Touted as a game-changer, the newly-launched UDAN 5.3 aims to revitalise point-to-point air connectivity. The new round will focus on connecting unserved, underserved cities of India. Scindia says, “In addition to aviation infrastructure we are addressing issues of capacity building across the value chain including human resources. We have liberalized policies so as to ensure adequate availability of pilots, cabin crew, engineers, etc. in the country.”

Arago Travels, a DMC noted for its expertise in Nordic destinations such as Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, proudly announces its partnership with Ark Travel Group. This alliance is further strengthened by the appointment of Anjum Lokhandwala as Arago Travels’ representative in India. This initiative is an endeavor to extend Arago Travels’ market reach within India, offering agents access to its premium services in the Nordic region. This partnership heralds a new chapter in Nordic travel, enabling Indian travel agents to seamlessly connect with Arago Travels’ extensive service portfolio. Renowned for their specialization in FIT, GIT, scheduled departures, bespoke private tours, and MICE, Arago Travels is well-equipped to cater to the burgeoning interest in unique, tailor-made travel experiences in Iceland and Scandinavia. Yash Vakil & Tejas Vakil, Director and Founder of Arago Travels, underscored their commitment to delivering top-tier travel experiences. “India represents a crucial market segment for Arago Travels. Our partnership with Outbound Konnections (ARK Reps) is a strategic step in introducing our premier luxury travel experiences to Indian travelers. Outbound Konnections (ARK Reps) deep insights into the Indian travel market and their proven proficiency are fundamental to this alliance. We are enthusiastic about the prospects of this partnership in not only broadening our reach in India but also in redefining luxury travel for Indian tourists with our specialized offerings,” they remarked.  This collaboration marks a pivotal expansion for Arago Travels in the Indian travel market. The partnership with Outbound Konnections (Ark Reps) is poised to facilitate easier access and enhance the visibility of the Nordic region’s enchanting destinations among Indian tourists. For further information regarding Arago Travels and its comprehensive range of services, travel agents and partners …

Bihar government has identified tourism as a priority sector and is implementing a series of infrastructural and business friendly reforms to encourage investments. Part of this is the new Bihar Tourism Policy 2023 which will be unveiled today by state CM and Tourism Minister in Patna with presence from representatives from hotel industry.

During the IATO Interactive Luncheon Meeting in Delhi, President Rajiv Mehra announced that the association has achieved a substantial increase in its membership, with a rise of over 300 new members. He attributed this growth to one of the reasons: the special rates for hotels that IATO provides to its members.

Commenting on the new MoU that HRAWI has signed with Ingram Micro India, Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, said, “It reflects our commitment to harness new-age tech solutions and expertise for the betterment of our members. We aim to co-create and lead tech seminars that will empower our members with the latest advancements in the sector. It also aligns with our commitment to creating a global circular economy through responsible disposal and reverse logistics. It’s about shaping the future of the hospitality sector through innovation and sustainability.”  

The Navi Mumbai International Airport, an ambitious greenfield project underway in Ulwe is officially scheduled to commence operations on March 31, 2025. However, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia said on January 13 that he is pushing to start commercial operations by December 2024. After a recent assessment, Scindia spoke about the five phases in which the airport is expected to be opened. With 60% of the project already completed, commercial operations of the airport are on track to begin on March 31, 2025.

Applauding the Atal Setu project, Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, says, “As the longest sea bridge in the country, it not only enhances Mumbai’s connectivity but also symbolizes the nation’s commitment to pushing boundaries in engineering excellence. It is poised to transform not only Mumbai’s landscape but also provide an unprecedented boost to tourism in Maharashtra. With improved connectivity, we foresee a significant surge in tourist footfall to Mumbai’s neighbouring tourism destinations like Lonavala, Matheran, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar and other scenic locales across the state.”

According to latest analysis from WTTC and ForwardKeys, the leading travel data and analytics company, international arrivals in France for the first half of 2024 are at 93% of the same period in 2019, with France cementing its position as the world’s most popular destination. Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights at ForwardKeys, added: “With flight bookings on the rise and air carriers set to introduce a record number of seats, France enters 2024 in a strong position. “Capitalising on the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and on the growing exposure provided by the upcoming Olympic Games, the country is set to be one of most thought-after destinations this year for both regional and long-haul markets.”

Mahendra Vakharia, Executive Committee Member, Immediate Past President – OTOAI, & MD, Pathfinders Holidays, says that understanding the WHY before a client’s holiday is key to creating a more meaningful and wholesome luxury experience. “Many times we as luxury advisors have to inform the client that what looks good or luxury on social media is not necessarily what will suit you or you may not fit in well in that luxury getup because of the cultural difference, living lifestyle, food habit etc. Luxury should not force you to change just so that you fit into a particular situation,” he explains.

Darshana Seth recently launched her own passion project called ‘Polaris Tourism’ that caters to the high-end (luxury) tourism brands from a representation, sales and marketing perspective. She has partnered with the following ITO/DMCs for the given destinations to help curate aspirational luxury offerings to elite Indian consumers.   CHR Travel: UK + Europe: Adhoc groups/MICE groups etc  CHR Travel has an enthusiastic team with a combined experience of over 40 years, focusing primarily on handling specialised group tours across UK and Europe. CHR provides services catering to leisure groups, Meetings & Incentives groups, Special Interest groups & European Van tours and much more. https://chr-travel.com/   Take Me 2 The World, New Zealand: High End Luxury customers Take Me 2 The World designs itineraries for the free independent traveller (FIT), upto 30 pax high-end family & friends’ groups. TM2TW provide services catering to honeymooners, family travellers & education & sports tours. With their association with Massey University Sports & Rugby Institute and well-known New Zealand sportsman Jacob Oram, TM2TW can organize tours for sports clubs and academies, with a focus on training in different conditions and playing against New Zealand local teams. https://dmc.takeme2theworld.com/   Take Me 2 The World, Wholesalers for Latin America: FIT+ Luxury Covering South and Central America plus Mexico (Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador & Galapagos, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua and Mexico). https://takeme2theworld.com/