Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Sands® Resorts Macao is the first integrated resort to introduce Hong Kong International Airport check-in and direct bus transfer service effective March 1, 2024. The new services are part of Sands Resorts Macao’s ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled convenience and comfort to its guests, and are set to revolutionise the travel experience for individual travellers and groups alike. Guests can now enjoy the convenience of checking in for their flights directly from the comfort of the integrated resort, saving valuable time while enjoying a seamless journey to Hong Kong International Airport, for an enhanced travel experience overall. Furthermore, it is expected that this ground-breaking initiative will play a role in supporting the MGTO’s visitor number goals for 2024 and beyond. Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Sands China Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to introduce airport check-in and direct bus transfers, which provide unrivalled convenience and comfort to our valued guests. It also further solidifies Sands Resorts Macao’s position as a leader in hospitality that delivers world-class guest experiences, while showing support of the Macao SAR Government’s strategy of positioning and developing Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.” Emphasising the critical role of this initiative in addressing accessibility limitations within the MICE segment, Stephanie Tanpure, Vice President of Sales, Sands China Ltd. said, “The introduction of airport check-in and direct bus transfers is a critical component of our response to calls to enhance the accessibility of Macao as a destination. We are committed to ensuring that every guest’s journey with us is as easy and convenient as possible.” It is a move that has already been recognised by industry experts as being significant in positioning Macao as …

Sharing her views on how business travel in India is slated for growth, Catherine Logan, Regional Vice President of EMEA & APAC, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said, “India will fully reach pre-2019 spending levels by 2025 and is likely to reach 120 per cent of its pre-COVID business travel spend by 2027.”

Giving an overview of India’s ‘Hotels & Hospitality’ sector, HVS Anarock revealed that India’s domestic air passenger traffic increased by nearly 5 per cent in January 2024 but the country’s hotel sector saw lower occupancy compared to pre-pandemic levels and continued growth in average rates.

Research on the Indian travel market and shopper behaviour by Swiss research agency m1nd- set revealed that in the next five to six years, the country will be the world’s fourth-largest travel spender. The middle class in India will account for about half of the population by 2030, it added.

At the inaugural Corporate Travel Summit, FCM Travel India said the country’s business travel industry is likely to increase up to US$38.2 billion in 2024. The market saw a remarkable 24.7 per cent hike in 2023, and experts expect an additional 18.3 per cent increase in 2024, reaching the value of US$38.2 billion.

RezLive.com, a leading global B2B online travel wholesaler, is delighted to declare its remarkable participation and success at the prestigious SATTE event held recently in Delhi, NCR. The event provided an excellent platform for RezLive.com to engage with numerous travel agents and esteemed hotel partners, fostering fruitful connections and showcasing the latest offerings. SATTE proved to be an exceptional opportunity for RezLive.com to strengthen relationships with travel agents and partners, as well as to introduce them to the company’s innovative solutions and enhanced benefits. The event witnessed a significant turnout of agents, providing an ideal setting for meaningful interactions and networking. One of the highlights of RezLive.com’s presence at SATTE was the engaging Happy Hours sessions on Day 1 & Day 2, where agents were treated to a delightful experience with refreshing beer served to them. This provided a relaxed atmosphere for conversations and furthered the bonds between RezLive.com and its valued partners. The entire Indian sales team from RezLive.com was present at the event, ensuring that agents received personalized attention and were updated on the latest offerings, including the exclusive RezVault Top Up Bonus. This bonus offering underscores RezLive.com’s commitment to providing added value to its partners and facilitating their success in the travel industry. In addition to its successful presence at SATTE, RezLive.com also highlighted its innovative product, Affiliate. Travel, which is revolutionizing the travel industry landscape. Powered by the vision of RezLive.com, a leading global B2B travel wholesaler, Affiliate. Travel is reshaping how travel partners and businesses collaborate. This groundbreaking platform offers a new paradigm in affiliate marketing for the travel sector, providing affiliates with the opportunity to have a dedicated sub-affiliate portal. This portal can be …

A comprehensive Vision plan for 2024 has been released by FHRAI (Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India) which includes the creation of the Center of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality and the return of the FHRAI Annual Convention from 16-18 October in Goa. The move aims to elevate industry standards, and cultivate excellence.

Rajeev Menon, President Asia Pacific, Marriott International said, “By signing 28 deals and adding over 4,600 rooms to its portfolio in 2023, Marriott International is all set for this year with its target to expand its footprints in South Asia by opening 14 hotels in countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to accentuate strong growth within the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

In its travel forecast, PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) has estimated that India will witness 1.7 million US visitors by the end of 2026, which is 111.9% more than the 2019 level, under the medium scenario. The latest PATA forecast sheds light on the swift recovery of international arrivals.

Manisha Saxena, Director General of Tourism, Government of India said, “To bridge the gap between overseas and domestic promotions in the field of tourism, the overall budget for tourism has been increased”. It is only the distribution between domestic and international that has changed, she added.