Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Skyscanner report revealed, around 75% Indians said that they are willing to increase their travel budget to experience live cricket matches. With the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup, there is already a 46% spike in searches from within India to Ahmedabad, one of the host cities, for October this year.

In 2022, India experienced a significant number of Schengen visa application rejections, with 121,188 applicants denied, resulting in an 18% rejection rate and an estimated loss of approximately Rs 87 crore due to the rejected applications as per Schengen Statistics.

ATOAI Seminar & Adventure Tourism Roadshow scheduled to take place on 13th July in Mumbai. This eagerly awaited event promises to be great chance for adventure enthusiasts, travel professionals, and industry stakeholders from India, to come together, exchange knowledge, and develop connections within the adventure tourism sector. Offering an ideal platform for participants to share best practices, learn from industry experts, and explore different world of adventure travel altogether. With intend of enhancing skills in selling products, attendees will have the chance to attend interactive sessions dedicated for best practices and effective sales techniques. These sessions will provide valuable insights in marketing and selling experiences, enabling participants to reach new heights in their business ventures. Certified First Aid, CPR & Wilderness Responder & Responsible Adventure Travel course is a two-day program of 16 hours. It is certified course aimed at providing participants with the necessary skills to respond to emergency situations in the wilderness. 30 participants were certified. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, expressing his excitement, said, “We are excited to bring together adventure travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and stakeholders at the ATOAI Seminar & Adventure Tourism Roadshow. This event aims to promote best practices, provide valuable insights, and facilitate networking opportunities within the adventure tourism community”. “We look forward to creating a platform that encourages the growth of adventure tourism in India and showcases the incredible adventures our country has to offer,” he furthermore added. Key Highlights Chance to meet authentic sellers of adventure products. With range of exhibitors showcasing their offerings, attendees will gain first-hand knowledge of the thrilling adventure tourism experiences available in India. Adventure Sports Cover 360 is ATOAI Adventure Insurance and Rescue Partner for these regional …

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon New Delhi NCR is pleased to announce  a Sri Lankan Food Festival – Ceylon Chronicles which is inspired by the various colourful hues of Sri Lanka’s famous cuisines. Starting  July 14, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon New Delhi NCR will host the Sri Lankan Food Festival – Ceylon Chronicles, that is inspired by the various colourful hues of Sri Lanka’s famous cuisines. The food festival will commence at Asia Alive-South East Asian Cuisine Restaurant and will have guest chefs from Hilton Colombo – Chef Nuwan Jayathilake & Chef Kanishka Amarasinghe mesmerize food enthusiasts through tantalizing aromas and diverse flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine which is renowned for its vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and unique culinary techniques. Food enthusiasts can sample this culinary celebration over curated set meals for lunch between 12:30pm-3:00pm or savour the rich flavours over dinner while indulging in an exhaustive buffet spread between 7:00pm – 11:30pm. At Ceylon Chronicles, you will have the opportunity to savour an array of delectable dishes that represent the culinary tapestry of the island. Each dish carefully prepared blending a myriad of spices, herbs, and ingredients with the intent of celebrating the diversity of Sri Lankan culinary treasures. From the fiery heat of chili to the gentle warmth of cinnamon, from the aromatic notes of curry leaves to the richness of coconut – Prepare to be enchanted as Chef Nuwan and Chef Kansihka will skillfully bring forth an exquisite mix of flavors, taking your taste buds on a remarkable adventure. Popular Sri Lankan seafood specialties such as ‘Chili Crab’ and ‘Ambul Thiyal’ or the iconic ‘Lamprais’ – a delicious  dish of rice, meat and sambal wrapped in a banana leaf and …

