Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, Oman, invites travel partners to an exclusive webinar on 28 May at 3 pm (IST) to discover its incredible destinations. From ancient forts to breathtaking wadis, gain insights about their tourism offerings for your clients and win exciting prizes. For more information or to register, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 96501 96532.

Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), was invited as a distinguished guest to inaugurate Sancharaka Udawa 2025, Sri Lanka’s largest tourism exhibition, which was kicked off on 24 May in Colombo. The two-day event, jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, aims to bring together key industry stakeholders and promote cross-border collaboration. Under the patronage of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President, Sri Lanka, the exhibition features over 250 trade stalls and participation from sectors including hospitality, tour operations, aviation, service providers, and educational institutions. During her visit, Mayal held a one-on-one meeting with President Dissanayake, where she revisited the successful TAAI convention hosted in Sri Lanka in 2023 and reiterated her ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. “I took this opportunity to discuss strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka through skilling initiatives and collaborative tourism development,” said Mayal. The President was very receptive to the ideas and appreciated our skilling initiatives and passion for tourism, she added. Her participation highlighted the growing emphasis on skill development and regional cooperation to drive tourism growth in South Asia.

Mach Conferences & Events Ltd., India’s leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) company, is proud to announce its appointment as a Distributor for Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier luxury cruise line. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Mach Conferences’ expansion, simultaneously enhancing its B2C portfolio and driving B2B growth in the luxury travel and event management sectors. The Indian Cruise Industry: A Catalyst For Growth India’s cruise tourism industry is undergoing a transformation, supported by strategic government initiatives, infrastructure investments, and rising demand for premium travel experiences. Currently valued at US$229.96 million (2025), the sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.53%, reaching US$319.05 million by 2029. India’s geographical advantages, including a 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of inland waterways, position the country as a future global cruise hub. Key highlights of the sector’s growth include: Passenger Projections: From 950,000 passengers by 2030 to 5 million by 2047. Infrastructure Advancements: The state-of-the-art ₹556 crore Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), capable of accommodating 10,000 passengers daily. Policy Reforms: Simplified e-visa facilities, reduced port charges, and priority berthing for cruise ships. Mach Conferences & Cordelia Cruised: A Strategic Synergy Cordelia Cruises, celebrated for its luxury offerings and world-class hospitality, aligns seamlessly with Mach Conferences’ mission to deliver exceptional experiences. This partnership allows Mach Conferences to expand its B2C portfolio by offering exclusive access to Cordelia’s itineraries, catering to discerning travellers and luxury seekers. Additionally, the collaboration is poised to strengthen B2B growth, enabling the company to create bespoke cruise-based solutions for corporate events, incentive travel, and group tours. Mr. Amit Bhatia, Chairman & Managing Director of Mach Conferences & Events Ltd said, “This partnership with Cordelia Cruises is …

CG Hospitality Global, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global and majority stakeholder in Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), proudly announced a landmark collaboration with Marriott International for the Global Launch of Series by Marriott™— A new midscale and upscale collection brand. This historic move is anchored by the affiliation of The Fern portfolio, one of India’s most respected eco-sensitive hotel chains. Founded in 1996 CHPL has grown into one of India’s most respected hotel management companies. This partnership marks a major milestone for India’s hospitality sector. The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat will be integrated into Marriott’s global ecosystem. With over 120 operating hotels under various brands, in 90 cities and 40 additional properties in the pipeline at CHPL, the deal is expected to add up to 84 Fern branded hotels and approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott’s India portfolio—making it one of the most significant multi-unit transactions in the country’s hospitality landscape. The agreement includes a strategic equity investment by Marriott in CHPL and an exclusive long-term co-branding relationship for The Fern brands in India. Fern hotels will now benefit from Marriott’s global distribution platforms, digital systems, and the Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program with 237 Million members, while retaining their independent spirit and regional identity. This collaboration reflects CG Hospitality’s long-standing belief in the strength of regionally rooted brands with global potential. CG Hospitality has nurtured Fern into a leading name in eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality. The partnership now takes that vision global, amplifying the reach and capabilities of The Fern across global markets. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings, said: “This strategic collaboration represents more than just a portfolio …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel company Abercrombie and Kent, as its Chair-Elect. Lefebvre, who will take over the position in September, during the global tourism body’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, Italy, has been a Member of WTTC for more than 20 years. He will follow current Chairman, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), who has been in the position since November 2023. One of the most recognised names in Travel & Tourism, Lefebvre brings with him over four decades of experience in the cruise and leisure industries. A visionary entrepreneur who transformed Silversea Cruises into a global leader, today, he leads diversified investments through Heritage Group, active across biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, information technology, and premium spirits. Greg O’Hara, who continues as WTTC Chair until the Global Summit in September said: “I am delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre as Chair-Elect. His experience and dedication to a Sector he loves marks him out as a great future chairman. “Serving WTTC and our Members has been a privilege, and I am delighted to be handing the baton to Manfredi, a renowned force in the global Travel & Tourism sector.” Manfredi Lefebvre said: “As the longest-serving member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, I am filled with elation to be appointed to this esteemed position.” Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Greg for his immense and continuing contribution to WTTC, his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership during his tenure. “I am delighted to welcome Manfredi as our new …

