Tourism

Delhi,November 27, 2024: BRANDit has been appointed as the integrated sales, marketing, and PR agency in India for Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). Marking a milestone in Kenya-India tourism relations, the leading tourism representation company will be responsible for establishing Kenya, the East African nation as a leading outbound destination in India. India has consistently ranked among the top five source markets for Kenya, contributing significantly to its tourism growth. Recognising this potential, KTB brought BRANDit on board to navigate this dynamic market and spearhead trade and marketing initiatives for MagicalKenya brand. Commenting on the appointment, KTB’s CEO June Chepkemei, said, “India continues to be vital for Kenya. BRANDit’s expertise, trade relations, and deep understanding of the Indian tourism landscape make them an ideal partner as our Market Development Representative. We are confident that the collaboration will drive greater engagement and interest, further solidifying Kenya’s position as a must-visit destination.” As the appointed representative, BRANDit will focus on fostering strategic collaborations and pivottravellers towards new segments and routes. Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-founder, BRANDit, said, “Kenya has always been special for us. Our goal is to establish it as a year-round destination beyond the Great Migration season and promote it in a more holistic, sustainable manner. We have devised a plan that would bring a fresh perspective to how Indians should explore Kenya.” With extensive representation expertise and a tailored roadmap for charting Kenya’s success story in India, BRANDit is all set to strategically promote unforgettable leisure, nature, adventure, and luxury experiences.

Enhancing Business Trips with “Transit by Encalm: Nap and Shower” in Hyderabad By Vikas Sharma, CEO – Encalm Hospitality As global travel resumes and business professionals are back on the move, a new trend is reshaping the travel industry—bleisure. This blend of business and leisure travel allows professionals to balance productivity with relaxation, transforming work trips into more fulfilling and enjoyable experiences. As bleisure travel gains momentum, several countries have started offering work + vacation visas to attract professionals looking for an extended stay. Countries like Barbados, Estonia, and Portugal are leading this trend with special visas that allow travelers to work remotely while exploring the local culture and Australia seems to have just joined the wagon too! This means you can conduct business meetings in the morning and enjoy a sunset on the beach by evening—perfect for those embracing the bleisure lifestyle! The modern professional no longer sees business travel as just a means to attend meetings and conferences. With bleisure travel on the rise, business trips are now an opportunity to explore new cities, unwind after work commitments, and even extend stays for personal enjoyment. According to recent industry reports, more than 60% of business travelers now seek out ways to combine work with leisure, making bleisure a defining feature of the corporate travel landscape. As bleisure travel grows in popularity, the need for services that cater to both aspects of the journey has become more important than ever. In Hyderabad, our Transit by Encalm: Nap and Shower services are leading the charge in enhancing the bleisure experience for business travelers.Millennials are driving the bleisure trend. They prioritize work-life balance and see business trips as an opportunity to explore new places. They tend to extend business trips to enjoy a city’s culture, food, and experiences. Hyderabad, a thriving metropolis known for its technology sector and historic landmarks, is a top destination for business travelers in India. While the city offers a range of cultural attractions and vibrant dining options, our Transit by Encalm: Nap and Shower services cater to the immediate needs of professionals by providing a space to relax and recharge in the middle of their demanding schedules. We offer private, comfortable spaces where travelers can take a short nap or refresh with a rejuvenating spa or a quick shower. Whether they have just arrived after a long-haul flight or are preparing for a day filled with meetings, our services ensure they feel rested, alert, and ready to tackle their tasks. Companies have found that offering opportunities for bleisure travel boosts employee satisfaction and morale. It allows professionals to refresh mentally and physically, making them more productive during their work commitments. By providing convenient and efficient facilities, we allow business travelers to maximize their time in Hyderabad without sacrificing their well-being. Our facilities are strategically located in key transit areas, making it easy for travelers to access them. A quick nap or shower can make all the difference in maintaining mental sharpness and physical energy, setting travelers up for a productive day ahead. As the concept of bleisure continues to shape the travel industry, services like *”Transit by Encalm: Nap and Shower”* are becoming essential for today’s business traveler. Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a business hub, combined with our focus on traveler well-being, makes the city an ideal destination for bleisure travelers who want to stay productive while enjoying a touch of leisure. In a world where the lines between work and leisure are increasingly blurred, our services help elevate the bleisure experience, ensuring every business trip is as refreshing as it is successful. With a focus on convenience, comfort, and quality, *”Transit by Encalm- Nap and Shower”* Is guaranteed to transform short breaks into moments of genuine relaxation, enhancing the overall bleisure experience and raising the standard of business travel in Hyderabad. (The writer brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry with his visionary leadership has been instrumental in positioning Encalm as a leader in airport hospitality across India.)

