition to the company’s orders of 470 aircraft that was placed with Airbus and Boeing last year.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in Delhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communication, Govt. of India, said, “Northeast India is witnessing remarkable growth through improved connectivity, including advancements in airports, road infrastructure, and investment in infrastructure.”

Singapore Tourism Board invites travel trade for a webinar today at 3pm, focusing on latest offerings that are tailored for India’s MICE requirements. Gain valuable insights and curate enriching itineraries on Singapore for your clients. For more info, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) has announced the result of its unopposed election for the post of Office Bearers for the term 2024-2026 in New Delhi. Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, has been re-elected as Chairman, Ajeet Bajaj, ATOAI and Ajay Prakash, TAFI are the new Vice Chairmen. In contrast, Rajiv Mehra, IATO and Kanwarjeet Singh Sawhney have been declared the General Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. FAITH is the Policy Federation of 10 National Associations in India representing the entire Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the country which includes ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) and Cause Partner – AIRDA.

Singapore Tourism Board invites the travel trade for an exclusive webinar focusing on the latest offerings for world-class events that are tailored for India’s MICE requirements. Gain valuable insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients, showcasing the best of what Singapore has to offer. For more information, or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. Registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/655/5v7qwi3k5  

The tourism sector in Fiji continues to surpass expectations, with the country on track for another record-breaking year, marking a 6.5% increase over 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and further cementing Fiji’s reputation as a must-visit destination in the South Pacific. This success is fueled by the impact of Tourism Fiji’s global brand platform, Where Happiness Comes Naturally, and a surge in demand for immersive, culturally rich travel experiences. The momentum continues into 2024, with Fiji on track for another record-breaking year. To accommodate growing demand, several new hotel and resort openings are underway, including The Crowne Plaza Nadi, Sofitel Vatu Talei Denarau, Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, and more. These developments will further enhance Fiji’s appeal as a leading travel destination. In addition, Fiji Airways continues to win global awards and grow capacity, including the new Dallas – Nadi non-stop route opening December 2024. Tourism Fiji recently launched Chapter 2 of its brand platform, Where Happiness Comes Naturally. In Chapter 1, it celebrated the genuine happiness rooted in authentic Fijian culture and shared it with the world. Now, in Chapter 2, it is going further—inviting global audiences not just to witness but to experience the joy that defines Fiji through the new campaign, Happy Passports. The campaign takes a light-hearted approach to the universal frustration of passport photos. It features two engaging characters: Ana, a customs officer at Fiji’s international airport, and Viliame, a local passport photographer. Both have observed a curious phenomenon: it’s nearly impossible to keep a serious face in a place as vibrant and full of joy as Fiji. Through their playful interactions with locals and visitors alike, the campaign shows just how hard …

Red Carpet Tours won the ‘Best Business Tour Operator’ award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, Narayan Kabra, Director Business Development, Red Carpet Tours, exclaimed, “The award inspires us to continue our excellent work.” Red Carpet Tours specialises in MICE and FIT travel. The company offers tailored solutions for international trade fairs and corporate incentives, primarily in Europe and China.

Highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in India and globally as a driving force for tourism growth, MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, urged the government to frame suitable structures for effective PPP. He said HAI’s two main demands—providing industry benefits and allowing infrastructure status—would bring in more revenue to the government, create millions of direct and indirect jobs, and promote inclusive growth.

KR Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, Govt of India, after passing of Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 in Rajya Sabha, said, “To strengthen airfare regulations, the govt has introduced new airfare regulations, requiring airlines to notify the DGCA about their ticket prices a month before implementation. The measures aim to curb pricing irregularities and promote affordability in air travel.”