Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Los Angeles Tourism invites you to the third and final webinar in its exclusive travel trade series on 8 April at 3 PM IST. Stay updated with the latest insights from the partners on the city’s vibrant attractions, experiences, and travel offerings. Attend all three webinars and qualify for a special prize! For more info or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Speaking at a hospitality event, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “To attract Indian travellers, the global hospitality industry must get its hotels ‘India ready’.” He suggested focus should be on food and beverage including other amenities and services and there should be an India manager for India market. India is never going to disappoint you, he added.

DreamSetGo has been appointed as the first-ever Official Hospitality Sales Agent from India for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The stunning Italian Alps will serve as the backdrop for this year’s Winter Olympics, offering an unparalleled setting for the world’s most exhilarating winter sports. In this exciting partnership with On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the Olympic Games, DreamSetGo is bringing Indian fans closer to the action. This collaboration promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, combining exclusive access to the sporting events with bespoke travel and luxury hospitality experiences.

According to new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence, passport-carrying adults in India intend to spend an average of $4,755 on leisure trips in the next 12 months, pinpointing a 14% increase in spending over the past year. The report titled ‘Portrait of Indian International Travellers’ unveils key new insights into the travel behaviours, motivations and preferences of Indian travellers exploring abroad.

ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle. Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.” Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.” ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively. Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance. “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will …

Serena Hotels Africa, the premier collection of award-winning safari lodges and camps, city hotels and beach resorts across East and Southern Africa, is proud to announce a strategic partnership ARK Travel Group. As the official representative for Serena Hotels in India, Anjum Lokhandwala, Director, ARK Travel Group, will spearhead efforts to connect discerning Indian travellers with premium travel experiences in East Africa. Through this partnership, Serena Hotels Africa will now offer Indian families, honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts, and premium travellers an insider gateway to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond. A Bridge Between Continents From the cosmopolitan charm of Nairobi Serena Hotel to the historical shores of Zanzibar Serena Hotel  in Stone town, and the majestic wilderness of Kirawira Serena Camp in Tanzania.  Indian travellers will now have unprecedented access to handpicked journeys within the Serena Hotels unforgettable itineraries, which fuse cultural depth with world-class service. “India is not just a growing outbound travel market—it’s a community that appreciates heritage, family, and the richness of storytelling, all of which Serena embodies,” said Lokhandwala. “My goal is to help Indian travellers reimagine East Africa—not just as a destination, but as a soul-stirring experience. With Serena Hotels, we are offering more than premium getaways; we are offering journeys that leave an imprint.” A United Vision Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa, expressed confidence in the new partnership: “Anjum Lokhandwala brings unmatched insight into the Indian travel landscape. With her at the helm, we assure our Indian travellers a seamless brand experience. Joyce Wangui, Director of Sales, added: “Indian travellers are looking for more than sightseeing—they want immersive stories and meaningful connections. Through Anjum’s contribution, we are curating experiences that blend refinement with the …

Centre has given administrative and financial sanction for two major projects with a total outlay of  ₹169.05 crores for enhancing the tourist appeal of water tourism in Alappuzha and the Malampuzha Garden in Palakkad. Both the projects were submitted by the Kerala tourism department, seeking clearance under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

At the Travel Wedding Show, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, emphasised on collaboration between hoteliers and wedding planners. “The main challenge arises when we are not on the same page. When we collaborate, the process is smooth and enjoyable. But when we find ourselves on opposite sides, that is when difficulties arise. Mutual respect is key, hoteliers must acknowledge the challenges wedding planners face, and vice versa,” Singh stated.

From 1 May 2025, non-Thai travellers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. Designed to enhance efficiency, security and convenience, the TDAC aims to eliminate the hassle of paper forms improving the overall travel experience for millions of visitors.

The Delhi High Court recently ruled that payment of service charges at restaurants and hotels cannot be imposed as a mandatory charge on customers’ food bills. It dismissed the petitions filed by restaurant associations challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines, prohibiting restaurants and hotels from automatically adding a service charge to customers’ bills.