Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Focusing on sustainable travel and tourism trends at ITB Asia 2024, Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, WTTC, said, “76% of travellers now seek sustainable travel options, with that figure climbing to 99% in some Asia Pacific markets while emphasising sustainability, community engagement, and Asia Pacific’s pivotal role in the sector’s future.”

The union tourism ministry has instructed online travel agents and industry bodies to create transparent refund policies and standard operating procedures to handle air ticket cancellation refunds, following numerous complaints from travellers. The ministry has written to companies such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, Thomas Cook and Cleartrip and industry bodies including Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), stating there is an “urgent need” to bring in transparency in the cancellation refund process.

Sharing details of the new products, Valentina Cesani is the Chief Customer Officer, CCO at Rail Europe, says, “RegioJet trains are now available in Eastern Europe, and we added Iryo, a new competitor to Renfe and Ouigo Spain, which opens up more possibilities for travellers. We’ve also launched new routes with partners like ÖBB and DB, enhancing connections to Denmark, Croatia, and other parts of Eastern Europe—not just the Czech Republic but also Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Plus, we’ve expanded connections to Portugal through Renfe.”

Accepting the ‘Leading Hotel Chain for Business Travellers’ award on behalf of the hotel group, Sudhir Jena, Vice President, Corporate, Lords Hotels and Resorts, says, “I believe that the industry’s future is characterised by its evolution through technology, personalised services, and offbeat locations. The industry is headed in the right direction, and I foresee a bright future for Indian tourism.”    

Giving a big boost to its globally-acclaimed Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative, the Kerala Government has approved a raft of projects worth Rs 6.64 crore for implementing various initiatives in different destinations in the state. The projects are aimed at bolstering and diversifying the offerings under the Responsible Tourism initiative during 2024-25, with emphasis on sustainability and inclusiveness. As per the Government Orders (GOs) issued in this regard, the total amount of Rs 66,499,621 approved by the government for these initiatives include Responsible/ Resilient Tourism project of RT Mission, besides enhancing the facilities and services in the destinations concerned as the main thrust. This includes the government’s earlier approval of Rs 89,81,240 lakh for materializing first phase of RT Mission Society projects in 2024 – 25. The destinations benefiting from the initiative include RT Mission Society Training Centre at Kumarakom and Beypore Integrated RT Development Project. Of the amount, the Responsible/ Resilient Tourism project of RT Mission will get Rs 1,81,09,000 while approval has been given for Rs 1,15,00,000 for implementing Beypore Integrated RT Development Project. “The RT initiative is going to be the driver of Kerala Tourism in the future. In 2023, Kanthalloor village in Idukki was recognised by the Govt. of India for its sustainable and inclusive STREET tourism project with the Gold Award for Best Rural Tourism Project. This year, RT projects in Kadalundi and Kumarakom won the National Awards for best Rural Tourism and best Agri-Tourism villages respectively,” Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said.

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 …