Travel Trade Journal - December 2022

In this issue

It’s almost the end of this year and the time to let the beginning of winter warm our hearts. Every December, as the year ends, we get our party hats on and welcome the next year to make things right. With Christmas and the New Year on the anvil, it’s time to celebrate coming out stronger, after the COVID crisis, and continue doing so.

TTJ’s December 2022 issue features a few interesting topics highlighting the hospitality business. We have targeted much about inbound travel as we have the IATO convention coming up in mid-December. Besides our interaction with the IATO convention committee, we have a few pages on Uttar Pradesh since the convention is taking place in Lucknow.

So, as we call the year to a wrap, we wish you, our readers, well-wishers, our contributors, and to everyone who has been associated with this magazine, a merry festive season. Please stay tuned with TTJ as we continue to explore the dynamics of the travel and hospitality industry well into 2023.

Happy Reading!

SCTDA unveils brand identity of Al Rafisah Dam

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) recently unveiled the brand identity of Al Rafisah Dam, a premier leisure and tourist destination that offers enriching experiences in Sharjah’s eastern region.

1 min

Hyatt to expand Independent Collection brands in key global destinations through 2025

Hyatt Hotels recently announced continued global growth of its Independent Collection brands, including recent openings and a strong development pipeline through 2025 across The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands.

1 min

Fortune Hotels expands its footprint in Uttar Pradesh

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group recently signed a new property in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Furthering the national footprint, this new property will be Fortune’s fourth hotel in UP.

1 min

Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort now fully open at Koh Samui's beautiful Lamai Beach

Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort completed its opening on November 26 by unveiling its final complement of 102 rooms.

1 min

Tourism Western Australia appoints T&A Consulting as its Marketing Representative in India

T&A Consulting has been appointed as the official Indian Marketing Representative for Tourism Western Australia (TWA) through a competitive tender bid process. T&A Consulting will be responsible for defining and executing

1 min

Air India resumes its most popular Bengaluru and San Francisco non-stop service

Air India, in line with its vision to strengthen and expand its global footprint, is resuming its non-stop flight connecting Bengaluru to San Francisco.

1 min

IndiGo announces 32 new co connecting flights between India and Europe

In line with its vision to strengthen international connectivity, IndiGo has announced 32 new connecting flights to Milan, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, and Venice, effective December 07, 2022, through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines.

1 min

Uttar Pradesh building an image as an attractive investor-friendly destination

Uttar Pradesh is working on a very industry-friendly tourism policy. To liberalise the policy and make it broad-based, a greater number of sectors have been included for the promotion, support, and nourishment. In this interaction with TTJ, Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture and Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, reveals that in the upcoming new policy 2022), the State has identified thirty-three sub-sectors to be promoted. This will attract investments of 10,000 crores and create an additional one million jobs in the tourism sector.

3 mins

Discover Uttar Pradesh Like Never Before

Besides the usual but enchanting places like Lucknow, Agra, Vrindavan, Allahabad, and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has some classic hidden gems waiting to be explored. From historical monuments and forts to religious centres and unrivalled nature, these vibrant destinations in Uttar Pradesh could be a delight for history lovers, or the pious and the devoted, or the nature aficionados. TTJ highlights three such places in Uttar Pradesh to enhance your list of ‘Places to Visit’ in the state.

5 mins

37th IATO Annual Convention Setting the stage to showcase Uttar Pradesh

One of the most awaited travel industry events, the 37\" IATO Convention, will be held from December 16 to 19, 2022, in Lucknow. IATO Conventions have distinguished themselves as an exciting travel industry event that offers opportunities to meet, review trends and help boost tourism wherever it is held. TT] speaks to the core IATO Committee members to know their views on the upcoming convention, its theme, and its importance this year.

7 mins

Prashant Nayak

With inbound travel not making the desired or expected recovery in the country post-COVID leaves a lot of unanswered questions. TT] speaks to Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, well known for always candidly speaking his mind, where he shared his strong sentiments on the inbound travel scenario in this interaction.

1 min

Marketing India crucial for inbound travel to make a positive comeback

With inbound travel not making the desired or expected recovery in the country post-COVID leaves a lot of unanswered questions. TT] speaks to Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, well known for always candidly speaking his mind, where he shared his strong sentiments on the inbound travel scenario in this interaction.

