Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte led a crucial meeting with airlines, OTAs and stakeholders to finalise state’s monsoon tourism roadmap. “We’ve spent weeks aligning with partners to craft a robust plan, especially for the monsoon season,” he said. The strategy includes a 20-week campaign showcasing Goa’s culture beyond beaches, aiming to boost authentic promotion and tourism growth in 2025. 

1) Could you introduce us to your two properties and elaborate on their unique selling propositions? Additionally, how do you position each within your brand’s overall target market? Ivory Destination proudly offers two distinctive holiday resorts nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand: The Golden Tusk, located near the Jim Corbett National Park, and The Chamomile Estate, perched in the scenic hills of Guniyalekh near Mukteshwar. The Golden Tusk, our flagship family resort, has been welcoming guests for over 13 years. Set amidst serene wilderness near Corbett, it has earned a reputation as a perfect family holiday retreat with a host of thoughtfully curated, kid-friendly activities and immersive nature-based experiences. Its spacious layout, lush greenery, and warm hospitality make it ideal not just for family vacations but also for MICE groups and social celebrations. Our guests often commend our attentive, hands-on approach that makes each visit special. The Chamomile Estate, our latest boutique family resort, offers an intimate escape in the tranquil Kumaon hills. Designed for those seeking a luxurious yet relaxed holiday, this estate is perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers alike. With a wide range of activities for all age groups, easy accessibility, and postcard-perfect surroundings, it’s already become a favourite among travellers in just a few months of opening. What ties both properties together is our signature warmth, personalized service, and a deep focus on creating memorable experiences for every guest. 2) Ivory Destination has witnessed remarkable growth in a short span. Are there plans to expand into new states? If so, which destinations are currently on your radar? Yes, the journey so far has been exciting, and we’re grateful for the warm reception from our guests. …

Les Roches, ranked No. 2 worldwide in Hospitality & Leisure Management, builds on its legacy of Swiss hospitality education with a new Master’s program recognized by the Swiss Federal Government and accredited by NECHE. The hospitality and tourism industry continues to expand rapidly, with 1 million new jobs expected in the coming years (Economic Times, 2024). According to an analysis by Sommet Education—incorporating research from McKinsey and other aggregated data—the industry will require an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 new managers globally by 2030. Students can choose from three dynamic campuses as the program will launch in Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches campus in September 2025, followed by Crans-Montana and Marbella in March 2026—each delivering a Swiss-rooted educational model while offering distinct regional perspectives and immersive experiences in luxury hospitality and tourism. India, 15th May 2025: Les Roches, a world-renowned institution in hospitality education and ranked No. 2 globally for Hospitality & Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings 2025, proudly unveils its new Master of Science in International Hospitality Management to meet the global demand for highly qualified hospitality leaders. The program will be introduced across its international campuses in a phased rollout: September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and March 2026 in Crans-Montana and Marbella offering students the chance to experience some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and luxury tourism hubs. This new one-year full-time or 18-month part-time degree is designed for university graduates and career changers seeking leadership, operational, and strategic expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Combining the heritage of Swiss hospitality, experiential learning, and a global perspective, the program bridges the gap between academic rigor and industry demands, preparing students to …

Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort, sets a new standard of destination dining on Sentosa island. Nestled within 100,000 square metres of lush tropical gardens, the resort is home to five distinctive dining venues, each helmed by chefs with Michelin credentials and elevated by the legendary Raffles service. “We’ve crafted every dining moment to be an experience of discovery and delight,” said Bjoern Alexander, Cluster Director of Culinary at Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. “Our aim is to blend the Raffles legacy with contemporary dining excellence, offering guests not only exceptional cuisine but also a personal connection to every meal.” Whether dining al fresco, enjoying afternoon tea, or savouring a private meal in their villa, guests are invited to experience the art of celebration through exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable setting. A Culinary Journey Rooted in Craft and Connection At the heart of Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s culinary offering is Empire Grill, the resort’s signature modern Italian restaurant led by Chef Bjoern. Inspired by the spirit of conviviality and the rustic warmth of Tuscan cuisine, Empire Grill reimagines classic dishes with a refined, contemporary touch, complemented by a fine selection of premium wines. Overlooking the resort’s tranquil pool and tropical gardens, the restaurant evokes a sense of laid-back elegance, blending nostalgic elements with modern culinary artistry. Here, wood-fired meats and seafood are grilled to perfection, while select dishes are theatrically finished tableside—offering guests an intimate, interactive dining experience. “Empire Grill is about more than just flavour—it’s about connection,” said Chef Bjoern. “We bring a sense of theatre back to the table, with dishes prepared or finished right before our guests’ eyes. It’s …

