Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “The Taj Group has expanded its presence in Madhya Pradesh and plans to open a beautiful heritage property between Khajuraho and Panna National Park, which will be one of its kind in the country. In terms of hospitality, accommodation, and infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh offers the best, second to none.” 

Karnataka Tourism Minister H K Patil announced that the government will introduce a new ‘Tourism Policy 2024-29’ focusing on various aspects of the sector. He stated, “We have decided to launch the new tourism policy within a month. The groundwork is underway. The policy will emphasise temple tourism, adventure tourism, recreational tourism, eco-tourism, educational tourism, and agro-tourism.” 

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director, Ebixcash Travel said, “The Union Budget 2024 is appalling when it comes to tourism. It’s all talk and no action! The already neglected sector has been simply ignored. Where have initiatives like Meet in India and Chalo India disappeared to? Can all that be achieved with a budget of just Rs 33 crores? There are lessons to be learned from neighboring countries which subsidise incentives for incoming tourists, thereby achieving significantly higher visitor numbers from India.” 

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, along with Oman Air, Magic Travels, and W Muscat, invites the travel trade to attend a webinar on the destination and the product offerings. Get valuable insights and updates for your clients on July 29 at 3pm IST and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

Resorts World Cruises is pleased to announce that the 150,695 gross tonnage Genting Dream successfully completed its first berthing alongside the Phuket Deep Sea Port on 24 July 2024, making it the largest cruise ship to do so. As ‘the Cruise Line that Knows Asia Best’, Resorts World Cruises has the vast and in depth expertise in enhancing experiences for its passengers. Genting Dream passengers departing from Singapore for the 3 Night Phuket Cruise will now have the convenience and comfort of disembarking and re-embarking the ship in Phuket without using tender boats. In addition, inbound passengers can enjoy the flexibility without having to worry about the tender boat schedule and at the same time maximise their stay in Phuket. “Our Marine Operational team, the Captains of Genting Dream together with the Phuket Pilots have conducted comprehensive studies, risk assessments and ship simulations over half a year with the Thailand authorities to ensure the feasibility and safety of this pioneering initiative. With our ship now able to berth alongside Phuket Deep Sea Port regularly, our passengers will enjoy the convenience, which will further boost Phuket’s image as a cruise destination”, said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Marine Department, The Governor of Phuket province, the local port authorities, as well as to Wallem Shipping Agency for their support and coordination,” he added. With a cruise terminal at the Phuket Deep Sea Port, the berthing of a large cruise ship like Genting Dream also creates new opportunities for Phuket and Resorts World Cruises to explore future possibilities, as well as as a potential cruise and clearance gateway for outbound …

To celebrate the diversity of tea culture across the continents, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh in collaboration with JING Tea has put together a selection of exceptional teas to compliment the afternoon tea experience at the Lobby Lounge. The exclusive JING menu takes guests on a Silk Road journey throughout Asia to discover and experience the region’s most characterful single garden teas. Sourced from some of the key growing regions across the world and infused with the unique essence of their origin and tea maker, these authentic teas are crafted by experts whose skills have been refined over millennia. Picked and expertly made, then packed at origin for unrivalled freshness, guests at the Lobby Lounge will enjoy JING teas as fresh as they left the garden — bursting with flavour, paired with delicious pastries, sandwiches, and outrageously good homemade scones. Become part of the global tea culture by partaking of this exclusive experience within the sumptuous, inviting surrounds of the Lobby Lounge, every day from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly announces the grand opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives on 1st November 2024. The latest addition to Centara’s family-focused Mirage properties, this stunning new underwater world-themed paradise invites guests to experience its unique blend of fun and adventure with the exclusive “Me & Centara” introductory offer, where children stay, play, and dine for free, and guests enjoy up to 25% off the best available room rates along with a variety of exciting introductory perks. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives boasts an array of family-centric activities and facilities designed to entertain guests of all ages. Families will delight in the expansive outdoor water complex, with a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool, a meandering lazy river, and a water playground. Little ones have their own Kids’ Club and Game Room, while parents have access to the fully-equipped fitness centre and rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree. The resort also serves a diverse selection of dining options, including international all-day dining at The Sailhouse, fresh seafood and Italian at Acqua, modern Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, and Mediterranean mezzes designed for sharing at the overwater Mirage Beach Bar. Refreshing drinks are available poolside at Dolphin Bar, while Scoops ice cream parlour has the perfect sweet treats to end the day. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers 145 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with modern amenities, a dining table, plush beds, and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool for the ultimate relaxation. Families will appreciate the convenience of bunk beds in all Family room types, while private terraces, connecting rooms and wheelchair-accessible options are also available To celebrate its grand opening, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is offering …

