Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and STIC Travel Group (STIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to enhance Sentosa’s standing as a sustainable destination in the Indian market. This one-year partnership will seek to create innovative educational experiences targeted at students in India, highlighting Sentosa’s sustainable practices and diverse ecosystems. The MoU signifies a joint effort to design immersive learning experiences that utilise Sentosa’s unique environment as a living classroom to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability. These programmes will emphasise key concepts such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, carbon footprint reduction and biodiversity conservation. This partnership builds upon STIC’s broader efforts to boost educational tourism in Singapore by offering Indian students an opportunity to explore Singapore’s heritage, sustainable development initiatives and interactive learning experiences.

Skyscanner’s 2025 travel trend report reveals that the upcoming year will be about collective travel experiences. From stargazing beneath the night skies to exploring immersive art galleries, Indians are increasingly drawn to adventures that offer a sense of community. Moreover, with 66% of Indians planning to travel more in 2025, global exploration is a top priority as they seek out destinations that offer enriching experiences. The report further offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, their evolving travel preferences, and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Om Dubey as Director of Development for India. With over 20 years of experience in managing relationships with property owners and government bodies, as well as a proven track record in executing strategic public-private partnerships, Mr. Dubey will focus on driving the brand’s growth and expansion. Throughout his career, Mr. Dubey has made significant contributions to renowned Domestic brands. In his previous role, Om showcased his skills in developing tourism initiatives along the Coral Highway, creating innovative hotel concepts for Gujarat and Maharashtra tourism authorities. His expertise in analysing market trends and identifying new growth opportunities has consistently led to the development of strategic partnerships and the successful expansion of hotel portfolios. In his new role, Mr. Dubey will be responsible for spearheading development strategies, with a focus on expanding The Clarks Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio. His ability to identify and secure new properties in both domestic and international markets will play a key role in the brand’s continued expansion. His appointment highlights The Clarks’ commitment to becoming a leading player in the hospitality industry. Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rahul Deb Banerjee, COO of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, said, “The Clarks brand is growing at an unprecedented rate, with new property signings and our entry into international markets. We are thrilled to have Om on board to facilitate this growth. His extensive experience in securing properties and exploring untapped markets will be instrumental in driving our expansion.” Om Dubey added, “It’s an honor to join The Clarks Hotels & Resorts during such an exciting time of growth. I look forward to contributing to the brand’s expansion …

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the appointment of Ryan Rocque as Director of Marketing and Communications, effective August 2024. With over 14 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and luxury sectors, Ryan brings extensive expertise in marketing strategy, brand positioning, and corporate communications, making him a valuable addition to the team. Ryan’s career highlights include leading marketing efforts at prestigious brands such as JW Marriott and Four Seasons Hotels. His strategic work in digital marketing, social media campaigns and public relations at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity helped the property achieve top-tier luxury branding and recognition. At Four Seasons Dubai, Ryan managed integrated marketing campaigns and strengthened the hotel’s reputation as a premier luxury destination in the region. In his new role at The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, Ryan will focus on enhancing brand identity, driving digital and performance marketing, and leading corporate communications initiatives to position the brand at the forefront of the hospitality industry. He will also oversee hotel launches, corporate website optimization, and media relations, while crafting compelling brand stories that resonate with guests and partners. Mr. Rahul Banerjee, COO, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts: “We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to the Clarks Hotels & Resorts family. His vast experience and proven track record in hospitality marketing will be invaluable as we continue to expand our brand presence and enhance guest experiences across our properties. I am confident Ryan’s leadership will help us achieve new milestones in our growth journey.” Ryan Rocque expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honored to join The Clarks Hotels & Resorts at such an exciting time in its expansion. I look forward …

