Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

MOT participated at FITUR in Spain with 40 + Indian co-exhibitors with a vision to promote India globally. India has recorded the arrival of 64,756 foreign tourists from Spain in 2023, which signifies that Spain is one of the important source markets for India.

The Lalit has become the first hotel chain globally to have all its hotels accredited by International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGTLA) program. This milestone reflects the group’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. DEI practices have been at the heart and helm of all endeavours at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. The group is one of the first hotel chains in India to have initiated conversations and curated safe spaces for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities across their hotels, restaurants and nightclub. The Lalit is often considered as a leader for the Corporate India as far as DEI initiatives go. There are more than 200 openly LGBTQIA+ team members in The Lalit’s workforce. The group has not only met, but exceeded the IGTLA framework of eight key criteria, namely diversity, equity, inclusivity, policy, community, advocacy, transparency, and sensitivity. Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Hotels stated, “Securing IGLTA accreditation goes beyond recognition; it underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a travel industry that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the freedom to explore without judgment. We’re dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, providing dignified livelihoods, and creating an environment where everyone is genuinely embraced for their authentic selves. This achievement not only fills us with pride as the first global hotel chain to attain it but also positions India as an inclusive nation, ready to elevate LGBTQIA+ tourism experiences.”  

Trevolution reported a growth in demand for trans-Pacific flights highlighting 22 per cent increase in India’s inbound tourism compared to pre-pandemic time. Another key highlight was a 179 per cent increase in outbound travel from India boosting job opportunities in the industry.

UNWTO adopts UN Tourism as its new name signifying three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement. The rebrand also includes a revamp of the entire visual system.

South India has become the major contributor to the business of Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Bengaluru-Karnataka has emerged as the company’s top source market for the leisure segment. Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Business Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “We have launched a dedicated range of products to cater to the unique preferences of customers from this market and catalyze growth. We expect to see an uptick of 30% from Karnataka in 2024.”  

VFS Global announces its achievement of securing a rating of 4.01 on a scale of 5 for 2023 on Glassdoor, a leading platform for employee feedback and company reviews. This significant achievement reflects VFS Global’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of its people management and human capital development. With an employee value proposition of developing a ‘fellowship of winners’, VFS Global is deeply committed to best-in-class HR practices and to developing every team member to her/his full potential.  The company has continuously invested in training and development and in building an organisation where people come first, and in creating meaningful work opportunities and building successful careers, in a diverse and inclusive workplace. The six parameters on which Glassdoor assesses companies is based on Excelling in Culture & Values, Work/Life Balance, Senior Management, Compensation & Benefits, Career Opportunities, and Diversity & Inclusion. VFS Global has elevated its standing on all of them. VFS Global has set a benchmark in creating an exemplary work culture that resonates with employee satisfaction and empowerment. This recognition not only celebrates the company’s achievements but also solidifies its reputation as an employer of choice in the global marketplace. This rating is even more satisfying as this reaffirms the company’s employee centric policies and its sharp focus on nurturing the potential of its employees as it has always focussed on Learning and Development programmes which is highly appreciated by its workforce. Over the years, the company has also won recognition by winning the Golden Peacock National Training Award four times since 2017 in recognition for its exemplary learning and development practices. The last it won was in 2023. According to Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer, VFS Global, …

When Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer meets Indian Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra in Zurich, the world sits up and takes notice. After all, not often do you see two dedicated, charming, and passionate sportspersons who’ve done their respective countries proud, occupy the same space! Switzerland Tourism, however, has set the ball rolling by uniting these two great icons who belong to different worlds of sport — Tennis and Javelin Throw — at Zurich’s La Réserve Eden au Lac for a casual and free-flowing conversation. The rendezvous was marked by mutual respect, admiration, and shared stories of triumph and dedication between the two stars. Federer, known for his longevity and prowess on and off the tennis court, warmly welcomed Neeraj who is also Switzerland Tourism’s Friendship Ambassador, to his home country. Neeraj Chopra said, “It’s a dream come true for me to meet Roger Federer here in Zurich. I have always admired his skill, his spirit of true sportsmanship and his ability to inspire millions around the world. Today, however, what inspired me the most was his humility and his easy-going charm that made me feel so comfortable in his presence. We had a wonderful time exchanging notes about our respective passions and life’s experiences on and off the field.” Roger Federer was equally excited meeting Neeraj and shared, “I am amazed by how much Neeraj has achieved personally and for his country through his grit and determination. It’s been great to meet him here in Zurich.” Other than sharing a great love for sports, they also share a common love for Switzerland! Roger Federer is the global ambassador for Switzerland Tourism and Neeraj Chopra is the board’s Friendship Ambassador …

Ivory Destinations Pvt. Ltd. further plans to expand its footprint by opening 2 new leisure properties in the mountain state of Uttarakhand.  The properties with be located in Mukteshwar & Ranikhet and are expected to be operational by 2024 & 2025 respectively. While both will provide a different flavor of the holiday experience, both will be family holiday retreats, like its flagship property The Golden Tusk. The Company also recently concluded expansion in its flagship property The Golden Tusk in Jim Corbett National Park taking its inventory to 64 Suites & Villas. The Golden Tusk, a property spread in over 10 acres of land is located at a short 5-minute drive from the Jhirna & Dhela safari zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The exquisitely landscaped resort is home to exotic flora from across the globe and over 100 species of Birds. With this immersive backdrop of nature, the Resort offers a complete offering guaranteeing a memorable holiday experience to the travelers – wildlife itineraries, excursions, daily in-house activities, play zones, 2 swimming pools, a spa, bar, unique dining venues & banqueting facilities are some such experiences that guests can indulge in. The Resort also adheres to Responsible tourism practices and constantly strives to work closely with local communities and authorities, creating opportunities for the local economy, and implementing systems to optimize its operational footprint. Mr. Anirudh Lakhotia, Director, of Ivory Destination shares, “We feel immensely happy & excited about our plans to open two properties in Uttrakhand which should be the next milestone in our growth story. Our forte is to deliver a unique & memorable holiday experience to leisure travelers and both the new properties will only be a …

Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director, South, West & Central, Ministry of Tourism, GOI, said, “This year the National Tourism Day celebrations will be held across the country, the flagship event being the Bharat Parv, which is being held in Delhi. Besides that, the MOT has also been stressing on promoting lesser-known destinations. If you look at UDAN scheme, which has opened a new destination with flight connections etc., we see importance in pushing such lesser-known destinations. This will also take away the pressure from the mainstream destinations and these are places, which are interesting. We are looking forward to promote lesser known destinations through various events as well.”

M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, said, “The selected theme for National Tourism Day is both imaginative and practical as it revolves around sustainability and sustainable journeys. This implies the need to develop destinations that prioritize sustainability while simultaneously creating timeless memories—an essence that encapsulates the experience of India. Importantly, the message of sustainable and responsible tourism should resonate with the public. I hope that Tourism Day will emphasize creating awareness among people regarding this theme.”