Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI, said, “Delinking F&B rates from accommodation tariffs will empower the industry to adjust pricing based on market dynamics and customer demand, fostering growth across all segments. It will also streamline tax compliance, ensuring a win-win for both the industry and government revenues.”

Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said, “We will be launching a tax cell which would be a kind of a handholding for our members on matters in the areas of GST and TCS. A committee has been formed and is already working towards launching this cell. Our efforts to build bridges and deepen relations with the airlines are also underway.”

Join an exclusive Impiana Private Villas, Seminyak, Bali webinar 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.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has opened registrations for its upcoming TAFI Convention 2025 that will be held in the Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam from 17 to 20 January. The theme of the convention is ‘Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet.’ Elaborating on the choice of destination and the theme, Ajay Prakash, TAFI President, said “Indian tourism is booming. While inbound numbers are still below pre-Covid levels, outbound and domestic tourism are breaking all records. But an industry that is totally people-centric and which thrives on the natural beauty and the amazing diversity in the world also has a duty to protect the Planet. Sustainability has gone beyond being a mere catchword, it is the single most important need today for the tourism industry and if we are to rethink our business models and think beyond profit, the move has to come from within the industry. As the leading travel association in the country TAFI will take the lead in sensitizing our members who in turn will guide their clients towards Responsible Tourism practices.” Anil Kalsi, Vice President added “The Provincial government of Ninh Binh has been extremely supportive, and the Department of Tourism has laid out the red carpet for TAFI delegates.” Speaking about the format of the convention, Abbas Moiz, National General Secretary, adds, “TAFI is offering members a three-night convention at an incredible price of Rs. 15,999/- per person on twin sharing. We have also negotiated great prices with DMCs for some exciting pre- and post-convention tours. Our members can contact them directly to take advantage of the special prices. Similarly, members are free to choose between the various airlines offering direct or …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Ravi Rawat as its new Assistant Pastry Chef. A culinary artisan with over nine years of experience, Chef Ravi is renowned for his expertise in bakery and pastry arts, blending creativity with precision to deliver exceptional gastronomic creations. Chef Ravi’s impressive career spans some of the country’s most esteemed establishments, including Grand Hyatt Kochi, The Westin Hyderabad, and Aloft Hotel Bengaluru. At Grand Hyatt Kochi, he led bakery operations, crafting innovative recipes and mentoring a team of pastry chefs. His remarkable contributions to the culinary world have earned him accolades. Among his notable achievements is the creation of the tallest edible Christmas tree at The Westin Hyderabad, a feat that garnered widespread acclaim. Guided by a culinary philosophy that champions the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Ravi curates’ desserts that cater to a diverse range of palates. His passion for innovation drives him to experiment with new techniques and flavors, ensuring every creation is a memorable indulgence. In his new role, Chef Ravi will oversee the bakery and pastry operations at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center. With his artistic vision and leadership, the hotel’s dining experience is set to reach new heights, offering guests an exquisite array of desserts that perfectly complement its world-class hospitality. In his part time hobbies he likes to do food photography and creating innovative recipes.

M/s Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited, a real estate and hotel development company based out of Delhi today announced the opening of Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in 95+ countries. Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal is located off NH-44 and just a short drive from NH-334B, the KMP Expressway and Sonipat junction, making travel from Delhi to North India states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir highly smooth and convenient. The hotel has 82 contemporary spacious rooms and a host of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, large meetings and events spaces and a business centre. Dimitris Manikis, President , Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said, “This opening marks a significant milestone in Wyndham’s ongoing expansion across India. As our first Wyndham Garden hotel in the country, it strengthens our presence in the growing North India market, especially in the rapidly developing NCR region. With improved infrastructure and convenient access to major travel hubs like Delhi’s airport, we look forward to providing guests with exceptional comfort, modern amenities, and a memorable stay.” Mr. Mahesh Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited said, “We are excited to open our hotel that is affiliated with the internationally recognized “Wyndham Garden” brand. The chain is growing rapidly in the country and we are well aligned with the brand focus to provide the guests a comfortable stay enabling stress-free, easy travel.”

