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.
Read More »Thomas Cook India & Georgia Tourism ink deal targeting the powerful India market
Leverages on Thomas Cook India’s leadership position and its diversity of segments across Leisure and MICE In a strategic initiative to boost travel to Georgia from the high-potential India market, Thomas Cook (India), India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has signed an MOU with Georgia National Tourism Administration (GNTA). This powerful collaboration focuses on building awareness and inspiring demand towards driving increased visitations to Georgia. Thomas Cook India’s internal data reveals strong travel appetite from Indian consumers for fresh, new destinations and easy visa regimes. This partnership aims to showcase Georgia along three key axes: attractiveness, accessibility and affordability. To inspire Indian travellers and catalyse demand, Thomas Cook India’s partnership with GNTA will focus on key objectives, including – Creating strong awareness for Georgia in the India market Building inspirational content for the destination Promoting MICE to Georgia Joint marketing collaboration to promote Georgia in the India market Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said, “From the charming streets of Tbilisi, rich in history and culture, the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus mountains, the ancient cave cities of Uplistsikhe, and globally renowned wine culture with its neolithic grape wine cultivation dating back to almost 8000 years, Georgia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, and at great value for the discerning Indian traveller. We are delighted to collaborate with the Georgia National Tourism Administration to jointly promote Georgia as a go-to destination across our customer segments. To inspire demand, our strategic intent will focus on education and training, familiarisation trips and joint marketing collaborations to target India’s high-potential segments including millennials/young working professionals, families, couples, solo travellers, B-Leisure and corporate MICE groups. Our efforts will …
Read More »TIA and Amity University to Organise Tourism & Travel Expo in February 2025
17th September, 2024 marks a landmark day for the Tourism India Alliance (TIA) to get into an MoU with Amity University Uttar Pradesh as its Exclusive Trade Partner to organise Tourism & Travel Expo as an integral part of the International Conference on “Bridging the Gaps in Tourism Knowledge and Practice: Sustainable Development, Regenerative Tourism, Digital Eco-Systems and Green Investments” scheduled from 07th to 09th February, 2025 at Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP) India Campus. The International conference is jointly organised by “Amity University” and “International Tourism Studies Association” (ITSA) and the integral Tourism & Travel Expo will be organised by the Tourism India Alliance (TIA). An audience of about 50000 is expected to visit the Tourism & Travel Expo and more than 1000 delegates from India and Overseas are expected to attend the Conference over the period of 3 days. “At TIA we are always working to provide best value proposition for our members and this Tourism and Travel Expo will be the appropriate opportunity for them to showcase best of what our Incredible India has to offer and to access a valuable market” said Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice President, TIA. “This partnership will boost our efforts to get connected with the global academia as we strongly believe that education is the only way to build up a robust foundation of human resources needed for the growth of tourism and hospitality industry” said Puneet Saxena, Vice President (Education), TIA.
Read More »OMRAN GROUP PARTNERS WITH SIRCO GROUP FOR PIONEERING FOOD & BEVERAGE VENTURE – “THE SMOKERY” – IN OMAN
In a landmark move set to redefine the luxury dining and lifestyle landscape in Oman, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced a strategic partnership with the renowned “The Smokery”, represented by SIRCO Group. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the prestigious ITB Berlin 2024, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership aims to explore potential collaboration opportunities that will bring unique dining experiences to Oman and contribute significantly to the tourism sector’s growth. This aligns with OMRAN Group’s vision to enhance Oman’s position as a premier travel destination while fostering economic development and cultural exchange. Under this new partnership, OMRAN Group and The Smokery will focus on establishing a state-of-the-art salmon smoking factory, the first of its kind in Oman. This initiative is not just a venture into luxury dining, but also a step towards self-sufficiency in providing high-quality, smoked salmon products locally. Additionally, the collaboration will see the launch of upscale fine dining establishments under “The Smokery” brand, renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings and exceptional service standards. OMRAN Group’s CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with SIRCO Group represents a significant leap forward in Oman’s F&B sector. It reinforces our commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in hospitality, enhancing Oman’s appeal as a luxury travel destination.” Eng. Karim Henein, Chairman of SIRCO Group, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential impact of this collaboration on the local and regional culinary scene. “We are thrilled to partner with OMRAN Group to bring our expertise in luxury dining to Oman. This collaboration with The Smokery is a testament to our shared vision …
Read More »TAFI signs MoU with leading bank to facilitate digital payments
The Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) signed an MoU with IDFC First Bank to facilitate digital payments. Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, who was present at the signing ceremony, said that the members can avail of this opportunity to get digital payment platforms for their agencies such as POS machines and payments links, among others. The rates negotiated between TAFI and IDFC First Bank will be a winning proposition for both the parties, Prakash said.
