CATEGORIES

Safari Trails paves way for transformative East African travel experiences

In exploration with Kenya-based Safari Trails, TTJ delves into the DMC's unique offerings that set them apart in the dynamic landscape of East African travel. Rajay Thethy, CEO, Safari Trails, guides us through a narrative where the company prides itself in crafting transformative and authentic travel experiences while embracing the untamed beauty of the wild.

Unearthing Hidden Wonders of NORTHERN THAILAND

Looking for experiences in Thailand away from the bustling tourist crowds? The uncharted provinces of Northern Thailand offer a unique and authentic experience that captures the region's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and untouched beauty. Notably, the growing affinity of Indian travellers towards experiential, eco-conscious, and culturally enriching exploration aligns perfectly with Northern Thailand's hidden gems and many undiscovered tourism offerings.

Wild Encounters Down Under

New Zealand, nestled in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, stands as a testament to the aweinspiring beauty and biodiversity in the lap of Mother Nature. This island nation boasts diverse landscapes, each teeming with its own distinct flora and fauna. From rugged coastlines sculpted by the relentless Tasman Sea to ancient forests echoing tales of centuries past, New Zealand's natural wonders never fail to captivate the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts.

Exploring the Spiritual Significance of Varanasi

Varanasi stands as an embodiment of spiritual resonance, weaving together threads of ancient wisdom, divine mysticism, and timeless rituals. Varanasi, the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism also known as Kashi or Banaras, transcends the boundaries of time, inviting seekers from every corner of the globe to immerse themselves in its profound spiritual ambiance. Varanasi, in the year 2023 emerged as a significant spiritual tourist hub. According to the tourism department records, between January and September 2023, Varanasi was explored by 84,204,814 visitors, including 84,071,726 Indian tourists and 133,088 foreigners making India the capital of spiritual tourism in the world.

Sharjah Unplugged Cityscapes, Culture, and Coastal Marvels Await

Sharjah, the third-largest of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates in area, is the only Emirate with access to both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman. Visitors can enjoy their holiday exploring its many heritage sites and museums, admiring its majestic mosques, discovering traditional souks, or visiting modern shopping malls. They can experience the natural beauty of the desert, mountains, mangroves, and sea rolled into one destination.

IGLTA BRINGS THE MESSAGE OF INCLUSIVITY AND LGBTQ RIGHTS TO INDIA

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association IGLTA) hosted its 2nd symposium in Delhi on February 1, 2024. LoAnn Halden, Vice President, Communications, IGLTA, and Thomas TJ’ Chernick, Foundation Partnership Engagement Director, IGLTA Foundation, shared their insights on creating an all-inclusive world where safe travel 1s accessible to everyone, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation. They emphasised the necessity for extensive research, education, and strategic efforts to foster global equality.

Hospitality and Heritage form the Quintessence of Qatari Luxury

Travelling through Qatar unfolds luxury and innovation at every step. From Qatar Airways Business Class and the elegance of Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail to a visit to Our Habitas Ras Abrougq and experiencing one of the most anticipated sports finales, the journey highlights a blend of culture and modernity, marking it as a promising destination for luxury seekers.

Transforms Indian traditional wellness for modern global market

Niraamaya Wellness Retreats provides a tranquil sanctuary for its fast-growing global community of wellness enthusiasts, with a portfolio of seven distinguished retreats and five private residences serenely nestled in peaceful locations across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Nagaland, and Seychelles. Allen Machado, CEO, Niraamaya Wellness Retreats, articulates the brand's vision, evolution, and expansion.

Resorts World Cruises revolutionises cruise partnerships with 'RW CruiseBuddy'

On February 7, 2024, Resorts World Cruises launched its groundbreaking initiative in India, the RW CruiseBuddy web portal, exclusively tailored for its esteemed travel partners. Naresh Rawal, Vice President, Sales and Marketing India), Resorts World Cruises, provided additional details on the portal and highlighted the fly-cruise developments for 2024.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts invests in greener future and sustainability

An exclusive interview at SATTE 2024 with Andy Tan, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Food and Beverage, Partnerships, and Operations, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, offered profound insights into the dynamic interplay between sustainability, technological advancement, and the indomitable human spirit.

Mastereign Group and STIC Travel forge partnership to pioneer educational tours

Singapore's Mastereign Group and India's STIC Travel Group have formed an exclusive partnership, representing a noteworthy stride in educational tourism.

OTOAI takes centre stage, forges dynamic partnerships

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India OTOAI) is at the forefront of driving impactful initiatives to shape the future of Indian outbound tourism. From collaborating in events with industry leaders like Qantas Airlines to formalising strategic partnerships with Korea Tourism Organization and Tourism Malaysia in February 2024, OTOAI continually strives to enhance member knowledge, forge international ties, and contribute to the growth of the global tourism industry.

IATO calls for proactive government action to address inbound travel challenges

In the current landscape of slow-paced inbound tourism, Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), highlights critical challenges and opportunities. From the closure of Indian tourism offices overseas to concerns about reduced budgets and geopolitical hurdles, Mehra outlines the multifaceted issues impacting inbound travel. With a call for proactive government intervention and a strategic framework, Mehra provides insights into the transformative initiatives, challenges, and hopes to shape the future of the Indian inbound tourism industry.