Singapore, 28th October 2024: Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and STIC Travel Group (STIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Sentosa’s standing as a sustainable destination in the Indian market. This one-year partnership will seek to create innovative educational experiences targeted at students in India, highlighting Sentosa’s sustainable practices and diverse ecosystems. The MoU signifies a joint effort to design immersive learning experiences that utilise Sentosa’s unique environment as a living classroom to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability. These programmes will emphasise key concepts such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, carbon footprint reduction and biodiversity conservation. This partnership builds upon STIC’s broader efforts to boost educational tourism in Singapore by offering Indian students an opportunity to explore Singapore’s heritage, sustainable development initiatives and interactive learning experiences. CREATING AN IMMERSIVE SUSTAINABILITY ADVENTURE Central to this partnership is the launch of the “Unchartered Sentosa” tour designed to inspire students to become advocates for positive environmental change in their own communities. Slated to roll out in November 2024, Unchartered Sentosa offers Indian students a hands-on exploration of sustainability principles through a diverse range of activities: ● Intertidal exploration of the Southern Shores to learn about marine conservation and coastal ecology ● Guided nature walks along Serapong and Imbiah Trail to discover native flora and fauna in Sentosa ● Amazing Race adventure on Sentosa and St John’s Island to educate participants on the importance and relevance of responsible consumption ● Interactive workshops that equip participants with ocean survival skills at Lazarus Island ● Visits to Sentosa’s sustainable attractions such as the Cable Car and Skyline Luge ● Eco Tour of Siloso Beach Resort demonstrating real-world applications of sustainable design and green technology “Our partnership with SDC aligns perfectly with STIC’s mission to offer innovative and meaningful travel experiences,” commented Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group. “By combining our expertise in educational tourism with Sentosa’s world-class sustainable practices, we’re creating a truly distinct offering for Indian students. This initiative not only enhances their global perspective but also equips them with practical knowledge about sustainability that they can bring back to their communities.” ESTABLISHING SENTOSA AS AN EDUCATIONAL HUB FOR SUSTAINABILITY The MoU is set to strengthen Sentosa’s positioning as a sustainable destination for leisure, business and education. As the first island destination in Asia to be conferred the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations certificate, Sentosa is committed to creating robust eco-conscious tourism experiences. SDC’s comprehensive sustainability approach, integrates eco-friendly practices across all visitor touchpoints – leisure activities, accommodation, transport and dining – minimising environmental impact while engaging guests in sustainable initiatives throughout their Sentosa journey. “This partnership with STIC represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism through education, particularly in this growing segment,” said Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC. “By leveraging Sentosa’s ecological diversity, we’re creating a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. We look forward to creating unique Sentosa-based itineraries and experiences with STIC that showcase Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability and provide invaluable educational opportunities for students.” This is expected to boost tourism arrivals from India, Sentosa’s top source market, particularly in the educational travel segment. By offering immersive sustainability-focused experiences, the partnership aims to encourage longer and more meaningful stays on the island. MOU Signing Ceremony The MOU was signed at ITB Asia 2024. Images:Sentosa Development Corporation

