Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Pradeep Shetty, President, Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI said, “The current GST rates for hospitality are among the highest globally, making tourism expensive. We urge the abolition of the 18 per cent GST category for hotels with room rates above Rs.7500, merging it with the 12 per cent GST category to boost both domestic and inbound tourism. Ease of doing business is essential.”   

Skyscanner’s latest research reveals that Indian travellers have a strong appetite for travel and are keen value hunters, always scouting for great offers. 75 per cent of these travellers indicated they would be tempted to book another getaway if they found an irresistible offer. Given that travel budgets are a key consideration, finding the perfect offer is crucial. 

Türkiye, a premier destination for travellers worldwide, continues to see a remarkable surge in tourism from India. In the first 5 months of 2024, the number of Indian visitors reached an impressive 1,26,000, representing a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is notable against the backdrop of 2023, wherein Türkiye welcomed a total of 2,74,000 Indian tourists for the entire year. This significant growth highlights Türkiye’s ongoing appeal and its strategic efforts to attract more Indian tourists. Indian tourists have shown a strong preference for a variety of tourism experiences in Türkiye. Many Indian visitors are exploring Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, shopping, and dining experiences at their own pace as Free Independent Travellers (FITs). Several regions and cities in Türkiye have seen a notable increase in Indian tourists. Istanbul, renowned for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture and unique gastronomic experiences, remains a top destination. Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides, has also attracted many Indian visitors. Coastal areas such as Antalya and Bodrum, which are known for their stunning beaches and luxury resorts, are also popular for unique wedding ceremonies, honeymoons, luxurious celebrations, and events. Other destinations like Pamukkale, İzmir, and Alaçatı are known for their natural beauty and historical sites, drawing significant numbers of tourists. This impressive growth is attributed to active promotion and PR activities in India, as well as successful collaborations with Indian stakeholders, including travel agents, corporates, and wedding planners. Earlier this year, Türkiye Tourism concluded a successful six-city India Roadshow in collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). This initiative aimed to strengthen ties between the Indian travel trade and Turkish tourism, fostering …

According to ICRA’s analysis of monthly domestic passenger traffic data for the aviation industry in June 2024, domestic air passenger traffic was estimated at approximately 132.8 lakh, marking a decrease of about 3.7% from 137.9 lakh in May 2024. However, it showed a year-on-year growth of approximately 6.3% and was notably higher by around 10.4% compared to pre-Covid levels.  

Goa’s tourism minister Rohan Khaunte emphasised the draft bill aims to curb revenue leakages and enforce discipline in the sector. He said, “There is significant revenue leakage from events that never pay any fees to the tourism department. We will levy a fee to regulate these events.” 

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director of Ebixcash Travel Group, urges the Finance Minister, stating, “Increasing the budget for meetings and events under the ‘Meet in India’ initiative is not just an investment in event hosting but a strategic move to bolster India’s global standing and economic growth. I kindly request your support and consideration in revising the budget allocation to ensure that ‘Meet in India’ continues to thrive and contribute significantly to our national goals.” 

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that the National Tourism Policy needs a fundamental transformative idea to be launched in a big way. “The MOT can do everything in the draft policy even without its launch. We need to look at what is that single all-encompassing transformative idea that we need to leverage into the new policy,” he said.

Marriott India is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Project Buniyaad by Honda India Foundation, enhancing its commitment to community development by integrating initiatives with Skill India and promoting women empowerment across the nation. Project Buniyaad – Athmanirbharta Ka Aadhar, launched by Honda India Foundation, focuses on equipping individuals with essential skills through education, vocational training and promoting environmental stewardship in North-East region of India & Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Marriott India, renowned for its excellence in hospitality and dedication to enhancing community well-being, is honored to align with this impactful initiative. Marriott India’s initiative to invest in training youth in hospitality demonstrates a commendable commitment to both social responsibility and industry development. By allocating resources to equip these individuals with valuable skills and knowledge, Marriott not only empowers them to build sustainable careers but also enriches the hospitality sector with a diverse talent pool. Offering paid internships following their training, further underscores Marriott’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. This initiative not only transforms lives but also contributes positively to the broader economy by ensuring more equitable access to professional pathways within the hospitality industry. Under this initiative, unemployed youth will receive 3 months training from ­Visan Foundation post which a certification will be provided from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council. Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia – Marriott International said, “We are excited to join hands with Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhar by Honda India Foundation” “Together, we aim to contribute to the socio-economic development of communities through education, skills training and promoting sustainable practices.” We believe that empowering individuals with skills and knowledge is key to sustainable …

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Sachin Jadhaf as the new Assistant Director of Human Resources. Sachin, who has been an integral part of the Le Meridien Maldives team since its pre-opening phase in September 2021, will now take on a pivotal role in steering the HR department towards continued excellence and innovation. Sachin’s journey with Le Meridien Maldives has been marked by his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a profound commitment to Marriott International’s core values of ‘putting people first’ and ‘acting with integrity’. His contributions have been instrumental in fostering a workplace culture that emphasises respect, collaboration, and personal growth. In his new role, Sachin will continue to prioritise the well-being and development of our associates. His people-centric approach aligns perfectly with Marriott’s belief that taking care of our employees ensures they take care of our guests. Sachin has consistently demonstrated his ability to inspire and nurture talent, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Integrity is at the heart of Sachin’s leadership style. He has shown unwavering commitment to ethical practices and transparent communication, earning the trust and respect of both colleagues and partners. Under his guidance, the HR department will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that our policies and practices reflect our dedication to fairness and honesty. Sachin’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the unique dynamics of Le Meridien Maldives make him the ideal candidate for this role. As we look to the future, his leadership will be instrumental in driving our mission to provide exceptional service and memorable experiences for our guests, while also creating a …

Opening the International Kayaking Facilitation Centre at Pulikkayam in Kodenchery, PA Mohamed Riyas, Public Works Department & Tourism Minister, Kerala, said it will be ideal to have off-road championships regularly within Kerala, and Kodenchery that will boost the tourism sector. ‘We will attract not just locals but participants from all over the globe,” he said.