Tourism New Zealand will conduct an exciting webinar highlighting their campaign ‘If You Seek’ and related trade tools and assets on Tuesday, Feb 28 at 11am. Agents can earn a place on the ultimate New Zealand family by showing their curiosity during this webinar. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 to register. 

The inauguration of TOURIST GALLERIA INDIA’s office was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 5:00 pm on the first floor of C4 sector-2 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Govt. of India, who joined virtually. Shyam Jaju, a Senior National Leader of BJP, also attended the event as a special guest, along with IPS Harish Chander, DCP of Noida, and Sushil Kumar, ACP-II of Noida. The Chairman of STIC Travel Group, Subhash Goyal, was also present at the occasion.

ITC group firm Fortune Park Hotels plans to add 15 new properties with 1,500 rooms in the next two-and-a-half years to its portfolio as part of its expansion across India, revealed Samir MC, Managing Director. The hospitality firm is looking to cater to a strong domestic demand in smaller cities and also from pilgrimage tourism. 

According to Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head of MEISEA for South African Tourism, Mumbai remained the top source market for South African tourism in India, as more Indian visitors traveled from there. For the period of January to June 2023, the city accounted for the highest number (64%) of forward bookings to South Africa.  

According to Bookings.com, 2023 will see millennials planning more last-minute trips (53%) whilst older generations will take comfort in planning ahead as the best opportunity to get a good deal (Gen X 60% and Baby Boomers 54%). 

G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, announced that the Department of Tourism will provide financial assistance to enhance port infrastructure and stimulate the growth of cruise tourism in India. 

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for dropping the existing requirement of pre departure covid-19 testing and uploading of self-health declaration on Ministry of civil aviation’s “ Air Suvidha “ portal for travellers coming from/via Thailand. Consequently, requirement of health insurance covering treatment of Covid-19 in Thailand has also been removed by the Thai Authorities. Governor, said “India is and has always been a significant and primary tourism market for Thailand. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our industry partners in India for helping to strengthen the positive image of Thailand as a popular destination for Indian travellers.” Governor, Mr.Yuthasak Supasorn was present in India at the time of announcement to attend ‘A Million Thanks: Amazing Thailand Night Reception’ held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi on 8th February 2023 and to attend SATTE 2023. ‘A Million Thanks: Amazing Thailand Night Reception’ event was organised in New Delhi by TAT to express their gratitude and say “Thank You” to the Indian travel industry for supporting and promoting Thailand as a preferred tourist destination for Indian travellers. The event was held at Leela Palace, New Delhi on 8th February 2023. Prior to the start of the event, the travel trade and media were updated on Thailand’s tourism products and experiences and the Amazing New Chapters Marketing Campaign. The ‘Amazing Thailand Destination Presentation’ session was presented by Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing –Asia and South Pacific Region. The magical night started with a welcome by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn – Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand and H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong- Thai Ambassador to India who highlighted the …

Cross Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Discova, are proud to announce the launch of new brand “Kaura”, and the first of its kind “Kaura Bali”.  This immersive village experience is located in the lush hills of Karangasem, East Bali and developed in harmony with the environment, in direct partnership with the villagers of Manggis. Kaura is the sixth brand from Cross Hotels & Resorts and is poised to transform the hospitality landscape. Transforming Hospitality for All Kaura Bali started as a community project with Discova with the reparation of a damaged irrigation pipe that threatened the survival of the entire community who were heavily dependent on rice farming. Today, the villagers of Manggis are transforming tourism with experiences that are both created and guided by the community. Each moment connects adventurous travelers closer to village culture. Steeped in Paradise Manggis is appointed on the sweeping terraces of eastern Bali, with the fertile volcanic hillside as a stunning backdrop to the vibrant colour of village life. The crystal waters of the Java Sea are just a short cycle away; it is the perfect base to explore the region. Life Changing Experiences “I’m so proud to be working hand-in-hand with Discova and the people of Manggis to bring Kaura to life.” said CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, Harry Thaliwal. “Our goal of self-sustaining retreats, created in partnership with local communities, is at the core of Cross’s vision for an evolving industry. Through education, and sustainable development with the villagers, Kaura will deliver life changing experiences for travelers.” Immersed in Nature Kaura Bali is an escape to the indulgence of nature. Guests can experience sunrises over the yoga Sala each morning, …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, The Sultanate of Oman organized its first MICE FAM trip for the year for important MICE trade partners from all over India. The participants included representatives from travel agencies in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, and Hyderabad. Several places in and around Muscat, including Wahiba Sands and Jebel Akhdar, were visited by a delegation of six key MICE partners. The objective of the trip was to showcase the top attractions and the hotel properties to the MICE agents, and therefore, the agenda was to do multiple inspections of hotels and the sites suitable for the Indian MICE movement. The site inspections were done in the top properties, including Al Falaj Hotel, Al Bustan Palace, Sheraton, Jumeirah Muscat Bay, W Muscat, Kempinski, Hotel Sur Plaza, DusitD2, Alila, Anantara and many more. The diversity of options for MICE in Oman which included the beaches, mountains, wadis, desert among others were discussed during the visit. The team was very happy to visit various sites of Omanؙ—Dolphin watching tour, Museums, Nizwa Fort, the famous souqs and a visit to the Mall of Oman. The trade partners were impressed with the options available in Oman for the MICE groups with a combination of luxury and budgeted properties. The agents found Oman to be a delightful place as they enjoyed the Sultanate’s hospitality, landscape, and culture. The trade partners were thrilled to see the culinary options available and its similarity with the Indian cuisine. A big thank you to our DMC partner Zahara Tours for flawlessly planning everything and hosting at the magnificent Arabian Nights Resort & Spa! On 4 February 2023, the FAM trip came to an end, leaving the guests …

Research by the World Travel & Tourism Council has revealed that within the next decade, Beijing will overtake Paris to become the world’s largest Travel & Tourism city destination.