Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

India’s passenger Load Factor Level reached 86.6% in April 2024 as per IATA with a year-on-year change of -1.7% in load factor. Additionally, revealed that the total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 11.0% compared to April 2023 as global passenger demand rose to 15.8%  and domestic demand rose to 4%

Sharing his comments on the increase in Schengen visa fee from June 11, 2024, Ajay Prakash, National President, TAFI, says, “People don’t mind paying it if they get visas on time. But if you charge more money and still make people wait for a visa, you are shooting yourself in the foot. But it is not a huge increase to push people away to other countries. It is not about the cost alone, it’s also about the speed and ease of visas.”

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has elevated its inflight dining experience by adding popular regional flavours to its onboard menu. The additions celebrate India’s diverse culinary heritage, offering an exquisite gourmet dining experience to customers onboard Vistara flights. From the royal kitchens of Awadh to the bustling streets of Mumbai, Vistara has included a repertoire of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in its menu, that capture the essence of culinary experiences from across the country. Customers departing from Delhi and Mumbai to international routes can now savor epicurean treats like laal maas, anjeer kofta and apple badam kheer. Also, on domestic routes from Mumbai, the airline offers the option of signature dishes from the regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa including chicken koliwada, pav bhaji, methi thepla with sev tamatri, Parsi cutlet or the aromatic Goan fish curry. On flights from Kolkata, a delectable spread of Bengali specialties is offered, which includes Gondhoraj chicken tikka, narkel diye cholar dal, mochar chop and the authentic Kolkata chicken biryani. Furthermore, customers travelling from Chennai and Bangalore can treat themselves to delicious South Indian fare with options such as, chicken Chettinad pie, Hyderabadi chicken biryani, paneer nilgiri korma and meen moilee, among others. Additionally, Vistara has enhanced the in-flight meals for its business class customers on long-haul flights. The first course of lunch and dinner services will now include a choice of appetizers (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian) and soup with garlic bread. Customers can also enjoy a curated selection of cheeses as part of post-meal service in addition to sumptuous desserts and fruits. Furthermore, Vistara has revamped its amenity kits onboard for customers flying …

Stefano Pelle, an accomplished author, teacher and travel enthusiast, unveiled his book ‘Going Places’, today at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The book is the ideal combination of an enjoyable read with a dash of thrilling travel stories written by top business leaders across the world. The book was released in the presence of the prominent author, Member of Parliament and former diplomat Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Yashovardhan Azad, Chairman of DeepStrat and former Central Information Commissioner, and Secretary-Security, Special Director of IB and Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of CBRE for India, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. A panel discussion about the book featuring interesting travel experiences and insights from the authors kicked off the evening. Adding a unique perspective to the book is a chapter penned by Indian business leader Anshuman Magazine, who was present for the launch. His chapter offers readers a rare glimpse into his travel experience in Cuba, a narrative filled with captivating travel tales. Beyond the entertainment, his stories provide insightful accounts of his travels, shedding light on both the challenges and joys he encountered. In the book, “Going Places,” editors Stefano Pelle and Gerhard Apfelthaler present an expansive tapestry of perspectives from top-notch business leaders across the world. Every story, whether from an Indian business leader and socialite or an American corporate lawyer, offers unique and unexpected insights, filled with interesting and thought-provoking anecdotes. Within the book’s narratives, one will discover firsthand accounts from authors accomplished business owners and seasoned managers who have travelled to parts of the world for work. While some concentrate on lighthearted, commonplace events, others share their thoughts on handling business circumstances across countries during the past …

Dubai – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will establish the SAF Registry (Registry) to accelerate the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF. Seventeen airlines, one airline group, six national authorities, three Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and one fuel producer are already supporting the effort to develop the Registry. The Registry is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. SAF is expected to account for up to 65% of the total carbon mitigation needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions in air transportation by 2050. “SAF is key to aviation’s decarbonization. Airlines want more SAF and stand ready to use every drop of it. The SAF Registry will help meet the critical needs of all stakeholders as part of the global effort to ramp-up SAF production. Governments need a trusted system to track the quality and quantities of SAF used. SAF producers need to accurately account for what has been delivered and effectively decarbonized. Corporate customers must be able to transparently account for their Scope 3 emissions. And airlines must have certainty that they can claim the environmental benefits of the SAF they purchased. The Registry will meet all these needs. In doing so, the Registry will help create a global SAF market by ensuring that airlines have access to SAF wherever it is produced, and that SAF producers have access to airlines regardless of their location,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Capabilities Wide Geographic Scope: The Registry will allow airlines to purchase SAF regardless of where it is produced. Each batch’s certified environmental attributes can be tracked and assigned to the purchasing airline. By ensuring …

