Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Join an exciting webinar by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman on 27 November at 3pm. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences that make Oman a top destination for travellers. For more information, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Sommet Education, representing prestigious institutions specialized in Hospitality Management such as Les Roches and Glion Institute of Higher Education, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a collaborative venture aimed at advancing professional development, thought leadership, and educational excellence within the hospitality sector. The partnership sets a framework for mutual engagement in projects and activities that will enhance educational and professional growth opportunities within the Hospitality industry. The partnership’s key objective is to leverage the collective strengths of both HSMAI MEA and Sommet Education to provide value to hospitality professionals and students through a range of initiatives. Both parties envision the collaboration to drive industry standards in education, research, and experiential learning for future leaders of the hospitality industry. By connecting HSMAI MEA’s expansive professional network across the Middle East and Africa with Sommet Education’s renowned institutions, Les Roches and Glion, this partnership promises significant contributions to the sector. A cornerstone of the collaboration includes thought leadership activities, with Les Roches and Glion Institute of Higher Education faculty set to participate in several Executive Roundtables hosted by HSMAI MEA. These roundtables offer a platform for sharing insights on hospitality trends, innovation, and strategic marketing. Further, this collaboration will allow both organizations to co-create impactful content through webinars, workshops, and seminars, providing valuable resources to HSMAI MEA’s network and promoting best practices across the industry. Moreover, the partnership will feature contributions from Les Roches and Glion’s academic experts, who will produce research articles and whitepapers for publication on the HSMAI MEA website, reaching a broad professional audience and encouraging dialogue on current industry challenges and …

In an inspiring feat, the 24-year-old Indian mountaineer Goldy Mishra made history on October 26 at 11 a.m. by summiting the highest peak in Africa ‘Mount Kilimanjaro’, an expedition supported by Roseate Hotels & Resorts. After the successful trek, Ms. Goldy proudly hosted the Indian flag alongside the Roseate Hotels & Resorts flag at the top of the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. What made her journey even more special were her unique spiritual milestones as she became the first Indian to recite the Hanuman Chalisa aloud on Kilimanjaro. This heartwarming act combines physical endurance and devotion, and is a reflection of pride in her heritage and commitment to spirituality. Goldy describes the experience as follows: “Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was a dream come true. But chanting the Hanuman Chalisa at the top is a moment I will always cherish. I felt like I was carrying the strength of my faith to the top.” Her journey has been one of courage, dignity, and resilience. It is a quality that is reflected in the mountains and in everyday life. Goldy expresses her gratitude to Roseate Hotels & Resorts for being a part of her journey, “I am extremely grateful to Roseate Hotels & Resorts for supporting my dreams and helping me achieve them.” She was welcomed back on November 13 at Roseate House Aerocity, where her incredible accomplishment was celebrated with great enthusiasm. For those inspired by her story, Goldy shares her journey and experiences on her Instagram profile: [@climbtheheights_with_me] Follow along to get a sneak peek of her incredible mountaineering journey. Her success is a beacon to all Indians, reminding us that all things are possible with faith, courage, and a deep connection to our roots. Goldy’s …

As the festive season approaches, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is preparing to enchant guests with a wonderland of holiday magic that transforms into a seasonal sanctuary, brimming with sparkle and excitement. From the grand lobby adorned with twinkling lights and delicate snowflakes to the warm hospitality awaiting each guest, the Hotel is set to be Cairo’s most magical destination for celebrating the festive season. Joyous Celebrations and Heart-Warming Culinary Experiences Celebrate Christmas with remarkable dining experiences crafted by Executive Chef Benat Alonso and his talented team. Each Christmas Eve celebration at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is thoughtfully designed to capture the magic of the season through world-class flavours and festive ambiance. Revel in the flavours of the Italian coast at Riviera or immerse yourself in the festive energy of Bullona with a distinctive Mediterranean dinner, high-energy bar, and live DJ. Delight in authentic Lebanese cuisine and captivating live entertainment at Byblos, or savour an exceptional Egyptian holiday feast at Zitouni, where traditional flavours and holiday classics pair beautifully with breathtaking Nile views. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus bringing joy to guests while adding a touch of magic to this unforgettable celebration. Ring in 2025 with Glamorous Nile Views Bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year with memorable celebrations along the Nile. Begin the evening with crafted cocktails at The Bar, enjoy a traditional Egyptian-inspired buffet at Zitouni, or gather with friends for an Italian-coastal exquisite dinner at Riviera beautifully orchestrated by Chef Stefano Maffioli Ferrari. Celebrate in style at Byblos with vibrant Lebanese cuisine and an exquisite dessert buffet. At 8 restaurant, Chef Gao Chunlong’s flavourful Chinese menu brings festive sophistication, while Bullona offers an evening of indulgence, dancing, and fun. The festivities continue on January 7, 2025, with …

