Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

At the OTM 2024 at Mumbai, Asia’s premier travel trade show, Goa Tourism stood out by showcasing the state’s pioneering role as the first to launch Regenerative Tourism in the country. At OTM over 35,000 industry professionals and buyers l connected with more than 1600 exhibitors from 60 countries and 30 Indian States & Union Territories. Over three days, from February 8th to 10th, OTM is showcased a sold-out event, emphasizing a commitment to fostering quality networking and connection. The exhibition spans two separate floors of over 250,000 sq. ft, including 35 country pavilions. Goa Tourism’s pavillion at the OTM 2024 at Mumbai highlighted the states diverse initiatives that focuses on promoting responsible tourism practices. The set up depicted Goa’s dedication towards sustainable development through the approach marked under Regenerative Tourism principles. Ekadasha Teertha Yatra, the new Homestay Policy, Caravan Policy, initiatives aimed at promoting heritage preservation, celebrating vibrant festivals, immersing visitors in the rich local culture, offering thrilling adventure opportunities, and providing world-class MICE  facilities in Goa were some of the highlights showcased at the pavillion. In addition to highlighting existing initiatives, Goa Tourism highlighted the launch of new tourism services designed to cater to diverse traveler interests, all aimed at providing visitors with unique and memorable experiences while promoting sustainable practices. GTDC hotels and the services are also promoted during the exhibition. “Our participation in OTM 2024 was an exceptional opportunity to showcase not only our commitment to regenerative tourism but also the exciting new initiatives and services we have to offer,” stated Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa. “Through innovative approaches like the Ekadasha Teertha Campaign and the introduction of new tourism …

BWH Hotels, in collaboration with TMV Projects Pvt. Ltd., is delighted to announce the signing of their newest boutique lifestyle hotel, AIDEN BY BEST WESTERN @ THE MALL AMRITSAR, underscoring their commitment towards providing unique and memorable experiences to travelers across the country. This avant-garde property, assures an immersive blend of local charm and modern style, making it a standout addition to city of Amritsar. Adding to an existing portfolio of 3 distinctive brands in Amritsar, this latest signing will further strengthen Best Western Hotels presence in upscale Segment within the Region. This collaboration marks the Third of its kind in India following the openings of “Aiden by Best Western Goa” and “Aiden by Best Western Bengaluru.” The hotel will boast of 51 trendy guest rooms, cutting-edge banqueting and meeting facilities suitable for both business and social events, recreational facilities, and F&B venues, including a stylish all-day dining restaurant & bar and a vibrant rooftop bar and grill offering a panoramic city view – the hotel embodies the stylish essence of the Aiden by Best Western brand. Mr. Atul Jain, COO, BWH Hotels – India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh said, “We are excited to introduce AIDEN BY BEST WESTERN @ THE MALL to Amritsar with a promise to provide our guests an exceptional hospitality experience in the heart of the city. Stay tuned for much anticipated grand opening in 2025.

The award was presented by Diya Kumari Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Govt of Rajasthan. This award recognizes Goa’s leading role in promoting Regenerative Tourism which focuses on responsible and sustainable practices. Goa’s ‘Ekadasha Teertha’ initiative brings together spirituality, local culture, nationalism and conscious tourism. Goa’s efforts in preserving heritage, organizing vibrant festivals, offering adventure activities, and having world-class facilities for meetings and events were highlighted. This shows Goa’s commitment to sustainability. This award firmly establishes Goa as a leader in Regenerative Tourism. It marks an important achievement for Goa’s tourism industry.

Taiwan Tourism Administration declare the opening of Taiwan Tourism Information Centre in Mumbai, India, declaring with it, it’s determined comeback into the Indian market after more than three-years of Covid-19 pandemic induced break from the market. The Information Center is located at the famous Raheja Platinum on the prominent Andheri-Kurla Road, a landmark business hub. TTIC Mumbai will act as a one-stop shop for every possible information related to travel, tourism and hospitality in the picturesque island country. The inauguration announcement of the Tourism Information Centre was attended by who’s who of travel trade attracting close to 85 leading Indian tour operators based out of Mumbai. Furthermore, Taiwan also announced it’s strong intent to develop the Indian market with a grand destination splash at the ongoing OTM travel trade show in Mumbai. Besides, reconnecting and establishing tourism trade ties with Indian buyers, the tourism board is also hosting destination Seminar and networking events to disseminate information and educate and equip prominent Indian trade buyers. OTM is hailed as India’s largest B2B business-oriented travel exhibition. Both the events are attended by a high-level tourism delegation from Taiwan led by Dr. Trust Lin Deputy Director General of Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwanese Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Other prominent members of the delegation in attendance at the event included Homar Chang, Director General, Taipei Economic Cultural Centre, Mumbai; Joseph Chang, Director, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Singapore office; Shiang Tsao, Director, Taiwan Visitors Association. Along with several prominent Taiwanese tourism stakeholders like Paul Hsieh from Edison Travels Service, Emily Chiu From Apple Travel Services and Paul Yeh from Shin Chun Travels and Noel Saxena, CEO and Co-founder, Blink Brand Solutions. Hailing the opening of TTIC …