1 min

Awaiting the inbound bounce back in 2023

Numen Hospitality handles a portfolio of 18 hotels spread across India. They provide sales and marketing support to branded and independent hotels and resorts. They also offer a comprehensive accommodation and banquet space solution for family travellers, corporates, and MICE travellers. Nidhi Gupta, Founder and Director, Numen Hospitality, shares her views on inbound travel and her expectations of 2023.

1 min

Committed to deliver excellence and take success to higher levels

As the new General Manager at The St. Regis Mumbai, the young Varun Chhibber leads a dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most awarded hotels and as the preferred destination for the social elite. In this interaction with Varun, he comes across as determined, driven, and keen to take efforts to another level, from good to great. Here, he shares his hospitality experience and his new role at India’s most iconic and luxe hotel property.

3 mins

SAUDI ARABIA taking rapid strides toward luxury and sustainable tourism

The largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia, has hitherto been primarily known as the home to the two most holy cities of Islam and a country that is a major player in fulfilling the world's energy needs. However, the winds of change of perception are underway as the kingdom brings forth its historical, cultural, and natural wonders and showcases them to the world. With an earmarked investment of $800 billion into its tourism ecosystem by 2030, the kingdom is now ready to share its wonders with the global traveller. Megaprojects and developments combined with ambitious marketing plans now project a country making rapid strides into the future, redefining luxury, sustainability, and responsible tourism.

4 mins

Japan ready to welcome Indian Tourists

Japan National Tourism Organization J NTO) Delhi office recently held seminars in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, announcing the opening of the Japanese borders for Indian FIT tourists on October 11, 2022. The events aimed at providing the latest updates about the new travel regulations and Japanese travel products to Indian travel industry partners. TTJ spoke to Yusuke Yamamoto, Executive Director of Japan National Tourism Organization J NTO), Delhi Office, to understand the path ahead.

2 mins

For the Wedding Vows, Wow destinations some in Thailand

A destination wedding is a dream for many young couples who fantasize about taking their vows amidst beautiful views and picture-perfect backdrops. And with destination weddings very much in demand for the discerning Indian audience, Thailand is the place to head to if you are looking for an exotic setting for your prewedding shoots or to host a dream wedding or reception.

5 mins

Thailand continues to attract the Indian destination wedding segment

When it comes to Indian destination weddings in South East Asia, Thailand clearly tops the list. This stunning country is warm and cosy all year round, making it an ideal wedding playground. It has the perfect ingredients for a great destination wedding. Whether it is a long multi-day function or an intimate ceremony, Thailand has the venues for all of it. Read on to know what the hotel and resort stakeholders in Thailand say about the anticipated wedding demand from India.

3 mins

EgyptAir developing services to fit today's traveller's needs

EgyptA ir celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. The flag carrier of Egypt is one of the pioneer airlines and the first airline in the Middle East and A frica, and the seventh in the world to join IATA. TTJ interacts with Rasha A bdelmoneim, Country Manager, India and Sri Lanka, EgyptAir, to know more about the latest developments at the airline, which has the vision to deliver competitive customer service with true Egyptian spirit.

3 mins

Jazeera Airways shifts to high gear on expansion

Jazeera Airways started flight operations in 2005 and grew modestly until 2017, reaching 17 destinations with a fleet of seven aircraft. Since 2017, the airline has grown dramatically. It now flies to 55 destinations with 19 aircraft. Romana Parvi, Regional Manager, South A sia, Jazeera Airways, shares more on the latest developments at the airline.

4 mins

Akasa Air continues to expand its network

Akasa Air, India's newest airline, announced its entry into Uttar Pradesh with the addition of Lucknow as the eleventh destination to join the airline's fast-growing network. The airline will continue to grow its network to establish a strong pan-India presence with a focus on the metro to tier 2 and 3 route connectivity, using a fleet expansion plan that adds one new aircraft every 15 days.

1 min

ITA Airways launches India operations

The Italian flagship airline, ITA Airways, launched its India operations by operating its first flight from New Delhi to Rome Fiumicino on December 4, 2022. The new connection marks a step forward in the expansion of the airline's A sia footprint and global route network while highlighting its focus on the Indian market. Currently, it is the only carrier to operate a direct connection between New Delhi and Rome.

3 mins

Kenya Airways offers more of Africa

Kenya Airways, the Pride of A frica, is committed to offering a delightful experience with a caring A frican touch. The airline focuses on its unparalleled connectivity by offering flexible options in and out of A frica. On the side-lines of MKTE 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya, Martin Gitonga, Head of Planning and Alliances, Kenya Airways, gave us a glimpse into the latest development at the airline in the Indian context.

