Category Archives: Associations

HVS ANAROCK Hotel General Managers Survey captures industry leaders’ perspectives on key trends and opportunities in 2025. This year, ADR remains the top priority for them, especially for business hotels where 70% plan to focus on ADR growth. In contrast, leisure hotels show a more balanced approach, with 58% prioritising occupancy. While business hotels remain anchored in corporate bookings and MICE, and leisure hotels prioritise FITs, weddings and social events are emerging as a significant revenue driver across both segments.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM) and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosted Harit Yoga – A Signature Event as part of the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations. The event took place at the FHRAI-IHM campus in Greater Noida. Bringing together students, hospitality professionals, and wellness advocates, the event celebrated yoga as a powerful tool for harmony, peace, and environmental consciousness. The session was led by expert trainers from Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, Noida, including Yogacharya Mukta Sharma and Yogacharya Divya Sharma, with support from Yogi Vaibhav, Yogi Rahul, Yogini Nikki, and Yogini Kavita. As part of the celebration, saplings were distributed to participants by Shri S C Suneja and Dr Narendra Kumar, symbolising a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. This act of tree planting underscored the event’s theme and served as a tangible reminder of the connection between personal well-being and ecological health. The gathering commenced with the Common Yoga Protocol and was followed by a series of curated yoga practices, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. Each session aimed to highlight yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a holistic way of life that cultivates mindfulness, balance, and a deeper connection with nature. This year’s theme, “Harit Yoga: Embrace Nature, Embrace Peace,” placed a special emphasis on sustainable living and the role of yoga in nurturing both personal and planetary well-being. Conversations on green practices and lifestyle choices were woven into the programme, encouraging participants to make conscious decisions that align with wellness and ecological balance. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI said, “Yoga is not just about postures or routines. …

SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications, made history by becoming the first Indian recipient of the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A member since 1999, he has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He played a pivotal role in bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023.

PATA in its new report, ‘The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC’ emphasised a critical need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80% of arrivals come from neighboring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”

This is a proud moment for India on the global stage! SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications, was honoured with the prestigious PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. In recognition of his tireless contribution to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and steadfast support of the PATA Chapter network, SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications Private Limited, was honored with the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A PATA member since 1999, SanJeet has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in strengthening the India Chapter and was a driving force behind bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023. This award celebrates his enduring legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of global travel and tourism.

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) expressed its deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation of the recent heinous attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. This despicable act, targeting those who came in the spirit of discovery and peace, is an attack not only on the lives of individuals but on the very fabric of the nation’s hospitality and harmony. TAAI mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. An act of violence against tourists is a direct strike at the soul of Tourism’s spirit and an attempt to instil fear and disrupt the positive narrative of Jammu & Kashmir. Such cowardly acts aim to derail the region’s tourism-driven resurgence, but TAAI stands united in saying, “We will not let terror define our future.” TAAI reaffirms solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They have promoted this breathtaking destination for decades and will continue to do so with unwavering determination. The association urges members, industry partners, and the travelling public to continue supporting Kashmir’s tourism sector and its resilient community, whose livelihood depends greatly on this vital industry. While incidents like these may cause short-term disruptions, TAAI said, “We are confident that with proactive government support, robust security measures, and the collective resolve of all stakeholders, tourism in Jammu & Kashmir will recover and thrive once again.” “We call upon the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure enhanced safety and protection for all tourists. The spirit of Indian tourism is unbreakable, and together, we will ensure it emerges stronger than ever.”

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80 per cent of arrivals come from neighbouring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”

With Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in the Asia-Pacific market, PATA signalled readiness to support the kingdom with market intelligence and regional insights. While acknowledging Saudi’s robust in-house expertise, PATA highlighted its value as a connector offering knowledge from decades of Asia-focused tourism development. The collaboration could involve joint projects, knowledge sharing, and practical guidance to help Saudi adapt its tourism products for Asian travellers.

Peter Semone, Chair, PATA, used the platform of the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul to call for a radical industry reset. Destination management must now take priority over destination marketing, he suggested. Noting decades of marketing-first approaches, he emphasised the risks of unchecked tourism growth. “If we do not manage tourism better, we risk eroding the very places we promote,” he added, pointing to global pressures on ecosystems and communities.