Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

SS Dev Barman, Regional Director, Indiatourism North East, has said that the region provides an immense opportunity for medical tourism which can attract tourists from Southeast Asian countries. Besides this, he adds, the Northeast is endowed with diverse tourist attractions, biodiversity, wildlife and prominent archaeological sites, and each state has its own distinct features.

Directorate of Tourism (DOT) Maharashtra is conducting ‘Special 5 days Guide Training Programme’ for tribal communities, at Karnala Sanctuary and Phansad Sanctuary in Raigad district from today till August 6. These will be offline trainings. Dhananjay Sawalkar, Director, DOT Maharashtra, says, “To make the visit enjoyable, tourists need good guides to provide authentic and relevant information.”

MBA (TTM) students of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) represented India at UNWTO Students League 2021, a global platform. The two teams, namely Team Samsara and Team Samviti, participated in the competition under the challenge Plastic Pollution and Rural Development for the Masters’ category, respectively. The competition had over 1000 applications globally and had different levels ranging from High School to Masters.

Indian LCC SpiceJet has introduced daily non-stop flights from Rajkot to Goa and Hyderabad. Flights will depart Rajkot at 14:00 hrs for Goa and at 19:45 hrs for Hyderabad. The return flight from Goa will depart at 17:05 hrs and that from Hyderabad will depart at 06:05 hrs. The carrier has also added to its Rajkot-Mumbai frequency, departing at 07:30 hrs and 05:40 hrs, respectively.

With its majestic temples, unique culture and traditions, and numerous beaches for surfing or relaxing, Bali is every traveller’s dream. So is Away Bali Legian Camakila by Thai hotel group Cross Hotels & Resorts. Nestled between Legian Beach and a bustling shopping and entertainment street, the hotel allows guests to experience the best of both worlds – stunning sunsets right on the beach with views of the Indian Ocean and the colourful Balinese ambiance right outside the front door. The accommodation reflects a refined Balinese décor providing a culturally textured yet modern escape from the outside world. Guests can settle in at their own pace while enjoying two spacious swimming pools, a relaxing spa, or a workout at the fitness centre. A selection of menus with international and Balinese cuisines awaits them, available through the day or night and complemented by an eclectic drinks list. Away Bali Legian Camakila offers 117 rooms and suites including three spacious suites allowing guests the laid back holidaying they deserve. Adjacent to the main pool, Azaa Restaurant & Bar offers delicious Balinese and international cuisine throughout the day. The Beach House creates exotic tastes in an exceptional location offering an infinity pool and bar – the perfect place to take in Balinese sunset views overlooking the Indian Ocean on Legian Beach. Salila Spa is another excellent space of absolute relaxation offering restorative body treatments by qualified spa professionals. Weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays – all events will remain most memorable with the splendid and picturesque Legian Beach as a backdrop. The events team at the hotel strives to do its best at creating what guests can only imagine! Time to get away from your …

During an insightful webinar organised by PATA, Prof John Koldowski, School of Tourism, Leshan University in China, said, “It looks like another tough year for inbound travel into India. But, if India can show that it is containing the spread of infection and upped its immunisation process, the numbers can improve. The outbound travel numbers from India however look more robust.”

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021, passed by the Lok Sabha, seeks to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. The bill proposes to amend the definition of ‘major airport’ so as to extend its scope to determine the tariff for a ‘group of airports’ also, which will encourage development of smaller airports.

VisitBritain organised high-tea for the trade in Delhi to apprise them on the various offerings of West Midlands and Birmingham, which will be hosting the Commonwealth Games 2022. Shuja Bin Mehdi, B2B Manager – India, VisitBritain, says they will be doing promotions on the lines of the cricket World Cup. Moving forward, more promotional campaigns and familiarisation trips are on the cards for the trade.

HVS ANAROCK’S latest monthly newsletter titled ‘Hotels and Hospitality Overview’ states that brand openings and signings (by property) increased marginally in the first half of 2021 compared to last year. During this period, 19 hotels (14 in H1 2020) were opened and 49 hotels (46 in H1 2020) were signed. Hotel operators signed smaller hotels with increased focus on tier-III and IV cities.

IACC-NIC will host the 2nd Indo-US Services Summit tomorrow, July 31, with a session on travel, tourism and hospitality scheduled from 2:00-3:00 pm. Titled ‘Living with COVID – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow’ and moderated by Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels, the Chief Guest for the session will be Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh. Also in attendance will be Ross R Belliveau (Commercial Attache US Embassy), Ragini Chopra (InterGlobe Enterprises), Jyoti Mayal (TAAI) and Sudeep Jain (IHG).