Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Jammu and Kashmir’s Sustainable Promotion of Emerging Alternate Destination (SPREAD) initiative seeks multilateral funding to develop alternate tourism destinations and ease overcrowding. “We aim to distribute tourist traffic evenly and ensure sustainable growth by adhering to global standards,” said Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. The initiative focuses on creating equitable opportunities while promoting sustainable tourism across the region. 

Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation, said, “The travel and tourism industry remains a critical economic driver, contributing $178 billion to GDP.” With the market projected at $125 billion by FY 2027, he stressed, “Technology is key to growth, and this year’s budget must focus on innovation and seamless customer experiences.” 

The hospitality sector needs critical reforms, including infrastructure status, tax rationalisation, streamlined visa processes, and state-level investment incentives, said KB Kachru, President, HAI. “We need to market India in a much better way to unlock its full potential,” he added, emphasising these measures to boost global competitiveness and attract investments. 

KR Naidu, Aviation Minister, GoI, said, “To transform the nation’s aviation landscape, India plans to build 50 new airports over the next five years and establish Delhi as a global aviation hub within two years. Speaking at the WEF 2025, he outlined the government’s strategy to meet the surging demand for air travel and enhance India’s position on the global aviation stage.”

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India, said, “Tourism holds a unique place in India’s economy, creating 11 indirect jobs for every direct job. For inclusive growth, no sector matches the potential of tourism. To build a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India’s tourism must grow 22 times, and that requires skill development and creating unique, state-specific experiences, ensuring we drive not just jobs but unforgettable experiences.”

Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said, “We intend to highlight focus on TAAI’s role in fostering collaboration between us and the industry, enhancing our relevance to our membership, and becoming the representative voice not only for our members but also for passengers and the broader industry. We must set up our own marketplace in India, which is one of TAAI’s objectives—to create a business network among members for connection and collaboration.”

Highlighting the tourism growth, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “The govt is taking decisive steps to decongest bottlenecks and facilitate budget travellers. Our focus on integrating state tourism policies ensures a robust and unified approach to infrastructure development across India. In the past six months, I have witnessed tremendous efforts across states to harness tourism potential. Together, we must work collectively to elevate India’s tourism to new heights.”

The Bird Education Society for Travel & Tourism (Bird Academy), a leader in career oriented aviation training, skilling and placements since over 27 years, has been accredited as an Aviation Security Training Institute by the Directorate General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. This prestigious accreditation authorizes Bird Academy to conduct BCAS-endorsed Aviation Security training programs, including: AvSec Induction Training (5 Days) AvSec Basic Training (14 Days) AvSec Basic Refresher Training (3 Days) Conducted as per the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme, these programs are designed to prepare aviation security personnel with critical skills, ensuring the highest industry standards. Mr. R.N. Choubey, IAS congratulated Team Bird Academy through a video message and said, “The launch of ASTI marks a significant milestone, not just for Bird Group but for the entire aviation security ecosystem in India. Known for their unmatched standards in the aviation sector, the Bird Group is now poised to set new benchmarks in training and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Radha Bhatia and her dedicated team, I am confident that ASTI, Bird Academy will not only stand out as a center of excellence but will soon rise to be the premier aviation security training institute in the country, serving as a model for others to emulate. This initiative will undoubtedly strengthen our nation’s aviation security framework and inspire a new era of professional excellence.” Mr. M.T. Baig, Senior Advisor, Aviation Security, Bird Group inspired the batch of students present there with his experiences and shared that nowadays private security agencies are being deployed at the airports to perform non-core aviation security functions and access control duties at the entry …

Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity are excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Uday Bhatnagar as the new Director of Revenue Management. With an expansive career in hospitality revenue optimization and a proven track record of success across various regions, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. Uday joins the Pullman and Novotel family from his previous role as Director of Revenue Management at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, Novotel Goa Candolim & Novotel Goa Panjim. His expertise in strategic pricing, yield management, and demand forecasting has been instrumental in maximizing revenue and profit at several Accor properties. Mr Bhatnagar has been known for his innovative approach to disrupting industry norms and introducing data-driven solutions that drive operational success. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing the revenue strategies for both Pullman and Novotel properties at Aerocity, optimizing room inventory, pricing, and function space management. He will also spearhead the execution of strategic plans for established and new hotels, ensuring seamless integration across all hotel functions. Uday’s professional journey in the hospitality sector spans over a decade, with key leadership roles in revenue management, where he has consistently delivered exceptional results. His accomplishments include being honored as the “Accor RM Person of the Year 2018” for India and South Asia, and publishing a research paper on the impact of TripAdvisor on hotel reservation intentions. He holds an MBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Laureate University in Bangkok and a BBA from GGSIP University, New Delhi. “We are thrilled to welcome Uday to our team,” said Sunaina Manerkar, Resident Manager of Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. “His dynamic approach to revenue …

Moscow is all set to captivate audiences at the OTM International Tourism Exhibition in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, 2025. Over three days, the Russian capital will present the best it can offer in cultural, leisure, and business tourism. The Moscow stand will host over 500 key business meetings and negotiations during the event, connecting Moscow’s tourism sector representatives with their Indian counterparts. Experts from Moscow will present the city’s flagship projects, including the Moscow Tea Time Project that introduces visitors to Moscow tea traditions which are being restored nowadays, the Moscow Estates Festival, an iconic cultural event that attracts more than 100,000 tourists and citizens annually, the Moscow Gastronomy Project, the City of Discoveries educational project and RUSSPASS travel planning service. Joint projects include the Moscow+ Project, which fosters collaborative tourism across Russian regions — notably the Tyumen region with its Visit Tyumen Project. Moreover, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, and the Department of Culture, the Moscow exposition will showcase the city’s export potential, alongside Discover Russia and Made in Moscow brands. Additionally, the stand will showcase key attractions like the VDNH Complex, blending Soviet-era architectural wonders with modern interactive museums, and Moskino Cinema Park that is already gaining attention from the Indian film industry for its potential as a filming destination. Moscow will also feature six leading tour operators, including Headed Goose, Tari Tour, Volshebny Tour, FUN & SUN, INTOURIST, Academservice, and three hotels: the Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy, VEGA Hotel & Convention Center and Izmailovo Hotel Complex. They will cooperatively highlight the diverse range of services available to Indian travelers, from luxurious stays to …