Get ready for the vibrant Brahmaputra Carnival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brahmaputra River. This unique three-month extravaganza will take place from December 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025. The 90-day carnival will be held along the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat in Assam. Prepare for a dynamic fusion of tranquility and adventure, with the mighty river serving as the heart of the celebration. It promises an immersive experience that blends rich cultural traditions with thrilling adventures and luxurious accommodations. This grand carnival features a range of exciting activities, such as glamping, water sports, live concerts, and showcases of culinary heritage and handicrafts. Thrill-seekers can enjoy exhilarating activities like speedboat rides, kayaking on serene waters, tackling challenging terrains on ATVs, river rafting, water rollers, archery, bungee jumping, jet skiing, and many more fun-filled experiences. The event also offers a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents through traditional music and dance, enriching the cultural experience. For those seeking relaxation, the festival provides a luxurious glamping experience with three categories of tents: Royal Tents, Premium Tents, and Deluxe Tents. Each option offers a comfortable and stylish retreat, complete with modern amenities and breathtaking river views. Beyond the carnival grounds, explore the captivating tourist attractions of Guwahati. Visit the revered Kamakhya Temple, encounter diverse wildlife at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, or find serenity at the Umananda Temple. For convenience, Guwahati Airport is located just 22.5 km from Lachit Ghat, with taxis and prepaid auto-rickshaws readily available. Additionally, Guwahati Railway Station is only 2.4 km away from the carnival site, providing easy access via various transport options. Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government …

Taiwan Tourism Administration, the destination marketing organisation responsible for the promotion of Taiwan as a premier travel destination, has announced the appointment of Paul Shih as the Director of TTA, Singapore Office. Shih brings a wealth of knowledge, significant experience and proven leadership roles from across sectors in key positions. In his new role, Shih is responsible for India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Middle East tourism markets. He will oversee all TTA’s operations in these markets to prepare Taiwan Tourism for its next phase of growth. He replaces Joseph Cheng who held this role earlier and was instrumental in relaunching Taiwan’s post-Covid tourism interests in several key markets, including emerging tourism markets like India. Shih’s overall responsibility encompasses developing the markets he is responsible for to enhance Taiwan’s visibility and destination awareness and boost visitation. Shih will also be responsible to unfold Taiwan latest destination marketing and publicity campaign ‘Taiwan – Waves of Wonder’ in order to grow leisure and business travel from across India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Middle East markets. “I am incredibly honoured and excited to lead Taiwan in some of the most dynamic international tourism source markets like India, Middle East amongst others. Taiwan is one of the world’s premier travel destinations and packs tremendous destination punch within its small geography that has never ceased to delight and entertain international visitors. It would be my utmost endeavor to take brand Taiwan, the marketing and promotion of the diverse destination,  its offerings and experiences to newer heights and help create destination demand across sectors like business, leisure and MICE tourism in these markets,” Shih said while commenting on his appointment. Shih will also …

Fourth-year program offers aspiring hospitality leaders’ access to worldwide education and career opportunities through scholarships and training Caribbean hospitality employees are invited to apply for admission to the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Professional Development Program sponsored by Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, one of the world’s leading hospitality business management schools, and the CHTA Education Foundation. This transformative program has become a cornerstone for professional growth in the region’s thriving tourism sector, equipping supervisors and managers with the tools to accelerate their journey toward senior leadership roles. “Les Roches is once again honored to partner with CHTAEF for the fourth consecutive year on this impactful initiative,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. “With over 100 participants from 15 Caribbean islands, the program has already fostered a community of skilled professionals driving the region’s tourism excellence. Together with CHTA EF, we aim to continue empowering Caribbean talent and supporting a sustainable, resilient future for the region’s hospitality industry.” The six-month program is designed to be pursued alongside participants’ current roles, requiring a commitment of 12–15 hours per week. It combines virtual and experiential learning in areas such as hospitality operations, revenue management, marketing, sustainability, and leadership. Graduates emerge with advanced skills tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s global tourism market. Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairperson of CHTA Education Foundation said, “As Chairperson, I am profoundly proud of the significant impact our Professional Development Program has had on shaping the careers of Caribbean hospitality professionals. This initiative not only highlights the talent within our region but also underscores our commitment to nurturing that talent into leadership. By collaborating with Les Roches, we ensure our participants are …

Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, an independently owned luxury boutique hotel on the stunning coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, is excited to announce the relaunch of its signature restaurant, Runcible Spoon. The newly reimagined restaurant promises to take guests on a unique culinary journey, blending international classics with the bold, vibrant flavors of South Asia. Guests will be treated to a variety of global favorites, including Moroccan lamb tagine, Spanish paella, Italian fritto misto, pasta primavera, fresh grilled prawns, American crab cakes, and Thai Modha fish curry. Complementing this will be a range of South Asian dishes, drawing from the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. As part of the relaunch, Runcible Spoon is also unveiling an all-new mixology experience. Under the guidance of a newly appointed mixologist, the restaurant’s bar will offer an array of creative cocktails, combining local ingredients with premium spirits such as arrack, gin, rum, and vodka. These exciting new cocktails will provide the perfect accompaniment to the oceanfront setting, where guests can enjoy the sound of the waves alongside live jazz performances at the beach shack on weekends. Whether dining on the elegant terrace or relaxing at the vibrant beachside bar, guests at Runcible Spoon can expect an inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends laid-back charm with sophisticated flavors. The intimate yet lively dining experience is designed to offer something for everyone, from romantic dinners to family gatherings and special celebrations. The team at Owl and the Pussycat Hotel invites guests to rediscover Runcible Spoon, where every meal is an opportunity to savor fresh, carefully crafted cuisine in a setting designed to create memories. For reservations or further details, please contact the hotel. …

• Greece’s second largest city is a major centre for international shipping and the gateway to vast beaches and ancient sites • LOT Polish Airlines starts flying daily 17th June 2025 • Two different departure times for maximum flexibility When it comes to Greece, many immediately think of Athens, but may overlook that there is another major city 500 kilometres to the north which is one of the most fascinating in the eastern Mediterranean: Thessaloniki. LOT Polish Airlines, for more than 20 years a member of Star Alliance, will add Thessaloniki (SKG) to its global route network and start flying there daily as of 17th June 2025 from its global hub in Warsaw. To provide passengers with a maximum of flexibility, there will be two different departure times from Warsaw: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:40h; Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 14:10h. Flight time will be approximately two hours and twenty minutes. LOT Polish Airlines will operate the new service with modern aircraft providing passengers the choice between LOT Business Class and LOT Economy Class. Overview of the new Thessaloniki route operated by LOT Polish Airlines: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday Departure with LO 605 from Warsaw at 9:40h, arrival in Thessaloniki at 12:55h local time Departure with LO 606 from Thessaloniki at 14:10h, arrival in Warsaw at 17:25h local time Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Departure with LO 607 from Warsaw at 14:05h, arrival in Thessaloniki at 17:05h local time Departure with LO 608 from Thessaloniki at 18:25h, arrival in Warsaw at 19:45h local time Travelling from India to Thessaloniki with LOT Polish Airlines (sample schedule, summer schedule 2025): From Delhi (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) Departure from Delhi …

As 2024 draws to a close, we at MRG Group reflect on what has been an extraordinary year of growth, innovation, and success. This year, our flagship ventures—Sanadige Restaurants and Goldfinch Hotels—have continued to uphold their reputation for excellence, delighting guests with unparalleled hospitality and culinary experiences. From introducing new menu innovations at Sanadige to elevating our service standards across Goldfinch Hotels, we have strived to exceed expectations and create memorable moments for our patrons. The Indian hospitality industry, marked by record-breaking occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR), signalling strong recovery and growth. Domestic travel, corporate events, and India’s global presence through events like the G20 and the Cricket World Cup played pivotal roles in this resurgence. We at MRG Group have seen a huge growth in our HOSPITALITY as well as REAL ESTATE business. At MRG Group, we witnessed this positive momentum first-hand. The launch of our new property in Navi Mumbai is a testament to our commitment to expanding in high-potential markets. This year has reinforced the industry’s adaptability and the increasing demand for experiential travel. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the continued growth of leisure, MICE, and corporate travel, while remaining mindful of challenges like rising operational costs. MRG Group remains dedicated to delivering excellence in hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.” This renewed momentum has not only driven business growth but has also reaffirmed the timeless value of genuine hospitality. Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism for 2025. The new year promises to be a transformative one for MRG Group as we actively explore new avenues for expansion. With plans for strategic acquisitions and partnerships with international brands, we aim to …

