Tourism

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.

May2024: In an event held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched the country’s spectacular summer program for 2024, “Saudi Summer is Next Door.” Saudi’s summer program will run for four months until the end of September across seven destinations and includes over 550 exceptional tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages curated for families and children across different segments like adventure lovers, those looking for luxury retreats and activities, and culture and heritage enthusiasts. Organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Saudi Summer Program 2024 launch event was attended by Secretary-general of World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, over 250 key strategic partners from the public and private sectors, and significant media and key opinion leaders. During the event, they were given exclusive details on the Saudi Summer Program 2024 and its key components. The summer program is launched across seven destinations: Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea – a new destination, Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUa. This year, the program will also witness the return of the Jeddah Season and the launch of the Aseer Season with a momentum of family activities and events lined up. In addition to this, Saudi also has a line-up of the biggest and most vibrant events as part of the summer program, particularly the Esports World Cup in Riyadh being held for the first time, an annual eight-week competition featuring the world’s most elite Esports athletes, and multiple boxing tournaments happening both in Riyadh and Jeddah. At the event, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, delivered a speech to mark the launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024. In his speech, he highlighted global tourism trends, the growth seen by the Kingdom in the tourism sector, and the record-breaking numbers of incoming tourists resulting in Saudi Arabia topping the UN World Tourism List and the G20 nations list. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, added, “Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global destination. The Saudi Summer Program 2024 is our commitment to showcasing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unparalleled hospitality that Saudi Arabia offers. We invite local and international tourists to experience the diversity of our seven unique destinations and take advantage of the exceptional offers and packages designed to create unforgettable memories. This initiative, supported by our strategic partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives like the eVisa and increased flight connectivity, demonstrates our dedication to making Saudi Arabia more accessible and appealing to tourists worldwide. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe to explore and enjoy the vibrant experiences that await them this summer.” His Excellency the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed his joy at attending the event, and said, “Saudi tourism is witnessing unparalleled development at all levels, achieving great leaps in recent years, which I witnessed during my multiple visits to this hospitable country. Saudi Arabia has global indicators related to the number of tourists, which has qualified it to top the UN World Tourism list of significant tourist destinations.” He added during his speech, “All of these great achievements for Saudi tourism would not have been achieved without proper planning from those in charge of the sector in the Kingdom and the great potential it possesses in terms of diverse climates, stunning natural landmarks and the generosity of Saudi people who are distinguished by their hospitality, raising the ceiling of ambitions for new achievements.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority also stated, “While temperatures in the region rise to high levels during summer, temperatures in the highlands of Saudi Arabia in the southern region decrease to the extent that we even witnessed snowfall in Al Soudah yesterday. Through the promotional campaign for the Saudi Summer Program 2024, we seek to highlight the uniqueness of our destinations and their climatic, natural, and cultural diversity, along with the exceptional events and activities happening during summer.” He added, “This year’s summer program includes more than 550 tourism products and 150 special offers designed in collaboration with STA’s partners which include attractive offers from hotels, and airlines offering free tickets for children in partnership with major travel, tourism and aviation companies and exceptional products in the Aseer Season and Jeddah Season like tax-free shopping offers and many new and exciting experiences such as private beaches for tourists and ladies’ beaches.” The campaign slogan “Saudi Summer is Next Door” embodies an open invitation to explore the magic of Saudi destinations and their diversity. This diversity is expressed with simple words that reflect the uniqueness of each destination such as “Closer,” “Cooler,” “More Beautiful,” and “More Affordable.” The private sector is a key partner in the success of tourism programs and initiatives and the Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to empower it by encouraging demand for products and offers that meet the aspirations of tourists from all over the world. The launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024 comes at a time when visiting Saudi has become easier, smoother, and safer through efforts like making the eVisa available to citizens of 66 countries, reducing the total price of the eVisa by 20 per cent, and increasing the number of weekly flights from Gulf cities to Saudi summer destinations to 1,100. Also, GCC residents can make use of the GCC residents visa, which allows them multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during a year. There has also been an increase in the number of hotel rooms available to travellers with an additional 25,000 rooms expected to be added this year.

New Delhi, 30th April 2024: Germany’s tourism is witnessing a notable growth in visitors with Indian tourists playing a key role in driving this development. The country welcomed over 8 lakh overnight stays from India in 2023, marking a large rise in German tourism compared to the previous years. This trend highlights Germany’s appeal as a sustainable and travel friendly destination offering diverse cultural experiences and hidden gems that captivate the hearts of travelers be it from India or any corner of the world. In recent years, Germany has seen a significant increase in Indian tourists choosing the country as their most preferred travel destination. The remarkable growth of 32.6% as compared to 2022, reflects the rising interest among Indian travelers in exploring Germany’s rich culture, scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and renowned culinary experiences. Germany’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices offers travelers the opportunity to meet with sustainable cultural experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. As the tourism industry in Germany grows day by day, the country aims to increase the visibility of the 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites and attract visitors interested in exploring the country’s sustainable social heritage. Not only does Germany lives and breathes history and rich culture, but it is also home to many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking out of the ordinary experiences. “We are delighted to see a growing number of Indian tourists choosing Germany as their destination of choice. Germany offers a wholesome experience of scenic beauty and a rich culture, combined with magical theme-routes and eco-friendly tourism. We believe it is the ideal destination for travelers wanting to revel in warm hospitality and scintillating cuisine. We look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors and showcasing the best of what Germany has to offer. ” Romit Theophilus, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – India at the GNTO. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and German Embassy in India briefed the details to the media at the German Embassy in New Delhi.

