During the Industry Roundtable on Developing India as a MICE destination, Neeraj Dhawan, Director, Falcon Exhibitions, raise a crucial need for certified MICE professionals to bolster the MICE industry in India. He underscored the importance of skilled expertise in advancing India’s capabilities and reputation as a leading MICE destination.

According to a study by Booking.com, post-COVID, India is expected to surpass earlier momentum in the travel industry, possibly occupying first position amongst the top markets with 10-12% growth in total travel expenditure from 2023 to 2027. India led the way on tourism expenditure recovery in 2022 by reaching 78% of 2019 levels, vis-à-vis 52% for Asia.

Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya said, “We have approved a PPP policy aimed at developing tourism as a full-fledged industry. As part of this initiative, we are enabling private operators to construct greenfield hotels. The government has identified specific land areas where private sectors can invest in hotel development.”

Travellers have seen an increase in travel prices for the past 3 years. The average international trip cost in 2023 is USS6.574, up 21% from last vear. Sauaremouth survey reveals, 82% of travellers foresee their travel spending either rising or staying the same in 2024.

Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators IATO, said. “The Indian market has seen notable shifts since the pandemic. e-commerce has surged, emphasizing the need for online presence. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on health and wellness products.”

The Embassy of Spain in India has announced to process Visa at Delhi office to Indian tourists within 24 hours without any additional cost. The idea behind this move is to attract more Indian travellers to the country. Usually, the visa processing time takes between 15 and 45 days.

Vikrant Grover, Director, Kazin DMC (Caucasus Region), announces the acquisition of Georgia-based agency TRAVEX. With this addition, over 3000 B2B agents across Kazin’s 10 source markets will gain access to experiential itineraries, tier I pricing, and professional services.

Pushpendra R. Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels and Resorts, shared, “The year 2023 was good for us. We saw growth as compared to Covid disaster and we have seen 100% more business. At present our hotel count with signed and contracted is 54 and by 2024 we will cross 65. If things go well then, I am looking to cross 100 in the next three years both domestic and international.” 

If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold profound cultural and religious significance in the Philippines. Deeply rooted in the country’s predominantly Catholic faith, its celebration is marked by a unique blend of traditional Filipino customs, family gatherings, lively public celebrations and global holiday practices. Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country: 1. Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate. 2. Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas. 3. Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions. 4. Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns. 5. Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience. 6. Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions. 7. Embrace …

Amit Kumar returns to the national capital as Area Manager (Welcomhotels-North) & General Manager, Welcomhotel Sheraton, New Delhi. He moves from ITC Grand Goa where he helmed the premier leisure destination property and created an array of guest friendly concepts that attracted new travellers while ensuring the loyal guests kept coming back. Already a strong driver of initiatives that strengthen guest satisfaction, Amit shall heighten focus on customer acquisition through unique experiences and endeavors. The strong North footprint covers Welcomhotels at Manali, Corbett, Katra, Chail, Shimla, Amritsar, Pahalgam, Mussoorie, Chandigarh and both Welcomhotel Dwarka and Sheraton in New Delhi along with other upcoming hotels in the Northern region. An alumnus Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Ahmedabad, Amit has a passion for curating experiences, local and hyperlocal that translate into customer delight.  Amit strongly believes in collaboration and seeks to further solidify the growth of brand Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels thereby offering many more destinations to travellers under the Welcomhotel umbrella. Having served for more than two decades with renowned hospitality brands like Taj Hotels, The Leela, The Lalit, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood (now Marriott) at various positions, Amit Kumar had a memorable stint as General Manager at Welcomhotel The Savoy, Mussoorie, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru and ITC Grand Central, Mumbai. Whilst upholding the benchmark service standards that ITC Hotels are known for, in this new role Amit will ensure that the curated immersive experiences that enrich both business and leisure journeys, for brand Welcomhotel.