Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

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.”

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.”