Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

As South Africa and India commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, will visit India in December. She will engage in bilateral discussions to strengthen tourism ties, focusing on streamlined visa processes, digital innovation, enhanced air connectivity, and rural tourism.

As Uttar Pradesh is set to promote Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 domestically and globally, a senior official informed that the budget for Kumbh has jumped 78 per cent from 4,200 crore in 2019 to ₹7,500 crore in 2025. More than 380 development projects have been launched along with infra boost and other tourism projects.

India has generated ₹1.71 lakh crore in foreign exchange earnings through tourism from January 2024 to August 2024. It grew by 15.64 per cent between January 2024 to August 2024. Furthermore, it witnessed 36.5 per cent growth in 2023 over the previous year as per the official statement of Union Ministry of Tourism.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to mark 25th Anniversary on 1st December 2024, ahead of UAE National Day Milestone heralds a new era for Jumeirah, building on its legacy of excellence with a focus on worldwide brand expansion Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on 1st December 2024. Since its opening in 1999, the hotel has redefined luxury hospitality in the UAE, with the iconic dhow sail-shaped landmark becoming a globally recognised symbol of excellence in tourism. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab continues to draw visitors from around the world with its promise of unparalleled, personalised luxury, exceptional experiences and the warmth of Arabian hospitality. The 25th anniversary of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Following the launch of a new visual identity earlier this year, Jumeirah continues to look to the future, with a focus on sustainable growth, regionally and internationally in gateway cities and resort destinations, while reaffirming its position as a game-changing industry leader in the luxury hospitality sphere. In line with this growth strategy, Jumeirah recently announced new properties including Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Commenting on the anniversary, Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “As we celebrate 25 years since we opened the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, we reflect on our legacy of excellence in luxury hospitality, inspired by the warmth and generosity of Arabian culture. This tradition of welcoming travellers to stay and share in culture and conversation is at the …

South Star Rail won the ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator- Private Trains’ award at the India Travel Awards. Its Chariman, Jose Charles Martin received the award. Registered service provider under the ‘Bharat Gaurav Scheme’, South Star Rail is India’s first private train service provider where users can book and share their tickets through its mobile app.

Bobby KS Sawhney, General Secretary, Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), said, “The theme for this year’s convention, scheduled for 20–21 December in New Delhi, is ‘Driving Excellence: Upgrading Transport for a Sustainable & Brighter Tomorrow’. The event aims to provide a platform for suppliers to showcase their products and services to tourist transport operators.”

Addressing the 12th ITM in Kaziranga, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, GoI, said, “Northeast region has welcomed over 125 lakh domestic tourists in 2023, a significant increase from 70 lakh tourists in 2014. He attributed this surge to rapid infrastructural development in the region, including improved transportation networks, enhanced tourism facilities, and the development of new tourist sites.”

Amadeus latest Travel Trend report highlighted that from nostalgia-driven vacations to personalised flying experiences, Asia is set to regain its position as a global tourism leader in 2025, with inbound and outbound travel predicted to match or exceed pre-pandemic levels. Countries in the region are leveraging their cultural appeal and relaxed travel regulations to attract international visitors.

In January 2025, VisitBritain will launch a major marketing campaign aimed at showcasing the UK’s cultural richness through the lens of popular films and TV shows. “Our Starring Great Britain campaign is all about bringing the magic of British films and TV to life. Whether you’re walking the streets of Bath like in Bridgerton or visiting locations from Peaky Blinders in Birmingham, we want visitors to feel like they’re part of these cinematic landscapes,” said Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain.

Accepting the India Travel Awards for ‘Best Tour Operator – West India’, Ashish Shah, Founder, Dewberry Holidays, said, “Receiving this award motivates us to work even harder and I am truly grateful to the organisers for this.” Based in Mumbai, the company was established in 2017 with the idea to create a world of affordable tourism and to explore as well as innovate new avenues in the travel industry.