Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

With the aim of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Interim Budget 2024 yet again showcased a lofty imagery of the ‘new and improved’ India. However, it does fleetingly mention tourism and its development – directly and indirectly. To build a foundation for future development, the FM underlined its Startup Credit Guarantee Schemes that will encourage new businesses in various sectors including, hopefully, tourism. She mentioned that the country ‘is capable of creating more opportunities’ which cannot be further from the truth. Sitharaman added that the focus will be on ffostering and sustaining growth to create great opportunities for all and to fulfil aspirations. She said that the MSME will be an important element of this policy. Coming to aviation, she said that it has been ‘galvanized in the past 10 years’ with number of airports doubled, expansion of the UDAN scheme, 517 new routes carrying 1.3 crore passengers, and the expansion of existing and new airports that will continue, she committed. Mentioning the success of G20 meets that took place across India, she said the country has made itself an attractive destination for MICE. ‘The corporates want to explore India and religious tourism offers great opportunities.

A lot is riding on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 7th Union Budget presentation, to be aired today. This makes her the first FM to present seven Union Budgets in a row! This Budget is an important one for ‘Amrit Kaal’ and will decide the direction for India’s economy for the next five years. It has the potential to build a strong foundation of our dream of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister has said. As the industry braces itself for it, it does so with cautious hope – afraid of being let down yet again due to the absence of any mention of tourism, yet hopeful that perhaps this could be the moment when the sector begins to appear in the FM’s horizon. Watch this space for more updates and industry reactions on the Budget.

La Mamounia, the iconic exclusive resort in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco, is now exclusively represented by Indiva Marketing. This partnership marks a milestone as it expands its portfolio to include one of the world’s most prestigious and historically rich hospitality brands. La Mamounia, renowned for its opulent architecture, lush gardens, and unparalleled service, has been a symbol of Moroccan hospitality since its opening in 1923. The resort has consistently been a favourite among discerning travellers, including celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries from around the globe, for a memorable vacation and lavish celebrations. With this new collaboration, Indiva Marketing aims to introduce the unique charm and luxury of La Mamounia to Indian traveler. La Mamounia’s Pierre Jochem, General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “India is a rapidly growing market with a strong appetite for luxury travel, exclusive hotels, fine food and wine. We are confident that Indiva Marketing’s deep understanding and innovative approach will help us reach new heights in this vibrant region. We look forward to welcoming Indian guests to La Mamounia, to experience the magic of Marrakech like never before.” “We are delighted to represent La Mamounia in India to bring this exceptional resort to the forefront of Indian travellers who seek an unforgettable and enriching travel experience.” said Beate Mauder Kakkar, Managing Director at Indiva Marketing. “La Mamounia is a destination in itself, offering an immersive experience that combines Moroccan tradition with refined luxury. With extensive experience and expertise in the travel and tourism sector, Indiva Marketing is well-positioned to promote La Mamounia’s offerings to the Indian market. The partnership will focus on creating bespoke marketing strategies, enhancing brand awareness, and driving engagement through various channels, including digital marketing, …

In a significant development, Madhya Pradesh achieved record-breaking tourist footfall in 2023, attracting 112.1 million visitors, three times more than the 34.1 million footfalls recorded in 2022. This remarkable achievement underscores the state’s growing appeal as a multifaceted destination offering a wide array of immersive experiences year-round. 

In a strong message to the world at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India, said, “It is India’s clarion call to the world to come together to promote each other’s heritage and amplify the spirit of human welfare, encourage tourism and create more job opportunities. There was a time when heritage was ignored in the pursuit of development, but today, India’s vision is development as well as heritage – ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’.”

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on Schilthorn, a mountain which offers stunning views of the surrounding Alpine landscape, including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Engaging event and activities for visitors have an unforgettable vacation experience As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine, Courchevel’s is all set to welcome visitors for an unforgettable summer season in 2024. The picturesque Alpine town is preparing to host a diverse array of events and activities that celebrate its rich traditions while entertaining travellers with performing arts and sporting events. The ongoing summer season will last till September 2024. One of the highlights of Courchevel’s summer season is the opportunity to experience its unique cultural heritage. The town also offers guided tours of the Vanoise National Park, France’s first national park, which boasts stunning mountain landscapes, lakes, and diverse vegetation. Performing Arts and Entertainment Throughout the summer, Courchevel will host a variety of concerts and major events to keep visitors entertained. The Ski Jumping World Cup, Symphony of Light show, and Lumberjack Festival are just a few examples of the exciting performances and spectacles on offer. Guided walks, yoga classes, and giant quizzes will provide a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Sporting events and Activities For the more adventurous, Courchevel offers a wide range of outdoor activities and sporting events. Visitors can try their hand at via ferrata, the highest in France, or engage in road cycling, enduro or electric mountain biking, and downhill biking on well-maintained trails. Tree-top adventure courses, horseback riding, and many other activities are available to help visitors make the most of the summer in the mountains. Some of the major events scheduled this summer: LA FÊTE DE LA MADELON Each summer, the most iconic village festival takes place in the heart of the traditional village of Courchevel Le …

En Fuego promises a Brazilian-Style feast with unlimited grilled meats, live music, and family fun every Sunday afternoon at Atlantis, The Palm. En Fuego is excited to announce the launch of its Sunday Rodizio Carnival every Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. This unique dining experience will transport guests to the vibrant world of a Brazilian-style steakhouse, offering unlimited servings of the finest grilled meats in an atmosphere brimming with energy and excitement. Guests are invited to indulge in a continuous parade of succulent cuts, sliced and served tableside by attentive waiters who respond to the colour-coded tokens on each table – green for “more, please” and red for “taking a break.” The vibrant Latin vibes, roaming skull heads, multiple Samba dancers, and a cheeky jazzy jester provide lively entertainment, while kids can enjoy a plethora of activities designed to keep them engaged and entertained along with full access to a mixed sweets area with unlimited cotton candy. The menu is a testament to Brazilian gastronomy, featuring a free flow of items such as beef picanha, marinated flank steak, corn fed chicken breast and drumsticks, spicy beef sausage, and spicy tiger prawns. Accompanying the mains are a selection of mouth-watering sides, including cassava, roasted corn salad, avocado and baby gem salad, grilled spicy sweet potato, grilled broccolini, and Peruvian chili rice. Each adult package includes a complimentary drink at En Fuego, which serves some of Latin America’s finest classics, and a second Tiki-style cocktail at the award-winning Wavehouse, located nearby. Additionally, each children’s package includes a complimentary AED 100 gaming card for endless fun at Wavehouse’s arcade, ensuring an extended experience for all guests. En Fuego’s Sunday Rodizio Carnival celebrates the …

Urging the Government of India ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, Nitin Mittal, Coordinator South, NIMA, said, “The government of India should think of providing GST rebates or GST refunds to the MICE group or international tourists on shopping, if not then at least on the purchase of sustainable products like khadi, and Indian handicrafts.”

As per the new amendments in e-Visa provisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s Port Blair seaport is now a designated entry port for e-Visa holders. The amendment will boost yacht and superyacht business along with cruise tourism. Now, five other Indian seaports where persons with e-Visa will be allowed includes Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, and New Mangalore.