Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “People are more mature; we have seen a 20-30 per cent increase in experience and luxury travel, which is a significant number. We anticipate these numbers will continue to grow, making experience and luxury travel the most rapidly growing segment in the travel industry.”

Amitabh Khosla, Country Director-India, IATA said that India’s air traffic had already surpassed 2019 levels, both for domestic and international flights, in 2023 itself.  “So certainly, we are witnessing rapid growth, as demonstrated in the unveiling video of the 2025 AGM. There is a significance amount of activity and technology driving aviation growth in India, ” he added.

According to a report by McKinsey, India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 per cent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travellers, resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 per cent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand.

Adnan Kazim, CCO, Emirates, said, “There is a great opportunity for IndiGo and other carriers to tap the ultra-long-haul market. Today, India is sitting on 70-80 million traffic that is going on international routes. It is not enough with a population size of 1.4 billion. I think there is enough room for all of them, including us, to be expanding.”

IndiGo will host the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Delhi, India, on 8-10 June, 2025. Expressing his views on the IATA AGM’s return to India, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo is proud to be the host airline for the event and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025. India’s rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable.”

European Union is all set to introduce its ‘Entry and Exit System’ from October 6, 2024. The move aims to monitor non-EU nationals’ movements in the Schengen zone, enhancing security and migration regulation. It complements the ETIAS digital visa system and prevents identity theft and fraud, contributing to efficient border control and migration management.

Commenting on the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Coolcation’ campaign, challenging the notion of India being too hot for summer travel. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said that the issue lacks publicity abroad. It (publicity) needs to be increased (abroad) to highlight the places in India where people can visit during this period,” he said.

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its three-city roadshow in India. Led by MTPA’s Director, Mr. Arvind Bundhun, and featuring a delegation of 21 esteemed partners from Mauritius, this roadshow exemplified the robust bond between India and Mauritius and the promising potential for collaborative growth within the tourism sector. The roadshow commenced in Pune, followed by Chennai on the 29th of May, and Jaipur on the 31st of May, catalysing synergies within the industry. Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), expressed his delight regarding the success of the three-city roadshow in India. He stated, “I am immensely pleased with the success of our three-city roadshow in India. With increased activities and more flights from India to Mauritius, this roadshow was crucial for us as MTPA is committed to facilitating seamless travel experiences and showcasing the diverse attractions Mauritius has to offer. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who participated in making this roadshow a resounding success.” The Chennai leg of the roadshow was graced by Mr Donald Payen Chairman MTPA. His esteemed presence underscored the paramount importance of India as a key tourism partner for Mauritius and laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation. Sunil Mathapati, Country Manager MTPA India, conveyed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled with the responses of the travel agents in all the three cities. The enthusiasm and interest shown by attendees reaffirm our belief in the appeal of Mauritius as a top tourist destination. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to promote Mauritius and strengthen the ties. With such positive feedback, we are motivated to further enhance our outreach activities and provide travelers with …

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We are requesting that, after the new government comes in, it’s fine for promotions to be done from the embassy. However, like officers from the Ministry of Commerce or other such departments who are posted in embassies or high commissions abroad, at least in the 20 key market embassies or high commissions, people at the rank of Deputy Director General (DDG) should be posted there under the overall supervision of the ambassador or high commissioner. Only then will we be able to achieve our goals because these are the people who understand what tourism is.”

The International Congress of Event Industry (ICEI), in collaboration with Resorts World Cruise; Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer; Wedding Vows; and Black Rock Hotels & Resort will organise Cruisesthan 2024 in Singapore. The aim is to showcase the immense potential of cruises as spectacular venues for future weddings and conferences