3 mins

Le Meridien Maldives promises indomitable hospitality

Le Meridien Maldives recently partnered with One Above DMC to promote their 141-luxury villa island property amongst the travel trade. In a resort presentation over cocktails and dinner, Nilesh Singh, General Manager, Le Meridien Maldives, apprised about the resort's superior service and endless eating options curated for the Indian traveller.

2 mins

Cordelia driving the cruise culture in India

Cordelia Cruises, India’s premium cruise liner, which was conceptualised for Indians, is exactly catering to how Indians love to holiday through experiences that are stylish, luxurious, and, most importantly, inherently Indian. In an exclusive conversation with Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Waterways Leisure Tourism, we come to know that there has been a huge response to their sailings both in western and Eastern shorelines. Also, their Indianised touch at sea has worked out positively for the cruise liner.

3 mins

The magic of Lake Nakuru

Some National Parks make you feel alive on a game drive, just like the Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Nakuru allows you to relax in one of nature’s most inviting yet rustic environs with wide vistas and beautiful sunrise and sunsets. This is where you see something new and exciting at every bend. Nakuru was, by far, my favourite safari experience among my A frican wildlife tours.

5 mins

A turbulent past, a steady present and a promising future for the hospitality industry

We are at the fag end of 2022, and it’s time to summarise the year in the hospitality business. TT] looks back at 2022 and interacts with the prominent hospitality players pan India to learn about their year-round performances, valuable experiences gained during the pandemic and their expectations for the coming New Year.

10+ mins

Getting on the responsible LUXURY hospitality wheel

The pandemic has made all of us aware of our health. Hence, the demand is up for a healthy living. Aimed to propagate wellness therapies across the country, Vedic Village Spa Resort’s wellness centre is a one-of-a-kind in the eastern belt of India that promises to cure a wide array of health ailments with its wellness therapies.

3 mins

Plan A Trip To MP And Indulge In An Experience Of A Lifetime!

Let’s have a small tour of the incredible Madhya Pradesh

3 mins

Innovation and Automation with Amadeus Solutions

In their mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to the travel industry, Amadeus’ suite of products has introduced a suite of new products and critical features to better enable the travel ecosystem. In a recent press event in New Delhi, officials from Amadeus displayed their latest offerings to the travel sector. The focus of the event was to demonstrate and display the power of automation to optimise productivity and maximise profits.

3 mins

A Call to Arms Rethinking Indian ADVENTURE Tourism

India has provisions for varied and diverse forms of adventure tourism opportunities. The segment has been acquiring recognition within the country and is being considered to be one of the highest foreign exchange earners in the future. Here is my account of why Indian adventure tourism must rethink its influence as an industry.

3 mins

This winter, head to these Magnificent Hill Stations of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is abundantly blessed with the scenic natural beauty of hilly ranges which spread across the topography. These extensive ranges are home to some of the stunning hill stations, some of which are offbeat hidden beauties, each having a charm of its own. These lesserknown hill stations in Maharashtra offer breathtaking views of splendid valleys and tranquil and refreshing breaks. Plan a trip to these enchanting hill stations to escape the hustle and bustle of your dreary life and unwind in the lap of nature.

4 mins

TAAI and Kazakh Tourism cementing Tourism Bonds

The ninth largest country by area and the largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan, is just a three and half hour flight from New Delhi to Almaty by AirAstana. The former Soviet Republic with a rapidly developing infrastructure combined with its proximity to India and a 14-day free visa-onarrival policy for Indian citizens makes it a great option for the Indian traveller. TAAI, as the oldest and largest body of Indian travel professionals, sensed the mutual opportunity and entered into a series of initiatives with the Kazakh Tourism authorities to promote tourism between the two countries.

3 mins

Los Angeles Tourism India celebrates its third anniversary

During the Thanksgiving weekend, Los Angeles Tourism celebrated its third anniversary in India, along with a Thanksgiving dinner.

1 min

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Travel Trade Journal Magazine Description:

Sampan Media's monthly publication 'Travel Trade Journal ' is devoted to strategic and policy issues in the travel and tourism sector covering all news and views related to agents, national & international tourism boards, hotel industry, transportation, government policies and civil aviation sector in the country.