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), the official destination marketing organization for Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA, appointed Indiva Marketing to drive leisure visitation, awareness and visibility in India. Indiva Marketing will be responsible for sales and marketing activities, communications, and media relations, to position and develop business and media exposure for what is known as Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. This region, located in the middle of Pennsylvania, is home to Penn State University’s main campus. The population center of the county – the Centre Region – includes State College Borough and the townships of College, Harris, Patton, and Ferguson. Additional communities include historic Bellefonte and Boalsburg, and the charming towns of Millheim, Aaronsburg, Centre Hall and Philipsburg. Happy Valley’s central location provides convenient access to major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. “We are delighted to announce Indiva Marketing as our representative in India to position and promote tourism to Happy Valley,” said Fritz Smith, President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming travellers from India to discover our scenic valleys and agricultural corridors, and abundant outdoor recreation in our six state parks and forests, as well as to savour our authentic farm-to-table cuisine. Additionally, we parents of prospective college students seeking a first-class education in the United States to visit Penn State University while on their university tour. “Penn State University’s new Palmer Museum of Art, which is located next to the beautiful Penn State Arboretum, houses an extensive collection spanning ancient ceramics to 20th-century American art,” Smith continued. “Nearby Beaver Stadium – the second largest stadium in the nation – stands as the spirited home to the Penn State Nittany …

As many hotels stands at the forefront of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. In honor of Earth Day, here are some of the insights into the initiatives undertaken to drive environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry. The commitment to sustainability is echoing every hotel’s vision to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Setting science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C emissions scenarios is a cornerstone of this commitment, demonstrating a proactive approach to combatting climate change. The Sustainability Toolkit in hotels, comprising 12 “call to action” focus areas, serves as a roadmap for Hotels sustainability journey. Among these focus areas, few highlights from Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield’s several key initiatives driving tangible progress towards sustainability goals are as follows: The usage of cage-free eggs by Q3 2023 reflects Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield’s dedication to animal welfare and ethical sourcing practices. The hotel prioritizes the production of healthy eggs while upholding its values of compassion. Adopting a farm-to-fork concept, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting local farmers. From herbs infused beverages to exotic salads, the hotel’s culinary offerings showcase the richness of regional produce, fostering a sustainable food ecosystem. Food waste tracking on the Mesh platform enables Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield to analyze and optimize its waste management practices. Through recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives, the hotel minimizes its environmental impact while promoting a circular economy. The utilization of renewable energy, exemplified by the installation of solar panels, further solidifies Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield’s commitment to sustainable operations. By harnessing solar power, the hotel reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner, greener future. While touching upon the importance of guest engagement in …

Foundations can be key players in shaping the landscape for that policy and building knowledge and momentum. On the other side of the statutory process after a policy passes through regulation and becomes law, some of the harder and longer-term advocacy work begins as new policies are implemented. In my prospect one needs to use their convening power to bring together the best minds around to control plastic pollution  and also to spark discussion with new ideas that may become placeholders for future policy. Grant makers can play a powerful role in helping to educate a community about plastic usage and can even educate policymakers directly in many cases to control usage of plastic in our day to day life. Spokesperson : Nitin Varshney Director of Engineering, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center

Sharing his views on IndiGo’s introduction of a business class, Rajdev Bhattacharya, Global Head (Travel & Hospitality) and Process Owner, Wipro, says, “This means more choices and higher service standards in the domestic market. Transitioning from an LCC to a hybrid model requires substantial investment in cabin reconfiguration, in-flight services, and ground operations. Maintaining cost efficiency will be crucial to ensuring this move is profitable.”

Highlighting the industry-led digital initiative, Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation, says, “Digi Yatra has seen impressive adoption and expansion over the last year, with more than 20 million happy users experiencing the benefits of this seamless travel solution. Currently rolled out in 14 airports, Digi Yatra is set to be introduced in another 14 airports next month. Our focus is now expanding to international travel, starting with prototype testing on E-passport based enrollment, expected next month. There will be numerous deliberations that need to be done with various ministries and other stakeholders, which might take some time to conclude on the way forward.”