Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Join an exclusive webinar of Impiana Private Villas, Seminyak, Bali on 28 November at 3 pm and get insights about its authentic Indian restaurant Frangipaani and Impiana Private Pool Villas, presented by a three-member team. For more information, contact Jaspreet Kaur at +91 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

VFS Global has crossed the 300 million applications milestone globally. It is notable that the last 100 million applications have been achieved in the past 5 years despite the pandemic-driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022. In 2023 alone, the company processed 24.1 million applications, 35% more than 2022, and between January to May 2024, it has processed approximately 100,000 applications a day. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said, “We are very pleased and honoured with the achievement of this milestone, which is a testament to the trust 69 governments have in VFS Global, and a testament to the reliable, secure and innovative services we provide across 153 countries. We are also deeply grateful to all visa applicants using our services. Over the past year we are honoured to have won several important contracts, including becoming the exclusive overseas visa outsourcing partner for UK Visas and DHA Australia, and contracts with Germany, Finland, Portugal and Japan who have renewed their trust in us. We remain deeply committed to continuing investments in technology and human capital development to ensure continuous enhancement of our services.”

With a rise in people seeking out deeper, more meaningful experiences on vacation, solo travel presents the perfect solution. Travelling solo means individuals can go where they want, when they want, and experience life-enhancing “you-time.” As experts in deep and meaningful moments, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives specializes in putting solo travellers in touch with mesmerizing outer – and inner – landscapes. Travellers might be alone, but they can rest assured they’ll never feel lonely. Here are four reasons why solo travel to the Maldives with Four Seasons is highly recommended: Invest In Wellbeing There’s no better reason to solo travel than to immerse in a world of personalized wellbeing. Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru is home to the pioneering wellness haven AyurMa. In this healing three-acre haven, guests can start their journey with PraMā – a comprehensive evidence-based health screening system – before the onsite team of experts crafts a personalized program shaped by AyurMa’s four pillars of Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Wellness, and Planetary Wellbeing. Alternatively, private Yoga Therapy courses can be booked to provide tailored yoga prescriptions of asanas for individual health needs. At Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, guests can book into The Island Spa’s sacred Healing Tent for a holistic blend of Reiki, sound healing, guided breathwork, and ice bath therapy. They can also challenge themselves with yoga on a stand-up paddleboard (guaranteed giggles!) or achieve serenity with gravity-defying AntiGravity Yoga. Whatever their wellness aspirations, heartfelt therapists are on hand to help realize them on their terms. Tick Off Bucket List Dreams Solo travel provides the freedom to indulge in dreams and goals without worrying about anyone else’s preferences. Guests can snorkel with the world's largest known …

Clarks Collection proudly announces the opening of its latest boutique property in Ajmer, Rajasthan, offering a premium experience to luxury travelers, religious pilgrims, corporate clients, and guests seeking bespoke, intimate events. This addition strengthens the brand’s nationwide presence while tapping into Ajmer’s unique appeal as a spiritual destination for both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Strategically located in the heart of the city with excellent connectivity, the property features 28 elegantly designed rooms across various categories. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, to cater guest needs. The property also boasts a spacious banquet hall that accommodates up to 150 guests, making it ideal for events and corporate gatherings. Recognizing the evolving lifestyle preferences in Ajmer, Clarks Collection introduces an in-house pub to cater to the city’s emerging nightlife culture. Additionally, the on-site rooftop restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience with North Indian, Continental, and authentic Rajasthani dishes, reflecting Rajasthan’s rich heritage and renowned gastronomy. Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Collection, remarked, “Rajasthan has always been a key market for us, and Ajmer is a significant addition to our portfolio. Along with serving the religious tourism segment, we aim to appeal to younger travelers seeking nightlife and unique experiences. With personalized itineraries and investments in advanced technology, including AI-driven tools, we aim to elevate our guest engagement and expand our reach. The property emphasizes sustainability and community development as part of its commitment to responsible tourism. Clarks Collection plans to achieve certifications from international quality bodies, implement a zero-plastic policy, and utilize locally sourced construction materials. Furthermore, the brand is dedicated to hiring from the local workforce, contributing to the region’s economic growth. The …

TAAI, celebrating its journey from 1951 to 2026, will launch the ‘TAAI 75 Years’ initiative in early 2025. Sunil Kumar, President, said, “We’re starting early to ensure the initiative grows and transitions into a significant industry event. The celebrations will honour our legacy, foster partnerships, and highlight the evolution of India’s travel industry.”

The contribution of the tourism sector to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2022-23 stood at five per cent, the government informed Parliament. In a written response in the Lok Sabha, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister, stated that the total foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 stood at 9.52 million.

The ongoing International Tourism Mart 2024 (ITM 2024) in Kaziranga, Assam until 29 November is aligned with the MOT’s Travel for Life initiative. The 3-day event aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to expand the Northeast’s global tourism footprint and highlight the region as a must-visit destination.

Join an exciting webinar hosted by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman today at 3pm. This exclusive session will offer valuable sights for trade partners and travel professionals to help expand tourism offerings to Oman. For more information, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

Clarks Collection proudly announces the opening of its latest boutique property in Ajmer, Rajasthan, offering a premium experience to luxury travelers, religious pilgrims, corporate clients, and guests seeking bespoke, intimate events. This addition strengthens the brand’s nationwide presence while tapping into Ajmer’s unique appeal as a spiritual destination for both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Strategically located in the heart of the city with excellent connectivity, the property features 28 elegantly designed rooms across various categories. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, to cater guest needs. The property also boasts a spacious banquet hall that accommodates up to 150 guests, making it ideal for events and corporate gatherings. Recognizing the evolving lifestyle preferences in Ajmer, Clarks Collection introduces an in-house pub to cater to the city’s emerging nightlife culture. Additionally, the on-site rooftop restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience with North Indian, Continental, and authentic Rajasthani dishes, reflecting Rajasthan’s rich heritage and renowned gastronomy. Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Collection, remarked, “Rajasthan has always been a key market for us, and Ajmer is a significant addition to our portfolio. Along with serving the religious tourism segment, we aim to appeal to younger travelers seeking nightlife and unique experiences. With personalized itineraries and investments in advanced technology, including AI-driven tools, we aim to elevate our guest engagement and expand our reach. The property emphasizes sustainability and community development as part of its commitment to responsible tourism. Clarks Collection plans to achieve certifications from international quality bodies, implement a zero-plastic policy, and utilize locally sourced construction materials. Furthermore, the brand is dedicated to hiring from the local workforce, contributing to the region’s economic growth. The …

Airocity visas won the ‘India’s Most Promising B2B Service Provider’ award at the India Travel Awards. Accepting the award, Lalit Rajput, Co-Founder and Director, Airocity Holidays, said, “It is a truly unique and innovative event that means a lot to us. We had a fantastic time here, and winning the award was like a dream come true.”