Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Appreciating the promotional strategy of Abu Dhabi in India, Abdulla Mohammad, Director, International Operations, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said, “India is the number one source market of tourists to Abu Dhabi. We hosted over 1.67 lakh guests in our hotels from India this year, representing a 37 per cent growth vis-a-vis last year.”

Neeraj Malhotra has been re-elected as the Chairman of the TAAI Northern Region for the next term 2024-2026 at TAAI’s Annual Meeting. The other office bearers who were reinstated includes: Anurag Agrawal as Hon. Secretary and Neeraj Kumar Sarna as Hon. Treasurer. They were elected unanimously for the next term indicating the support and trust shown by members.  

There is something magical about the monsoon season in Jammu. The rains wash away all that is old, dusty, and forgotten to reveal the lush, verdant paradise. The quaint hill station of Patnitop too comes alive during the rains with its beautiful mist-covered mountains, breathtaking treks, heartwarming local dishes, and adrenalin-pumping gondola rides! Against the backdrop of the monsoon clouds rolling in over the Himalayas, here are five wonderful ways you can make some monsoon memories with your loved ones in Patnitop: Hike to Nag Temple Don the rain boots and venture out on a refreshing hike to the ancient Nag Temple. The trail winds through dense forests and past gushing streams, offering stunning views of the surrounding Pir Panjal range. You’ll have to stop several times just to soak in yet another inspiring view! The temple itself offers a serene haven for quiet contemplation and soul purging with the pitter-patter of raindrops providing the perfect rhythm for introspection. Stroll through Patnitop Meadow Nothing like a walk in the rain to liberate your inner child! Grab your loved ones for a stroll through the beautifully landscaped Patnitop meadow, where the scent of flowers mingles with the earthy aromas of the rain. The best part of this walk? You can stop at a cozy spot to sip hot tea and munch on a bowl of Maggi as you watch the mist roll in. Soar high with a Gondola ride If you are looking for a truly jaw-dropping monsoon experience, you can’t miss a ride on the Skyview by Empyrean Gondola! This experience will have you gliding high above Patnitop’s stunning valleys and towering peaks, possibly even over the clouds if you …

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mr. Anand Kumar, the esteemed educator and founder of the Super 30 program. Renowned for his commitment to education, KTO’s collaboration with the Padma Shree awardee, introduces the ‘Korea Super 30’ edutainment travel packages. Designed to blend cultural exploration with academic enrichment, this initiative offers young learners a transformative experience in South Korea. Mr. Anand Kumar has also been named the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism, tasked with promoting South Korea as a premier destination for international travel and education through December 2024. To mark the inaugural batch and to celebrate this collaboration, KTO is hosting an exciting contest. Three winners will embark on an all-expense-paid edutainment journey to South Korea alongside Mr. Anand Kumar himself. Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director for India & SAARC Countries, KTO Said, “Through our collaboration with Mr. Anand Kumar and the launch of ‘Korea Super 30’ edutainment travel packages, we are excited to offer young Indian students a unique opportunity to discover Korea’s rich cultural heritage and academic insights. This initiative reflects KTO’s commitment to fostering educational exchange and cultural understanding. We eagerly anticipate the enthusiastic response from participants for this contest as they explore Korea’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and delightful cuisine, creating lasting memories” Interested parents can nominate their children by visiting the Visit Korea website (or by clicking bit.ly/KTOIndiaSuper30Contest) and filling out the application form. Eligible participants must be Indian nationals residing in India, aged 14-18, and students up to class 12 with a valid passport. The last date to apply is 28th July 2024, 1800 hrs. IST. Winners of the contest will be announced on 2nd August …

Aiming to attract ₹100,000 crore in investment and generate 1.8 million jobs over the next decade, the Maharashtra government has unveiled a comprehensive tourism policy for 2024, embracing the concept of ‘workcation’ alongside the promotion of rural life, films, caravans, and medical tourism. The policy identifies key areas to boost tourism’s contribution to Maharashtra’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2028.

Ahead of the Union Budget, Pankaj Nagpal, MD, Travstarz Global Group said, “It’s disappointing to see small countries like Singapore attracting13 million passengers whereas India which has so much to offer in terms of tourism is attracting 9 million passengers arrivals every year. GoI needs to understand the kind of scope and tourism potential India has, it should be getting over 100 million passengers every year.”

Addressing the 2nd “Healthcare Summit” of the American Chamber of India, Jitendra Singh, MoS, Science & Technology, said, “Gone are the days when people used to visit other developed nations to access medical facilities, India has become the most sought-after destination for medical tourism and is among the frontline nations in preventive healthcare.” 

Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, said, “The state is looking forward to tap new and emerging markets by participating in global trade fairs. During Covid-19, the international footfall in Goa was only 33,000, which has now increased to 4.5 lakh this year.” In the last four years, Goa has spent ₹63 crore to promote the state within the country.

Global Destinations, a premier travel representation company, is delighted to announce its appointment as the official sales and marketing arm for WOTF Group in India. This strategic collaboration is aimed at promoting Greece as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.   With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Greece has long been a favorite among global travelers. Through this partnership, Global Destinations will leverage its extensive industry expertise and deep market knowledge to showcase the diverse and unique experiences that Greece has to offer to Indian tourists. “We are thrilled to be the chosen partner for WOTF Group in India,” said Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director of Global Destinations. “Greece is a destination that perfectly aligns with the evolving travel aspirations of Indian tourists, who are increasingly seeking rich architectural and archaeological treasures, pristine natural beauty, and unforgettable memories. Our mission will be to elevate Greece’s presence in the Indian market and inspire more travelers to explore this incredible country.” WOTF Group, a leader in global travel and tourism management, is renowned for its innovative and comprehensive approach to destination marketing. This collaboration will focus on a range of strategic initiatives, including targeted marketing campaigns, trade partnerships, sales missions, and networking with travel agents across India, all designed to highlight Greece’s unique attractions and drive visitor growth from India. About the partnership, Nikolas Kavalieros, Managing Partner at WOTF Group, stated “India is a key market for us, and we believe that Global Destinations, with their proven track record and industry relationships, is the ideal partner to help us achieve our objectives. We are confident that this partnership will significantly boost Greece’s visibility and appeal among Indian travelers.” …

The Fire Restaurant at Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives has been chosen among the World’s Best Restaurants for Wine Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives (July 2024) — Fire Restaurant has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. “We are immensely delighted to receive the Wine Spectator’s 2024 Award of Excellence,” said Amjad Thaufeeq, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing our guests with an outstanding dining experience and a wide range of wine choices. Our wine program is designed to cater to both connoisseurs and casual wine lovers, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.” “The restaurant industry is growing and thriving, with restaurant openings surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. To take advantage of the uptick, restaurateurs are re-investing in their wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,777 restaurants for their dedication to wine and exemplary wine lists.” Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,150; 1,531; and 96 winners this year in each respective category. Fire Restaurant has won the Award of Excellence The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.