Keeping loved ones of the bride and groom engaged at their dream wedding destination is a task that every hotel, resort, homestay or five-star hotel needs to master. After all, weddings need to done right for hospitality players because they offer a lucrative, additional revenue stream for the owners. For hotel staff, manually planning and coordinating every little detail for medium to large-format weddings can leave room for errors and overlaps. STAAH, a leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, that has transformed the business operations of hotels across the world and in India with its stack of cutting-edge tech solutions, offers an effective solution to keep both guests and hotel owners happy this wedding season! Its customised vouchers are a game-changer for the hospitality industry and a powerful tool to build brand loyalty and expand guest reach. Here’s everything you need to know about vouchers: What are vouchers?  These are prepaid certificates that guests can redeem either themselves or gift to their loved ones by indulging in overnight stays, spa services, or even dining experiences. For guests, these offer the flexibility to experiences and services at the property and for hoteliers, these provide an upfront revenue. How hoteliers can increase revenue through vouchers?  Personalisation is the key word when it comes to vouchers. Hoteliers can match the personal tastes of their wedding guests through a variety of vouchers. From spa packages to wine tastings and adventure tours, customised vouchers are more likely to be purchased and redeemed. Hoteliers can even use vouchers as part of their loyalty programmes or as incentives for guests. Their word-of-mouth referrals will increase your voucher usage and encourage more guests to engage with your property. …

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that air travel plays an important role when it comes to connectivity in the Northeastern region. He added that the state government is working aggressively to upgrade and optimise tourism, trade, health services and other sectors. “When it comes to connectivity and other issues that the Northeastern region faces, particularly Meghalaya, air travel plays an important role in achieving the wide gamut of goals that the state is striving towards,” the chief minister said.

Fairmont Jaipur, winner of Premier Luxury Wedding Venue’ award, is an ode to the pink city through awe inspiring architecture and décor, inspired by the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs. Accepting the award on behalf of the hotel, Sukhpreet Singh Bath, Director, Operations, Fairmont Jaipur, said, “It is a privilege to be here and have the opportunity to network with our industry colleagues. From magical ceremonies to remarkable celebrations, we believe every love story deserves a fairy tale setting. Our team’s dedication in creating bespoke experiences has made this honour possible.”

Sharing some insights into inbound markets from across the region, Vishal Bhatia Country Manager – India, VisitBritain, says, “India, a growing market for the UK, forecast to be worth £843m to the UK economy in 2024. Research shows 51% of Indian visitors rely on travel trade to plan and book their international travel. Tourism is a major employer, supporting 3.1 million jobs across our local communities.”

Apart from a slight decrease in the average daily rate (ADR) of Delhi and Goa, all other major markets like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai showed considerable growth in ADR and revenue per available room figures, with Hyderabad leading the list. The city recorded the highest RevPAR growth of 23.6% in Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. Although occupancy levels remained relatively stable across the board in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, ADR levels improved, leading to an increase in RevPAR across all major markets.

Hilton has announced the signing of a strategic licensing agreement (SLA) with Olive by Embassy to open 150 Spark by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific. The agreement comes as a result of Hilton’s long-standing partnership with The Embassy Group, owners of Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. This agreement reinforces Hilton’s ambitious growth in South Asia and brings a new premium economy brand to the dynamic Indian market. The first Spark by Hilton hotels will open in Southern India with a focus on Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. “This landmark signing with Olive by Embassy underscores Hilton’s bold ambition in and long-term commitment to South Asia,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific at Hilton. “Spark by Hilton will address a gap in the Indian market, offering affordable stays without compromise, and capturing unmet demand for value and consistency across major and smaller cities. Not only will this partnership set the stage for record-breaking growth, but it also positions Hilton to achieve a commanding presence in one of the world’s largest lodging markets.” Launched in 2023, with 100 hotels at various stages of development, Spark by Hilton is the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. The conversion-friendly, premium economy brand is aimed at the aspirational and value-seeking traveler and is renowned for delivering reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point. Spark by Hilton hotels in India will be characterized by thoughtful simplicity and reliable service. The public spaces will feature multi-functional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy …