CATEGORIES

Moscow During Winters A Compelling Destination with an Extra Layer of Magic

In December 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC) BRICS Edition in Moscow, where the city revealed itself in its winter splendour—a true fairytale setting. With temperatures plunging to -10°C, Moscow’s iconic landmarks were dusted with snow, and the air was crisp and refreshing. The chill added to the city’s charm as we wandered through its snowy streets, admiring architectural marvels, vibrant Christmas markets, and a mix of the old and new, all while being introduced to the city’s remarkable MICE potential.

Deep Dive into Rhodes' All-Season Potential with Nikolas Kavalieros

Greece has long been associated with iconic islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, often attracting visitors in a seasonal surge limited to the warmer months. However, traveller preferences have evolved towards yearround, experience-rich destinations. Forward-looking enterprises reimagined what Greece could offer to these emerging markets. One such innovator is the World of Travel Factory (WOTF) Group, a Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in Mediterranean locales, including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Under the direction of Managing Director, Nikolas Kavalieros, WOTF has taken the lead in introducing the Indian travel market to Rhodes—a lesser-known yet thriving Greek destination - positioning it as a viable, 12-month, multi-experience option.

Trulyy India embraces Future-Ready Hospitality

How we travel is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Travellers today seek more than just sightseeing; they look for meaningful experiences, cultural interactions, and deeper connections with the destinations they visit. Naresh Arora, Founder and CEO of Trulyy India Hotels, Resorts, Camps, and Safaris, is embracing these changes by integrating cultural elements, eco-friendly practices, and technology into his hospitality approach.

India Surges to #2 Spot for Overseas Arrivals to the USA in 2024

Brand USA successfully hosted its 11th India Sales and Media Mission from January 20-22, 2025, at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. The event brought together an impressive delegation of 48 US tourism companies and 67 exhibitors, engaging with 123 senior Indian travel trade and media professionals.

VFS Global Champions Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability in Travel

At the TAFI Convention 2025, held in the breathtaking city of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, VFS Global was honoured with two prestigious awards, solidifying its reputation as a game-changer in the global travel and tourism industry. The accolades reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, shaping the future of international travel.

FLY24HRS Scaling Travel Solutions with Innovation and Transparency

FLY24HRS is more than an air ticket consolidator—it is a game changer in the travel industry. It is the brainchild of S.R Chaudhary, Founder and CEO, FLY24HRS, an entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges. From humble beginnings to an industry leader, he shares the insights and strategies that fuelled his journey, transforming a ground-up idea into a successful business.

TRAVEL AGENTS - The Real Catalysts Behind the India Outbound Boom

Tour operators and travel agents are at the forefront of India’s outbound boom, propelling the country’s rise as a top source market for international destinations. This explosive growth has transformed the India outbound story into a thrilling saga of opportunity and innovation. As the world rolls out the red carpet for Indian travellers across every segment, agents are the driving force—navigating trends, overcoming challenges, and crafting strategies to shape the future of this rapidly changing market. TTJ seeks to uncover the insights and strategies shaping this remarkable trajectory.

Saudi Beyond the Dunes A transformative journey through time

For long I had heard whispers of Saudi’s enigmatic beauty. They called it a land where ancient stories are etched into sandstone cliffs, where the past and the future intertwine seamlessly. But whispers, no matter how enticing, rarely ever capture the true essence of a place. So, it wasn’t until I set foot in this mesmerising land upon the invitation of the Saudi Tourism Authority that I truly understood what the hype was all about. Jeddah, AlUla, and Riyadh—three destinations, three completely different worlds, each unfolded like chapters in an epic novel. I approached them with a blank slate, letting their magic paint vivid strokes on the canvas of my mind.

First Edition of TTJ Konnect Ushers in a New Trend in Business Networking

The inaugural edition of TTJ Konnect, held in association with TBO. com, made a grand debut at The Imperial Club, New Delhi.

ProChile at 50 Strengthening Chile-India Trade and Tourism Ties

As ProChile celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organisation continues to enhance Chile’s global image as a vibrant hub for trade, culture, and tourism. In an exclusive conversation with TTJ, H.E. Juan Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of Chile to India, and Jorge Loyola Castro, Chilean Trade Commissioner to India, Embassy of Chile, highlight the significance of this milestone year, particularly in strengthening Chile-India relations.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A MIRACLE OR A FRANKENSTEIN?

The introduction of personal computers in the last quarter of the 20th century transformed the world as we know it today, but initially, it all came with its own set of apprehensions and fears. The World Wide Web (WWW) created a transformation like no other as humanity entered the 21st century. Now, as we approach the second quarter of the century, a new technology that has the potential to control humanity stares us in the face: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Minor Hotels Set to Craft Extraordinary Experiences Through Local Culture

Minor Hotels has established itself as a forward-thinking leader in the global hospitality industry, driven by an innovative approach. In this exclusive interaction with TTJ, Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels, unveils the company’s bold vision for global expansion, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing markets of Asia and India. Minor Hotels is reshaping the hospitality landscape through innovative brand concepts, its unique asset right’ strategy, and capitalising on India’s rising appeal as a destination for luxury and immersive travel experiences.

TAFI 2025 Convention ignites powerful conversations on sustainability and responsible tourism

TAFI 2025 Convention was instrumental in sending a powerful message advocating for sustainability and responsible tourism. Through thought-provoking discussions, strategic collaborations, and eco-conscious excursions, the convention reinforced the collective responsibility of the tourism industry to build a sustainable future. The convention also served as a platform to promote cultural exchange and strengthen tourism ties between India and Vietnam.

Authentic Greek Roots for a Worldwide Audience with Myconian Collection

The Greek island of Mykonos has long been synonymous with cosmopolitan glamour, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, behind the island’s dazzling reputation lies a rich cultural heritage and a tradition of heartfelt hospitality, qualities that the Myconian Collection has nurtured from the beginning. Founded in 1979 by Mykonos natives Eleftheria and George, the Collection began life as a simple three-star, bed-and-breakfaststyle hotel. Today, it is a constellation of 14 five-star properties under affiliations such as Relais & Châteaux and other luxury hotel groups.

MGMC advances Business Tourism with over 1,300 attendees in Moscow

The second edition of Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC): BRICS Edition, which took place in Moscow on December 16-17, 2024, brought together over 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries — including Russia, Brazil, India, and China — as well as nations from the Global South.

The Formosan Dream Riding Taiwan's Waves of Wonder

Although relatively small on the map, Taiwan brims with diverse experiences, including captivating street art and tea gardens to lively night markets and world-class museums. I recently accompanied a travel delegation on a journey that wove through central and northern Taiwan. The route showcased many facets that appeal to both leisure explorers and business travellers: easy transport links, top-quality hospitality, and a variety of attractions reflecting Taiwan's heritage.

Putrajaya Marriott Hotel's bold transformation reinforces its MICE and leisure appeal

In mid-November, the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel revealed its refreshed and modernised look, ushering in an exciting new chapter for this iconic property. Focused on sustainability, modern luxury, and personalised guest experiences, the hotel is set to cater to both MICE and leisure travellers in the years to come. Nikie Mok, General Manager, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, believes this transformation represents their dedication to exceeding guest expectations and maintaining the hotel's status as the premier destination in Putrajaya for both business and leisure visitors.

Moscow unlocks new opportunities for India's MICE movement

TTJ met with Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman, Moscow City Tourism Committee, during the second edition of the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC): BRICS Edition in Moscow. In this insightful interview, Kozlov discusses Moscow's key attractions, the growing appeal of the city as a prime destination for both MICE and leisure tourism from India, and future initiatives. As Moscow embraces India's expanding MICE presence, the future looks promising for further collaboration and mutual growth in the tourism sector.

Yorker Holidays Services in an Overdrive

Since its inception in 2012, Yorker Holiday Services has charted an impressive course in the travel industry, evolving into a prominent B2B player with a specialised focus on cruise consolidation and Destination Management Company (DMC) services. Headquartered in New Delhi, with a network of multiple international offices and a staff strength of over 100, the company is optimistic about reaching a turnover of 150 crores in the current financial year, exhibiting a 30 per cent growth rate. Vineet Srivastava, Managing Director, Yorker Holidays Services, spoke with TTJ about their current achievements and plans for the future.