The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024, organized by the Korea Tourism Organization  India, concluded its two-day spectacle at DLF Avenue Saket, setting new milestones for visitor engagements. The event left an unforgettable mark with its captivating performances, Korean beauty experiences, and culinary delights. Held from October 19 to 20, the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 attracted enthusiastic visitors eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant K-Wave. Actor Anushka Sen, a distinguished ambassador of Korea Tourism, added her star power to the event, energizing the crowd and celebrating Korea’s cultural heritage. Korea Tourism Roadshow 2024: Advancing Business Alliances On October 18, the Korea Tourism Roadshow 2024 took place at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, where nearly 400 participants from the Indian travel industry engaged in a remarkable 1,000+ successful B2B meetings with 17 exhibitors comprising of Destination Management Companies, leading attractions such as the K-Beauty brand Jenny House, the JUMP performance team, and airlines like Korean Air and Air India. This platform fostered long-term business partnerships between India and Korea. The Roadshow concluded with a Gala Night attended by over 350 guests, including key figures from the Indian travel industry. Super 30 Founder Mr. Anand Kumar, Padma Shri Awardee and Korea Tourism Honorary Ambassador, graced the evening with his presence, further solidifying the strong business ties formed throughout the day. Joining him was Ms. Anushka Sen, renowned Actor and fellow Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism, whose presence added a youthful energy to the celebration. The event also featured a special segment to honor KTO’s valued partners in the travel industry, including renowned Online Travel Agencies and established travel agents, who were recognized with awards for their significant role in promoting travel for Indians to …

Clarks Resort is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest luxury property, Cube Club at Nal Sarovar, Ahmedabad, a premium resort that has unique design, world-class amenities, and immersive experiences. Sprawling across 100 acres of lush greenery, Cube Club currently offers 165 keys, with plans to expand to 155 keys in the near future, catering to discerning guests seeking unrivaled luxury and serenity. The luxury retreat is inspired by seven distinct global themes—Alberobello, Bali, Morocco, Disney Land, Buckingham Palace, Belgium Street, and Venice—this one-of-a-kind resort promises guests a journey through diverse cultural landscapes, blending elegance with adventure. Cube Club offers two and three BHK villas, ideal for families and groups, providing the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The resort’s impressive range of facilities includes a state-of-the-art amphitheater, lakeside walkways, steam sauna, cycling trails, golf carts, lawn tennis courts, outdoor games areas, and a swimming pool. Guests can also indulge in culinary delights at the multi-cuisine restaurant, ensuring a gastronomic experience that matches the beauty of the surroundings. Tejas Shashikant Dadia shares, “This resort is one of its kind, it is inspired by different global themes. Ahmedabad has seen the entry of many luxury properties, we wanted to create something that will stay with the guests. A lot of attention is given to architecture, which will be a distinct feature of the resort.” Cube Club has beautiful locations that can be a promising venue for pre-wedding shoots, high-end weddings, one-day picnics, weekend parties, and other grand events. Its picturesque setting, coupled with luxurious accommodations and versatile event spaces, makes it an ideal venue for creating memorable celebrations.

VisitBritain to organise a regional roadshow in Bengaluru in November, which is for the entire Middle East and Asia region, called ‘Destination Britain MEA’. This will see five markets converge in the city – the GCC, India, China, Japan and Korea – who will meet about 35 suppliers from the UK. Around 75 buyers will be hosted in total, of which 20-25 will be from India, and a similar number from the GCC and China as well. The suppliers will be a mix of hotels, smaller tourism boards and DMCs.  

Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, projected that India’s tourism sector could create up to 100 million jobs by 2047. He emphasised that with improved infrastructure and development of smaller destinations, the sector is poised to become a significant driver of economic growth. 

With a recovery rate of 86%, the Indian market is recovering much faster from the Covid pandemic than all other Asian countries. Tourism Economics forecasts 1.6 million overnight stays from India in Germany every year by the end of the decade. The Indian market is also promising in terms of value creation. According to IPK International, the total turnover of all Indian tourists in Germany in 2023 was 900 million euros.  

At 54th FHRAI Annual Convention, Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, highlighted the need for long-term financing in the hospitality sector, with current funds only available for 7-8 years. He urged for regulatory reforms, including streamlined licensing and single-window systems, to unlock the industry’s full potential.