Speaking about the importance of India market for Oman, Asma Al Hajry, Deputy DG of Tourism Promotions, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, said, “The country recorded a 126% growth in Indian arrivals in April 2023 as compared to the same month last year. With Indian arrivals already surpassing 2,34,000 in the first five months this year, Oman has already seen a 114% growth in arrivals from India compared to last year.”

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of India International Hospitality Expo 2023, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM of Himachal Pradesh, urged the hospitality sector to invest in the state. He added that the govt will provide them with all the support required.

J&K has registered 1.27 crore tourist arrivals this year so far, and the figure is expected to touch a record-high by this year end, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He credited the restoration of peace for this development. J&K recorded 1.88 crore arrivals in 2022, the highest number in the past three decades.

The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) in partnership with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore, took center stage on 01 August 2023, as they organized a highly successful roadshow at the prestigious Hotel Grand Regent in Coimbatore. The event aimed to foster mutual growth and cooperation between the two vibrant travel communities, while promoting the mesmerizing tourism opportunities in the Andaman Islands. With a turnout of 50 travel agents from Coimbatore, the event was graced by the presence of AATO’s President, M. Vinod, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in elevating the Andaman Islands as a prime tourist destination. The roadshow proved to be an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the participants. Highlighting the event’s significance, M. Vinod, President of AATO, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore for this incredible roadshow. This platform has allowed us to showcase the diverse and breathtaking tourism opportunities that await travelers in the Andaman Islands. We are confident that this event will lead to fruitful partnerships and an increase in tourist footfall to our beautiful islands.” The event commenced with a panel discussion on “Tourism Opportunities in Andaman” that was moderated by the Joint Secretary of AATO, Saikat Biswas. The discussion delved into the untapped potential of the Andaman Islands as a year-round travel destination, featuring its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving marine life. The insightful session garnered active participation from travel agents and industry experts, enabling the exchange of ideas on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) organised an insightful seminar aimed at simplifying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the hospitality industry in Panaji. The seminar was held on the heels of the 50th GST Council meeting which took place on July 11, 2023, in New Delhi. The event saw attendance from 42 hospitality professionals including hotel and restaurant owners from across Goa. CA Jinit R Shah, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, conducted the seminar, providing in-depth knowledge and practical insights on GST related topics to the participants. The seminar focused on a variety of GST-related topics that are relevant to the hospitality industry. These topics included the rates applicable to restaurant services within hotel premises with different room tariffs, free food supplied to staff, food packaging, tips and service charge, covers charges, and sponsorships. For hotels, Mr Shah shared insights on the break-up of room tariffs and the applicable GST rates, including when there is provision for extra beds, or when guests use hotel utilities such as laundry services or consume from the mini-fridges in the rooms, among others. “The GST has been a complex and challenging tax regime for our industry and this seminar has helped us to better understand the rules and how to comply with them. His insights and practical examples tailored specifically for the hospitality sector have been immensely valuable for our members. The seminar has empowered professionals to navigate the GST landscape with confidence and efficiency, addressing doubts and providing valuable resources. The seminar has not only helped us clarify doubts on a variety of GST related topics but, has also equipped us better to …

Sentosa is set to introduce an array of leisure experiences to Indian travellers. The new developments were revealed during the visit of Chin Sak Hin, Assistant Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), who is here to strengthen SDC’s longstanding relationships with Indian trade partners to ensure that Sentosa is the preferred choice of destination for all Indian travellers to Singapore. Strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Currently, India is a top source market for Sentosa and accounts for nearly a third of overseas visitors to Sentosa Island for the first half of 2023. To leverage this high growth potential, SDC has inked one-year strategic partnerships with Thomas Cook (India) and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, respectively. The MoU aims to deepen the relationship between SDC and Thomas Cook and SOTC; highlight the range of discoveries in Sentosa; and shore up Sentosa’s position as a top-of-mind destination. The partnership will see SDC working closely with Thomas Cook and SOTC on activities such as product development, joint consumer promotions, as well as publicity to raise Sentosa’s profile in the India market, increase Sentosa’s capture rates of the India market particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities, and grow visitorship to and spend on Sentosa Island. Both Thomas Cook and SOTC will also curate exclusive packages that feature the latest offerings in Sentosa. The partnership is a timely and strategic move to refresh Sentosa’s brand image among Indian travellers, particularly as the island destination had repositioned itself earlier this year as an island of fulfilling experiences where discovery never ends. The new brand proposition presents opportunities and moments which allow guests to discover a new perspective while enjoying their time on …

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group of airlines announced a restructuring of its Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad services, as SIA and Scoot adjust their capacity and network in response to evolving demand patterns. Chennai Scoot will commence daily services between Singapore and Chennai from 5 November 2023, while SIA will go to a twice daily service between the two cities from 29 October 2023. As a result, the SIA Group’s operations between Singapore and Chennai will increase from 17-times weekly to 21-times weekly. SIA will operate its Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-8, and Boeing 787-10 aircraft on its Chennai routes, while Scoot will operate its Airbus A320 aircraft. This transfer of services will reintroduce Scoot to Chennai after a three-year hiatus, and offer additional options for customers on this important route. Hyderabad SIA will take over Scoot’s daily services between Singapore and Hyderabad from 29 October 2023, and progressively increase its frequencies between the cities from seven-times weekly to 12-times weekly. The new five-times weekly morning services will be operated by SIA’s Boeing 737-8s, offering more options for passengers travelling from Hyderabad to and beyond Singapore.  The daily night services will be operated by SIA’s Airbus A350s.  As a result, Hyderabad will be entirely served by SIA’s full-service product. Bengaluru SIA will operate twice daily flights between Singapore and Bengaluru from 29 October 2023 using its Airbus A350s on all days except Thursdays and Sundays, where the morning flight will be operated by the Boeing 737-8. SIA will discontinue its thrice-weekly SQ512 and SQ513 Airbus 350 services. As a result, the Airline will operate 14-times weekly instead of the current 16 times a week, offering customers better connectivity from Bengaluru to key …

The 2023 edition of India Travel Awards (North) was held at the Hyatt Regency Delhi on 25 July, Addressing the event, VK Duggal, Former Governor, Manipur and Mizoram said, “With India’s international tourist offices being closed, the Indian embassies and high commission will have to play an important role in promoting Indian tourism overseas.”

Speaking on the sidelines of Tourism Australia’s 18th Australia Marketplace India (AMI) in Bengaluru, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, said, “India has improved its ranks among Australia’s source markets, and reached a milestone of emerging as the first market to recover to pre-Covid levels, with several marketing, public relations, distribution, and partnership initiatives aimed at enhancing Australia’s attractiveness and consideration. Our Key Distribution Partners, Aussie Specialists and Business Event agents have been vital in inviting Indians to Australia. We seek to maintain our current trajectory and unlock India’s potential growth towards the next decade of travel.”

Analysis of the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Fleet Database reveals that Singapore Airlines has the highest share of its seats in premium cabins at 15.5% among all global airlines. For the group of 50 airlines, premium seats represent an average of 9.5% of total seats, with a range from 3.2% (SAS Scandinavian Airlines) to Singapore Airlines (15.5%). Also high in the range are Emirates Airline (15.1%), Korean Air (13.5%), Japan Airlines (13.1%), British Airways (12.9%), Cathay Pacific Airways (12.6%), and United Airlines (12.1%).