The Cocoon Collection announced the highly anticipated grand reopening of Cocoon Maldives, set for 1 October, 2024. Following a series of transformative upgrades, the resort is ready to welcome guests back to experience an elevated level of luxury and relaxation in the heart of the Maldives. Known for its unparalleled beauty and serene environment, Cocoon Maldives has introduced a variety of new features designed to enhance the guest experience and reaffirm its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality. Among the most notable additions are five brand-new Beach Suite Pool Villas, each offering an exclusive beachfront experience with a private pool. These suites are perfect for those seeking both luxury and seclusion, allowing guests to relax in privacy while enjoying stunning ocean views. Adding to the excitement are five brand new lagoon suite with pool villas and ten Sunset Lagoon Suites, now equipped with water slides, catering to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike. The thrilling slides offer a fun and unique way to enjoy the lagoon, especially during the Maldives’ mesmerising sunsets. For guests looking to stay active and rejuvenate during their stay, the resort has introduced a state-of-the-art gym and a serene Sunset Yoga Pavilion. The new fitness centre provides modern equipment for a complete workout, while the yoga pavilion offers a tranquil space for meditation and relaxation, all with the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives as the backdrop. The beloved Loabi Loabi Bar has undergone a significant extension, creating an even more vibrant atmosphere for guests to unwind and socialise. With its expanded space and enhanced beverage selection, it promises to be a convivial meeting spot for both relaxation and entertainment. Meanwhile, we are enhancing our lagoon and beach …

Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association (MITTA), announced the successful culmination of its extensive roadshow. Following successful events in Trivandrum on 23 September, Calicut on 25 September, and Bhubaneswar on 27 September, the roadshow concluded in Guwahati on 30 September. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Indian travel market and promoting its diverse tourism offerings. The roadshow aims to foster deeper connections with travel agents and highlight Malaysia’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi, emphasised the importance of this event, stating, “Our roadshow is a strategic move to engage directly with Indian travel agents. We are eager to showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality, ensuring that travel agents have the latest information to offer their clients.” A key feature of the roadshow will be the participation of 25 prominent Malaysian hoteliers and travel agents. These industry representatives will engage in one-on-one business meetings with their Indian counterparts, fostering collaborations and exploring new opportunities. The initiative also serves as a prelude to the much-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to position Malaysia as a top global travel destination. Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, commented, “With direct flight connections from major Indian cities, including the recently resumed service by Air India after a 16-year hiatus, Malaysia is more accessible than ever. Our roadshow is designed to highlight the ease of travel and the multitude of experiences Malaysia offers to all types of travellers.” The diverse tourism offerings in Malaysia cater to a wide range of interests and demographics. Whether it is a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, …

Accepting the Best Upscale Hotel Chain award on behalf of Fortune Park Hotels, Amit Chawla, GM, Fortune Select Exotica, Navi Mumbai said, “This award means a great deal to us because we have been working hard to elevate our brand. I thank India Travel Awards for recognising our efforts.”

Salil Nath, Founder and CEO, Travesla, has launched India’s newest GSA and Airline and Travel Management company. With 12 years at Etihad, including heading operations across the Indian subcontinent, Nath aims to revolutionise GSA services by offering 360-degree commercial solution for airlines.

As technology is transforming the aviation sector, Ricardo Letosa, Head of Business Strategy, SITA, said, during CAPA India Digital Aviation Summit 2024, “85% pax want travel documents auto-linked to digital identity. In fact, we have provided digital ID enrolment, and biometrics to three AACO airlines.”

K Syama Raju has been elected as the President at the 68th AGM of FHRAI. Among other office-bearers are: Pradeep Shetty as VP (West); SK Jaiswal as VP (North); Nitin Kothari as VP (East); K Nagaraju as Hon. Secy; Garish Oberoi as Hon. Treasurer; Ashoke Singh and Nirav Gandhi as Jt. Hon. Secretary.

Receiving the ‘Customer Excellence’ award during India Travel Awards 2024 on behalf of Amadeus, Vishwanath, Senior Director, Engineering, Amadeus, said, “Customer excellence is what we strive for at Amadeus, and we continue to do everything possible to keep our customers satisfied.”

Speaking at KTM, PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, said, “Kerala has for long been celebrated as a favourite holiday destination worldwide. We now seek to emerge as the leading choice for MICE, along with destination weddings. The state has potential to emerge as South Asia’s hub in both segments.”

Addressing the World Tourism Day 2024 event, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice-President, India, stated, “As the tourism sector is booming, MOT & MoCA set to face significant challenges ahead, therefore, the ministers have to be in action 24X7 to fully exploit the enormous potential of Indian tourism.”