Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The MTF Team is getting ready for an exciting day of picnic at a surprise location near Mumbai as a warm-up towards the main match day. Close to 200 trade members have registered for this that includes cocktails and lunch on Sunday, December 17. This will be followed by the main match day on Sunday, 14th January.

VFS Global, which has been a trusted partner for the UK Government since 2003, has won the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services. This award is the latest in a long line of wins for the world’s leading visa, passport and citizen services provider. During 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions. These centres will accept all categories of visa applications as well as UK passport applications in some locations. Combined, these new centres are estimated to process 3.8 million applicants every year. Beyond the scale of the deployment, VFS Global will invest to improve the customer journey and increase accessibility – including through new customer websites, and through updated in-person experiences. And VFS Global will deploy its latest technologies to maintain robust identity checks and ensure the integrity of the visa and passport application process. The new contract is expected to deliver savings to the UK Government. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, said, “We are delighted to win this contract and expand our partnership with the Home Office to become their service provider for all UK visa customers overseas. We are excited to begin operations in new locations, and to take the next step towards providing customers with a seamless, simple and secure visa and passport application experience. This win is a testament to our dedicated efforts to provide all our client governments with best-in-class services.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced strengthened profitability projections for airlines in 2023, which will then largely stabilize in 2024. Airline industry net profits are expected to reach US$25.7 billion in 2024 (2.7% net profit margin). That will be a slight improvement over 2023 which is expected to show a US$23.3 billion net profit (2.6% net profit margin). 

María Valcarce, Managing Director, FITUR said, “India is a destination that offers a variety of options, and its cultural and heritage richness is immense, as is the beauty of its natural landscapes. It is a dream destination for every traveller and the presentation of the tourism proposals of the different regions of India at FITUR arouses much interest among both professionals and the public visiting the fair at the weekend.” 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that 40 per cent revenue and 8 per cent of employment of the tourism sector comes from the MICE industry. “It shows that there is huge scope and we all need to focus on developing this sector. Gujarat has developed several MICE destinations over the years. Gujarat has hosted several national and international-level events, including the G20. This makes Gujarat the most suitable place for MICE. Now, we are focusing on developing conference tourism”, he said. 

Agoda has revealed the top travel locations of the year for Indian travellers. Domestically, New Delhi and NCR was the most booked and for Indians travelling abroad, Thailand’s capital Bangkok leapfrogged Dubai to claim the top spot. Additionally, Agoda rankings also revealed that in terms of foreign travel preferences, Indians tend to favour short-haul destinations around the region. Bangkok, Dubai, Bali, Singapore and Pattaya have emerged as the top five outbound destinations.   

Oman Air has revealed its newest range of luxury on-board amenity kits in collaboration with high fragrance House, Amouage. Featuring a bespoke selection of fragrance and skincare products, the finely crafted kits draw inspiration  from Oman’s nature and heritage, reflected in their soothing sand and cocoa tones. Available for guests in premium cabins, exceptional attention  has been given to the materials, ensuring their enduring appeal for in-flight use and beyond. With exclusive designs for men and women, the First Class kits feature iconic Amouage fragrances, Epic Man and Epic Woman, with a luxurious assortment of hand  &  body  lotion,  facial moisturiser and lip balm, as well as socks, eye mask, hand cleansing gel, mouthwash and 3M earplugs. The kit for Business Class passengers is a functional unisex folio design containing Amouage fragrance, Meander,   facial moisturiser and lip balm, in addition  to socks, eye mask, hand cleansing gel, mouthwash and 3M earplugs. Designed with sustainability as a key consideration, the stylish pouches are ideal for reuse and repurpose beyond the flight. In addition, all unnecessary packaging has been removed to ensure minimal waste. With a focus on unique products and high-quality service, Oman Air has garnered a global reputation  for exceptional in-flight  hospitality, marked by a string of awards, including most recently the 2024 Five-Star Major Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