INDIA INBOUND Still Awaiting a Bounce Back

Inbound travel to India, particularly in the leisure segment, experienced an abrupt halt owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there has been a gradual resurgence of inbound tourists post-pandemic, the numbers are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. Numerous challenges continue to impede a swift recovery. TTJ engaged with some industry stalwarts to gain insights into the ground realities.

Uzbekistan envisages over twofold increase in Indian arrivals for 2024

With a deep appreciation for the harmonious cultural bonds shared between Uzbekistan and India, Ahror Validjanov, Director, Silk Road Office, Republic of Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, acknowledges the significant surge in Indian visitors. As he eagerly anticipates further growth, Ahror shares his view on the rapidly expanding tourism potential of Uzbekistan and the strategies in place to facilitate growth.

Mauritius Tourism to pragmatically approach its ambitious goals

Delve into the dynamic landscape of Mauritius tourism with Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, as he outlines pragmatic growth strategies and efforts to enhance market accessibility. With its extensive history in sustainability, Mauritius prevails as a beacon of responsible tourism, offering valuable insights for global engagement while navigating towards an inclusive and equitable future.

Batumi beckons Indians to explore its scenic blend of sea and mountains

The Ajara Autonomous Republic of Georgia stands out for its natural beauty, local customs, traditions, gastronomy, seacoast, and mountains. The region's main city, Batumi, is a must-visit on your sojourn to Georgia. TTJ had the opportunity to converse with Mikheil Koplatadze, Deputy Chairman, Georgia Department of Tourism and Resorts, Autonomous Republic of Ayjara. This discussion, which took place on the sidelines of SATTE 2024, provided valuable insights into the distinctive features and attractions of the destination.

The rise of Western Australia in global tourism

In the vast, untamed landscapes of Western Australia, an unfolding narrative of discovery and opportunity waves at the global travel industry. As explained by Melissa Forbes, Executive Director, Marketing, Tourism Western Australia, the region represents a formidable challenge and a golden opportunity for redefining travel paradigms. Through an engaging dialogue, Forbes unpacks the complexities of marketing Western Australia as a premier destination.

NYC urges visitors to look beyond Manhattan, anticipates 383,000 Indians in 2024

New York City Tourism Conventions organised a targeted sales mission across three key Indian cities from January 29 to February 02, 2023, hosting impactful events in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. With a focused delegation of partners, the mission aimed to actively engage with the Indian travel trade and provide comprehensive updates on the dynamic landscape of NYC Tourism.

Washington DC aims to drive visitation beyond its Federal legacy

As Washington DC clocks a successful year of trade milestones, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, Destination DC, highlights India’s key role in its post-pandemic resurgence. He emphasises the significance of adapting trade strategies and making crucial market investments to capitalise on evolving travel demands.

Dubai's Blueprint for the Future

Racing through tough times, Dubai has emerged not merely as a participant but as a paragon of resilience, ingenuity, and strategic foresight. A conversation at SATTE with Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head, Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, revealed the multifaceted strategies propelling Dubai to unprecedented heights in international tourism.

Egyptair appoints Bird Travels as its GSA in North India

Egyptair, the national carrier of Egypt, has appointed Bird Travels, the airline management services arm of Bird Group, as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in North India, effective February 01, 2024.

Emirates partners with VFS Global, rolls out pre-approved visa on arrival for Indian travellers

Emirates has entered into an exclusive partnership with VFS Global to launch a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service for Indian passport holders who have made flight reservations with the airline.

Canada announces two-year cap on international student visas

The Government of Canada, led by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Marc Miller, in January, introduced measures in January to address the rapid increase in the number of international students and associated challenges.

US announces steep fee increase for H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas effective April 1

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared a significant fee hike for several non-immigrant visas, notably the H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas.

Rajasthan witnesses 12-fold increase in domestic visitors since 2020

In the last four years, the number of domestic tourists visiting Rajasthan has increased about 12 times, and the footfall of foreign tourists has also seen a sharp uptick since the COVID-induced slump.

Malaysia Airlines to double frequencies to Trivandrum from April 3

Malaysia Airlines is set to increase its flight frequency on the Trivandrum – Kuala Lumpur route due to positive load factor performance and growing demand.

BRAND USA's INDIA BLITZ Brings Record Number of Travel Partners for Trade Mission

In the realm of long-haul travel, India emerges as a formidable economic engine generating a substantial number of outbound travellers and cements its position as an attractive source market. Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development, Brand USA, shares valuable insight into its success story and the addition of newer partner destinations to the growth graph of the India Market.

Aims for tourism growth, yet unease lingers in travel industry

While the Interim Union Budget 2024 demonstrates a proactive stance toward laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the tourism sector, the persisting concerns within the travel trade underscore the need for nuanced and targeted support and attention to the immediate challenges faced by the sector.

Get Enthralled by St. Petersburg Russia's Leading Destination for Leisure and MICE

The St. Petersburg Convention Bureau recently provided the opportunity to marvel at the enchanting city of St. Petersburg and its MICE capabilities whilst offering a deeper understanding of the city, surpassing my previous knowledge of it. St. Petersburg ticks all the right boxes not only as a remarkable cultural experience but also as an exceptional MICE destination.