Recently, two MOUs were signed at UP Tourism Directorate, Lucknow, aiming to boost rural tourism and livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh. The first agreement between UP Tourism and UPSRLM focuses on infrastructure development, community empowerment, and financial services access. The second MOU with Manyawar Kanshiram Institute targets sustainable food enterprises. These partnerships aim to transform Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector, benefiting both tourists and locals by promoting authentic rural experiences. 

As per WeddingWire India report, Indian wedding industry, valued as the second-largest globally. The average cost of hosting a wedding celebration in India surged to Rs 28 Lakhs in 2023, representing a significant increase from Rs 25 Lakhs in 2022. This indicates a substantial 12% growth in wedding expenditures within just one year.   

Moumita Mukherjee Paul, Director of Sales and Marketing for South Asia and GCC, Centara Hotels & Resorts said, Last week, we had 93 hotels globally, with operations underway and upcoming. Today, we have 97, and next week it will be 99. So, within the next two weeks, we will reach 100 hotels that will be operational or about to open within the next year, you could say. Expansion has been our key focus”. 

Air India Express introduces its innovative “Fare Lock” service, designed to help travellers secure the lowest available fare and avoid higher airfares closer to departure, if travel dates are undecided. With this convenient new option, guests can now lock in a fare and secure their itinerary for any future date, holding the reservation at a lower fare for up to seven days by paying a nominal nonrefundable fee of ₹250 for domestic flights and ₹500 for international flights. The Fare Lock service is available for all fare types, excluding codeshare bookings, through the airline’s website, www.airindiaexpress.com. Commenting on the launch, Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said, “The new ‘Fare Lock’ service empowers our guests to make travel plans without the concern of rising fares. As an airline, we are committed to a customer-centric approach, and this service is another step in giving our guests control over their travel experience, allowing them to personalise it to their preferences.” Logged-in loyalty members booking on the airline’s website and mobile app get additional rewards and benefits, including exclusive discounts and special deals and up to 8% NeuCoins. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, dependents, and members of the Indian armed forces can also get special fares and benefits on airindiaexpress.com. Air India Express recently introduced Xpress Lite fares enabling guests who prefer travelling without check-in baggage to make the most of fares which are lower than regular fares

Ramee Group of Hotels, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest hotel in Bhuj, Gujarat. Situated amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of Bhuj, this latest addition to the Ramee Group of Hotel’s portfolio promises to redefine luxury and comfort in the heart of the city. Strategically located in Giriraj Nagar, 5 kilometres from Bhuj Railway Station and Bhuj Airport, and just 3 kilometres from Bhuj Bus Port, this exquisite addition to the Ramee Group promises to redefine luxury and comfort in the heart of the city. Bhuj, is a captivating destination known for its rich history, including iconic landmarks like Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal. It’s also the gateway to the stunning Great Rann of Kutch, offering travellers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Enhancing India’s remarkable tourism landscape, Ramee The Srinivas Palace presents 38 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, each celebrating the vibrant hues of Kutch. These accommodations are meticulously crafted to offer guests a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Within the hotel premises, guests can enjoy culinary delights at “Mirchi,” an exclusive vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant. Offering a 24-hour dining option, along with the city’s largest indoor banqueting facility, this hotel promises an exciting hospitality experience in Bhuj. “We are thrilled to unveil our latest venture in the picturesque city of Bhuj,” said Saurabh Gahoi, Vice President, India of Ramee Group of Hotels. “With its rich cultural heritage and growing tourism appeal, Bhuj presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our commitment to exceptional hospitality. The new hotel serves as a catalyst for both tourism and community development. We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them …

Employees are the backbone of any company. Don’t you agree with this? Thus, honouring them isn’t just a gesture of goodwill—it’s a duty of leadership. Chef Aanal Kotak exemplified this principle during the 7th-anniversary celebration of The Secret Kitchen (TSK). She honoured her team with a special feast, recognising their crucial role in TSK’s success. On June 9, Aanal took to her Instagram to share a video marking the celebration of TSK’s anniversary. In the video, she delivered a touching message, underscoring the importance of her team’s dedication. She addressed the employees, the front servers, the chefs, and others, thanking them for their unwavering dedication to the success of the brand. After that, the sight of HODs serving food to the staff, feeding them with their hands, and having close interaction with them highlighted the camaraderie and appreciation within TSK. In the caption, she wrote, “Happy 7th Anniversary, The Secret Kitchen family! Today we’re celebrating YOU, our incredible team! We want to say THANK YOU to show our deepest appreciation. After years of serving up culinary wonders, the tables are turning! Your HODs and I will be putting on our aprons to serve YOU. Because YOU deserve to be pampered after all your hard work!” Speaking of this gesture, Chef Aanal said, “Our success is built on the relentless efforts of our employees. Today, we celebrate them and thank them for their unwavering support.” The Secret Kitchen, launched as a restaurant chain in India, has grown significantly, now boasting an international presence. Besides India, the restaurant has its chains extended to Australia and Canada. Its expansion also includes a thriving FMCG brand, TSK Masalas. Chef Aanal’s leadership has been pivotal …

Sarova Hotels is a brand woven into the very fabric of the nation’s tourism industry and Kenya’s vibrant heart beats anewin celebration, as this beacon of homegrown hospitality commemorated its 50th anniversary in April 2024. More than justa milestone, this golden jubilee is a testament to a rich legacy of service and deep values that have shaped the journey. The vision for this indigenous hotel brand was born in 1974 when its founding patriarchs, G.S. Vohra, Mohinder Singh Vohra and John Ngata Kariuki demonstrated their love for family in an interesting yet befitting act. The name SAROVA was coined, an acronym derived from their wives’ first names; SA- Swaran Vohra (Mohinder’s wife) RO- Rose Kariuki (John’s wife) VA- Varsha Vohra (G.S’s wife) Soon after, their first venture in the hotel industry took place with the acquisition of the Ambassadeur Hotelon Moi Avenue, owned by the family until 1998. Leisurely Delights, Each Location an Experience Over the years through bold and spontaneous moves, Sarova has expanded its footprint across Kenya with a portfolioof 9 properties, each proof of a firm commitment to quality and innovation. These properties include Sarova Stanley& Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Nakuru, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu, Sarova Mara Game Camp in Masai Mara, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu andSarova Maiyan in Nanyuki. This evolution has continued with the launch of the first standalone speciality restaurant,Thai Chi by Sarova launched in 2023 in Nairobi, an extension of Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley. Each hotel is a microcosm of Kenyan culture, with a legacy that extends beyond …

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We are requesting that, after the new government comes in, it’s fine for promotions to be done from the embassy. However, like officers from the Ministry of Commerce or other such departments who are posted in embassies or high commissions abroad, at least in the 20 key market embassies or high commissions, people at the rank of Deputy Director General (DDG) should be posted there under the overall supervision of the ambassador or high commissioner. Only then will we be able to achieve our goals because these are the people who understand what tourism is.”

The International Congress of Event Industry (ICEI), in collaboration with Resorts World Cruise; Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer; Wedding Vows; and Black Rock Hotels & Resort will organise Cruisesthan 2024 in Singapore. The aim is to showcase the immense potential of cruises as spectacular venues for future weddings and conferences

India’s passenger Load Factor Level reached 86.6% in April 2024 as per IATA with a year-on-year change of -1.7% in load factor. Additionally, revealed that the total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 11.0% compared to April 2023 as global passenger demand rose to 15.8%  and domestic demand rose to 4%