Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

’How India Travels’ report by Booking.com claims that projections show travel expenditure among Indians to go up from $150 bn in 2019 to $410 bn by 2030. The report also mentions that Indian travellers to complete aggregate of 5 bn trips annually.

Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy CM, Bihar mentioned, “In 2019, total number of tourists in Bihar was 3.5 crores but with continuous efforts to boost tourism, we have reached 5.75 cr till Sept.” This shows great scope in Bihar so we are launching tourism policy very soon, he added.

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait leading low cost carrier, recently introduced sustainable food service ware on all flights across its network of 64 destinations. By changing from plastic cutlery to 100% biodegradable spoons, forks, knives and napkins, Jazeera reduces 300 kilograms of plastic on its flights each month. The cutlery manufactured by Dubai based Palmade is made from natural materials including leaves of the date palm trees. All of these materials are certified biodegradable and compostable. Earlier in the year,  As part of its sustainable practices, Jazeera has also switched from plastic stirrers to wooden stirrers. The airline is the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East to replace plastic in-flight food service ware with eco-friendly options. Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said “As a low cost carrier, we have to be cost conscious in our business, but we are also mindful of our ethical, social and environmental accountability. In the last few years, we have taken small steps towards sustainability and continue to stay focused on reducing or offsetting our carbon emissions. Changing to biodegradable service ware is another small initiative that we are hoping will contribute to a larger impact. Our ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.” In 2021, Jazeera Airways placed an order for 28 new A320neo and A321neo aircraft, an investment in the excess of US$3.4 billion. The A320neo aircraft offer an 18% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and cut NOx emissions and noise pollution by 50% each. For customers, Jazeera runs CHOOOSE™, a carbon offset program providing them with the option to reduce their flight’s environmental footprint by choosing to contribute to climate projects. The airline has also invested in …

The recent event to launch the Barcelo Maldives product, organized by ONE Above Global, marked an extraordinary success! With the presence of over 70 esteemed trade partners, One Above hosted an evening to commemorate its enduring collaborations with valued travel partners. During this event, we unveiled Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives as its newest addition to the lineup of hotel partners in the Maldives. Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, located in the South Ari atoll, is an exclusive 5-star resort offering tranquility and comfort in a chic beach setting. With turquoise waters, white sand, and coral gardens, it’s ideal for romantic getaways and family adventures. The resort boasts 100 well-equipped villas, including 63 Beach Villas, 30 Water Villas, and 7 Beach Suites with plunge pools, ensuring privacy and tranquility. Enjoy a variety of water sports and the chance to spot whale sharks and manta rays. Rahim Aslam, Co-Founder of One Above DMC, expressed his deep appreciation, stating, “We hold our partnerships with each of you in high regard. Our dedicated team strives tirelessly to deliver top-notch services to your clients. With every new partnership, we grow closer, evolving into a closely-knit family. Here’s to a future filled with more celebrations, achievements, and milestones as we continue our journey this year.

Booking.com has released its first ‘How India Travels’ report which provides insights into the evolving nature of Indian travellers. The report reveals an intriguing trait of Indian travellers – with an average window of just 29 days, they showcase remarkable spontaneity in their trip planning followed by Japan (57 days) and USA (63 days). It adds that food is now a priority and there is a surge in demand for alternative accommodation options. The 2020s: A Decade Owned by Indian Travellers, Ready to Explore Again Pre COVID-19, Indian travellers spent a total of USD 150 billion on travel marking India as the sixth largest global spender. With a strong economy, a growing middle class and travel-loving youth driving more tourism revenue in India than ever before, it is anticipated that by 2030, total expenditure made by Indian travellers will soar to an impressive USD 410 billion making India the fourth largest global spender and registering the quickest COVID recovery globally across key regions. Due to prolonged travel restrictions, especially in China, Japan and South-East Asia, tourism in Asia remained muted through 2022. India led the way on tourism expenditure recovery in 2022 by reaching 78% of 2019 levels, vis-à-vis 52% for Asia. The number of aggregate trips is expected to increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to a staggering 5 billion in 2030.

