Ruhani Duggal, Director, Vilasa Luxury Travel, said, “Minar is now venturing into the US market. We have been present in Latin America for 7-8 years. Hence, we have expanded our footprint in the US with an office in New York and one more in the Middle East. We have also opened an office in the Middle East. This year, we are going to focus more on development and are excited to explore Northeast and Ayodhya as part of our itineraries.”

Talking about the growth of hospitality in India, Mark Hoplamazian, CEO, Hyatt, said, “India today is better poised for growth in the hospitality sector than the rest of the world, and that is because of the tremendous warmth and engagement of its people. The experience people get in India when they disembark from the plane and start exploring the country is what sets the country apart.”

After facing significant flight disruptions recently, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan, said, “Vistara has cut 10% of its flights until May 24 to stabilise operations with its on-time performance increasing to 89% on April 9, 2024.” He added that things could have been planned better but it has been a learning experience.

Indian aviation industry is set to scale new heights. According to a recent report by ICRA, the domestic air passenger traffic is estimated at 154 million for FY2024, which represents a YoY growth of 13%, in line with ICRA’s estimates. Further, the domestic air passenger traffic in FY2024 has surpassed the pre-Covid levels of 142 million in FY2020 as well.

Talking about the lack of direct flight connectivity from Kolkata to European countries, Manoj Saraf, Managing Director, Gainwell Travel & Leisure, said, “TAAI and TAFI along with the State Govt are trying to get direct flights into Europe and UK. There is some hope that Air India may start Kolkata-London nonstop flights later this year.”

Around 3,000 meetings took place during GITM 2024 in Goa, where over 500 buyers and 300 sellers engaged in fruitful discussions and negotiations. Discussions were held on how Goa can contribute as a high-yield destination. From leveraging its natural beauty to capitalizing on emerging travel trends, the session provided valuable insights into positioning Goa as a top choice for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.  

World Travel & Tourism Council is projecting a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. According to the global tourism body’s 2024 Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism will contribute an additional $770 billion over its previous record, stamping its authority as a global economic powerhouse, generating one in every 10 dollars worldwide with an increase of more than 13.6 million jobs expected in the sector.

Scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, Accor’s Novotel brand will see its footprint expand to three key cities with the openings of Novotel Goa Panjim, Novotel New Delhi City Centre, and Novotel Bhubaneshwar. This year, the company plans to further diversify its portfolio with six new hotels in three segments.

1) What is VFS Global’s role in the visa process? VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. This allows diplomatic missions (embassies/consulates) to effectively manage their time and resources and focus on the critical task of assessing visa applications and decision making. VFS Global plays no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. 2) What is VFS Global’s role in providing visa appointments and visa decisions? VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. Visa appointments are available online on first-come first-serve basis as per the directives of the client governments we serve. Decisions on visa applications, including the availability of appointment slots and the timelines to process them, are at the sole discretion of the respective client governments and may vary from one mission to another. 3) How early before my travel dates should I apply for my visa? When planning your travels, you always book flights and hotels in advance. Do the same for visas. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 02 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. VFS Global forwards applications to respective embassy/consulate as per the agreed service level agreements with them. 4) What is the typical turnaround timelines for visas? Each country …

Elysian has been appointed as the PR and sales representative for Grecotel Hotels & Resorts to promote its collection of luxury accommodations in Greece to the Indian market. Grecotel is the leading Greek hospitality group, presenting a unique collection of luxury hotels and resorts across Greece, in iconic locations, intertwined with Greece’s history and heritage: its portfolio contains a spectrum of products, from luxurious beachfront and luxury all-inclusive resorts to high-end city hotels. The Grecotel brand is synonymous with Summer in Greece. It carries an almost five-decade legacy as the industry leader in Greece, with its luxury properties in the best locations of the top Greek destinations, personalized service, authentic Greek hospitality, environmental responsibility, and amazing experiences deeply connected with the local culture. The Group portfolio prides itself to include Iconic Hotels & Resorts in landmark locations recognized worldwide, such as THE DOLLI Acropolis in Athens with the most stunning view of the ancient world, the revamped Cape Sounio in the Athens Riviera surrounded by archaeological ruins overlooking the Temple of Poseidon, the cosmopolitan Mykonos Blu on Psarou beach, the idyllic Mandola Rosa and Riviera Olympia complex in Western Peloponnese, next to the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the splendid Corfu Imperial nestled in a private Peninsula, and the majestic Amirandes in Crete, resembling a Minoan water Palace. Each has a distinct character and aesthetic, but all share the same level of exquisite hospitality. The Grecotel extensive portfolio of 40 luxury Hotels and Resorts is spread in 15 destinations across Greece, in the center of Athens and Athens Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Western Peloponnese, Larissa, Kalamata and Alexandroupolis. The Group celebrates a wide range with different offerings depending …