BL Sharma, CM, Rajasthan, called for promoting state’s tourist sites, fairs, and festivals with effective branding and marketing at the global level. He added that the government is committed to tourism skill development programme and steps should be taken to make monuments and panoramas of the state more attractive.

According to Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT), Mumbai, around 8,500 Indians visited the country till Oct 2024. “We hope that by the end of 2024, the number of Indians tourists will reach around 10,000 and IMOT is planning to launch e-visa for Indians in 2025,” she shared.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation bagged ‘Excellence in Responsible Tourism Practices’ award at ITA 2024. Manasi Kothare, Officer for Responsible Tourism, MTDC, said, “We have pioneered several projects, including development of carbon footprint calculator, a crucial tool for environmental conservation.”

Oman’s southernmost gem, with a tropical climate and a monsoon season, known as the Khareef, Dhofar is unlike any other region of Oman. The region’s lush green landscape from June to September when the mists and rains of the Khareef descend, offers indelible sight to the visitors. Steeped in history and full of fascinating places to visit year-round, Dhofar is one of the hidden secrets of the Gulf. Perched on ancient ruins, Mirbat Castle offers a captivating interactive exhibition, showcasing its storied past, Dhofar’s rich environment, and the unique culture of Mirbat’s people. Nearby, Jebel Samham—the region’s highest peak—hosts the rare Dracaena cinnabari, known as the Dragon’s Blood tree for its striking red sap. For thrill-seekers, Ras Hanani, Dhofar’s prime snorkelling and diving spot near Salalah, teems with marine wonders. Glide alongside majestic manta rays and spot eerie moray eels lurking in coral crevices. Dhofar is one of the world’s few places where you can marvel at brain and table corals amid vibrant schools of fish.

Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru secured the ‘Best Wedding and MICE Hotel Karnataka’ award at the India Travel Awards. Shafee Ahmed, GM and KS Sachin, Director, Sales & Marketing accepted the award. The property’s MICE facilities can host events catering from 10 to 1,000 guests.

VisitBritain’s ‘Destination Britain Middle East & Asia’ trade mission has kicked off in Bengaluru. The three-day event saw prescheduled successful B2B meetings between 37 suppliers from the UK and over 70 buyers from India, GCC, Korea and Japan. The event also provided an opportunity to learn the trends driving outbound travel.

India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded exponentially with the number of airports doubling in last 10 years. Underscoring the government’s dedication in integrating women in this sector, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said, “There are immense opportunities for women to become a part of this growth story in aviation.”

Join an exciting webinar by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman on 27 November at 3pm. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences that make Oman a top destination for travellers. For more information, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

International music sensation Akon, renowned for hits like ‘Chammak Challo’ and ‘Lonely,’ has stayed at the Mayfair Spring Valley resort during his visit to India, ahead of the Cherry Blossom Music Festival in Shillong. The iconic artist has stayed at the property for four days before he heads to the highly anticipated music festival. The eagerly awaited annual event will see Akon take the stage as one of its main attractions this year. Known for drawing diverse audiences from across the country and beyond, the festival features a stellar lineup of artists, offering a vibrant mix of performances that celebrate harmony, creativity, and the spirit of the season. Akon’s presence is set to elevate the festival’s charm and create unforgettable memories for attendees. Pardeep Siwach, DGM, Accommodation, Mayfair Spring Valley, shared his enthusiasm – “We are happy to host Akon at Mayfair Spring Valley. His incredible talent and global appeal resonate with audiences worldwide, and it is an honour to provide him with a serene and luxurious retreat. With our lush surroundings and world-class amenities, we are confident that his stay will be both memorable and rejuvenating.” Akon is an internationally renowned American singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and world music. With hit singles like “Lonely” and “Chammak Challo,” he has achieved global fame, selling millions of albums and earning multiple awards. Beyond music, Akon is a philanthropist, focused on various social initiatives, including his efforts to bring electricity to rural Africa through his Akon Lighting Africa project. His versatility and influence have made him a prominent figure in both the music industry and the global community. The singing sensation, Akon, voiced …

Mamaka by Ovolo welcomes its newest culinary rockstar, Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. Hailing from the heart of India, Jabalpur, where the Narmada River flows and riverside cooking was his teenage playground, Chef Anuj has arrived and making waves with a bold mission; to take Indian cuisine to the next level without forgetting the true essence and heritage of Indian food. Chef Anuj is bringing his fiery passion, innovative flair, and mouthwatering flavours to the vibrant culinary scene at Mamaka by Ovolo. Chef Anuj’s culinary journey began as a teen with chulha-style (brick stove) riverside feasts, whipping up smoky curries and kebabs against stunning scenic backdrops. What started as fun weekends with friends soon turned into a full-blown obsession with the art of cooking. Mamaka and Chef Anuj’s specialty will be crafting all of our spice blends in-house, from garam masala and chaat masala to chai masala. “After a decade of honing my craft, I am ready to elevate Indian cuisine in Bali and redefine what it means to experience authentic Indian flavours. Get ready to be amazed as I bring the heat to Kuta’s vibrant culinary scene,” said Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. The resort’s signature makhani masala, which is featured in dishes like butter chicken and dal makhani, is inspired by the rich flavours of North India, and the dal makhani is traditionally slow cooked for 24 hours, ensuring deep, authentic taste. Snacks, like street-style aloo chaat, draw inspiration from the bustling streets of Jaipur, while our samosas reflect flavours from central India. Poha, one of the most popular Indian breakfast items, originates from Indore city in central India, and it is a personal favourite of mine, along with the …