Inventree Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the launch of Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Coorg. This latest addition to the Inventree portfolio promises an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travellers, blending modern amenities with the natural beauty of Coorg’s lush greenery and vibrant blues. Situated in the serene environs of Thondur Road, Suntikoppa Hobli, Kushal Nagar Taluk, Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa offers guests an elegant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort features 34 exquisitely designed rooms and cottages, including the Cardamom Nest, Peppercorn Balcony, Bay Leaf Cottages, and Clove Aqua Villa. Each accommodation option is meticulously crafted to provide comfort and tranquillity, complete with private balconies and beautiful garden views. “Our aim with Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa is to offer travellers the best of experiences, blending luxury with the serene natural beauty of Coorg,” said Sudipta Deb, Managing Director & Founder of Inventree Hotels & Resorts. “We have created a haven where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature while enjoying top-notch amenities and services. From our multi-cuisine restaurant to the infinity pool and adventure activities, every aspect of the resort is designed to provide an exceptional stay.” The resort boasts a range of facilities to cater to diverse guest needs, including the Turmeric Trail all-day dining restaurant, Dispense Bar, swimming pool, and the Raisin Rafters poolside bar. Additionally, the resort’s banquet hall offers indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, and other special events. Guests can also explore the nearby attractions such as the Tibetan Settlement, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, and the Coffee Plantation. …

Atmosphere Core, a renowned leader in the hospitality industry, has entered into a prestigious Hotel Management Agreement with KEEMAYA RESORTS AND SPAS to develop OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a luxury all-private pool villas resort set in the serene foothills of the Aravalli ranges in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Slated to open in Q2 2025, this inspiring destination reflects Atmosphere Core’s ambition to establish 25 properties in India by 2025, marking the company’s fourth venture under THE OZEN COLLECTION and its 11th signed property in the country. OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will offer unparalleled luxury experiences with 181 one and two-bedroom villas, each boasting a private pool. This exclusive low-rise resort spans across 20 acres of verdant landscapes and is designed to cater to discerning travellers seeking a peaceful getaway, as well as for hosting refined meetings, elegant celebrations, and opulent Indian weddings. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues will enrich the experience. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core – India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, & Bhutan, shared his excitement “Jaipur, the Pink City, has always captivated travellers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. I am thrilled to announce our fourth property under THE OZEN COLLECTION and our 11th signed property in India, OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, which is poised to become a premier luxury destination”.

Lisbon, capital of Portugal and a vibrant city full of history on the Atlantic coast, will soon become the latest addition to the worldwide route network of LOT Polish Airlines. As the Polish flag carrier, which is a member of Star Alliance und which serves its global hub Warsaw daily from India, is continuously expanding its connection within Europe, the new capital-to- capital service between Warsaw and Lisbon will be launched on 3rd February 2025. Flights will initially be operated five times a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays). From 24th February 2025, the airline will operate this route daily. LOT Polish Airlines will be using modern Boeing 737s for these flights, with a travel time of just over four hours each way. The new LOT Polish Airlines flights between Warsaw and Lisbon: Departure with LO-425 in Warsaw at 10:15, arrival in Lisbon at 13:25 local time Departure with LO-426 in Lisbon at 14:25, arrival in Warsaw at 19:30 local time “Our valued guests from India may become spoilt by choice when travelling with us through Europe because with Lisbon we are adding a true gem to our global network that is fascinating for visitors from all over the world,” emphasises Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets and Italy and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines. “It will be the first time for us to fly to Lisbon. This further expansion of our route network is just another step of implementing the five- year growth strategy which LOT Polish Airlines had proclaimed in 2023.” Just recently, LOT Polish Airlines had announced new flights to Innsbruck/Austria, Lyon/France and Oradea/Romania and also resumed routes that had …