Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Shraddha Joshi Sharma, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), said, “MTDC has resorts in various locations of Maharashtra which showcases the strength of the state. This is being promoted with the help of local stakeholders like tour operators and travel agents from across India. MTDC will also be launching a convention centre in Nashik soon to be called Grape Park Resort Convention centre.” 

Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI said, “The more people can move freely, the better it is for the industry. I wish the Indian government would take a leaf out of their books and look at creating a visa on arrival for as many nationalities as possible. Even waiving it for some, if we want to attract inbound tourists. Inbound tourism to India has been slow in recovery; we are nowhere near our pre-COVID levels.” 

Post-COVID, the Average Room Rate (ARRs) have skyrocketed even for budget properties across the country. Pratima Badhwar, Head of Commercial – India & South, Asia, Accor said, “India was the most under sold market. With the kind of products that we have, the service we deliver, one cannot get hotels in $80-100 anywhere. I think a good takeaway of COVID is that we are getting the rates corrected for the country.” 

Pradeep Shetty, President, Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI & Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “At present, Lakshadweep operates only one or two flights weekly with limited seat capacity using ATRs. There’s an urgent need to augment flight frequency and upgrade airport facilities, including larger runways for accommodating bigger aircraft. Simultaneously, augmenting room inventory is crucial.” 

DGCA has issued revised flight duty time rules, under which weekly rest periods have been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours for flight crew. As per new guidelines, night duty will now cover the period from midnight to 6 am in the morning as compared to five am earlier.

On 14 January, 2024, Chandni Travels will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The celebration will include a grand get-together with esteemed partners. They will unveil four new products – Chandni Online Travel, Chandni Technologies, Chandni DMC, and Chandni Foundation.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has launched India’s first regenerative tourism model in the state. He said, “Goa has a rich cultural heritage including some temples known as South Kashi, and 11 spiritual sites in the coastal state would be promoted under the Ekadasha Teertha scheme.”

To attract more tourists, Andaman and Nicobar administration has taken initiatives, including granting access to uninhabited islands, allowing beaches to stay open till late night, development of a 5-star property at Megapode in Port Blair under PPP, and reaching out to more airlines.

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts declare the opening of  Tulip Inn in the pilgrimage city of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The hotel is the second Tulip Inn branded hotel in India following a successfully operational hotel in Koramangala, Bengaluru and the latest addition to Sarovar’s existing pilgrimage portfolio of 09 hotels across leading pilgrimage destinations including Haridwar, Katra, Bodhgaya, Tirupati, Amritsar, Pavagadh, Badrinath, Ayodhya and Vrindavan. The opening is aligned to Sarovar’s strategy of expanding its footprint and driving growth across popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations. Located near Airport Chouraha, Katra Balrampur – Bahraich Highway, the hotel is 18 km from Balrampur railway station and can be accessed via the nearest airport Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. Nestled in Tarai region, the hotel features 71 rooms and suites that epitomize modern-day comfort, Tulipe Inn – an all-day dining restaurant, an expansive banquet hall with an attached lawn, swimming pool and fitness center. Mr. Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director Louvre Hotels India said, “We are excited to enter into a partnership with Orison Hotel & Resort and express our deep gratitude to Dr. Anil Kedia and Dr. SK Verma for reposing trust in us with their flagship hotel. We stand committed to preserving and celebrating the cultural ethos of the region while offering a contemporary and world-class hospitality experience.” Dr. Anil Kedia said, “With Tulip Inn opening we intend to fill the gap for quality accommodation in one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations. We look forward to welcoming pilgrims from diverse backgrounds looking for comfortable and relaxed stays while discovering the scenic beauty of the Shravasti and seeking spiritual growth and …

Intrepid Marketing & Communications acquires the mandate to represent Amora Hotels & Resorts and Nora Beach Club Phuket. This strategic alliance is poised to enhance the presence of these luxurious hospitality brands in the dynamic and burgeoning Indian market. After successfully establishing itself, the Amora Group is now championing independent hotel groups by increasing hotel investments in Thailand and Australia. The Amora Beach Resort Phuket, which first opened in 1999, is focusing on the significant potential of the Indian market, especially in the luxury segment, considering the statistics of Indian visitors to Phuket. Amora Hotels & Resorts is well-known for its luxury offerings. Additionally, the property caters exceptionally well to the MICE, events, and wedding requirements of the Indian market. As the exclusive representative, Intrepid Marketing & Communications will be responsible for shaping and executing comprehensive sales, marketing, and PR strategies tailored to the unique preferences and expectations of the Indian audience. Nora Beach Club is the newest addition to Phuket’s world-class beach club scene. Being the only one of its kind, Nora Beach Club stands out as the ultimate beach club destination in Phuket, offering exceptional food, drinks, and entertainment for beach enthusiasts, sunset chasers, and culinary explorers. Narej Farik, Group Director of Commercial and Business Development, Amora Hotels & Resorts, comments, “India holds immense potential as a key market for Amora Hotels & Resorts, in particular Amora Phuket and Nora Beach Club. Amora’s focus is on a personalized guest experience and, as a family-owned and operated group, draws inspiration from the hospitality that is the hallmark of Asian family values. These core values I believe will resonate with our Indian guests, irrespective of whether they are business travellers …