New Delhi,, 11th Oct 2024: The Louisiana Office of Tourism, the official tourism promotional agency for the state of Louisiana, USA, organized its first mission to India from September 23 to 27, 2024 in Mumbai and New Delhi. The objective of this mission was to increase destination awareness amongst the travel and media on the diverse range of tourism offerings available for potential Indian visitors. The mission was led by Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana state, and Doug Bourgeois,Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with Louisiana’s partners Visit Lake Charles, New Orleans& Company, and Mississippi River Country. Visitor numbers from India to the USA continue to set new records. After the rapid recovery in visitor arrivals in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, there has been an impressive growth of 35% in arrivals to the USA between January- July 2024, making India the second-largest overseas market for the USA. Louisiana, with its cultural experiences, unique local cuisines, music & entertainment, outdoors, and vibrant festivals,is a perfect extension for Indians planning a holiday in the US. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Market Development Cooperator Program, the expansion to the India market includes collaboration with U.S. Commercial Services and the U.S. Embassy as part of the International Travel Office’s efforts. Louisiana is conveniently located in the Southeastern region of the United States and is easily accessible from major gateway cities of New York, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta,making it a great addition to any USA itinerary. The primary gateway to Louisiana by air is New Orleans, with its newly renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport, facilitating easy access from all important Indian outbound cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. In 2024, Louisiana is celebrating the “Year of Music,” highlighting its rich musical heritage as the birthplace of Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco forms of music. This campaign aims to attract visitors from around the world by showcasing the state’s vibrant and unique musical legacy. “We’re very excited to have continued our work in India,” said Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism,Louisiana Office of Tourism. “The Indian traveler is looking for the kind of authentic experiences, amazing music and delicious food that Louisiana is known for. We can’t wait to welcome even more visitors from India to our great state.” About The Louisiana Office of Tourism The Louisiana Office of Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for the state of Louisiana. Its mission is to market and promote Louisiana as a top travel destination, increasing revenue generated by the tourism industry and contributing to the economic impact of tourism in all 64 parishes. For more information about Louisiana’s music, food, culture and outdoor adventures visit ExploreLouisiana.com.

Chennai, October 10, 2024: The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India office has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) South Zone to promote cross-cultural tourism and strengthen travel ties between India and South Korea. The MoU was formalized by Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director, India and SAARC countries, KTO, and Mr. P. Rajalingam Basu, IRTS, Group General Manager of IRCTC South Zone on October 10, 2024 in Chennai. Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director, India & SAARC Countries, KTO, said, “This MoU marks a pivotal step in our journey to enhance cross-cultural tourism between South Korea and India. Our partnership with IRCTC, a leader in the Indian tourism sector, is essential for achieving our shared tourism objectives. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for growth, increase awareness of Korea as a must-visit destination, and encourage more Indian travelers to explore the wonders of our country.” Mr. P. Rajalingam Basu, IRTS, Group General Manager, IRCTC/SZ, said, “This new chapter aims to explore the historical connections, encouraging tourists from South India to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Korea and facilitating tourists from Korea to experience incredible India, with a special emphasis on South India, a home for resplendent temples, great history, and vibrant culture.” This strategic partnership is set to position South Korea as a preferred tourist destination, particularly in the emerging and growing market of South India, with a focus on regions such as Tamil Nadu. As part of the agreement, IRCTC will launch all-inclusive tour packages to Korea, aimed at South Indian travelers eager to explore Korea’s rich cultural and natural attractions.The partnership will also involve joint participation in tourism and other events, further enhancing Korea’s exposure in new travel markets.

