Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Travel is back on the Indian consumer radar with over 84 per cent of people surveyed indicating an increased intent to travel in the next six months as against 45 per cent of respondents in pre-pandemic times, a survey by Thomas Cook (India) said SOTC Travel.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism has said, “Varanasi, infrastructure development has resulted in a 10X increase in footfalls compared to pre-Covid levels, according to statistics shared by UP government. Jammu & Kashmir has seen the highest ever footfall in 75 years of independence.”

Sharing his views on the immediate repercussions of Go First bankruptcy, Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, says, “Aviation is a business fraught with uncertainties. With capacity being pulled out after the Go First airline development, airfares will increase further, especially since we are in the peak holiday season.”

Opened this week, TRENZ, the most significant international business-to-business travel trade event for New Zealand’s tourism sector welcomed a strong Indian delegate for the event.  Over three days of appointments, activities and networking functions, New Zealand tourism industry leaders and representatives gathered to showcase their products and services to high-quality international and New Zealand Buyers and influential international and New Zealand travel trade. More than 1500 international travel delegates and the country’s leading tourism operators will experience Ōtautahi during TRENZ, a trade event designed to build relationships, broker business opportunities and explore new tourism experiences from the country’s visitation sector. In 2019, prior to COVID, the tourism industry was valued at over $39 billion to the New Zealand economy, with $1 billion spent in the Christchurch economy while still in recovery post-earthquake.

Encouraging the travel trade to sell more sustainable tours to their clients, Misha Gambetta, Director India, Switzerland Tourism, says, “Visitors looking for sustainable offers are often lost in the vast landscape of labels. The travel trade can guide them towards booking sustainable experiences in Switzerland by informing them about the ‘Swisstainable’ emblem that they can find on hotels, restaurants and other establishments that provide tourism services. They can also continue encouraging travellers to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and explore the country via public transport over private cars to reduce pollution.”

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce its alliance with Singapore Airlines Group’s global rewards program KrisFlyer, the most favoured frequent flyer program, designed to reward everyone who loves to travel with the airline and its partners. The alliance is aimed to bring a large network of Sarovar hotels into the fold of Singapore KrisFlyer’s exclusive benefits. As a part of the alliance, the KrisFlyer members will be able to avail of 20 % markdown on accommodation and food & beverage outlets across Sarovar group’s wide network of hotels in India. The KrisFlyer members can avail the benefits through a simple process of booking a hotel through the Singapore Airlines website or through the KrisFlyer application. A mid-market leader with an indomitable presence across leisure and business destinations, Sarovar group offers a collection of brands & hotels from budget to premium categories. Present in destinations that include cosmopolitan cities, exotic beach destinations, eminent pilgrimage cities and unsung destinations qualified  the group to become the preferred choice for partnership that aims to extend travellers a wide choice of cities and hallmark services of the Sarovar brand. Speaking on the partnership, Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to extend the hospitality of Sarovar group to patrons of Singapore Airlines. It is a mutually rewarding association to deliver a high level of services to a large audience of travellers who enjoy superior quality travels & stays and unwilling to compromise on seamless experience. We hope our wide network of hotels across most visited to unexplored destinations will allow travellers added choice and assurance that there is always a Sarovar branded hotel that celebrates India and Indian hospitality like none …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Vivanta branded hotel in New Gurugram, Haryana. The Brownfield project will be a part of a mixed-use development. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “With the signing of this hotel, IHCL steps into New Gurugram a satellite town with seamless connectivity to New Delhi and other important commercial hubs. It is situated in close proximity to large industrial areas and is witnessing major infrastructural development. We are delighted to partner with KPDK Buildtech.” The 160-keys hotel is situated in Sector 95A, New Gurugram, a comfortable drive from Delhi International Airport. In addition to the rooms, the hotel will have Mynt, Vivanta’s signature all day diner, a bar and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. There will be over 650 square metres of meeting space featuring a large ballroom and meeting rooms. Mahender Kumar Gupta, Chairman, KPDK Buildtech Pvt Ltd said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company for this hotel. Vivanta, the stylishly spirited brand is the right fit for New Gurugram which is growing rapidly.” With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 16 hotels across Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions and Ginger brands across National Capital Region including four under development.

ITC Hotels continue to expand and strengthen its presence across India with the signing of three more properties under brand Storii in Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on Brand Storii’s expansion in India, Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said, “We are happy to announce the addition of three new properties under Storii by ITC Hotels at some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. The new properties at Goa, Manali, and Prayagraj highlight our focus on growth and expansion in the boutique hotel space. Storii by ITC Hotels is fast becoming a preferred brand in the experiential segment, welcoming travelers seeking local experiences. Every property under this brand tells its own unique Storii.” Soon to open, Storii Moira Riviera, is located in Moira, a pretty village in North Goa known for its beautiful rivulet views, winding lanes and serene sunsets. This 15 keys boutique property follows the Mediterranean style design & architecture. Most rooms offer a plunge pool, fascinating scenic sights and various recreational facilities including the K by Kayakalp spa. Adding to their strength in Himachal Pradesh, ITC Hotels has signed the 23 keys Urvashi’s Retreat, Manali for brand Storii. Enhancing the boutique experience, every aspect of the property will be further personalized to offer a unique blend of local rusticity and splendor. With around one thousand square feet-large playroom, Urvashi’s Retreat is popular with kids. Located in the heart of the city, Storii Prayagraj is rooted in heritage and just 10 km away from the popular pilgrim spot – Triveni Sangam. Built in traditional architecture with sprawling lawns, the property will be extensively refurbished to accommodate a new wing even as the current heritage …

Air India has launched a non-stop flights between Delhi and Amsterdam. It will operate from June 11, 2023 with a two-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This is Air India’s eighth continental European city to be served. The addition of Amsterdam brings the total number of non-stop flights between India and Europe to 77 per week. Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India, said, “With the launch of this new non-stop flight to Amsterdam, Air India adds further breadth to our long-haul network and more options for our customers. Together with the three other European routes started in recent months, and others to come, it supports our objective of establishing Delhi as a significant international hub.”

Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for developing Rural tourism in the country in partnership with the States and Industry, tweets Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, MOT. “The Strategy aims to empower local communities, conserve cultural heritage, and promote environmental protection,” he says in the tweet