Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The number of operational airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with plans to expand this number to 350-400 by 2047. Meanwhile, the domestic air passengers have more than doubled, making India the third-largest domestic aviation market. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) launched in 2016 has significantly contributed to this growth.

Three-day Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is scheduled to kick off at the IDA Scudder Auditorium in Madurai from today. The event aims to boost the state’s tourism profile and attract a larger number of visitors both from within India and neighbouring countries to the state.

With ₹812 crore budget being sanctioned in the Union Budget for tourism budget in Odisha, Pravati Parida, Dy. CM & Tourism Minister, Odisha has said that they want to develop Odisha as a hub for sustainable tourism. “We are planning eco-friendly stays and eco-tourism projects in Bhitarkanika, Deomali, Similipal, and Konark,” she revealed.

Collinson International’s 2024 Travel Benefits & Engagement report reveals that millennials in India are spending as high as USD 6,031 per annum on travel – the highest when compared to other generations. Travel is one of the highest credit card spend categories for survey respondents in India, accounting for almost a third (27%) of annual expenditure.

With a strategic intent to capitalise on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) with its own store in the city. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said, “Kolkata is an important source market for us. The top traveller segments include multi-generational families, couples, millennials and GenZ, as well as GenS (seniors).”

Winner of ‘Best Airport’ at the recent India Travel Awards 2024, GMR Hyderabad International Airport is developing India’s first Airport City (Aerotropolis) spread across 1,500 acres in its vicinity. Ashish Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer – Aero & Cargo, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, said that GMR leverages technology extensively and is one of the most innovative airports in India.

ATOAI’s AGM 2023-24 saw historic unanimous election of a woman candidate Arshdeep Anand as Vice President on its national leadership team for the term 2024-26. Meanwhile, Ajeet Bajaj was re-elected as President. Other elected office bearers include Vaibhav Kala as Senior VP; Ronny Gulati as Hon. Secretary; and Nirat Bhatt as Hon. Treasurer.

While receiving the Fastest Growing Travel Company award on the behalf of Fly24hrs, Vaseem Parvez, Vice President, Fly24hrs Holiday, said, “Kudos to the DDP Group for organising this award ceremony, providing a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of individuals.”

At IFTM-Top Resa 2024 in Paris, India’s tourism sector made a strong impression, with participation from private players and key states like Rajasthan, UP, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The event featured 170 destinations and 1,400 global brands. India’s presence at this event themed ‘New Sustainable Horizons,’ highlights the country’s commitment to sustainability.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with Ritz Carlton Al-Bustan Palace, Mark Tours, and Oman Air, invites the Indian travel trade to an exclusive webinar on Oman’s destinations and product offerings. Gain valuable insights and updates for your clients today at 3 PM IST. Don’t miss the opportunity to win exciting prizes! For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.