Panaji, 1st October October 2024: In a fillip to the state’s tourism and travel industry sector keen on diversifying visitor experience, India’s pure-play regional airline, FLY91, has teamed up with France-based multinational hospitality company, Accor, to promote the coastal destination as a hub for weddings, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). As part of this initiative, FLY91, Novotel and ibis Styles, a part of the Accor Group, recently hosted a three-day familiarisation trip for top travel agents and event planners from Bengaluru, offering them a firsthand look at Goa’s renowned hospitality and regional connectivity, which has made it a preferred destination for MICE events. The industry delegation flew from Bengaluru to Goa onboard FLY91, which is based out of North Goa’s Manohar International Airport at Mopa and they were hosted at ibis Styles, Goa, Vagator and at Novotel Goa in Panaji, Accor’s newest property in Goa.The delegates visited various hospitality units operated by the Accor Group, including the ibis Styles at Calangute and the Novotel Goa Resort & Spa in Calangute. During their three-day visit (September 17-20). The delegates were also taken on a heritage tour to Fontinhas, Panaji by Make It Happen which is an experiential travel company that specializes in designing and curating unique experiences that champion local cultures and help travellers connect with local communities in a more meaningful way. On-board FLY91’s familiarisation trip to Goa, the special guests were introduced to the airline’s tailored services for large groups, including weddings and MICE events. These offerings include dedicated check-in counters, meet and greet services, priority boarding, exclusive coach transport, customised meal options, personalised headrest covers, exclusive inflight announcements, priority baggage handling, and special luggage tags—all designed to add a personal and memorable touch to the travel experience. “We are excited to collaborate with ibis Styles for this familiarisation trip, which showcases the wide range of MICE and wedding facilities available to the delegation of leading travel and tour operators from Bengaluru, positioning Goa as a destination that can accommodate everything from intimate events to large corporate gatherings,” said Ashutosh Chitnis, Chief Revenue Officer of FLY91. Based out of the Manohar International Airport, Goa, FLY91 currently connects regional centres such as Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Pune in Maharashtra, Agatti in Lakshadweep and cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

New Delhi, Sept.19,2024: The election of Travel Agents Association of India(TAAI) is scheduled for September 30 in Mumbai and its present president Mrs. Jyoti Mayal is once again in the top race for being re-elected at the post. During an exclusive media briefing at Le Meridien, Mrs. Mayal shared valuable insights and personal anecdotes from her journey as TAAI President from 2019 to 2024, as well as her vision for the future. Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Mayal recounted the fascinating story of how she entered the travel industry through her husband, Mr. Balbir Mayal. She quickly fell in love with the world of tourism. Over the years, she mastered the nuances of the industry, taking on several key roles within the association before assuming the presidency in 2019. “When I became President, I had a clear roadmap for moving the association forward. We organized a six-city roadshow with Turkish Tourism, and the first Management Committee meeting during my presidency took place aboard the Cordelia cruise, where all members enjoyed luxury experiences. But then Covid hit, and I was faced with an unfathomable set of challenges,” she recalled. “Just a month after the pandemic began, my members grew anxious about refunds, payments, and whether their businesses would survive. I put aside my own health, family, and home to dedicate myself to resolving not only my members’ issues but those of the entire travel industry. I brought IATA on board to safeguard our members’ interests. Looking back, I participated in over 1,200 webinars during the lockdown.” Under Mrs. Mayal’s leadership, TAAI, often referred to as the “Mother Association” due to its long-standing history, secured refunds worth Rs. 5000 crore during the lockdown. TAAI also has a total of 28 MoUs, 18 of which were achieved during the pandemic. From advocating for the postponement of implementation of TCS to rationalizing GST, Mrs. Mayal reached several key milestones, including hosting two of the most memorable conventions — one on a spectacular cruise ship and another in Sri Lanka, where the President of the country inaugurated the event. She added, “Despite the controversies and politics surrounding the upcoming TAAI elections, I remain unaffected as my conscience is clear. While one candidate’s nomination was canceled and another’s faced uncertainty, I made an informed decision to allow the second nomination, as I believe in fairness rather than indulging in dirty politics or baseless allegations. My work speaks for itself, and I’m not worried about the election outcome. My focus remains on empowering and educating our members and ensuring the security of their businesses.” “As we navigate through these transformative times, it is crucial that we unite to strengthen and elevate our travel and tourism sector. My vision for our industry is built on empowerment, transparency, and sustainable growth, with a particular focus on ensuring the survival and success of smaller enterprises,” she added. Here are few key highlights of her Vision: • Commissions on Visa Fees: I will advocate for fair commissions on visa fees to ensure travel agents are adequately compensated for their services. • Insurance for