Mumbai, 7th February 2024: New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for New York City’s five boroughs, led a delegation of six tourism partners along with Turkish Airlines (they were the part during the Mumbai events) concluded its annual sales mission in India. The event was held from January 29th to February 3rd in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Throughout the mission, New York City Tourism + Conventions and the partners participated in a series of events, appointments, and meetings, aimed at re-engaging the travel trade across the market. The initiative successfully strengthened ties with the Indian travel industry, positioning New York City as a premier travel destination. As part of this mission, the NYC Tourism delegation engaged with key stakeholders and travel agencies in three feeder cities across India and showcased the diverse offerings that New York City has for Indian travelers. “We were pleased to be back in India, a rapidly growing feeder market for New York City tourism, for our annual sales mission, said Makiko Matsuda Healy, Senior Vice President, Tourism Market Development for New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Recently, we introduced the Travel Trade Academy program, thoughtfully enriched with Hindi subtitles to ensure that the Indian travel trade can fully engage with the five-borough destination. By incorporating Hindi subtitles, we aim to empower the trade to adeptly respond to evolving consumer demands, providing a diverse and personalized array of NYC experiences that resonate with the preferences of the Indian audience.” New York City Tourism + Conventions partners participating in the mission included :Empire State Building, Trump International Hotel & Tower NY, Hudson Yards, Millennium Hotels, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and Madame Tussauds.In Mumbai, New York City Tourism + Conventions also partnered with the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai. New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official global partner of IGLTA Foundation for their 2nd annual symposium in India. The NYC Travel Trade Academy is a free, online, educational training tool, available with subtitles in 10 languages including Hindi. The Travel Trade Academy is a self-driven learning platform to equip the global travel trade with essential destination knowledge about New York City. It aims to showcase a broad range of products and services, both new and established, in each of the five boroughs to inspire travel operators and agents to build New York itineraries for their customers. Interested members of the trade can register to participate here. The sales mission this year featured a range of activities, including B2B meetings, and networking events. Through these engagements, NYC Tourism + Convention showcased the city’s iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, world-renowned dining, shopping and entertainment options. India continues to be a significant source of international visitors to New York City, and this mission underscores the city’s commitment to providing Indian travelers with a warm welcome and a memorable experience. New York City is home to the world’s busiest airport system and the number one port of entry for U.S. international travelers. New York City welcomed a total 61.8 million travelers in 2023, marking a recovery of 93% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels. It remains on track to welcome 64.5million visitors this year. In 2023, New York City welcomed 336,000 India travelers, with 383,000 expected to visit this year.

New Delhi, 31st January 2024: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), in collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), have successfully concluded the first leg of their mega six-city India Roadshow 2024, in New Delhi. The event held on January 30th at The Oberoi Hotel, marked the commencement of the roadshow with a grand kick-off in the National Capital. In attendance at the roadshow were 30 key stakeholders from Türkiye, including Tour operators, Hoteliers, and MCs. The attendees witnessed an immersive exploration of Türkiye’s stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities. The B2B sessions facilitated fruitful exchanges, fostering partnerships between the Indian travel industry leaders and Türkiye’s esteemed suppliers. Prominent Indian travel brands such as MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip actively participated in this event, underscoring the industry’s enthusiasm for Türkiye as a premier destination. The presence of influential dignitaries, including Mr. Onur Gözet from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with Türkiye’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Fırat Sunel, further emphasized the significance of the growing tourism relations between the two nations. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Onur Gözet, Deputy Director General for Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Türkiye said, “Our shared histories, deeply rooted in ancient civilizations, have woven a narrative that resonates through both Türkiye and India. It is remarkable to witness the cultural commonalities that bind the two countries, fostering a unique connection that extends beyond geographical borders. It’s no wonder that Türkiye has emerged as a country of choice for Indian tourists, with iconic destinations like İstanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia capturing the hearts of travellers. The foundation laid with the commencement of the six-city roadshow goes beyond tourism. It signifies the beginning of a collaborative journey towards enduring partnerships and mutual growth between Türkiye and India.” Further commenting on the Roadshow, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “Tourism stands as a dynamic force for connecting individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation among both travellers and hosts. As the President of TAAI, we are delighted to once again collaborate with Turkiye as a destination for their mega six-city roadshow across different regions, post the challenging phase of the COVID pandemic. The interactions today in Delhi with TAAI members from the Northern Region marked a successful commencement of the roadshow, graced by the presence of senior government representatives from Turkiye, as well as, key stakeholders. This highlighted the significance and effectiveness of such interactions in building relationships and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices. We believe that these engagements will further encourage innovation and increase footfalls, creating stronger opportunities for both tourism and economic growth.” The Delhi roadshow witnessed participation from over 200 tourism fraternity members of Türkiye and India and highlighted the vibrant synergy between both the countries. It served as a pivotal platform for showcasing Türkiye’s diverse tourism offerings to the growing Indian travel trade community. The 6-city roadshow will continue its journey with subsequent sessions to be held in Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and the concluding event in Ahmedabad.