Cathay Pacific reinforces its reputation as an innovative global airline

Anand Yedery, Regional Head of Customer Travel and Lifestyle - South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Cathay Pacific, shares insights into the airline's growth trajectory, innovative inflight offerings, expanding network in India, and its commitment to seamless connectivity.

Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve to amplify 'Disconnect to Reconnect' programme for Indian market in 2025

Located in the cultural and spiritual heart of Ubud, Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve lies peacefully in the lush rainforests with the majestic Ayung River flowing through. This green haven invites guests on a sensory journey, blending wellness and nature in perfect harmony. Ariek Mahardika, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, shares the property's story, vision, and importance of the Indian market.

Rajasthan Tourism on a transformative path to global recognition under Minister Diya Kumari

Ravi Jain, Secretary of Tourism Rajasthan, shares insights into the remarkable evolution of the state's tourism sector under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. With a focus on innovation, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism, Rajasthan is poised to become a global leader in the industry. From major international events like the IIFA Awards 2025 to significant infrastructure investments, Rajasthan is redefining its tourism landscape.

FROM BREAKTHROUGH TO BOOM India's Outbound Travel Set to Soar Higher in 2025

As we step into 2025, the Indian travel industry reflects on a transformative year. In the past year, India emerged as a global powerhouse in outbound travel, with the world eager to tap into its potential. Driven by innovation, adaptability, and shifting preferences, the industry saw unprecedented growth. With anticipation building for the year ahead, TTJ presents insights and predictions from outbound stakeholders and decision-makers, offering a glimpse into India's exciting future in global travel.

Epic discoveries on the ancient Silk Route Unveiling Uzbekistan's timeless legacy

In November 2024, Uzbekistan Airways took us, an exclusive group of B2B travel media from Mumbai, on an unforgettable familiarisation trip to Uzbekistan in collaboration with AsiaLuxe Travel Uzbekistan and Arya Enterprises, Delhi. Every moment felt like a journey through time as we explored cities like Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. What was truly remarkable was being at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, with each destination a gem to marvel at.

EaseMyTrip Offers Smart AI Solutions to Ride the Global Travel Boom

As Indian travellers redefine global tourism with record-breaking outbound journeys, EaseMyTrip stands out as one of the country's most trusted travel platforms. In this exclusive interview, Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, offers invaluable insights on tapping into Artificial Intelligence to personalise and customise travel while empowering Indians to travel smarter.

ATOAI's 16th Annual Convention shapes India's next frontier of adventure tourism

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted the prestigious ATOAI Awards 2024 at its 16th Annual Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 03 - 08, 2024. The convention brought together adventure travel heroes and government policymakers to champion responsible tourism in Arunachal Pradesh while redefining India's position in the world of adventure tourism.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Elevates its tourism appeal with strategic promotions

Breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures, showcased through landmark tourism events and innovative campaigns, have propelled Western Australia (WA) into the global tourism spotlight, solidifying its position as a premier travel destination. Anneke Brown, Acting Managing Director, Tourism Western Australia, shares the pivotal tourism milestones that have fuelled this growth and unveils the exciting line-up of events for 2025.

Top Tech Tools Transforming the MICE Industry

As we bid farewell to an illustrious 2024 and step into a promising 2025, it is time to embrace the transformative technologies reshaping the global MICE landscape.

THE BEST KEPT SECRETS OF Seychelles

The boat gently sways on the undulating waves of the calm and unending Indian Ocean, schools of colourful fish swim by without a care, and the sun blazes down on you while you relax blissfully, mulling over your life choices. Seems like the picture-perfect vacation? Well, it is exactly that, yet so much more. Welcome to Island life in Seychelles!

Ras AI Khaimah A Convergence of History, Thrills, and Modern Indulgence

Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, is a treasure trove of experiences that seamlessly blend history, adventure, and modern indulgence. From wandering through ancient villages that echo the stories of pearling communities to soaring over mountains on record-breaking zip lines, the emirate offers a diverse palette of activities for travellers seeking something extraordinary.