Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Lošinj Hotels & Villas is proud to announce that Alfred Keller, the signature fine dining restaurant at Boutique Hotel Alhambra, has retained its Michelin star for 2025, reaffirming its place among the most distinguished culinary destinations in Croatia. In addition, Matsunoki, the elegant Japanese restaurant at Hotel Bellevue, has once again earned its Michelin recommendation, solidifying its reputation as one of the Adriatic’s most elevated Asian dining experiences. Alfred Keller continues to push the boundaries of modern Mediterranean cuisine under the direction of Chef Michael Gollenz. Since taking the helm in 2021, Chef Gollenz, mentored by two-Michelin-starred Chef Christian Kuchler, has infused Alfred Keller with innovation and global flair. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2021, and maintaining that recognition through 2025 is a tribute to Chef Gollenz’s evolving creativity and commitment to culinary excellence. Alfred Keller’s philosophy combines classic French technique with international influences, all grounded in the purity and seasonality of Croatian ingredients. Guests can indulge in à la carte dishes or explore multi-course Signature and Innovation tasting menus, each expertly paired with selections from a world-class wine cellar featuring over 600 labels. Matsunoki continues to enchant diners, too. Helmed by Chef Orhan Chakiroglu, the restaurant remains a standout in the region for Japanese cuisine. Delicate sashimi, sushi, and kaiseki-style dishes are complemented by an extensive wine list with selections available by the glass, alongside a carefully curated collection of premium sake and Japanese whiskies. Its continued Michelin recommendation this year, following its Michelin Plate distinction in 2024, speaks to its dedication to quality. Together, Alfred Keller and Matsunoki represent the pinnacle of dining on Lošinj Island, celebrating both the local terroir and the diversity of …

India has become the world’s 3rd largest air travel market, climbing from 8th in 2014, as per IATA. Driven by affordable airfare policies, domestic air travel surged 129% over the decade, far outpacing global growth at 61%. As a result, domestic travel accounts for 78% of India’s total origin-destination departures, up from 72% to 78%.

Gujarat has become the first state to join the Cruise Bharat Mission, signalling its commitment to boost maritime tourism. It positions the state as a frontrunner in India’s coastal development. The mission aims to increase sea cruise traffic 10-fold by 2029, propelling India toward becoming a globally competitive cruise tourism destination.

ITB India will organise its 4th edition at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from 2 to 4 Sept under the theme ‘Business of experience: Curated travel for targeted growth.’ Darren Seah, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, said they are expecting over 400 exhibitors, 600 buyers and around 8000 attendees.

The Kerala government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism, said PA Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister. Supporting newcomers will ensure that they flourish in the completive ecosystem, he said.

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, claims, “We are the largest hotel chain in India. Given our recent signings and the brand’s strong growth trajectory, India is set to become Marriott’s third-largest market globally within the next 2-3 years. By the end of next year, we expect to have nearly 250 operational hotels in the country. We are also on track to more than double our presence from 40 to 90 locations across India. Our focus remains on getting the right distribution and being in the right places.”

General Travel New Zealand has successfully concluded its 5-city India roadshow from 30th June to 4th July 2025, covering Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. The roadshow received an enthusiastic response from the Indian travel trade community and served as a key platform for promoting New Zealand as a premier long-haul destination for Indian travelers. This year’s edition marked a significant milestone, featuring the largest Kiwi delegation to date, with 16 leading tourism companies from New Zealand participating. The delegation showcased a wide array of travel experiences — from seat-in-coach adventures and cultural immersions to luxury stays and soft adventure — all tied together with General Travel’s Kiwiway Vacations FIT packages. The group has been promoting tailored programs to suit the preferences of the Indian outbound market. Participating companies included prominent tourism and hospitality brands such as Skyline Enterprises, Southern Discoveries, Entrada Group, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, RealNZ, Transport World Invercargill, Polynesian Spa, Te Puia, Totally Tourism (Helicopter Line), BLACK, The Helicopter Line, Sudima Hotels, Millennium Hotels, Distinction Hotels, Scenic Hotel Group, RotoruaNZ, West Coast Tourism, and Air New Zealand. Together, they presented a comprehensive and inspiring view of New Zealand’s offerings, catering to various segments including FITs, families, honeymooners, and luxury travelers. Speaking about the roadshow’s success, Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, said: “India continues to be a key and growing market for New Zealand. The enthusiasm and genuine interest shown by Indian travel agents across all five cities has been truly encouraging. This roadshow was a fantastic opportunity for our partners to build meaningful connections and better understand the preferences of the Indian traveler. We’re excited about the future potential and look forward to …

IndiGo commenced direct flights between Mumbai and Adampur (Jalandhar). This new route is part of IndiGo’s strategy to enhance connectivity between key regional hubs and tier-2 cities. Punjab plays a vital role in India’s economic and cultural landscape, and connecting it with India’s financial capital, Mumbai, unlocks the potential of the state’s growing industrial and agricultural sectors with greater access to commercial ports. It will also benefit tourism by encouraging greater exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. With Adampur as its 92nd domestic destination, IndiGo continues to expand the network, delivering on its promise of on-time travel experience that is affordable, courteous & hassle-free. Adampur (Jalandhar) is a town located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab. Known for its strategic location on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road, it houses the Adampur Air Force Station, one of the oldest airbases in the country. Adampur also has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional Punjabi lifestyle and growing urban influence. Adampur offers access to several nearby attractions. Rangla Punjab Haveli showcases traditional Punjabi culture, while Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is a popular spiritual site. Pushpa Gujral Science City provides fun, educational experiences, and Wonderland Theme Park is perfect for family outings. These spots make Adampur a great base to explore Punjab’s culture and entertainment.

Speaking to stakeholders recently, Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, says “As India charts its course on the global tourism map, I urge the industry to focus on inclusive growth, accessible tourism, technological innovation and sustainability. These are not just aspirations but imperatives for future-ready hospitality. The Tourism Ministry is committed to partnering with the industry through initiatives like NIDHI Plus, Hunar Se Rozgar Tak and Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India.”

Stating that overcrowding is straining destinations, WTTC addresses overcrowding in its latest report titled Managing Destination Overcrowding and urges public and private stakeholders to adopt a proactive, evidence-based approach to sustainable tourism management. The paper outlines six key actions for this that includes reinvesting in destination health and implementing robust monitoring and early warning systems.