Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Vistara inaugurates its non-stop, 5x weekly flights between Mumbai and London . The inaugural flight, operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, departed from Mumbai at 14:35 Hours (IST) and is scheduled to arrive at London Heathrow Airport at 19:55 Hours (BST). It is known for its distinctive features such as comfortable three-class seating, modern interiors, wireless connectivity on-board, cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system with live TV at 35,000 feet and wellness lighting solution to name a few. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are excited to launch direct connectivity between Mumbai and London – a historically significant route for trade, business and leisure alike. While Mumbai is the financial capital of India, London holds critical importance in the global financial world while also being a popular destination for travel and tourism from India”. “The new route, at convenient departure and arrival timings, is in line with our continued efforts towards offering more flexibility and ease to our customers when planning their travel with India’s best airline. We believe that our world-class product complemented with our globally awarded service make for just the right combination for an exceptional flying experience”, he added With this Vistara celebrated the launch of the new international route with a ceremonious lamp lighting ceremony at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Customers will be offered themed delicacies on the inaugural flight including regional favourites – pav bhaji and keema pav, and London’s speciality beer – Brewdog Punk IPA, on the return flight.

SKIL Travel, a visionary force in end-to-end hospitality solutions, to unveil its grand foray into the realm of International MICE.  This strategic expansion empowers SKIL to venture into the global market, offering clients unrivaled expertise and access to extraordinary events across the world. Two stupendous corporate events in captivating destinations like Istanbul and Kathmandu arranged by SKIL. In a remarkable feat,  250-guest extravaganza for Godrej Properties from April 19 – 23, and stellar event for Inflow Technologies, hosting 250 attendees in Kathmandu from May 14 – 17 2023 was flawlessly executed by SKIL. The launch of International MICE division promises to provide end-to-end hospitality solutions to customize event services to its prospective clientele across the world. Striving to increase brand recognition, SKIL Travel is working seamlessly in securing high-profile international projects and is well on track to be the preferred provider of extraordinary event experiences. Ramanpreet  Singh, Vice President – Growth & Strategy, SKIL Travel, commented on this development,“SKIL envisions becoming a trailblazer in the International MICE segment, aiming to secure a sizeable market share within two years. With our unparalleled expertise, innovative solutions, and exceptional service, we are determined to set new benchmarks for excellence”. With a wide-ranging network of esteemed hotel and transportation partners, SKIL effortlessly manages over fifty thousand room nights and facilitates one lakh car transactions annually.    

Rosakue Hospitality has opened Rosa Vaydantaa Mussoorie, a boutique property located in the popular hill station of Mussoorie adjoining the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. The property offers 15 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, modern amenities, breathtaking views of the mountains, the warmth of home and is furnished in a contemporary design with cozy interiors. Deepika Arora, Founder, Rosakue Hospitality was delighted to announce their arrival in the Mussoorie, “With the launch of our new property, Rosa Vaydantaa. The addition of this property strengthens our presence in the hills and offers a glimpse into the aesthetics and values of our brand Rosa”. “This is our fourth property and third Rosa in the state of Uttarakhand” she added. Rosa Vaydantaa Mussoorie is the perfect place for a holiday with families, friends or an extended workcation amidst nature. At Rosa Vaydantaa, one can choose to relax and enjoy the serenity, or take a stroll through winding lanes and soak in stunning views surrounding hills and valleys. Picture Palace, a popular place for hangout with family and kids, is in close proximity from Rosa Vaydantaa. A day spent there will leave you with some energizing memories to take home.

Akasa Air announced a special ‘Monsoon Bonanza’ sale across its network, offering travelers an opportunity to book their upcoming travel at reasonable fares. The airline is offering a 10 per cent discount on “Saver” and “Flexi” fares upon booking one-way or return flights to 16 destinations across India. Customers can avail discounts through www.akasaair.com, Android & IOS app and through travel agents and several Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Customers have a chance to check off their travel wish lists at affordable prices from serene landscapes of Bagdogra, to exotic beaches of Goa, to a historic tour of Lucknow. Bookings are open for a period of one week from 0001 hours of 30 May 2023 to 2359 hours of 5 June for travel from 1 July 2023 onwards using the code ‘Monsoon’ to avail the offer. Akasa Air has reveals’ multiple best-in-class products and services to ensure an inclusive, warm, comfortable, and efficient flying experience. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft seats provide ample legroom and come with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices. Café Akasa, the in-flight catering service offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and unique options to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies.  The airline allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or carry them in cargo based on their size. Furthermore, in an endeavour to make travel inclusive, Akasa Air also recently introduced its safety instruction card in Braille for persons with visual impairment. Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing network since its launch in August 2022, has carried over 2 million revenue passengers and crossed the milestone of operating over …

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, has superannuated and has moved on from Ministry of Tourism. He took up the role in February 2021. V Vidyavathi, who joined as Officer on Special Duty will be taking charge as Secretary today. She was DG, ASI before this.

The All-India Association of Authorized Money Changers & Money Transfer Agents has demanded the inclusion of foreign currency cash, wire transfers through banks, pre-paid forex cards and other international payments into the TCS exemption ambit offered to overseas transactions using debit and credit cards under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).

A report by Economist Impact exploring the recovery of tourism in Asia-Pacific region finds that more than half of all travellers plan to spend either the same or more on their next holiday compared to what they would have spent pre-pandemic. About 64.1% of Indian respondents say they would travel more locally as would a majority of millennials (60.3%) and parents with young children.

Amritsar in Punjab has been selected for a holistic mission to develop a sustainable and responsible destination under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Another city in Punjab, Kapurthala, has also been chosen for the same.

Speaking at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, TAT, said that India is now at number five in terms of international source market for Thailand with 583,319 arrivals from Jan to May 2023.

Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) has resigned from the NIMA due to personal reason.  “I am submitting my resignation as a Director from NIMA with immediate effect due to some other pre-occupation,” he said.