Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

All the big Middle East carriers have been expansive in their approach and yet still experience extraordinary growth, says Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. “The Middle East region has one of the most robust GDPs on the planet because it is at the epicenter of so many global initiatives. Yes, there are geopolitical concerns but overall, there will be strong growth and plenty of demand for everybody,” he adds.

Highlighting key trends in the Indian hospitality industry, the HVS ANAROCK Hotels & Hospitality Overview – May 2024, states that Goa witnessed the largest year-on-year decline in occupancy rate, while Kolkata registered the highest growth during the month. After a long hiatus, Mumbai recorded higher average rates than Goa, exceeding INR 10,000 and INR 9,500 respectively.”

MRG Group, the Bengaluru-based hospitality and real estate company that spearheads the lifestyle hotel brand Goldfinch Hotels & Resorts, announces the debut of Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel, set in Navi Mumbai. Strategically positioned along the Thane Belapur Road, the Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel stands as a beacon of convenience and accessibility. With a 26 km distance from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, it ensures a seamless journey for both domestic and international guests. Additionally, its close proximity, just 12 km, to the upcoming DB Patil International Airport positions it as a frontrunner in future connectivity.

ITC Hotels recently signed a management agreement with Jaipur based Dangayach Group, for a property under brand Storii, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Storii by ITC Hotels, Jaisalmer is set to be a 119-key resort located towards the east of the city on Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Road. The resort will feature a restaurant, bar, approximately 7000 sqft of banquet and meeting space. Jaisalmer is one of the largest tourism districts in Rajasthan and is featured as a “must-visit” destination in most Rajasthan desert circuits. The city offers a perfect blend of art, architecture, hospitality, scenic beauty, and cuisine. Jaisalmer is renowned for its unconventional desert safari with camel rides, cultural performances, and adventure activities. The city’s yellow sandstone is known to glow during sunset, making it a high point in every tourist’s itinerary. The resort’s yellow-stone fort architecture is inspired by the regions landscape. The plush interiors and elegant décor shall provide an ambiance be-fitting the cultural significance of the city and showcase the very essence of brand Storii. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, said “This project is a tremendous leap permitting a quick entry into a high visibility and popular leisure market with our cherished brand Storii. We are already present with over 800 keys across our various brands in Rajasthan. These include hotels in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Khimsar, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. Storii Jaisalmer will enable us to offer yet another unique destination experience in the Rajasthan desert circuit”. Harimohan Dangayach, Chairman & Founder and Atul Dangayach, Managing Director of Dangayach Group, expressed happiness at the signing ceremony and said, “We are delighted to sign Storii for our latest resort project in Jaisalmer. The resort’s positioning in a strong leisure market aligns well …

Hilton has announced the signing of its flagship Hilton brand in Gurugram, part of India’s National Capital Region (NCR). In partnership with Baani Group, Hilton will develop the Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, set to open in late 2024. With 26 hotels currently in operation and 22 more in development, Hilton aims to expand its presence in India to 75 hotels in the coming years, reinforcing its leadership in the Indian hospitality market.

Domestic airfares in India have surged up to 40% in key routes due to higher traffic and capacity constraints in the last six quarters. The fares on top 20 domestic routes had not moved significantly during the last two decades, says CAPA India. India is now one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, with an average of 4.5 lakh passengers daily, it stated. 

Supported by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and continued recovery of Asian markets, International tourism rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels, with over 285 million travellers making foreign trips between January and March. This marked a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, stated UN Report.

Immigration authorities in the UAE have intensified inspection and screening at the country’s airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa to seek employment. Now, all passengers arriving on visit or tourist visas will undergo strict profiling, including verification of funds and other information. Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodations, return tickets, and available funds.

KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, said, “To beat the heat, residents of the Northern region seek refuge in the hills. Industry insiders estimate a 30 to 40% rise in summer travel compared to last year.” While Goa remains the top beach destination of choice, mountain destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling are gaining traction for June trips, signalling a shift in traveller preferences towards serene mountain environments.

Tourism and Hospitality Titans Gather on a Unified Stage — Organized under the banner of ADTOI — Tourism Promoters Honored — Emphasis on Promoting Wedding Tourism and Hospitality. — Discussion on Tourism Challenges and Solutions for the future. Stakeholders from the Rajasthan tourism and hospitality sector gathered at the Vesta International Hotel in Jaipur on Saturday. During this event, distinguished individuals who made remarkable contributions to the tourism sector were honored. The occasion was the Rajasthan Chapter’s Rajasthan Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholder Meet-2024, organized under the banner of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. On this occasion, Mr. Virendra Shekhawat, Secretary of ADTOI Rajasthan, said that the event was organized to bring all stakeholders together on one platform. The People behind this elevation of the state’s tourism, through their experience and hard work. Officials from both central and state tourism departments were also present at the meeting. The program included discussions on the challenges and solutions in the tourism sector. Shekhawat mentioned that they aim to promote rural and domestic tourism to help each other grow. Prominent Personalities Honored – Earlier, the program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Mr. GD Bairwa from the Central Tourism Ministry, Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Additional Director of the Rajasthan Tourism Department, and other chief guests. Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela, President of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan and the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Mr. Khalid Khan, Vice President of FHTR, Mr. Mahendra Singh, President of the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators and Co-Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators Rajasthan, Mr. Mohan Singh Medtia, Secretary of RATO, Mr. Rajendra Singh Jodha, Executive Committee Member of RATO and FHTR, …