Minister of State, MoCA, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) said, “Before Covid-19 pandemic, India was one of the fastest growing aviation market in the world. During the six-year period i.e. 2014-15 to 2019-20, Indian airports witnessed robust double-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.4% in terms of total passenger traffic. Post-Covid, Indian aviation industry is again on the growth trajectory and the total passenger traffic has recovered to the tune of 96% during 2022-23, as compared to pre-covid.”

FITUR 2024 wraps up its 44th edition with exceeded expectations, demonstrating its global influence. The official report of FITUR 2024 reveals the record-breaking participation of 9,000 companies with 152 countries, 806 main exhibitors, 9 pavilions, and 10 monographic sections for tourist segments, representing a 13.7% increase compared to 2023.

Arshdeep Anand, Director, Holiday Moods Adventures said, “Development of new destinations in India will attract more travellers but what is being forgotten is that India ranks very high on the natural heritage index. Cutting down the budget will affect among foreign travellers.”

A parliamentary panel has observed that out of the total 45 sanctioned projects under the PRASHAD scheme only 20 have been completed, noting that its progress is very slow. The committee has suggested MOT to evolve its mechanism to collect data on the arrival of foreign and domestic tourists.

VFS Global has entered an agreement with the Ministry of Commerce, Saudi Arabia, to provide visa application services through a centre operated within the premises of the Ministry of Commerce headquarters in Riyadh. The agreement was signed in the presence of Eng. Mohammed A. Al. Alwaily, Deputy Minister for Shared Services, Ministry of Commerce. Through this partnership, VFS Global will cater to about 8000 employees and delegates, as well as personnel of subsidiary government institutions under the Ministry. In keeping with its commitment to making people’s cross border mobility simple and convenient through highly secure, reliable, efficient, and innovative technology solutions, applicants can also opt for the Visa At Your Doorstep* service to have trained professionals visit a location of choice to complete the visa application process. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global said, “It is an honour to have entered this strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce. We are pleased to offer this dedicated Visa Application Centre service to the employees and associates of the Ministry, to further enhance their visa application experience in a seamless, convenient and secure manner. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to this great nation.”

Türkiye, one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, continued its successful growth and welcomed 56.7 million international visitors in 2023, with a 10% increase year-on-year. As declare by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country’s tourism income rose 17% year-on-year to $54.3 billion, and the average expenditure per night for overnight visitors reached $99. The number of international visitors and the tourism income are declare as the country’s record-breaking figures. Record-breaking tourism demand Türkiye, among Europe’s most preferred destinations for culture, art, gastronomy, cycling, and religious tourism, in addition to sea, sand, and sun holidays, experienced a record-breaking year in 2023. The country is set to build upon its success, aiming to attract 60 million tourists and generate $60 billion in tourism income by 2024. Prioritising market diversity within its tourism strategies, Türkiye will continue its activities in current strategic markets while focusing on new target markets in 2024. The First Country to Sign the Sustainability Protocol Behind Türkiye’s tourism success lies a strategic and forward-thinking policy committed to creating an inviting environment for visitors. The country transformed the tourism sector into a more resilient and inclusive structure with responsible and sustainable policies. Türkiye became the first country in the world to reach an agreement with the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” at a government level in 2022 and to implement it as a sectoral requirement. The Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program, resulting from a signed cooperation agreement with the GSTC, rewards the actual practitioners of sustainable tourism and builds trust and credibility among visitors. With this program, Türkiye ensures diverse, sustainable experiences, including eco-friendly accommodations, cycling, and trekking, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection between the country’s heritage …