This eliminates a legal remedy in the visa application procedure that is not statutorily prescribed and which up to now has been granted voluntarily. This decision is based on a pilot project conducted in several German visa sections, where suspension of remonstrations for both Schengen visas and national visas was tested from 1 June 2023. Evaluation of the pilot project has shown that Dispensing with the remonstration procedure has released considerable staff capacity in visa sections in some cases, freeing up staff to process more visa applications. As a result, it has been possible to process both more national and more Schengen visa applications and to reduce waiting times compared to the same period in the previous year. The processing of a greater number of visa applications and a reduction in waiting times benefits all applicants. Adequate legal protection will also be guaranteed in the future, for judicial review under law will not be limited by the abolition of the remonstration procedure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that all applicants have the option of submitting a new visa application at any time in the case of a rejection. With the general option to apply for national visas for skilled workers, apprentices, students or for family reunification purposes online via the Consular Services Portal available worldwide since 1 January 2025, applicants also receive clear and intuitive step-by-step guidance through the application process to ensure that they submit complete (digital) applications. Experience from the online application pilot project has shown that this significantly improves the quality of the procedure and avoids delays caused by incomplete applications.

Hyatt Hotel Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for that the Hyatt House brand to debut in the National Capital Region of India as part of a landmark mixed-use development, the Flagship. Located in Noida, the signing of this 127-key, extended stay hotel, owned by IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, a subsidiary of CRC Group, will be strategically located within the 11.16-acre site. As Noida and Greater Noida continue to emerge as thriving economic hubs, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A is poised to meet the rising demand for premium accommodations driven by the rapid expansion of key industries. With a dynamic influx of corporate activity from major conglomerates in IT/ITeS, electronics manufacturing, automobile, and food processing sectors, the hotel will be strategically positioned to cater to business travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities. By offering an elevated hospitality experience tailored to the needs of professionals, this hotel is set to become a preferred choice for corporate stays in this fast-growing region. A New Benchmark in Extended Stay Hospitality Designed for both transient and extended-stay guests, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will offer contemporary, residential-style accommodations to meet the growing demand from project-based stays, international business visitors, and corporate relocations. The hotel will serve professionals and business travelers whether they need accommodations for a single night or several months. Elevated Amenities and Thoughtful Dining Experiences Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will feature thoughtfully designed spaces, including: A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a stretching area, and an outdoor pool. A recreational zone with indoor activities, gaming consoles, billiard tables, and board games. A vibrant food and beverage offering, including a 125-seat, all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and …

India is poised to become a major player in ocean and river cruise tourism, said Mahesh Iyer, MD and CEO, Thomas Cook India. He highlighted that cruise holidays have emerged as a highly viable travel option by eliminating the complexities of multiple visas, offering seamless travel between destinations and an all-inclusive experience with accommodation, dining, entertainment and sightseeing in one package.  

Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group, said, “In the next two years, India is taking centre stage in the global travel marketplace as one of the most sought-after source markets in the world.” STIC Travel Group stands on a strong legacy of innovation in the travel industry. “Going forward, we continue to expand our partnerships with emerging tourism brands while maintaining and growing our trusted relationships with our diverse client portfolio,” she added. 

Elena Orland, Tourism Counsellor, Embassy of Spain and Director, Spain Tourism Board, said, “I believe the era of one-week trips to Europe has come to an end”. Emphasising Spain’s incredible diversity, she urged Indian travellers to explore beyond Madrid and Barcelona. “To truly experience Spain, one must go deeper—our heritage, like flamenco, reflects a richness similar to India’s own cultural variety.”