Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Korea Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, successfully hosted the Korea Tourism Roadshow in Mumbai on 14 February, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian travel trade and presenting key programs aimed at further boosting Indian tourist arrivals to South Korea. Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, KTO, said: “South Korea’s growing popularity among Indian travellers is a testament to the strong partnership we share with the Indian travel trade. With evolving traveller preferences and increasing demand for unique experiences, we are committed to providing our partners with tailored support, from exclusive training programs to performance-based incentives.” Talking about the Roadshow in Mumbai, Mr. Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, said, “This partnership between OTOAI and KTO has the potential to significantly boost outbound tourism from India to Korea, unlocking opportunities for both travel operators and tourists. With the rising popularity of Korean entertainment in India and the increasing awareness of the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique culinary experiences, Indian tourists are showing greater interest in visiting Korea. Additionally, the growing popularity of Korean beauty products in the Indian market has led to an increase in enquiries for tours that include beauty experiences, further highlighting the diverse interests of Indian travellers. This roadshow was a great opportunity for our members to gain in-depth knowledge of Korea and enhancing their ability to create seamless travel experiences for their clients.” In addition to the MICE Support and Korea Premium Travel Consultant Program, KTO has unveiled the Designated Travel Agency Program, a strategic initiative under the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0, designed to recognize and support travel agencies actively promoting South Korea. Under this program, …

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, TAT, officially launched the ASEAN + India Shoppers campaign in Thailand. Aligned with the government’s 5 Must-Do Experiences, this campaign aims to strengthen the country’s reputation as a premier shopping and cultural tourism destination, targeting tourists from ASEAN countries and India with exclusive offers and immersive experiences.

HRAWI is gearing up to host its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave and awards ceremony in Nashik on 28 February. The event aims to promote industry collaboration and recognise hospitality leaders for their contributions to the sector. “The conclave is aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and equipping professionals with tools to navigate today’s dynamic market,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed an MoU with VReal, a Finland-based leader in immersive virtual reality, to showcase the state’s cultural heritage through cutting-edge technology. The MoU was signed by Mohan Yadav, CM, MP and Kimmo Lähdevirta, Finland’s Ambassador to India. The move is expected to promote the state’s tourism sites and heritage on a global scale, increasing international tourist visits.

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M/S Akama Hotel Limited, a hotel company based out of Kathmandu has announced today the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi in Nepal under franchise with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in 95+ countries. The Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi hotel is centrally located in Dhumbarahi, which is just 5 kms away from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is the entry point of international tourists coming to the country by air. Kathmandu, the capital city, known as city of temples and living goddess, attracts high tourists footfall to its 7 UNESCO world heritage sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Mahachaitya, and the Boudha Stupa temple, three durbar squares famous for its rich architecture; good infrastructure and approximately 28 kms away from Nagarkot which is one of the best spots for enjoying Himalayas view. The hotel sprawls over 1 acre of land with 108 contemporary rooms and interiors inspired by Tibetan and local Newari culture. The varied amenities at the hotel include an All Day Dining Restaurant, Coffee Shop, two Bars, Banquets and Meetings space, business centre, and wellness facilities like an Outdoor Infinity Pool, Spa, Sauna, Gift Shop and Fitness Centre. Dimitris Manikis, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said, “The opening of our first ‘Ramada’ hotel in Kathmandu marks a significant milestone for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Nepal. As a globally recognized and trusted brand, Ramada by Wyndham brings a promise of quality, comfort, and exceptional hospitality to travelers worldwide. The Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi seamlessly blends Tibetan and Newari-inspired design with state-of-the-art amenities, offering a unique and memorable experience. This hotel is strategically …

Honouring the winning athletes, 1600 Rudraksha trees were planted in the state of Uttarakhand Gulmohar seeds distributed to the athletes to carry back and plant in their home states across India Thomas Cook India is also the exclusive partner across accommodation, catering and transport (ACT) for the National Games – managing a 20,000-member contingent, including over 10,000 athletes, 5000 support staff and 3000 dignitaries Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, collaborated with the Uttarakhand Government for the pioneering Green Games initiative at the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand. Through this innovative initiative, over 1,600 Rudraksha trees were planted in honour of the winning athletes at an expansive 2.77- hectare Sports Forest (Khel Van) near Maharana Pratap Sports College. Additionally, Gulmohar tree seeds were distributed to athletes to plant and nurture in their home states, thus extending the initiative’s impact across the length and breadth of India. This initiative was made possible through the vision and support of the Uttarakhand Government, the Indian Olympic Association, the National Games Secretary, Department of Sports in Uttarakhand and all stakeholders, ensuring that the National Games upheld the highest standards of organisation and sustainability. Additionally, the students from The Oasis – The Oberai School will ensure sustained care and maintenance of the planted trees. The Rudraksha tree holds deep spiritual and medicinal significance and thrives in Uttarakhand’s unique climate, while the Gulmohar tree, known for its adaptability across diverse terrain and weather conditions, acts as an excellent soil binder and shade provider nationwide. The launch event, held on February 12, 2025, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; Shri Subodh Uniyal, Forest Minister …

