Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Akasa Air Co-Founder Aditya Ghosh said, “If you convert one day’s rail traffic to air, India would need 500 more aircraft. To maintain current growth, India will need 75 more planes next year. The US has 1,400 airports, while India has only 150-200, highlighting the immense potential and need to double the number of airports in India.”  

According to a study by Amadeus, corporate travel managers plan to invest 13% more in technology than they did in 2023, while Business Travel Agencies, Online Travel Agencies and Leisure Travel Agencies plan similar changes. On average, payments leaders intend to increase investment by 12% over the coming 12 months. Airports, however, intend to increase technology investment by 17%, which is larger than any other area of the travel industry covered by the study. 

The Hosteller, India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, is elated to announce the launch of Bam Hotels, a new venture aimed at catering to a broader audience in the hospitality sector. Recognizing the evolving needs of travelers, The Hosteller Management identified an opportunity to extend their offerings beyond the backpacker demographic. With 95% of The Hosteller’s customer segment falling between the ages of 18-30, Bam Hotels seeks to provide a seamless experience for travelers aged 30 and above, offering a sophisticated and comfortable stay while retaining the essence of The Hosteller’s ethos. Bam Hotels are conceptually founded on five key elements designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers. Embracing a smart approach, these hotels are set to feature tech-first innovations such as zero touchpoint check-in/out and digital room and concierge services. The minimalistic design ethos intertwines luxury with simplicity, offering guests a refined experience. Always aiming to stay ahead, Bam Hotels adopts a futuristic mindset, continuously innovating to disrupt traditional hospitality norms. The accommodations are chic, crafted to appeal to the sophisticated tastes of contemporary travelers. Additionally, the hotels promote community living, encouraging connections and interactions among guests. In the short term, Bam Hotels plans to launch a pilot project with fewer than 10 properties in 2024. The goal is to establish Bam as India’s smartest direct-to-consumer (D2C) hotel brand, creating excitement around its innovative features like zero touchpoint check-in/out and reception-less hotels. Looking ahead, Bam Hotels aims to expand to over 100 properties in India within the next five years, becoming the preferred choice for tech-first, mid to high-level income group travelers. Addressing the occasion, the spokesperson for The Hosteller, said, “Imagine staying in a hotel where there …

Girisons Airways India, the Direct Selling Agent of Cyprus Airways, along with Cyprus Airways announces special flight-hotel packages for Indian travellers. Cyprus Airways is the national carrier of Cyprus operates flights to all major cities of Europe & Dubai from Larnaca. Indian travellers can now visit Cyprus on their European holidays. To facilitate this, we have now introduced “Flight + Hotel” packages. This package includes return flight from Rome/Milan/Zurich/Paris/Brussels to Larnaca (Cyprus) plus three nights hotel accommodation on all inclusive basis. Shreyder Elena of Cyprus Airways and Vivek Jain of Girisons Airways, are very excited about this package and wish to introduce Cyprus as a holiday destination to Indian travellers. These packages can now be booked in India through Girisons Airways located in Colaba, Mumbai via +91 9820060421

MTF invites the travel trade industry to Melangé, an exclusive industry partnership event designed to create new friendships and business collaborations. This unique, focused, and dynamic two-day event to be held on 19 & 20!Sept 2024 is tailored for exhibitors and buyers of diverse travel products. Special offers are available for early birds who register before 31st May. MTF Style Event at one of the most premier venues in India –  Jio Convention Centre BKC. Pradeep Saboo, Organiser, MTF, says, “We understand the power of meaningful connections and innovative collaborations. Our event offers a carefully curated environment where your products and services will be showcased to an audience of discerning buyers ready to explore new opportunities. Melangé is your platform to engage with industry leaders, present cutting-edge travel solutions, and foster impactful business relationships. Join us at Melangé, elevate your brand, connect with key decision-makers, and be part of an event that prioritizes quality interactions over quantity. Seize this opportunity to network, inspire, and be inspired. Let’s create a vibrant mosaic of collaborations and drive the travel industry forward together. Your participation at Melangé is not just an exhibition; it’s an investment in the future of travel.” A special offer is available for exhibiting partners is available. Registrations done before 31 May, 2024 will lead to : A) 50% discount on the published price B) With Category D, a Gold Sponsorship will be offered gratis C) With Category E, a Platinum Sponsorship will be offered gratis Register as an exhibitor here:  https://mtf.events/melange-exhibitors-registration/    