There’s something magical about destination weddings, especially when they involve an island resort and white sandy beaches in the heart of the Indian Ocean a shade of blue yet to be formalised! The Amari Raaya Maldives, part of the brand ‘Amari’ which is the centre-piece of ONYX Hospitality Group’s portfolio of brands established under one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates – the Italthai Group, provide all this and much more to make your wedding dreams come true! The Amari Raaya Maldives is hidden gem on a secluded, pristine island in the heart of the Indian Ocean that provide a unique experience for its guests. The five-star property provide 187 contemporary Beach and Ocean Villas, each with a private pool, and a myriad of indoor of outdoor spaces that can be magically transformed into beautiful venues for different wedding functions. The property reflects the warmth and energy of an evolving modern Asia offering unique textures and flavors that showcase architecture, design, art, cuisine and service with a touch of contemporary Thai-ness. Be it an intimate beach wedding, a full-on celebration at a modern Maldives resort, watch tower matrimonies with sweeping views, a traditional or contemporary ceremony, the wedding planners and the on-island caterers of the Amari Raaya Maldives are well-equipped to make all dreams come true for the couple. From room management to transport, concept, food, music and flowers, everything is taken care of allowing the couple and their families to fully immerse themselves in enjoying the fairytale wedding celebrations. Either before or after the wedding ceremonies, the couple and their families can embark on a traditional Dhoni boat adventure or head out to the Village – the island’s town centre to …

The new Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 implements new MICE VAT Exemption Scheme that replaces the MICE VAT Refund Scheme from October 1, 2023; to be eligible to apply under the scheme, the business meeting, conference, or wedding organized by planners in Mauritius should be attended by 50 or more visitors from abroad; and visitors must stay for a minimum three nights in a hotel in Mauritius. Mauritius has now become an even more attractive destination for event planners from India to host their business meetings, conferences or weddings! From October 1 onwards this year, Mauritius has exempted event planners from across the world from paying 15% VAT on their hotel room charges through their stay in the country for any of these events. The Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 has introduced the MICE VAT Exemption Scheme, which replaces the MICE VAT Refund Scheme. Under the new scheme, an event organiser may apply with the Economic Development Board for exemption of VAT in respect of accommodation costs incurred during an event held in Mauritius subject to these terms and conditions: the event (business meeting, conference, or wedding) should be attended by 50 or more visitors from abroad. visitors stay for a minimum of 3 nights in a hotel in Mauritius. Mr. Arvind Bundhun Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority’s said, “With the implementation of this scheme, we hope Mauritius becomes the preferred destination for event planners across India to celebrate both their professional and personal milestones against the stunning Mauritian backdrop.” Event organisers are required to register the specific event at least four weeks before the date of the event. Post registration, they should submit the application for VAT exemption to the …

Some things about Christmas are the same everywhere: Enjoying the first snow, experiencing nature on winter walks, or writing a Christmas Wishlist. Indian visitors can explore candid Christmas markets all over Germany. A way to bring winter sports and nature in harmony together in Germany. Germany is committed to promoting sustainability by creating eco-friendly environments throughout its various celebratory activities. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India is excited about the highly anticipated Christmas markets in Germany to Indian travellers this winter. With a focus on sustainability and unique experiences, Germany provide a perfect destination for Indians seeking a memorable holiday season. Christmas markets are an integral part of German culture during the festive season. They provide a magical atmosphere, where visitors can explore beautifully decorated stalls, indulge in traditional food and beverages, and purchase unique handcrafted gifts in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt, among others. This year Germany is quickening its journey towards sustainability and aims to implement sustainable practices as well as to promote locally sourced, organic goods. Visitors can also venture beyond the festive villages to experience a winter wonderland committed to eco-friendly enjoyment, featuring serene snow walks, spirited torchlight hikes, and the warmth of shared Christmas traditions. Romit Theophilus, Director, of the German National Tourist Office in India, highlighted the significance of Christmas markets in Germany and encouraged Indian travellers to visit during the winter season and beyond. He said, “Germany’s Christmas markets are a true representation of German tradition and culture. The festive atmosphere, the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread, and the beautifully lit streets create an unforgettable experience. We invite Indian travellers to explore these markets and immerse themselves in …