Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Ahead of the Union Budget, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, said, “To make India a preferred travel destination, the Union Budget 2024-2025 must focus on infrastructure, more favourable GST rates and GST credit, industry status including travel operators, development of new airports, and rapid expansion in rail, road and waterways.”

KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “The forthcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to unleash the potential of India hospitality in its contribution to India Vision 2047. We request the government to make key policy shifts in the sector by giving infrastructure status to hotels rather than categorising them as luxury, elite or even ‘sin’ goods”.

I am thrilled to announce that Radisson Blu Hotels and Suites GRT, Chennai embarks on 25 years of presence in the heart of Chennai. We celebrate this exciting time with the first-of-its-kind launch, an exclusive all-suite wing for the local communities and discerning travelers. We invite you to indulge in this urban oasis and discover our new all-suite wing, which transports you into a built-in design and compelling architecture taking you to a relaxed state of mind. Introducing the Biophilia suites is a unique concept where you become one with nature. The lush indoor terrariums welcome you into the corridors, creating a verdant pathway that breathes life into this space. This all-new suite wing is designed around cutting-edge technology, enticing nature-filled architecture that transports your mind to a relaxed state, wellness is incorporated in every aspect, and state-of-the-art decor keeping in mind everything a guest needs during their stay. Located in the heart of the city’s business district close to major IT parks like Guindy Industrial Hub, Olympia Tech Park, Tamarai Tech Park, MEPZ, Shriram Gateway IT Park, Chennai Trade Centre, DLF IT Park and easily accessible to the industrial hubs of Mahindra World City, Oragadam, 200 ft Radial Road and Sriperumbudur. The hotel is also located near all major hospitals in Chennai and closer to the airport. Needless to say, our signature award-winning restaurants, which I am sure most of you have already enjoyed and talked about. We value each of your differential experiences through this culinary journey and have so many more to share with our festivities, promotions, and events keeping up with the vibrant city of Chennai.

The 10th Travel MICE & Corporate Show concluded at the Hyderabad Marriott Convention Centre from 6-7 July in the City of Pearls. Around 2300 B2B meetings were held across two days with around 33 exhibitors and 72 buyers. The theme of this year’s event was sustainability, with dignitaries sharing insights on how to develop sustainable travel programmes.

Expressing their dismay against the proposal of 2 per cent sustainability fee, TTAG wrote to Goa’s Tourism Department stating, “Imposition of 2 per cent levy on every invoice will adversely affect our competitiveness and the compliance burden will increase. No other tourism destination in India’s inbound market levies such a fee.”

Underpinning the increased fund allocation for tourism in the Interim Budget 2024, Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Honorary Secretary, ITTA, expects, “More fund allocation in Union Budget 2024 for upgrading road transport. Tourist transport operators should be allowed to import vehicles on zero or subsidised import duty and reduced GST.”

Singapore Tourism’s multi-city roadshow ‘Holidays Made in Singapore’ launches today in Chennai, aiming to bolster ties with the Indian travel trade community. Featuring 50 exhibitors from diverse sectors, the event will proceed to Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. The roadshow seeks to attract more Indians to Singapore.

Euro Khmer Voyages – Mr. Kunthea Eng (Cambodia) and Go Smart Tourism – Mr. Jeetendra Wagh (India), with the support of the Ministry of Tourism (Cambodia) and the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), recently organized a FAM Trip for Indian travel agents. This milestone event coincided with the inaugural flight to Cambodia, offering a unique opportunity for participants to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic tourism offerings. The trip aimed to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Cambodia among Indian travel professionals, fostering stronger connections between the two countries’ tourism industries. The participating agents visited key tourist attractions, experienced authentic Cambodian hospitality, and engaged with local tourism stakeholders. This Fam Trip not only provided valuable insights into Cambodia’s tourism potential but also strengthened the collaboration between Indian travel agents and Cambodian tourism partners, paving the way for increased travel and cultural exchange.

Advocating for promoting domestic tourism during her maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha, Sudha Murty, philanthropist highlighted India’s cultural richness, noting that while the country boasts 42 World Heritage sites, an additional 57 are awaiting recognition. She emphasised the need for well-packaged tourism initiatives, with adequate infra.

According to WTTC 2024 report, India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly but international travel spend in India continues to remain below pre-Covid levels. Consulting firm McKinsey & Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.