Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Vinit Chhabra, General Manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg said, Abdeali Zoomkawala comes to The Khyber with more than two decades of work experience in the hospitality industry. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated.” Abdeali honed his professional skills whilst working with renowned brands such as The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, Trident Hyderabad, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, Bookmark, Manali (Justa Hotels & Resorts) and most recently with IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate — a 140 year old ice factory that is now A place for the creative—A place for the community in the heart of Mumbai. Abdeali has extensive experience in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership roles. Proven track record of achieving operational excellence, maximizing revenue and fostering guest satisfaction. An alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University, Yorkshire, Abdeali holds a BA in Hotel/ Motel Administration and Management. He further enhanced his skills by enrolling in various training programmes including on Positive & Effective Communication, Certificate of Recognition for Sales & Service Foundations Training, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, “Magic of Fish” training by Interactive Skills, a course of ISABS (International Society for Applied Behavioural Sciences), Programme on Team Synergy conducted by Academy of Human Excellence and Certification in Butler Training Programme from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers, United Kingdom. Speaking on his appointment, Abdeali Zoomkawala, said, …

Bird Academy, under the Bird Education Society for Travel & Tourism, proudly announces the successful completion and receipt of the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Provider Center Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This significant certification affirms that Bird Academy’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) training program aligns with IATA’s Section 1.5 standards, making it fully compliant with IATA’s CBTA framework for dangerous goods transportation by air. With this certification, Bird Academy is accredited to conduct specialized training programs for handling Dangerous Goods in compliance with IATA’s CBTA guidelines, a structured approach that emphasizes the practical competencies needed in real-world applications. The certification holds validity from October 19, 2024, through October 19, 2026, covering DGR functions 7.1, 7.3, 7.5, and 7.6. Having been an IATA Accredited Training School (ATS) for Dangerous Goods Regulations from 2008 to 2022, Bird Academy brings extensive experience in delivering industry-recognized training to airline personnel, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and shippers. The recent transition to CBTA-based training—now a global standard as mandated by ICAO since January 1, 2023—has enabled Bird Academy to shift from traditional syllabus-based training to performance-based learning, better equipping personnel with the specific skills required for each job function related to dangerous goods handling. Commitment to CBTA Standards Bird Academy’s adoption of the CBTA model enhances its capacity to deliver highly relevant training that not only meets but also sets a benchmark in aviation industry standards. “By obtaining this certification, Bird Academy solidifies its standing as a premier institution for CBTA-aligned training. This approach provides our trainees with confidence, effectiveness, and compliance, crucial in the high-stakes arena of dangerous goods handling,” said [Bird Academy Spokesperson]. Navigating Challenges and Embracing Global Standards While …

-Thrilling experience for three months in the city of Mahakal -The Skydiving Festival in Ujjain commenced on 09th November 2024 -MP Tourism Board’s initiative become an Adventure Hub & ‘MP- New skydiving destination’ Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is thrilled to announce the expansion of Skydiving Festival in Ujjain following the phenomenal success of the previous Skydiving Festivals. The fourth consecutive Skydiving Festival with aim to boost adventure tourism and diversify tourism activities in the state. The tourists will gain an exciting opportunity to jump from a height of 10,000 feet and witness the magnificent view of the spiritual city of Ujjain. Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is an offbeat multispecialty destination of first choice and has set astounding tourist footfall records. The sky diving festival in spiritual land of Ujjain will once again offer thrill and entertainment.  In view of the success of the first three editions of the Sky-Diving Festival and the enthusiasm of the tourists towards the adventure activity, this year the fourth edition is started in Ujjain. Adventure lovers will be able to experience the thrill of flying in sky during this three-month extravaganza commenced on 09th November 2024 and will conclude on 09th February 2025.”  1000 Participants Expected Sky-high India (organising company) will be using a specially modified Cessna 182P aircraft capable of carrying six people at a time for skydiving. Although at a time, two participants with two instructors will be carried for skydiving. Shri Shukla added more than 1000 participants are likely to participate in these three months. Along with sky-diving other air-based activities will also be conducted in …

Baywatch Travels and Baywatch Stayz won the Best Holiday Homes – South India award at the India Travel Awards. Manish Kriplani, Managing Director, Baywatch Travels and Baywatch Stayzz, said, “I am incredibly excited about our industry’s future and envision an amazing industry taking shape. We offer holiday homes to clients to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to get into a flight.”

Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia, leading a delegation of 15 CEOs from the Australian tourism industry to meet with senior travel trade officials in New Delhi and Mumbai, has said that India is the 5th largest inbound market for arrivals for the year ended August 2024, with total arrivals for the year ended August 2024 were 423,400.

According to the 2024 Cirium Fleet Forecast, the Indian passenger aircraft fleet is forecast to rise from 720 at the end of 2023 to more than 3,800 over the next 20 years. The data analytics firm for the aviation industry said that aircraft growth will drive Indian airlines’ share of Asia-Pacific’s entire passenger fleet from 8% today to 18% in 2043.

According to its secretary general, MP Bezbaruah, the Hotel Association of India is considering asking the government to provide incentives to small hotel operators for adopting sustainability practices. While big luxury and five-star operators are leading the way on this front, the smaller members of HAI are lagging behind due to the cost of taking up the initiatives.

CA Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Unimoni Financial Services, said that the award meant a lot to the company. He said, “Our dedicated staff includes destination specialists certified by global tourism boards. Our user-friendly travel portal facilitates easy bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday packages.”

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting global travellers from many countries. As per media release, new charter flights have been introduced from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to support visitors.

UP government is providing skilled smart service providers to navigate tourists during Maha Kumbh 2025. Aparajit Singh, Regional Tourism Officer, Prayagraj, mentioned that a training campaign has been launched for all service providers. This includes training for boatmen, tour guides, street vendors, and others.