Al Habib Emporio, a hotel and development company based out of Srinagar, has announced today the opening of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh in Jammu & Kashmir under franchise with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in 95+ countries. This Ramada Encore by Wyndham is located in Rajbagh, posh locality of Srinagar on Jhelum river, just 2.5 km away from Dal Lake and 12.5 Km from Srinagar Airport. The hotel is conveniently located close to key tourist attractions such as Shankaracharya Temple, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Tulip Garden, Jama Masjid, etc. as well as to the key commercial centre of Kashmir. The hotel has 48 modern rooms and a host of amenities including a lobby lounge, an All-Day Dining, swimming pool, fitness centre, event space and a business centre. The city other than being the summer capital, is also known for its natural environment, various gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. Dimitris Manikis, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said, “Opening Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh represents a strategic milestone in strengthening our footprint in high-potential markets like India. Srinagar, with its growing tourism appeal and rich cultural heritage, offers an ideal setting to meet the rising demand for quality accommodations. This hotel, featuring a prime location and modern amenities, is perfectly positioned to cater to the evolving needs of business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Wyndham’s commitment to driving growth in key regions. Partnering with Al Habib Emporio, we are proud to bring trusted hospitality to this iconic destination.” Mr. Aatif Yaqeen, proprietor, Al Habib Emporio said, “We are excited to unveil our hotel affiliated to the internationally …

The lyrics are penned down by celebrated lyricist and Padma Shri Awardee, Prasoon Joshi. The music composer duo, Sachin-Jigar has composed 20 original foot-tapping scores for the mega-musical. The enchanting songs of ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’, which gracefully brought Shri Krishna’s timeless leelas to life in the mega-musical, are now available on all music streaming platforms worldwide. Conceptualised by visionary Dhanraj Nathwani, the soundtracks of the theatrical have been composed by renowned composer duo Sachin-Jigar, and the lyrics have been penned by celebrated lyricist Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi. 20 original melodic tracks, which illuminated the auditorium with their captivating lyrics and lively scores, are now available for streaming, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of the grand musical. The songs elegantly capture the unconditional love between a mother and son, the enchanting love story of Radha and Krishna, and the mischievousness of Balgopal, evoking a wide range of emotions. Sharing his thoughts on the release of the songs, Dhanraj Nathwani said, “Music stirs a rich blend of emotions and leaves a lasting impact on individuals. And Rajadhiraaj’s songs have resonated deeply with the audience across generations, Shri Krishna’s leelas have reached them through music. The enthusiasm we witnessed among the spectators here in Delhi and Mumbai led us to release these soul-stirring songs on the streaming platforms, ensuring they reach a wider audience. Of the 20 tracks we are releasing 11 right now. We are hopeful that everyone will love them as much as we loved creating them.” The composition is a blend of Western symphonic elements from Budapest and Indian classical music, highlighting multiple musical genres such as haveli sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, Sapakra, Raas …

Minds On Marketing (MOM) is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with Brian’s Holidays, a prominent Sri Lankan Destination Management Company (DMC). This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as Sri Lanka is rapidly emerging as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travellers. Brians Holidays, a dynamic and innovative company, headed by Mr. Jerom Nesiah, is proud of his energetic team that understands the fast-paced and competitive nature of the Indian market. While the company has predominantly handled B2B referral business in the past, this strategic alliance with MOM marks a significant shift toward increasing their business transactions and expanding their reach within India. With this collaboration, the founders of MOM, Ms. Sashi Sherpa and Mr. Ashish Rohra, assure to provide exceptional travel experiences, capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s rising popularity among Indian tourists. Stay tuned for more exciting development as this partnership sets the stage for a promising future in the travel industry.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister conferred the award at the ATOAI convention in Tawang. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated at the national convention of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s continuous efforts to establish the state as an adventure tourism hub have been yielding consistent results. The MP Tourism Board was honoured with the award for the ‘Best Adventure Tourism State’ at the national convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) held in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu presented the award to the Joint Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. S.K. Shrivastava. The Best Adventure State award is given to states that have excelled in promoting adventure tourism through infrastructure, diverse activities, and innovations. Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Under the guidance of Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, efforts are being made at various levels to establish the state as an adventure tourism hub. This award is not only a recognition of our state’s unique natural resources and diverse tourism experiences but also a result of the state government’s continuous efforts and innovations in the field of adventure tourism.” He added “places like Satpura, Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, and the Narmada Valley have played a significant role in promoting adventure activities. The operation of activities like skydiving, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and jungle safari in the state has attracted youth and adventure tourists.”