Low-Cost Airlines: I aim to implement insurance policies that safeguard agents’ funds, providing financial security and stability in all transactions involving low-cost airlines. • Abolition of TCS: I will push for the abolition of the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to ease the financial burden on our industry and promote a smoother, more efficient business environment. • Credit Input on IGST & GST Rationalization: I will work towards securing credit input on Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) and rationalizing GST rates to create a more favorable tax framework for our sector. •Transparency and Fair Cancellation &amp: ADM Policies from Airlines: I will ensure that airlines adopt transparent, fair cancellation procedures and Agency Debit Memo (ADM) policies to protect the interests of travel agents and their clients. • Necessary Amendments to the MoA: I will propose essential updates to the Memorandum of Association (MoA) to better align with the evolving needs and aspirations of our industry. • Increasing Women Participation & Empowerment: Though I have always worked towards including more Women in tourism (WITT is a testament of this), I aim to empower them further and increase their participation in the Association. • Protect Smaller Agents: Today, consolidators and big agents are handling a major chunk of the Business. My vision is to not just protect the smaller agents, especially those in tier 2 and 3 cities but also empower them through technology so that they can improve their business prospects. While concluding Mrs. Mayal said, “I have worked very hard for the last 5 years for benefit and upliftment of my TAAI Members. Being in Delhi and having inroads in the Corridors of Power, there is much more that I plan to do for my Members and I am confident that I can do it. Many of the landmark initiatives started by me are in their final stages and I want to see them reach their successful end. I strongly believe that together, we can transform the travel and tourism landscape in India. By focusing on resilience, inclusivity, and prosperity, we can ensure a thriving future for our sector.”

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,June 27, 2024: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has introduced an exciting initiative tailored for Indians: complimentary visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding events. The initiative, which will officially launch in July 2024 and run through March 2025, will offer groups an even greater incentive to stage their wedding or corporate event in Ras Al Khaimah and experience the emirate’s breathtaking beauty while making use of its world-class facilities.Under the initiative, RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hotels. The offer is open to groups with at least 100 guests per night, with visa costs being covered by RAKTDA, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, said: “We are delighted to launch this incentive, which will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events.We saw a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success.” Nestled in the northernmost part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for those seeking stunning landscapes, world-class hotels and resorts, and state-of-the-art facilities. It has become a preferred wedding destination for Indian couples offering an array of stunning venues, from beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa to desert oases like Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The recently opened Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resortcombines the Arabian Gulf’s beauty meets French Art De Vivre and the Anantara Mina Al Arab offers luxurious Maldivian-style overwater villas. The Nature Emirate also boasts unique venues that provide breathtaking locations for bespoke celebrations. With over 8,000 keys available, the Emirate has world-class hotels and resorts including properties such as Anantara, Sofitel, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental, Rixos, Rotana, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson, Movenpick and many others, all with impeccable MICE facilities, sprawling groundsand public spaces for outdoor celebrations. Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is the only stand-alone and flagship venue by the beach. Boasting a capacity of 3,000 attendees and 4,500 square meters of flexible event space, it caters to a diverse array of gatherings.Al Jazeera Al Hamra – the last surviving pearl diving and seafaring town, and Dhayah Fort – the only hilltop fort still in existence in the UAE – offer couples the once in a lifetime opportunity to host their celebrations amid sites on the UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. For the more adventurous bride and groom, the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, located 1,250 metres above sea level with awe-inspiring vistas across the Hajar Mountains and Arabian Gulf, is the perfect venue for an unforgettable celebration. India has proven key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023 alone, the emirate recorded a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend that is likely to accelerate with the introduction of this initiative. Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from India is also easier than ever, with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures excellent connectivity. In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies on behalf of couples living outside the UAE. Certified planners can secure fast-tracked permits and arrange ceremonies at unique venues across Ras Al Khaimah.Event organisers and wedding planners are encouraged to contact RAKTDA at mice@raktda.comfor more information and assistance in planning their events.