The new exclusive resort lounge in the TMA terminal offers guests a spacious and stress-free entry into an unforgettable Maldives vacation Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, has elevated its arrival experience by opening an exclusive seaplane lounge at the Trans Maldivian Airways terminal at Velana International Airport in Malé. Designed to deliver unmatched comfort and tranquility to guests as they anticipate their connecting flight to the island, the expansive, air-conditioned lounge is tastefully furnished with luxurious seating spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant, modern décor embodying Maldivian serenity. In line with Dusit Thani Maldives’ dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences, the seaplane lounge provide exclusive refreshments, gourmet snacks, and a variety of beverages, plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, electronic device charging stations, and a dedicated children’s play area to ensure a relaxed atmosphere for families and couples alike. Dusit Thani Maldives’ partnership with TMA, the globe’s largest seaplane operator, ensures guests can enjoy prompt and smooth transfers the moment they touch down in the Maldives. Airport professionals attached to the resort are there to help with luggage and guide visitors through the transfer process so they can concentrate on enjoying the journey. Mr. Reinhold Johann, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives  said, “Our complimentary Dusit Thani Maldives seaplane lounge has been meticulously crafted to provide an extraordinary experience right from the moment our guests step foot in the Maldives.” “Aligned with our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service, we hope to curate an unforgettable journey for each guest, leaving them with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.” The seaplane lounge is the most recent improvement to Dusit Thani Maldives’ ongoing efforts to improve the …

Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust, has announced that the second edition of the Incredible India International Cruise Conference will be held in November 2023 in Mumbai. The first edition was held in May 2022. The two-day conference showcased business opportunities in the country’s cruise sector. A dedicated task force was also formulated on cruise tourism jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Shipping.

The Malaysian government has now outsourced visa processing to some companies in Malaysia in a bit to privatise visa processing. Sharing details is Sanjeev Gosain, CEO, Yorker Holidays, said, “Borneo Brothers is one them and they have appointed us as their partner in India to process visas. Yorker Holidays will be starting with tourist visas and other categories will be added later.”

The TAFI Western India Chapter has announced its new team that has been elected unopposed. Jay Kantawala is the new Chairman, Arun Iyer is the new Secretary, Dharmesh Shah is the new Treasurer and Satbir Singh Narula is the Committee Member. The new team’s term will start post the association AGM to be held this evening.

Roostels India, in collaboration with Viacom18 Consumer Products, opens one of its kind experiential holiday staycation in India. Roadies Rostel in Ahmedabad in collaboration with Leisure ARC is the first franchisee under the ‘Roadies Rostel brand’. The company plans to expand its footprint in at least 15 more locations across the country. Guests can participate in various sports and leisure activities. The Ahmedabad resort also has 17 Roadies-themed rooms. The launch event in Ahmedabad was attended by Sonu Sood, who is a popular Indian actor, film producer, humanitarian, and philanthropist, along with Roadies – Karm ya Kaand Insiders Abhimanyu Raghav and Shreya Kalra, Ex-Roadies – Nandini and Colors Gujarati artists – Arman Kotak aka Akash Pandya from Rashi Rikshawwali and Swara Soni aka Vaishaki Shah from Moti Baa Ni Nani Vahu. Commenting on the launch, Amit Shah, Managing Director Leisure ARC, said, “We are delighted to be a franchise partner of Roadies Rostel. Our property has been specially designed to cater to the needs of adventure enthusiasts, and guests can expect comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, delicious local cuisine, and a vibrant community of like-minded travellers and explorers. Roadies Rostel Leisure ARC offers a unique experience and will be a popular weekend destination for people of Ahmedabad and attract backpackers from across the country.” Sachin Puntambekar, Business Head, Consumer Products, Viacom18, said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Roadies Rostel, in Ahmedabad. This is a significant first step in the journey of Roadies Rostel and we look forward to redefining the boundaries of hospitality and bringing the spirit of Roadies to the realm of travel and backpacking.” Roadies Rostel is one of its kind experiential holiday brand in the …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of its first hotel in Kolhapur, Maharashtra under the Ginger brand. The hotel is a Greenfield project. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, stated, ” IHCL with its diverse portfolio of brands has witnessed a rapid expansion in Tier 1 and 2 cities. Well known for its tourism potential and an established commercial hub, Kolhapur is one of the leading cities in the state of Maharashtra. We are delighted to partner with Jeswani Group for this Ginger hotel.” The 100-key hotel is strategically located in the city centre at a short driving distance from both the Kolhapur airport as well as important commercial districts.  The hotel will feature Qmin, the signature all -day-diner offering a wide range of delectable culinary options. Additionally, there will be a well-equipped fitness center and meeting rooms. “We are excited to be associated with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company. This will be the first Ginger hotel in the city of Kolhapur.” said, Ramchand Jeswani, Managing Director, Jeswani Group. of Companies. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Maharashtra, including 11 under development.