Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

KB Kachru, President, HAI and Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said at a recent event, “Investment in training and resources that empower hotels to progress on their journeys of sustainability is a key factor that will drive India to its goals of Netzero.”

Speaking at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit at Vientiane, Lao PDR, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “To promote tourism, we could declare 2025 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.’ For this initiative, India will commit US $5 million.” He added, “To commemorate a decade of India’s Act East Policy, we could organise a variety of events between India and ASEAN countries. By connecting our artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks etc., we can include initiatives such as a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, and Start-up Festival as part of this celebration.”

According to the 2nd edition of Booking.com report, ‘How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit,’ prepared in collaboration with Accenture, 52 per cent of inbound travellers seek India as a standalone destination, while 22 per cent intend to combine their visit with other Asian countries.

Mr. Ranjan has a vast experience of more than 16 years spread across various hotel groups like Taj, Piccadily, Tulip Inn, St. Laurn, Berggruen Pvt. Ltd. , Lords. He has worked in all the departments and knows the workings of the hospitality industry. He has been recently appointed as Area General Manager Rajasthan and will be responsible for managing all the management contract properties. Further, he would be seeking out new properties for signing, and developing fruitful strategic alliances. Previously he was working as General Manager with Clarks Resort, Birgunj Nepal. His job responsibilities included managing restaurants, IRD, multiple banquets, building robust infrastructure, marketing, recruitment, and staff training. Rajesh shares, “I am thrilled and proud to be a part of Clark’s legacy, and I understand the expectations that come with this role. Clarks as a brand has expansion plans and wants to increase its presence globally. Nepal is our first step towards achieving that dream. I am looking forward to making a concrete contribution that results in the signing of more properties, reaching new markets, and managing the profitability of the properties. Also, I understand the importance of proper checks and quality control measures, keeping this in mind many new processes, and initiatives, will be implemented in the coming days.” In his previous experience as Cluster General Manager of 1589 hotels, he handled major units and was responsible for budgeting, operation management, room inventory management, and staff management. He has extensive experience in taxation, reviewing MIS, designing business reports, finalizing books and balance sheets, budget forecasting, and experience in software implementation with pre-opening properties. He has a proven track record in controlling outstanding inventory. He has grown in the hospitality …

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 …

South African Tourism Board won the Best African Tourism Board award at the India Travel Awards 2024. Deepika Nair, Acting Trade Manager, South African Tourism Board received the award. South African Tourism markets the country’s scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, culture and heritage, the great outdoors, sport and adventure opportunities, eco-tourism, and conference facilities. Its goal is to make South Africa a preferred tourist destination in the world to maximise the economic potential of tourism for the country and its people.

Sharing updates on visas at Explore France 2024 workshop in Goa, Sami Boukaze, Deputy Consul – Consulate General of France in Mumbai, said, “The approval rate of visa applications is almost 85-90% of the total applications received in Mum- bai.” The workshop was attended by travel agents as well.

Aimed at providing support & resources to SMEs within the global travel & tourism sector, the WTTC launched ‘Together in Travel’ at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia. It is designed to provide SMEs with the tools & resources they need, ensuring their voices are heard on a global scale.

Booking.com’s latest report ‘How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit’ highlights the growing appeal of India as a global destination, with a surge in FTAs. This is reflected in India’s 39th rank on the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index, up from 54th in 2021.

GAL to upgrade, develop, and operate Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport GAL to transform the Airport into a modern aviation hub with advanced facilities GMR Airports Limited  has officially embarked on the transformation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, a key initiative that underscores the Government of India’s vision for robust infrastructure development in the aviation sector. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgradation and modernization of the airport, marking a historic step towards modernizing this strategic aviation hub in Central India. The ceremony, held with much enthusiasm, was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Shri CP Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra; Shri Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Hon’ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Corporation, Government of India; Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. In line with the Government of India’s vision for strengthening the aviation infrastructure, this project aims to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and boost India’s status as a global aviation hub. Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the event reflects the national importance of the project, which aligns with India’s broader efforts to develop world-class airports and expand the aviation sector’s capacity to meet rising demand. GMR Airports Limited will lead the transformation of Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport into a world-class facility. The project is part of India’s larger vision to elevate the country’s aviation infrastructure to global standards, ensuring seamless connectivity and supporting the growth of regional economies. Strategically located in Central India, Nagpur serves as a …