Dusit Thani Maldives and the soon to open dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives co-hosted a successful networking event at The Claridges, New Delhi, in collaboration with Island Hopper/ TBO. The exclusive evening welcomed over 80 key travel partners and media representatives, bringing together stakeholders from the luxury leisure, MICE, and group travel sectors. The event served as a platform to unveil the newest addition to Dusit’s Maldives portfolio, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives while also highlighting refreshed experiences at Dusit Thani Maldives. Representing Dusit Maldives at the event were: · Yogeswaran Veerasamy, General Manager – dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives · Rifaa Ath Saeed, Cluster Director of Sales & Distribution – Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives · Rakesh Bhandari, Director of Global Sales – India Yogeswaran presented dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, a vibrant lifestyle resort scheduled to open mid 2025. Strategically located just 7 minutes from Malé International Airport by speedboat, the resort has already garnered strong interest in the Indian market, particularly for its Limitless All-Inclusive concept, which includes a wide range of dining, extensive beverages, and resort credit of $20 per person, per day. He also highlighted the resort’s positioning as a preferred destination for MICE, Events and weddings, with one of the largest convention halls in the Maldives, accommodating up to 250 guests. Rifaa Ath Saeed shared updates on Dusit Thani Maldives, emphasizing recent enhancements made to the villas as part of the resort’s ongoing refinement program. These updates include refreshed interiors, elevated guest amenities, and curated upgrades to elevate the guest experience while preserving the resort’s tranquil Thai-Maldivian charm. The event was attended by over 100 representatives from Island Hopper/TBO’s top travel partners and media outlets. It centered on the official …

Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is a Swiss institution offering bachelor’s, master’s and executive degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London, UK. Glion ranks number six among the world’s top higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject. It also holds number three globally in employer reputation, highlighting its strong industry recognition and ability to meet employer expectations. Part of the Sommet Education network, a world leader in education and training in the hotel, luxury and culinary arts. Glion is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). For more information, visit https://www.glion.edu/ Program Duration: Glion’s Executive Master of Advanced Studies in Hospitality and Business Leadership is a 12-month program with a flexible part-time format. The first intake will commence on November 24, 2025. Key Features of the Program: Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace, balancing work and life commitments. Four Leadership-Focused Study Modules: In-depth learning on key leadership topics. Residential Week in Switzerland: Immersive experience in a stunning location. A unique opportunity to network and build connections during the week. Business Research Project with a Partner Company: Practical application of knowledge, solving real-world business challenges. Expert Faculty & Visiting Lecturers: Learning from renowned experts at Glion. Professional Development Coaching: Individual and group coaching for growth. Eligibility: Minimum Age: 25 years old at the start of the program Education: University degree in any discipline English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall, TOEFL Internet-based 80, or other equivalent certifications Deadline- As and when 35 seats are filled. Fees: The tuition fees for the program range from …

STAAH has partnered with the Muthoot group’s premier hospitality brand, Xandari Hotels & Resorts to streamline its operations and revenue from properties in India. Renowned for its unique blend of luxury hospitality and sustainable tourism, Xandari operates premium properties in India, including the acclaimed Xandari Pearl Beach Resort in Kerala, which was recently nominated for the World Travel Award as Kerala’s Leading Boutique Hotel. By deploying STAAH’s Channel Manager solution, Xandari Hotels & Resorts was able to seamlessly integrate its multiple properties and ramp up overall operational efficiency, significantly boosting revenue to the group. Channel Manager’s real-time inventory and rate management has also helped the group eliminate over-bookings and rate discrepancies, ensuring guests are always privy to accurate information and the best deals. “For a hotel group like Xandari, the real challenge lay in efficiently managing multiple properties across India. Our Channel Manager enabled them to do this in the simplest, fastest, and most secure way. As leaders in the hospitality technology shift, we are proud to empower more hotel partners with cutting-edge solutions,” said Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head – STAAH. The advanced reporting and analytics features provided by STAAH have empowered Xandari’s management team with actionable insights, facilitating data-driven decisions that drive business growth and maintain rate parity across all channels. Furthermore, the mobile-friendly interface enables the team to manage bookings and monitor performance from anywhere, ensuring agility in today’s fast-paced hospitality environment.

