Category Archives: Agents

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, invites travel partners to an exclusive webinar on 23 April 2025 at 3pm. Learn how to sell this captivating destination more effectively and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Gain insights from Oman Air, Kempinski Hotels Muscat and Magic Travels. Enhance your destination knowledge, gather insider tips and elevate your client offerings. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 96501 96532.

“The Ministry of Tourism will identify a new set of 50 destinations by the end of the year. Informal consultations with states and industry have already begun,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. “We’re currently drafting the first-cut guidelines, which will be shared with both stakeholders for feedback.” He added that the Ministry hopes to identify the first set of 50 tourism destinations within this year.

According to WTTC, today, only 1–2% of Indian tourism is sustainable compared to 10% globally. Deep Kalra, Founder and Chairman, MakeMyTrip, said, “India’s sustainable tourism market is modest, about $37 million or roughly ₹320 crore, but projected to grow to $216 million in 10 years.” Based on a MakeMyTrip survey, he said that 79% of travellers care about sustainability but lack access, affordability and trust. “They just need better tools,” he emphasised.

Insights from American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report state that Indian travellers are prioritising unique experiences and purchases. While 50% Indians are planning an international trip in 2025 to purchase a luxury good/investment piece, 58% are planning to travel to domestic and international destinations to attend a specific concert or show. Indians are willing to go the distance and travel both domestically (36%) and internationally (32%) for a sporting event in 2025.

Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Udaipur Marriott Hotel, marking Marriott International’s debut in Udaipur. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, the hotel blends Rajasthan’s rich regal heritage with contemporary influences. “We are delighted to introduce Marriott Hotels to Udaipur, a city renowned for its majestic landscapes, deep cultural roots, and old-world charm. Udaipur is one of the most preferred destinations in Rajasthan and serves as a perfect backdrop to introduce our signature heartfelt service and quality standards to the guests,” said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International. “As India’s travel landscape evolves, we remain committed to growing our footprint in both established and emerging destinations, as we continue to live our legacy of wonderful hospitality, thoughtfully designed to support and inspire our guests in every endeavor”. The 226 guestrooms and suites are inspired by Rajasthan’s royal heritage. “We are excited to unveil Udaipur Marriott Hotel, bringing the brand’s signature hospitality to the enchanting ‘City of Lakes,’” said Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, Udaipur Marriott Hotel. “Designed to reflect Udaipur’s regal charm, the hotel offers elegant accommodations, world-class dining, modern event spaces, and exceptional amenities. Weaving Rajasthan’s rich heritage with contemporary comforts, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest, whether traveling for business or leisure.”

Miiro, the new lifestyle hotel brand from InterGlobe Enterprises, is proud to announce the highly anticipated launch of Templeton Garden, marking the brand’s debut in the UK and the fourth opening in Europe in less than a year. The property is located in the historic Earl’s Court, an area once home to world-renowned writers. With its tranquil retreat, the hotel exemplifies Miiro’s commitment to setting new standards in hospitality by blending contemporary design with timeless English elegance. Templeton Garden features 156 rooms and suites, with many offering gorgeous views of the garden that forms the green heart of the hotel while upholding the area’s leafy heritage. The hotel’s contemporary interiors have been carefully thought out and created in collaboration with some of the highly acclaimed British designers to create a peaceful sanctuary for guests and locals alike. Each space is designed to serve as a calming urban retreat. The restaurant and bar at Templeton Garden overlook the hotel’s own garden, drawing inspiration from British seasons. A specially designed and hand-painted mural by a decorative artist depicts the garden’s plants, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Throughout the property, an art collection selected to complement the neutral interiors and highlight local artists is on display. Additional hotel spaces include a comfortable area that welcomes guests as they enter the property, The Library —offering a curated collection of works by iconic authors, a state-of-the-art gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room. Indian travellers seeking an authentic and enriching London experience will find a unique haven in Templeton Garden. The hotel provides a charming and comfortable base for exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The property embodies the spirit of its surroundings, offering guests …

In a landmark move to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global travel industry, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its Together in Travel SME initiative, with VFS Global proudly joining as a Founding Partner. WTTC is the only global body representing the travel and tourism private sector and its numerous industries. Over 200 companies are now represented on the Council, accounting for two-thirds of a trillion US dollars in turnover, equivalent to 30% of the entire sector Drawing on more than two decades of experience in technological innovation and market expansion, VFS Global is uniquely placed to share its expertise with a broader network of travel businesses. This new programme enables the empowerment of even more SMEs, helping them thrive in an ever-evolving travel ecosystem. VFS Global will actively support SMEs across its network spanning over 150 countries, recognising their pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering cost-effective growth, and promoting sustainable development within the travel and tourism sector. VFS Global remains committed to empowering SMEs to scale their operations and achieve significant progress, forging new opportunities for sustainable success. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “We are delighted to welcome VFS Global as a Founding Partner of Together in Travel. Their invaluable expertise, global network and industry leadership will play a crucial role in shaping this platform, empowering SMEs around the world with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive. By joining forces, we are creating a more resilient and inclusive Travel & Tourism sector, ensuring businesses of all sizes can flourish in the global marketplace. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Andrea Grisdale as Vice Chair—her vast experience and leadership …

The vibrant city of Surat witnessed a landmark moment as the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the newly formed Skål International Surat – South Gujarat club took place at Emerald 1, Orange Megastructure LLP (formerly TGB) at 1900 hrs. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Skål International India board members and was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from all participants. This newest addition to the Skål India family marks a significant step in the organization’s mission to establish active clubs in every state and union territory of the country. The event was characterized by valuable discussions, forward-thinking suggestions, and a shared vision for collaborative growth in the tourism and hospitality sector. “It is heartening to see the spirit with which Surat has embraced the Skål movement. This club is set to become a beacon of positive change for the region’s tourism community. Our mission remains to be the unified voice of progress and cooperation in Indian travel and hospitality,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India. The Skål International Surat – South Gujarat team also expressed their eagerness to contribute actively to the network. “We are honored to become part of this global movement. With passion, purpose, and partnership, we aim to elevate Surat’s presence in the international tourism map,” said Rajiv Shah, President, Skål International Surat – South Gujarat. The Office Bearers of the newly inaugurated Club Are Rajiv Shah – President, Vikas Gupta – Vice President, Sumit Bansal – Secretary, Vimal Vaghani – Treasurer, Sumit Saluja – Director-PR, Communication& CSR, Nitin Gupta – Membership Development Officer. Skål India continues its journey with renewed zeal to foster professional camaraderie, build bridges across borders, and create opportunities that …

Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, “6th convention of OTOAI will take place in the magnificent city of Moscow from 10-13 July 2025.” He added, “Post-pandemic, Russia has made a very positive move by simplifying the visa process for Indians. This clearly reflects their intention to welcome us and strengthen tourism ties between our countries. We are confident this convention will help boost mutual tourism opening new avenues for cooperation.”

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.