Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Join an exclusive MICE webinar on 8 Nov at 11.30 am to explore the incredible opportunities Morocco has to offer. Whether you’re planning a conference, event, or incentive program, this session will provide valuable insights into Morocco’s unique venues, experiences, and exceptional hospitality. Register now and elevate your MICE planning! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

McKinsey’s latest report estimates that paid, structured tourist activities account for roughly 25 per cent of global experience spending, totalling about $250 billion to $310 billion per year. This figure comprises tourist spending on rock concerts, baseball games, history walks, nature hikes, theme park visits, spa treatments, museum tours, and a host of other activities. 

Vikram Madhok, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent India, highlights the need to streamline visa processes to enhance India’s appeal as a travel destination. “For India, introducing visa-on-arrival option for key source markets could be a game-changer. It would greatly improve the ease of travel and make India a more accessible and attractive option for international visitors,” he says. 

To boost inbound tourism, India is participating in the WTM in London. With a significant Indian diaspora of 1.9 million, the UK ranks as India’s third-largest source market. The Ministry of Tourism highlighted, 9.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2023, with the UK contributing nearly 1 million visitors, making it the third-largest source market for inbound tourism. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future.” Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Imagine this: the golden age of seafaring, sails billowing on the horizon, and the unmistakable scent of exotic spices drifting through the air. Nautilus Bar from Four Seasons Jakarta is bringing this nostalgia to Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s very own Copitas on the 15th of November, offering a spirited cocktail adventure that captures the essence of Jakarta’s historic spice trade. Led by the charismatic Bar Manager Julian Brigget, the event promises to be a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair – in line with Copitas’s ethos and a menu inspired by Jakarta’s legendary spice routes. At the helm of this takeover is Julian Brigget, the Bar Manager at Nautilus Bar, whose expertise in mixology is known far and wide. Julian, with his award-winning skills that put Nautilus among Indonesia’s Top 10 Bars by T+L Tastemakers 2023, will be shaking things up with an inventive cocktail menu that pays homage to the legacy of Indonesia’s spice trade. Alongside him, Bagus, Nautilus' skilled bartender, will be lending his craft and creativity to the evening, ensuring each sip is a journey back to the days when spices were worth their weight in gold. Guests can look forward to Lada, a bold, pepper-infused creation that captures the vibrant essence of Indonesian spices. The Red Pearl offers another pepper-forward twist, showcasing the aromatic depth of this quintessential ingredient. Honey Me brings warmth and comfort to the table, featuring a delightful infusion of cinnamon that’s both sweet and inviting, while the Koko Pala pays tribute to one of Indonesia’s most renowned exports—nutmeg—delivering rich, earthy notes that transport guests to the heart of the spice islands. For one night only, patrons can immerse themselves in the …

Evoke Experiences, a leading experimental hospitality company, is proud to announce the much-anticipated Rann Utsav 2024 – The Tent City, set to begin on November 11, 2024 in Kutch, Gujarat. A much-awaited annual affair, which has placed the Kutch region in the map of global tourism, this year’s event promises a grander, more immersive experience, featuring over 400 luxurious tents and welcoming an expected around 50,000 guests throughout the festival. Kutch is one of the most ecologically and culturally diverse districts in the state, and the Rann Utsav is a vibrant celebration of its art, crafts, music, dance, local tradition and natural beauty. For the first time, Evoke Experiences will not only operate and manage The Tent City but will also oversee the market, branding, and entertainment services at the renowned Rann Utsav. This expansion marks the beginning of an exciting seven-year partnership, with Evoke Experiences confirmed to manage Rann Utsav’s operations through 2031. Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, shared his excitement for this year’s festival: “Rann Utsav 2024 represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. We are honored to not only host The Tent City but also manage the market and entertainment services. With our commitment to sustainability and community development, we look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the progress of Dhordo and the Kutch region.” Held annually in the enchanting Dhordo village, nestled within the expansive Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav has become a globally renowned cultural festival. Dhordo was recently honored with the prestigious “Best Tourism Village” (BTV) by the United Nations, making it the only village in India to receive this accolade. This year’s Rann Utsav will once again serve as …

~The awards were recognised in different categories including Sustainable leadership, Sustainable experiences & Sustainability Champions~ Famously called the abode of clouds, the state Meghalaya flaunts its beauty with windswept table-top mountains and lush green forests with spellbound streams and waterfalls. The rich culture and tradition of Garo, Khasi & Jaintia tribes, and their peaceful co-existence with nature contributes to the charm of the state. The shining bright example of this harmony is the Living Root bridges in our state. These bridges are shaped by our communities by manipulating the roots across a river or stream creating an out-worldly illusion enough to enchant anyone who visits these places. There are many such places defining tourism in Meghalaya. However, the culture and warmth of our people is the basis of our tourism efforts and hence the key USP. The state’s commitment to responsible travel practices has earned its recognition at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024. It may be mentioned that the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024, organised by the Department of Tourism in Meghalaya in collaboration with Outlook Group, in order to observe World Tourism Day. This state-level award is an effort of the Tourism Department in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, in line with the Meghalaya Tourism Policy of 2023. At the awards, Sieng Riti Institute, founded by Shri Snar Singh Malngiang, was awarded Gold in Sustainable Leadership Cultural Ambassadors. Sharing his testament, he said, “The sole objective of Sieng Riti Institute when we formed was based on three pillars – Learn Preserve and Impart. The Institute imparts training in traditional music, customs, and usages based on indigenous knowledge and practices, to preserve, protect and promote …

Fazlani Nature’s Nest, The Wellness Retreat won the Best Health and Wellness Ayurveda Retreat award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, Jagdeep Nambiar, GM, Operations, Fazlani Nature’s Nest, The Wellness Retreat, said, “ITA is a reward that gives us the direction and motivation we need. Our retreat has been operating for approximately 6 years, and this award is a testament to our team’s hard work and our chairman’s vision and passion.”  

In a key initiative to showcase the Kurukshetra region’s historical and cultural richness, the Ministry of Tourism’s Northern Regional Office is hosting the second Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarization Tour. The event, scheduled from 4-6 November, will gather around 130 participants, including tourism professionals, media representatives, and officials from various tourism departments.