Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)announces its partnership with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members. Taking place from June 30th to July 6th 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests. OTOAI, a leading travel association in India, represents outbound tour operators and travel agents committed to promoting international travel from India. This collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye. The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the enchanting cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings. In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue …

Georg Enzweiler, Minister Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy, said, “There is a substantial increase in the number of Indian nationals visiting Germany last year. We try to further boost this number and try to promote Germany as a tourist destination for Indian outbounds.” The country witnessed a growth of 32.6% visitors from India and recorded over 8 lakh overnight stays in 2023, marking a large rise in German tourism compared to the previous years. 

Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director for India and SAARC Countries at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), expressed enthusiasm about India’s momentum, targeting a record-breaking 200,000 Indian travellers this year. Recently, they conducted a series of roadshows in Bengaluru and Mumbai, showcasing diverse experiences from cultural performances to leisure and MICE opportunities, aiming to achieve this ambitious goal.

Booking.com unveiled how Indian travellers plan their trips in Travel Trends for 2024. According to the report, 61% of travellers book flights and 37% book event tickets well in advance. Car rentals, restaurant reservations, and even taxis are either booked along with the accommodation or left until closer to the trip date.   

Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia in India, said, “We hope that the visa-free program we’re offering to India will be reciprocated by the Indian government, granting visa-free access for Malaysians. There’s significant interest among Malaysians to explore India, and such reciprocity would be greatly appreciated.” 

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, proudly announces the successful culmination of its three-city sales mission across India. Commencing on 15 April 2024 from Delhi, the mission continued its journey to Ahmedabad (19 April) and concluded successfully in Lucknow (23 April). The sales mission, aimed at strengthening the bond with Indian market, witnessed active participation of esteemed delegates from Oman, including Ms. Saada Abdullah Saif Al Harthi, Director for Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Ms. Zainab Suliman Al Shamli, Marketing Specialist. The mission programme, devised with a strategic objective to enhance joint marketing promotions in the Indian market, was tailored to engage key trade partners from each city, ensuring a focused and interactive platform. The primary focus of the mission was to promote Oman as an ideal destination for luxury travellers from India, capitalising on the cultural synergies shared between the two nations. Oman has witnessed a surge in interest from the Indian market due to its rich cultural tapestry and diverse experiences. With its breathtaking landscapes, historic treasures, and world-class hospitality, the destination stands as an oasis of luxury for discerning travellers seeking bespoke experiences. The day’s programme unfolded with a captivating introduction by Ms. Saada, followed by illuminating presentations from Oman’s national carriers – Oman Air and Salam Air, offering seamless connectivity and superior travel experiences. Oman Tourism presented a detailed showcase of the Sultanate’s myriad attractions, captivating the audience with its enchanting beauty and unparalleled hospitality. A lively Q&A session, interspersed with exciting giveaways, added an interactive dimension to the event, fostering deeper connections. The day concluded with a networking lunch, providing attendees with the opportunity for one-on-one interactions with …

In the heart of Seminyak, a new era of hospitality blooms with the unveiling of Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak, the latest masterpiece by Cross Hotels & Resorts. Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak emerges as a beacon of contemporary luxury, weaving together stylish design and Balinese tradition in a cocoon of lavishness that caters to those with an appreciation for upscale living. An Abode of Elegance and Serenity Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak redefines luxury with its 99 impeccably designed rooms, each a haven of style and comfort. From the grandeur of its penthouses to the chic allure of its suites, every space is crafted to captivate. In each room, modern styling mingles with Balinese craftsmanship, setting a scene of casual sophistication. Imagine waking up to the soothing sight of a lush vertical garden or being mesmerized by the stunning panoramas of Seminyak’s skyline—this is the daily reality at Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak. Guests revel in top-notch comforts, with the indulgent Sensatia Botanicals bath essentials and the deep, flavourful brew of coffee from Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak’s very own First Crack Coffee enriching every second with opulence and ease. Every room interweaves lush tropical flora, not just boosting the room’s beauty but also instilling a serene vibe that echoes nature’s embrace. “We are dedicated to infusing this iconic property with our unique hospitality, aiming to create memorable experiences for our guests. With our outstanding team, we’re poised to redefine luxury in Seminyak, eagerly anticipating the joy and transformation it will bring to our visitors.” – Evan Burns, Country Manager for Cross Hotels & Resorts Indonesia. A Culinary Journey and Vibrant Social Scene The resort is a playground for epicureans and social butterflies alike, …

Skyscanner’s report finds that nearly 3 in 4 Gen Z travellers meticulously plan their first international trips, with 76% arranging itineraries and 73% booking return tickets in advance. Over half (51%) prioritize budget-friendly flights and accommodations, for their first overseas trip, indicating a strong emphasis on financial planning among this generation. 

The European Union (EU) has adopted a new visa system called the “cascade” regime specifically for Indian nationals. Indian citizens can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years. This is a significant improvement compared to potentially shorter-validity visas offered previously. To qualify for the two-year visa, applicants must have obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas within the previous three years. 

Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel has said that the travel corporate tax paid by corporations in India has grown by 160% over the last 10 years. Net direct tax collection has surged by 160% to ₹16,63,686 crores, indicating increased profitability among corporations. With the corporate tax rate slashed to 25% from the previous range of 30-35% announced in 2015, business houses now have an additional 10% from their theoretical revenues to allocate towards employee expenditures.