In his role, Abraham John will focus on marketing Rida International Travel & Tourism LLC and help in enhancing the visibility of Rida International in India with emphasis on Luxury Travel, Upmarket Groups and MICE business. Abraham John brings along an experience of 50 years in the Travel & Tourism industry starting his career with Travel Corporation India (TCI) in 1974 followed by a 28 years journey in Bahrain where he managed Sunshine Tours.  Abraham was also responsible for successfully launching and executing the first International Travel & Tourism exhibition in Bahrain (BITE) which was widely accepted as an international travel and tourism exhibition. On his return to India, Abraham joined Fairfest Media Limited as Advisor who are the organisers of the largest travel show in India (OTM). Abraham was responsible for introducing many international tourism boards to OTM including UAE, Rwanda, Greece, Cyprus and many more. Abraham also runs a successful event management company – Inspiration Unlimited. He has successfully promoted many international destinations through roadshows and other marketing activities. “We are delighted to welcome Abraham to The Rida family and to have someone of his calibre, repute and experience advise us on strengthening our roots in India. We are confident that with his understanding of luxury travel, he will add tremendous value as the world begins to travel again” said Rafic Rida, Founder & Chairman – Rida International Travel & Tourism. “I am excited to launch Rida International Travel & Tourism LLC in India. Rida is expanding leaps & bounds in some of the key tourism destinations of the world which is widely accepted by the Indian community. Further I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to Rafic Rida for entrusting me with such …

Underlining the role of Indian outbound in Sri Lanka’s economy, Sri Lankan MP, V Radhakrishnan, said, “The country depends on tourism. 60% of the people come from India,” on the occasion of Kumbhabhishekam puja at the Seetha Amman Temple. In fact, even in 2023, Indians top the list of key contributors to Sri Lanka’s tourism with 3,02,844 arrivals.

Describing the Indian tourist to Fiji, Robert Thompson, Executive Director of Regions, Tourism Fiji, says, “Indian arrivals to Fiji in 2023 reached pre-COVID numbers of 2019. December saw the highest number of Indian arrivals in Fiji, increasing by approx. 300% vis-a-vis 2022. The average length of stay of an Indian tourist to Fiji is approx. 7.6 nights.”

As per Mastercard’s annual report, in 2024, more Indians are traveling globally. In the first three months of 2024, 97 million passengers travelled, with 21% surge in domestic air traffic, and 4% in international travel. Indians are increasingly exploring key markets, with a 53% increase in visits to Japan, 248% to Vietnam, and 59% to the US, compared to 2019.

Tourism Malaysia, along with Sarawak Tourism Board, invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on discovering Sarawak – the Gateway to Borneo and the Land of the Hornbills – today at 3pm. Participate in the quiz and win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 1) GRAND PRIZE LUCKY DRAW BY MULU MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N DELUXE ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 2) DAMAI BEACH RESORT (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N SUPERIOR POOL ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 3) DAMAI LAGOON RESORT (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N DELUXE ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR 2 PAX 4) SARAWAK RIVER CRUISE COMPLIMENTARY SARAWAK SUNSET RIVER CRUISE TICKET FOR 2 PAX 5) SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE (KUCHING) COMPLIMENTARY ENTRANCE FEE FOR 2 PAX 6) THE WATERFRONT HOTEL (KUCHING) ONE (1) COMPLIMENTARY STAY FOR 3D2N PREMIER KING RIVER VIEW FOR 2 PAX WITH BREAKFAST 7) RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (RWMF) COMPLIMENTARY DAY PASS TICKETS – 10 NOS.to be held from 28-30 June 2024  Prizes are valid from 21st May 2024 till 20th August 2024