Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook India entered the Gallery of Legends at the India Travel Awards. “We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as AI, to enhance customer interactions and stay ahead of the curve in the industry,” he said at the event.

According to the latest report by KPMG, religious tourism is a substantial driver of employment and economic activity both globally and within India. By 2030, more than one hundred million people are expected to be gainfully employed through temporary and permanent jobs created by India’s spiritual tourism alone, which is anticipated to be worth around US$ 59 billion by 2028. 

The SITE India Chapter is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the SITE India Incentive Summit 2024, held on August 23, 2024, at The Pullman Aerocity, New Delhi. The event brought together top professionals from the incentive travel industry for an afternoon filled with insightful sessions, dynamic discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities. The summit’s agenda was designed to address the most current trends and challenges facing the incentive travel sector. Highlights of the day included: How to Use AI in Your Incentive Travel Business: Led by Nitin Sachdeva, President Elect of SITE Global, this session explored innovative ways AI can transform the incentive travel landscape, offering practical insights for businesses to stay ahead. Incentive Travel Trends Powered by SITE Foundation: Padraic Gilligan, CMO of SITE Global, provided a deep dive into the latest industry trends, supported by data-driven insights from the SITE Foundation, offering attendees a comprehensive outlook on the future of incentive travel. Fireside Chat with Corporate and Agency Buyers: Moderated by Kiran Bhandari, SITE Board Member, this session featured candid insights from industry leaders Neena Kaul (Corporate) and Atul Chabra, Director at Enthuse Answers (Agency), who shared their perspectives on the evolving needs of incentive travel. Making India a Strong Incentive Travel Destination: In a compelling session moderated by Nitin Sachdeva, Rajeev Kohli, Past President of SITE Global, and Naveen Rizvi, Vice President of SITE India, discussed strategies to bolster India’s position as a leading incentive travel destination. The summit concluded with a relaxed networking session over beer and wine, offering attendees an informal setting to unwind and celebrate the day’s achievements. Support and New Membership Interest The SITE India Chapter would like to extend a special …

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is proud to announce an upcoming webinar, organized by the ATOAI Women’s Collective with support from the Ministry of Tourism titled “Safe Journeys: Enhancing Women’s Safety in Tourism” In an era where the safety and well-being of female travelers are at the forefront of global discussions, this webinar aims to address and enhance strategies for ensuring safe and secure travel environments for women. Bringing together some of the most distinguished experts from the tourism industry, the session promises to be both enlightening and impactful. The session will feature a panel of distinguished speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Our panel of experts will share insights, tools, and resources that can help us all contribute to a safer travel experience for everyone. Join us for this insightful panel discussion on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Distinguished Panelists: Hannah Pearson, Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) A pioneering force in Asia’s tourism landscape, Hannah Pearson brings over a decade of expertise in travel startups and consulting. Her groundbreaking reports and co-hosting of The South East Asia Travel Show underscore her role as a leading authority in Southeast Asian tourism. Dilshad Master Kumar, Director Bull’s Adventures & Outward Bound India Himalaya, Outdoors Leader, TEDx Speaker With a trailblazing career spanning 23 years, Dilshad Master Kumar is a transformative figure in media and adventure. From her trailblazing media ventures to her leadership in high-altitude treks, including Everest and Siachen, Dilshad’s TEDx talks and work with Bull’s Adventures & Outward Bound India Himalaya epitomize resilience and empowerment. Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures An influential advocate for conservation and …

Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce a significant Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Yutthaporn Development, marking an exciting step forward for both companies. This two-hotel deal for Cross Vibe Bangkok Srinakarin and Lumen Bangkok Srinakarin exemplifies our shared commitment to delivering outstanding lifestyle hospitality experiences in Bangkok’s dynamic Srinakarin district. Located in Bangkok’s bustling eastern suburbs, Srinakarin blends urban energy with suburban charm. Just a short 20-minute taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and connected by the new MRT Yellow Line monorail, both hotels are perfectly positioned for business, leisure, and long-stay travelers. Srinakarin is a treasure trove of shopping, entertainment, and relaxation. Guests can explore Seacon Square, one of Southeast Asia’s largest shopping malls, or unwind in the serene Suan Luang Rama IX Park. The area’s eclectic mix of attractions ensures there’s always something exciting to discover. Cross Vibe Bangkok Srinakarin brings a fresh, modern vibe to the district. The 221 rooms are designed with style and comfort in mind, perfect for today’s savvy travelers. Business guests can take advantage of eight creative spaces and meeting rooms, while the outdoor pool, health club, spa, and chic restaurant offer ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Lumen Bangkok Srinakarin offers a bright, fresh concept with 64 spacious suites that reflect the neighborhood’s unique character. Emphasizing “A Brighter Way to Stay,” each suite, ranging from 78 to 112 square meters, includes private balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and luxurious amenities, ideal for extended stays. Guests can enjoy a modern fitness center, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and spa. The MRT Suan Luang Rama 9 monorail station is adjacent to the hotel, making it easy to explore beyond Srinakarin. Harry Thaliwal, …

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar to explore unique and exciting attractions of Zurich. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddpal.com or 9650196532

Jay Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji Holidays, said that luxury travel is evolving. With increasing disposable incomes, travellers from both metro and tier II and III cities are seeking luxurious holidays. In fact, many senior citizens and retired individuals are also wanting to travel in luxury and explore new destinations. 

ExpoInn Suites & Convention plans to expand by adding two new hotels, increasing its total number of keys to 308. Barun Gupta, General Manager, ExpoInn Suites & Convention, said, “One of these new hotels will be positioned in the luxury segment, while the other will cater to the upper mid-scale market.” 

A new GBTA study reveals that 75% of travel buyers are interested in adopting an AI-powered travel program chatbot to automatically answer questions specifically about their program. Additionally, 51% are interested in blockchain-based booking, while 49% favor blockchain-based payment solutions. 

Are you dreaming of trading your couch for a front-row seat at the Olympics or the F1 Grand Prix? You’re not alone! India’s sports fever is reaching new heights, fuelled by a growing passion among fans to witness global sporting events live. Imagine yourself soaking up the electric atmosphere of a global sporting event, cheering on your favourite team, athlete, or diver, and exploring amazing new cultures. That’s what sports tourism is all about! In fact, Skyscanner’s 2024 Travel Trends report reveals that more than ever, cultural exploration will be a priority for travellers in 2024. Another recent ‘First Trip’ report highlights that young Indian travellers crave the excitement of life’s defining moments, with 46% inspired to jet off overseas to experience sports events and other big cultural events. Clearly, the desire to combine sports with adventure and cultural immersion is driving a new wave of travel. Whether it’s experiencing the grand spectacle of the Olympics or the high-speed excitement of the F1 Grand Prix, let Skyscanner be your go-to travel companion, helping you find the perfect flight and accommodation for your next big sporting escapade. Olympics – Paris, France (July 26 – August 11) Picture yourself in the City of Love, in the presence of world-class athletes. The Paris Olympics is more than just a sporting event; it’s a cultural extravaganza! From the thrill of watching the world’s best athletes compete to Eiffel Tower selfies and indulging in world-class cuisine, your senses will be on overdrive. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that excitement is building up. That’s why Skyscanner is seeing an increase of 28% in flight bookings to Paris, France for the week …