Read More »NIMA ties up with 5 state associations to promote MICE, will not open state chapters: Jagdeep Bhagat
Instead of making its own state chapters, Network of Indian MICE agents (NIMA), is signing MoU with local associations in different states. Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, NIMA said, “We have already completed arrangement with five state associations, and we are working together for promoting MICE in those states. The idea remains that we will not be opening our state chapters and we will do whatever best we can do to strengthen the state infrastructure to go for constructive development of MICE resources, facilities and promotion of MICE.”
Read More »TAAI and Yunnan sign MoU for tourism development
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunnan Provincial Department of Tourism and Culture on the second day of the ongoing 65th TAAI Annual Convention in Kunming, China. The objective was to promote tourism between India and Yunnan. Both the regions will work towards developing a framework for cooperation, acknowledging the success which resulted in the convention being organised in Yunnan province.
Read More »TAAI signs MoU with Faizabad university
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Chapter has signed an MoU with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh to establish a cooperative relationship between the two that will help students of tourism. The MoU is with respect to offering a Bachelor in Vocational (B.VOC) Tourism & Hospitality Course, a three-year degree course. It will be conducted at Dr. RML Avadh University. Sunil B. Satyawakta, Chairman, TAAI – Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Chapter, says, “This MOU sets the framework for the cooperative relationship between the parties to enhance quality of education in courses and designing the curriculum to make it industry relevant. This is the third MoU signed by the chapter with education institutes in the last two years. The others were with Lucknow University and Banaras Hindu University.”
Read More »AAI signs MoU with Uttarakhand for development of aviation
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed an MoU with Government of Uttarakhand and collaborated with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to develop the civil aviation sector in the state. The MoU aims to identify relevant factors influencing the development of civil aviation infrastructure in Uttarakhand; assessing commercial potential of various airports of the state; identifying technical considerations for airport operations in the state; evaluating site related technical and engineering parameters for development of projects, making estimate of the capital outlay for the future projects and development of master plan for existing and future civil aviation infrastructure in the state. AAI will also assist UCADA in obtaining necessary clearances for airport operations starting with the upgraded airport at Pithoragarh and later at Chiniyalisaur. The MoU was signed by S. Ramaswamy, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand and Anil Gupta, General Manager (Business Development). Ramaswamy said that the Government of Uttarakhand is determined to fulfil the long pending requirement of operational airports within the state. The new airports would also be part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme and will boost tourism and air connectivity for the local public.
Read More »Airbnb and the World Bank Group partner to boost rural tourism
Airbnb and the World Bank Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner toward boosting developing economies through tourism. The two organizations will also share information on the current scale of alternative accommodation options and home sharing across several countries, beginning with pilot projects in Sri Lanka and India. Through the agreement, signed at the 2017 Tourism Knowledge Exchange, an event highlighting the latest innovations in sustainable tourism, Airbnb and the World Bank Group will examine ways in which emerging destinations use new technology and platforms such as Airbnb to create economic opportunities for communities that have not traditionally benefited from tourism and hospitality. Travel and tourism is the largest service industry in the world and accounts for nearly 10 percent of global GDP. In 2015, revenues from international tourism represented $421 million in emerging economies. Emerging markets’ share of total global arrivals is expected to reach 57% by 2030. This corresponds to over 1 billion travelers, each spending money, transferring wealth, and creating jobs. “At Airbnb, we believe home sharing can help close the widening gap in economic opportunity between urban and rural areas,” said Clark Stevens, director, Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Airbnb. “We’ve already seen the important economic engine that home sharing has become for communities around the world, and we’re excited to partner with the World Bank Group to further study the development impacts of home sharing and pilot projects in emerging tourist destinations.” “Travel and tourism is one of the largest service industries in the world and accommodation is at its core. The sharing economy has created opportunities across the sector and this partnership with Airbnb allows us to better understand those opportunities, …
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