Addressing the audience virtually at the ongoing Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, PM Modi said, “We have taken many initiatives to develop maritime tourism in India. We started the world’s longest river cruise service. We are also working on various projects related to cruise tourism across ports like Mumbai’s new international cruise terminal, as well as the new and modern cruise terminals in Vizag and Chennai. We are taking major steps towards making India a major cruise hub.”

Goa Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte has revealed that a new homestay and caravan policy will be launched within a month. The move will position Goa as a year-round destination that can be explored beyond its beaches and nightlife. He also shared that the vision of ‘Goa Tourism 2.0’ emphasises on ‘quality over quantity’ and responsible and sustainable practices that respect nature and are in consonance with local culture.

The Vitskamats Group is all set to be at 30-plus hotels by the year-end, expanding its footprint across India with the opening of VITS Hotels & Resorts. The group will also set up Kamats Hospitality Academy of Skill in Maharashtra. Founder and Chairman, Vikram Kamat, said the primary reason for entering this market is to offer expertise that the sector needs and ensure students get placed well.

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group, which commenced operations to Hyderabad on 29 October 2003, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its services to the city this year. To mark this occasion, SIA is pleased to announce that starting 29 October 2023 and subject to regulatory approvals, it will increase its Hyderabad-Singapore services from seven-times weekly to 12-times weekly, as it takes over Scoot’s daily services between the cities. The new five-times weekly morning services will offer more connectivity options for passengers travelling from Hyderabad to and beyond Singapore. This service will be operated by SIA’s Boeing 737-8s, which are fitted with 154 seats – 10 in Business Class and 144 in Economy Class. The daily night services will be operated by SIA’s Airbus A350s, which are fitted with 303 seats – 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy. As a result, Hyderabad will be entirely served by SIA’s full-service product. Sy Yen Chen, General Manager India for Singapore Airlines, said, “As we celebrate 20 years of serving the Hyderabad market, we are delighted to announce an increase in our weekly operations to the city. The strategic restructuring of our Hyderabad network is a testament to our commitment to continuously evolve and meet the changing needs of our valued customers. This milestone reaffirms our dedication to the local market, and we are excited to provide even greater connectivity and exceptional full-service travel experiences as we forge ahead into the future.” The increase in A350 operations on the Hyderabad-Singapore route also opens up a wider range of opportunities for SIA Cargo. The aircraft’s wider body will allow for uplift of large cargo consignments that need to be loaded on skids. Additionally, the …

In recent years, Turkey has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity among Indian couples seeking the perfect destination wedding. This burgeoning trend underscores Turkey’s unique appeal, where in tradition harmoniously meets modernity. Turkey, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, and delightful climate, has emerged as the perfect choice for Indian families looking for an exquisite wedding experience with its historical and ostentatious palaces, unique mansions, and luxury hotels and venues. The country’s abundance of bespoke bridal designers, luxury fashion boutiques, and artisan jewelers, cement the country’s status as the preferred destination for weddings. From bustling İstanbul streets to serene coastal havens along the Turquoise Aegean, Turkey provide a captivating backdrop for couples to craft their dream weddings. Destination management companies and event planners embrace diverse traditions, ensuring one’s vision becomes a splendid reality. With top-notch professionals excelling in offering delectable local Turkish and international cuisines, a wedding in Turkey promises to surpass expectations and leave an indelible mark on your guests’ hearts. Above all, it provide venues and catering facilities that can meet all kinds of demands, with a hospitable and tolerant approach that can adapt to every belief, tradition, and ritual. Here are some of Turkey’s most well-liked wedding and honeymoon locations. İstanbul: İstanbul, the sprawling cultural capital of Turkey, stands as a captivating bridge between East and West and is celebrated as a prime destination for weddings. Dotted with historic landmarks and waterfront Ottoman-era palaces, İstanbul presents a rich tapestry of exquisite venues, culinary delights, and entertainment options, providing couples with the perfect ingredients for an authentic wedding experience. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Istanbul caters to diverse tastes and …