In the idyllic heart of the Maldives, where opulent retreats embrace the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean, THE OZEN COLLECTION is redefining luxury hospitality under the visionary leadership of two exceptional women. At the helm of its two flagship resorts, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO stands Monica Coppetta and Elisabeth Alleyne, whose dynamic leadership is setting new benchmarks in guest experiences, team culture, and sustainable luxury. Under the visionary leadership of General Manager Monica Coppetta, whose 25-year expertise spans the globe’s finest luxury destinations, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has redefined Maldivian hospitality. Her stewardship has elevated every facet of the resort, from bespoke guest journeys to transformative property upgrades, culminating in its crowning achievement: the prestigious World Travel Award for Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa for the Royal RESERVE as well as renowned Best All-Inclusive Wine List in Asia’ and ‘Best Spirits List in Asia’ World’s Best Lists Awards. This accolade stands as a testament to the resort’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and unparalleled service—where every detail is crafted to inspire awe. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, Elisabeth Alleyne leads with a hands-on approach that harmonises environmental custodianship with luxury hospitality. With over two decades of diverse international experience, Elisabeth has been instrumental in the resort’s achievement of the Green Globe Gold Certification, underscoring a commitment to eco-conscious operations. Her leadership fosters a culture of meticulous attention to detail, where every guest interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting connection and every operational decision is a step toward sustainable excellence. Together, Monica and Elisabeth exemplify the power of women in leadership that Atmosphere Core is consciously bringing to the forefront, infusing THE OZEN COLLECTION with a distinctive blend of elegance, empathy, and strategic vision. Their commitment to shaping exceptional guest experiences while nurturing …

Evoke Experiences, a leading name in India’s experiential hospitality sector, has announced a strategic expansion that marks a defining shift in its operating model. Known for its immersive glamping retreats and cultural tent cities, the company is now set to deepen its presence in the hospitality landscape by adding a wider variety of experiential properties to its portfolio, and welcoming partnerships through asset lease and management collaborations. With flagship properties like Rann Utsav – The Tent City, Statue of Unity Tent City-1, Gandhisagar Forest Retreat, the newly launched Evoke Dholavira, and soon to be launched Evoke Ram Bagh, Ayodhya with 156 keys, Evoke Experiences has built a strong reputation for curating destination led stays that merge luxury with culture, nature, and sustainability. The brand currently operates a total inventory of 750 keys and aims to cross the 1,000-key milestone by the end of 2025. Looking ahead, Evoke Experiences is preparing to launch a new site in Gir, further establishing its footprint in ecologically significant regions. This addition will mark the company’s growing emphasis on permanent experiential resorts, signalling a transition from seasonal formats to year-round offerings. In a significant move, the company invites hospitality asset owners and landholders across India to partner through long-term lease or management agreements. With high-impact branding, operations, and storytelling-led design expertise, Evoke Experiences is positioned to transform underutilised or hidden destinations into profitable, world-class experiences. “We believe the next wave of hospitality growth in India lies beyond convention,” said Bhavik Sheth, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Evoke Experiences. “Evoke is not just creating places to stay, we’re building narratives, environments, and economies rooted in local culture. We are now actively looking to collaborate with like-minded …

• Record $2.8 billion net profit, boosted by the one-off non-cash accounting gain of $1.1 billion from the Air India-Vistara merger • Operating profit of $1.7 billion on lower yields from heightened competition, partially mitigated by record passenger carriage • The SIA Group remains in strong position to navigate global trade and macroeconomic uncertainties due to its robust foundations and long-term strategic investments • Proposed final dividend of 30 cents per share for FY2024/25, resulting in a total dividend of 40 cents per share for the year SIA GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Financial Year FY2024/25 – Profit and Loss The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s financial performance for the financial year FY2024/25 is summarised as follows: Group Financial Results   FY2024/25 ($ million)   FY2023/24 ($ million) Better/ (Worse) (%) 2nd Half FY2024/25 ($ million) 2nd Half FY2023/24 ($ million) Better/ (Worse) (%) Total Revenue 19,540 19,013 2.8 10,042 9,850 1.9 Total Expenditure 17,831 16,285 (9.5) 9,129 8,677 (5.2) Net Fuel Cost 5,386 5,077 (6.1) 2,656 2,794 4.9 Fuel Cost (before hedging) 5,441 5,468 0.5 2,643 2,940 10.1 Fuel Hedging (Gain)/Loss (55) (391) (85.9) 13 (147)  n.m. Non-fuel Expenditure 12,445 11,209 (11.0) 6,473 5,883 (10.0) Operating Profit 1,709 2,728 (37.3) 914 1,174 (22.1) Net Profit 2,778 2,675 3.9 2,036 1,234 65.0  Group revenue climbed $527 million (+2.8%) from a year before to a record $19,540 million, driven by resilient demand for air travel and cargo uplift in FY2024/25. SIA and Scoot carried a record 39.4 million passengers, up 8.1%. Group passenger load factor (PLF) fell 1.4 percentage points to 86.6%, as passenger traffic growth of 6.4% lagged capacity expansion of 8.2%. Passenger yields dipped 5.5% to 10.3 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre amidst intensified competition …