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, successfully hosted the ‘Youth for India @ 2047’ International Youth Conference, an inspiring platform that brought together industry leaders, young achievers, and researchers to shape India’s vision for 2047. The conference was graced by Devina Mehra, Chairperson, Managing Director and Founder of First Global, and recipient of Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women 2022, as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, Devina inspired the students and professionals, emphasizing that learning is the driving force behind Viksit Bharat. The conference also saw a keynote address by Suraja Kishore, CEO of BBDO India & TeamX for Mercedes-Benz, India, followed by engaging discussions with Kumara Raghavan, Head, Startups, AWS India and Monica Dubey, Head – Brand Management, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur motivated the attendees and said that Viksit Bharat is built on the pillars of knowledge, innovation and the courage to unlearn and evolve. In the conference, 40 research papers were presented during the technical sessions, reflecting key perspectives on India’s economic, technological, and social advancements. A book titled ‘Viksit Bharat: Idea of India as a Developed Country’, published by Bloomsbury was also released. A thought-provoking session on “From Forbes and Fortune: Stories Penned by Powerhouses,” featured Viraj Mithani, a Forbes India 30 Under 30 artist and founder of Carpe Arte, who shared insights on creativity and innovation. Attendees also participated in an insightful session on the theme ‘Creating a Life You Love,’ with Ashdin Doctor, Author of ‘One Habit a Day: 31 Habits to Transform Your Life’ and ‘Change Your Life: Small Actions, Big Results’. The Youth Achiever Session featured performances by renowned …

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has once again achieved a significant milestone. The board has been honoured with a prestigious award in the ‘Global Recognition to Historical Heritage’ category.  The accolade was presented at a distinguished event in New Delhi, recognizing the board’s unwavering efforts in preserving and promoting the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This achievement reaffirms Madhya Pradesh’s position as a global heritage destination and highlights its dedication to safeguarding the past for future generations. Expressing his delight over this remarkable achievement, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board stated, “This award is a proud moment for Madhya Pradesh and a testament to our relentless efforts in heritage conservation. Our state is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks, and this recognition will further strengthen their global presence, drawing travelers and history enthusiasts from across the world.” With this achievement, Madhya Pradesh continues to strengthen its position on the international tourism map. The award further cements the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s reputation at the global level, highlighting its commitment to showcasing the state’s historical landmarks and cultural heritage to the world. This prestigious honour was presented at World Travel and Tourism Festival Awards organized by TV9 Network and RedHat Communication.

Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism (FHT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida, in collaboration with International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) and United Nations (Tourism) is organising a three-day International Conference on “Bridging the Gaps in Tourism Knowledge and practice: Sustainable Development, Regenerative Tourism, Digital Eco-Systems and Green Investments” from 6th to 8th February, 2025. Inaugurating the Conference, Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Minister of Culture, averred, “India’s cultural heritage has been the richest since ancient times and India was the focal point of knowledge, art, architecture, handicrafts, trade. Many people from various countries used to visit India to understand its rich cultural and traditional heritage. India is the mother of world tourism, and it has the potential to become the number one country in the tourism sector. Covid had a significant impact on the tourism industry but still we managed to bounce back. By the year 2040, India will become 6 trillion-dollar economy and tourism industry will contribute 10% to the economy. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister, 1,050 kms of roads, 157 airports and high-speed railway network have been created. Sustainability is a priority in the tourism industry and under “Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi” initiatives, we aim to inculcate a sense of responsibility amongst the tourists to foster responsible and sustainable tourism. We also plan to give “Green Leaf Ratings” to the hotels for sustainability so that they comply with sustainable practices. Green investment, water conservation and green electricity will reduce the impact of climate change on the tourism sector.” Dr. Ashok Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, stated, “We are extremely grateful to the hon’ble Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji for sparing his valuable …