Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

M/S Saryu Ratna Hotel & Resort, a hotel development company based out of Lucknow, today declare the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for a new hotel development at Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – India under the midscale lifestyle & trendy Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand. Ayodhya is a city situated on the banks of holy river Saryu, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is the headquarter of Ayodhya District. Ayodhya is an ancient city of India, is the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and setting of the great epic Ramayana. Owing to the belief as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram, Ayodhya (Awadhpuri) has been regarded as first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. With the scheduled opening of new Ram Mandir (temple) in January 2024, it is expected that the number of pilgrims visiting Ayodhya will multiply many folds in the coming years. Located on the main Ayodhya Faizabad Highway, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Ayodhya Takpura will be just 4 km from the Ram Mandir and will enjoy great visibility and accessibility. Expected to open in 2026, the hotel will have a modern design and feature 62 contemporary rooms and a host of amenities, including a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, health club, spa, a roof top swimming pool, as well as larger banquet hall, meeting rooms and a business center. Mr. Mukesh Jaiswal, Partner, Saryu Ratna Hotel & Resort Said, “Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchise company in the world, and we are extremely happy to partner with them to introduce Ramada Encore by Wyndham in holy city of Ayodhya. We will add …

Yatri Vihara Hospitality Private Limited, a company manufacturing a diverse range of products and services in Jharkhand and Bihar, today announced the signing of Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi, Bihar under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Located within the precincts of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bodh Gaya, 2.5 km from Mahabodhi Temple. Bodh Gaya Bus Station is 2.2 km from the hotel, while Thai Monastery is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport, which is 4 km from the hotel. The hotel is spread over 3.5 Acres and offers 95 guest rooms with upscale amenities including a double height lobby lounge, all-day dining, and specialty restaurants, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness area. The hotel will also offer multiple meeting and event spaces including banquets and a business centre. Mr. Amit Roy, Director, Yatri Vihar Hospitality Private Limited said, “We are delighted to expand our offering through this exciting high-quality midscale project in Bodh Gaya under the internationally recognized Ramada by Wyndham brand.” Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Said, “Bodh Gaya is an important destination in India, and we are excited to sign our first hotel in the state of Bihar under our iconic Ramada by Wyndham brand with Yatri Vihar Hospitality. This signing is a welcome addition to Wyndham’s expanding portfolio and supports our goal of making hotel travel possible for all by allowing us a stable entry to the state.” The Wyndham Ramada More than 120 employment will be available in Bodh Gaya when Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi, Bihar opens its doors in October 2025.

Gwalior (Music) and Kozhikode (Literature) were amongst the only cities from India which were included in this illustrious Bhopal. UNESCO has included Gwalior as the city of Music under the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). 55 cities from all over the globe joined the UCCN. Gwalior was acknowledged for its strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of UNESCO’s development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning. The project was led by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in cooperation with the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists and other stakeholders. The Network now includes 350 cities in over one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music. Since 2019, continuous efforts have been made including multiple stakeholder consultations and a dedicated feasibility study of the city to map the potential for UCCN membership followed by the drafting of the application. Gwalior serves as an exemplary example of living cultural heritage and it  houses one of the biggest annual music festivals of India; The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh to celebrate the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board  quoted ‘Inclusion of Gwalior by UNESCO under the creative cities network is definitely a big shot in the arm which goes a long way to tell the whole world about the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior being the city of Tansen, Baiju Bawra, the birthplace of Dhrupad Music form and Gwalior Gharana, which are world known for musical practices and traditions which are …

At its Global Summit in Kigali, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350BN. The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing. Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy. “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade. “Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.” According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.” “Having established our …

The 2023 Global Travel Trends Report by ForwardKeys says that more diverse travel patterns emerged among travellers in 2023. The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Greece still maintain high positions, but the mix is more varied overall, with the Middle East and Africa (MEA) particularly well-represented among top performers.

Recognising the tourism sector as a pillar of economic and social development, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has launched an education toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schools across the world. The toolkit includes modules not only for Ministries of Education but also for parents, school directors, and teachers.

Releasing the Caravan Tourism policy in Goa, State Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte said, “Caravan tourism is another step towards diversifying tourism by inviting tourists to our hinterlands. It is in tune with our initiatives to offer the rustic experience of Goa to that niche segment which seeks solitude as well as thrills beyond the beaches. Goa Tourism aims at bridging the gap between urban and rural tourism while achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the tourism sector.”

Accor has launched its 24th Novotel property in India, with Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, located close to the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre. The 226-rooms hotel and exhibition centre is spread over 42 acres. It has 13 breakout meeting rooms, a VIP Lounge, 2 Green Rooms and a ballroom with 740 retractable auditorium-style seats, and 70,000 sq. ft. lawn.

The Tourism India Alliance (TIA) held its member induction and industry outreach program in Jaipur on 31st October 2023 wherein prominent tourism stakeholders from the city deliberated and discussed the way forward for the betterment of the industry. All participants welcomed TIA’s initiative and assured full cooperation for its future activities in the region and also allover the country.

Despite visa challenges, Europe continues to lead preferences of Indian travellers, and this is reiterated in Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data – with over 55% of its customers indicating keen interest to travel to Europe for Summer 2024. Hence, aimed at catalysing demand and accelerating bookings, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched their European Holidays 2024, exclusive group-escorted tours – with multiple departures from key metros and customised holidays, commencing March 2024. This first mover initiative by Thomas Cook and SOTC will benefit early bookers by enabling them apply well in advance for their visas.