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated in the 55th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa from 20th – 25th November 2024, promoting the state’s film shooting facilities and the Film Tourism Policy. A knowledge series was also organised on 21st November 2024 by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board featuring discussions on boosting film production in state. The series on ‘Lights, Camera, Collaboration: Government and Industry partnership for filming in Madhya Pradesh’ included insights from Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Film Director Mr. Amar Kaushik, CEO Aamir Khan Productions Ms Aparna Purohit, Actor Mr Abhishek Banarjee, Actor Ms. Nitanshi Goel, Actor Mr. Sparsh Shrivastava & Actor and Producer Ms Vani Tikoo Tripathi. Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla informed about the various aspects of the MP Film Tourism Policy with the aim of promoting film shooting in the state, how government initiatives can help streamline processes and foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the industry and establishing the state as a major film-making destination. Filmmakers appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy showed interest in future projects in the state. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is proudly two times national award winner of most film friendly state 2017 & 2020. The state is undoubtedly a must-visit state for film shooting. The state government has created the Film Facilitation Cell to promote filmmaking and shooting within the state. Madhya Pradesh is undeniably a naturally stunning offbeat multispecialty destination and paradise for filmmakers seeking picturesque locations. The state’s diverse locations from rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife and sacred spiritual destinations provide a visually stunning film set making it a perennial favourite among filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh boasts excellent …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Charlie as Chef de Cuisine. With over 15 years of culinary expertise across some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and a deep passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences. Richard’s illustrious career has seen him excel in various leadership roles, including his recent position as Complex Head Chef at Le Meridien Hotel and Conference Centre, Dubai. There, he was instrumental in designing new, innovative menus tailored to diverse palates while consistently raising the bar on dining experiences. His experience in Dubai also includes prestigious roles at JW Marriott Hotel Dubai and Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, where he served as Chef de Cuisine and Senior Sous Chef, respectively. At the Westin, Richard collaborated closely with the Executive Chef, contributing to the strategic direction of the banquet and event offerings, while simultaneously crafting inventive menus that showcased his culinary vision. In his new role at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield, Richard will oversee the hotel’s dynamic food and beverage outlets, ensuring a blend of culinary creativity and operational excellence. His leadership will continue to elevate the guest dining experience, emphasizing both innovation and quality across the hotel’s kitchens. Richard Charlie’s appointment underscores Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield’s dedication to culinary distinction, offering guests unique and memorable dining experiences.

Jodhpur, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, is emerging as a top destination for MICE events. Among the leading venues, Novotel Jodhpur is gaining attention for its innovative approach, combining business with cultural immersion to offer a truly unique experiential MICE experience. With the theme “Rethinking Conference Spaces to Foster Genuine Connection & Elevate MICE Experience,” Novotel Jodhpur aims to move beyond traditional conference rooms. The hotel integrates local culture and team-building activities into corporate events, creating a dynamic and engaging environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Abhirup Bandyopadhyay, General Manager of Novotel Jodhpur said, “We believe that corporate events should be more than just meetings—they should be experiences that inspire and foster genuine connections” “By blending business with the rich culture of Rajasthan, we offer a setting where teams can come together, bond, and create lasting memories while achieving their professional goals.” A Fresh Approach to MICE Novotel Jodhpur’s MICE program is an experiential offering that blends professional engagement with cultural exploration. The experience is designed to meet business objectives while immersing participants in Rajasthan’s rich traditions and lifestyle. Guests are welcomed with refreshments and a smooth check-in before enjoying a traditional Rajasthani lunch. The program then features “Rhythms to Relax,” a session of Sufi music designed to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, encouraging participants to connect creatively from the start. The itinerary includes visits to Jodhpur’s iconic landmarks like Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, offering insights into Rajasthan’s royal history and architectural beauty. Guests then experience a Jeep Safari & Camel ride through the desert, a unique team-building activity that immerses participants in rural Rajasthan and helps foster collaboration in an authentic …

This holiday season, ring in joy with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s festive offer with up to 25% off on direct bookings at https://theozencollection.com/offers. This fabulous offer extends to all bookings made for the hotel’s two private islands in the Maldives, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO With 95 luxurious villas and residence along with eight diverse dining outlets, and rejuvenating ELE|NA spa treatments, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is the epitome of sophisticated luxury and heartfelt hospitality. This festive season, immerse yourself in holiday joy with activities like Christmas ball painting, a tree-lighting ceremony, seasonal stress relief workshops, beach volleyball, and a special Christmas lunch. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, join the exclusive Ice and Fire Fête, a stunning event with gourmet cuisine, icy cocktails, fiery performances, and unforgettable entertainment, including a fly board show, fireworks, and on-stage entertainment. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI For those seeking privacy and seclusion, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers 90 private villas and RESERVES, five unique dining venues, beautifully curated wellness experiences, and the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, along with an exceptional wine selection featuring over 101 labels from around the world. Experience the magic of Christmas under the enchanting “Carnival of Elegance” theme with events such as DJ nights, gingerbread house making, water gun fight, water polo, Christmas Karaoke, Festive Market and a visit from Santa, and more. Ring in the New Year with fun activities like Beach Boot Camp, Wish Jar Making, Face Painting, Sunset Yoga and more. Choose THE OZEN COLLECTION this Christmas and New Years for an opulent stay, rejuvenating spa with ELE|NA Spa, luxurious entertainment, 24 hours butler service, gourmet cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Reserve: reservations@ozenreserve-bolifushi.com | reservations@ozen-maadhoo.com