Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

With FY2024 closing, CAPA India has released preliminary figures for actual full-year traffic. Domestic traffic reached an estimated 153.4mn pax, compared with our projection of 160mn at the start of the year, and 155mn in our mid-year update. International traffic reached an estimated 69.7mn pax, compared with our projection of 72-74mn at the start of the year, and 70mn in our mid-year update. Both domestic and international traffic volumes exceeded their pre-COVID highs (which were actually set in FY2019) for the first time.

Incentive trips are making a comeback, according to FCM Meetings & Events India, which sees more than a 30% increase in requests for incentive trips. Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events Leader, Asia, says, “The most popular destinations in Asia are Bangkok and Pattaya in tandem, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo although Hong Kong and Macau are starting to gain traction again due to the increased air seat capacity as well as tourism marketing initiatives.”

Accor is proud to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with EBU Estate Developers Private Limited for the development of a Sofitel hotel in India, the Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle. This new-build luxury hotel is scheduled to open its doors in 2028 and promises to redefine hospitality in the vibrant city of Jaipur. Strategically located at Jaipur’s Jawahar Circle, the hotel will feature 275 exquisitely designed and spacious rooms, each offering the utmost comfort for guests. Joining Sofitel, the only French luxury hotel brand with a truly international footprint, the hotel will be a great addition to support Jaipur’s tourism expansion, bringing French joie de vivre and gastronomy, with four distinct restaurants and bars. Furthermore, the hotel will offer over 5,000 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet venues, providing the perfect setting for exquisite weddings, grand events and outstanding gatherings. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a jewel in India’s tourism crown, attracting domestic and international tourists alike. As part of the renowned Golden Triangle tourist itinerary, which also includes the cities of Agra and Delhi, Jaipur offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and architectural wonders. “We are delighted to partner with EBU Estate Developers Private Limited to bring the Sofitel brand to Jaipur and to celebrate a new chapter in our journey in India. Accor’s offering is uniquely positioned to harness the power of Indian travelers and this new signing is a great illustration of our commitment to bring meaningful experiences, today with the well-known Sofitel’s French art de vivre. With our unparalleled portfolio of brands, Accor plans to open30 new properties in the country in the next 3 to 5 years and will continue …

With an aim to promote local sellers, the 4th edition of Goa International Travel Mart is all set to commence on 3-4 April at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. It will also be held virtually from 3-9 April. Suneel Anchipaka, Director Tourism, Goa said, “GITM 2024 aims to redefine Goa’s tourism landscape by focusing on regenerative, spiritual, and hinterland tourism, setting new standards for sustainability and inclusivity. Over 250 national and int’l buyers are part of this year’s event.”

Tourism New Zealand will conduct an exclusive training sessions for the travel trade on visitor visas led by Immigration New Zealand live on Thursday, April 4 from 10am – 11am. Attendees can gain valuable insights and updates on visa procedures and regulations for the destination. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts kicks off its India Showcase 2024 with a three-city roadshow in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, aimed at presenting its offerings to the Indian travel trade. Nine hotels are participating in the roadshow, focusing on attracting more Indians, especially from the MICE and wedding segments.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL stated, “With the pace of growth increasing year on year, FY 2024 set new benchmarks with 52 signings, one contract a week. Of this, our recent strategic alliance with Tree of Life resorts contributed 14 new hotels to the portfolio.”

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on the hub of adventure – Interlaken, Chaplin’s World – a journey into the life and work of Charlie Chaplin, and Geneva – the home of watchmaking, on April 5 at 3 pm. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

According to the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Sector Council (THSC)’s report, it is estimated that 5.7 million youths could be trained to meet an expected incremental labor demand of 3 million workers between 2025 and 2028 in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, challenges such as low wages and long working hours deter youth from continuing in the industry. 

Underlining the potential of smaller cities in India, Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD, Jagsons Travels, says that tier II and III cities have been on a growth trajectory since COVID and the travel demand from them is now 10 times more than what it was pre-COVID, leading to surge in outbound travel.